Lip Balm Vs Lip Oil: Which Works Better for Dry Lips?

Chapped, peeling lips are uncomfortable, and irritating, so much so that many of us are prompted to reach for the closest lip product for quick relief. However, with beauty shelves filled to the brim with choices, the question becomes difficult; do you use lip balm or lip oil? While both of them promise to soothe and moisturise, they do it in different ways. Hence, knowing their distinct benefits can help you pick the right one for your lip routine the next time.

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Dermatologist, Department of Dermatology, Sharda Hospital - Noida, helped us understand the benefits, when to use what, and which one should you prefer. Read ahead to find out.

What is Lip Balm?

Lip balm is the ultimate stand-by for chapped lips. Often made with waxes (such as beeswax or carnauba), butters (such as shea or cocoa), and emollients, balms form a barrier that seals in moisture. They protect lips from rough environmental conditions like cold air, sun, or forcing heat. Balms also come with additional ingredients such as SPF, menthol, or medicated ingredients that offer additional protection or relief from discomfort.

According to Dr Gulati, lip balms are the best for individuals with very dry lips who require instant relief as well as protection from external aggressors.

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What is Lip Oil?

Lip oil, in contrast, is a newer trend in the beauty world that fuses moisturising properties with shine. Formulated with emollient oils such as jojoba, argan, coconut, or rosehip, lip oils penetrate deeper into the skin than balms. While lip balm forms a protective barrier, lip oils nourish lips with vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants, sustaining overall lip health in the long term. Oils also serve as a cosmetic product, providing a sheer shine minus the stickiness of lip gloss.

Dr Gulati highlights that lip oils are best for daily hydration, lip conditioning, and a hint of glossy appearance.

Key Differences Between Lip Balm and Lip Oil

Here are a few differences between lip balm and lip oil you must know:

• Texture: Balms are thicker and waxy, whereas oils are light and oily.
• Function: Balms seal in moisture and guard, while oils moisturise and mend from the inside out.
• Finish: Balms are typically matte or semi-matte, while oils create a shiny gloss.
• Longevity: Balms stay longer on the lips because they contain wax; oils can be reapplied often.
• Additional Benefits: Oils tend to include antioxidants and anti-aging benefits, while balms can provide SPF and medicated relief.

Which One Should You Pick?

The solution is up to you. If you're fighting tough winters, incessant lip licking, or dry, chapped lips, the protective shield of lip balm is your go-to. If you're looking for soft, moisturised lips with a touch of gloss, lip oil might be your better option. Dr Gulati suggested using both together: apply lip oil at night for intense hydration and balm for protection during the day.

Ultimately, lip oil and lip balm are not rivals, they can complement one another. Consider balm your guard and oil your healing treatment.

FAQs

1. Can I use lip balm and lip oil together?

Yes. Use lip oil first for moisture, then seal it with balm to retain moisture.

2. Do lip oils really heal cracked lips?

Lip oils heal and moisturise over time but are not as beneficial for extremely cracked lips as medicated balms.

3. What is better for everyday use, lip balm or lip oil?

For everyday protection, lip balm is excellent. For long-term moisturising and a shiny look, lip oil is better.