Experts Swear By These Lip Treatments for Chronically Chapped Lips
Including lip peels, masks, and balms.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Even as our interest in other facial features wanes, our obsession with lips continues to persevere. We can’t get enough of anything that’ll plump (peptide lip treatments), add natural-looking color to (lip tints), and protect (lip balms with SPF) our lips. Then, we even get into things like the best lipsticks and lip liners, which are my true loves. The consensus seems to be that we want our lips to be as hydrated, smooth, and kissable as possible, and that’s what the best lip treatments are all about.
Now, what exactly counts as a lip treatment? We asked some dermatologists to get to the bottom of it. “The skin on the lips is typically more delicate and thin than other parts of the body, making it more susceptible to irritation, dryness, and cracking,” says Dr. Gloria Lin, a board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. She explains that while lip balms usually have lighter textures and are formulated to quickly hydrate and shield the skin, lip treatments “are designed to nourish and repair for the long term,” she says. Meanwhile, Dr. Rachel Nazarian, another board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, also counts lip peels and gentle exfoliators in the category. However, she concurs that most lip treatments “help rehydrate and rebuild.”
Our top picks for the best lip treatments for 2025
In other words, if you deal with chapped lips regularly, it may be time to build a lip care routine and give your lips the first-class treatment they deserve. We had our experts reveal their favorite products, tested some ourselves, and reviewed customer evaluations before landing on the below seven best lip treatments to help you usher in a new era of plush, flake-free lips.
Pros
- Velvety texture
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Some may dislike scents
It’s probably no surprise to you that Laneige’s hero product made this list. Not only do ELLE editors hoard these lip sleeping masks like gold, but our experts love them, too. “Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask contains shea butter, antioxidants, and murumuru seed,” says Dr. Lin.” This Korean skin care product is very popular on social media and provides a great overnight leave-on option that comes in different flavors.” Dr. Nazarian agrees, adding that “it also has antioxidants to decrease inflammation, so skin feels calmer and less chapped quickly.”
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, murumuru, shea butter
Size: 0.7 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This stuff works! Winter is always rough on my lips, and this one was no different. Dry, flaky, and those annoying cracks that bleed after you move your lips just a little too much. Plus, I am a chronic lip biter and have a bad habit of licking them to moisten them. I tried the mask because my best friend uses it, and her lips always look amazing. It is important to mention that I was consistent and put it on every night after brushing my teeth and before bed. After three nights, I already felt a difference throughout the day at work and saw way fewer cracks. After a full seven nights with the product, my lips are so soft. No flakes, no cracks, no pain or embarrassment.”
Pros
- Prevents lip cracking and chapping
- Helps lips stay hydrated
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
This is a cult-favorite French product that customers describe as “life-changing.” The formula features mandelic acid, a gentle chemical exfoliant, and fuses it with pomegranate enzymes to slough off dead skin cells and flakes without damaging the skin. However, Dr. Nazarian does warn that you should be careful when using a lip peel, no matter how great your lips feel afterward. “Use infrequently and sparingly to remove chapped, dead skin, then switch to a hydrating balm once you’ve exfoliated,” she says.
Key ingredients: Mandelic acid, pomegranate enzyme, trehalose
Size: 0.5 oz.
Typology rating: 4.1/5 stars
A Typology reviewer says: “This product is absolutely superb. I struggle with dry lips that flake and crack, and this exfoliates without making my lips feel raw. I finally have soft, moisturized lips.”
Pros
- Quick results
Cons
- Smaller size
Both of our experts also rave about the Skinceuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair, which boasts vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and free radical-neutralizing antioxidants. “It’s designed to help hydrate the lips while combating environmental damage and signs of aging,” says Dr. Lin.
Key ingredients: Silymarin, vitamin E, hydroxyethyl urea, allantoin, hyaluronic acid
Size: 0.34 oz.
Dermstore rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer says: “I have sun damaged lips made worse by the dry climate in Colorado. I have tried multiple products but still suffered from chapped lips until I used this product. I actually noticed an improvement after the first day.”
Clinique Moisture Surge Lip Hydro-Plump Treatment
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Great for on-the-go
Cons
- Small size
Clinique’s Moisture Surge moisturizer has a legion of loyal users, and the accompanying lip treatment deserves its laurels, too. “It’s fragrance-free and contains ingredients like shea butter and ceramides for hydration,” says Dr. Lin. You can apply a thin layer if you need some hydration during the day, but a thicker layer will also work as a nourishing lip mask at night.
Key ingredients: Lipids, shea butter, ceramides
Size: 0.34 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have extremely sensitive skin, and a few years ago began reacting very badly to everything but plain old petroleum jelly. On recommendation from a friend, I tried this under a lip color for a wedding recently. It’s so soothing and didn’t harm me! I’ve since used it daily, and my lips are in gorgeous condition. No more flaking, peeling, swelling, pain. And we’re currently in cold arctic temps. It’s expensive but worth it for me. I put it on auto ship.”
U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound
Pros
- Virtually no scent
- Plumping
Cons
- Some may dislike taste
I’ve loved this lip balm since I first tried it, but I really began using it in earnest ever since Crown Affair founder Dianna Cohen told me that she keeps one on hand at all times. Everything from the soft-matte packaging to the metal applicator screams luxury. The formula instantly plumps my lips, erases fine lines, and makes it look like I’m wearing a gloss—without the icky sticky feeling of traditional glosses. It also comes in a variety of gorgeous colors that never disappoint.
Key ingredients: Peptides, AHA, ceramides, PHA, salicylic acid, shea butter, beeswax
Size: 0.5 oz.
U Beauty rating: 4.2/5 stars
A U Beauty reviewer says: “These colors are so beautiful. They make my lips look luscious and plump, and the splash of juicy color really wakes up my entire face. The peptides really hydrate my dry, dull pout, leaving it looking supple, seductive, and youthful. Love!”
Pros
- Cooling metal applicator
- Stays on the lips
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
If I were starting my lip collection from scratch, this liquid lip balm in the shade Boba Bounce would be one of the first items I’d pick up. First of all, it’s the perfect shade of brown and doubles as a gloss. But more importantly, the formula is an absolute gem; it’s cushiony, comfortable, and has deeply hydrating ingredients (Brazilian açaí butter and African mongongo butter) as well as flake-banishing exfoliants (hibiscus enzymes, lactic acid, and pyruvic acid). I’ve turned multiple friends onto the product, and none of them have regretted trying it.
Key ingredients: Brazilian açaí butter, African mongongo butter, hibiscus enzymes, lactic acid, pyruvic acid
Size: 4.3 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is the perfect lip balm. It feels so fancy. It tastes good. I hate wearing sticky lipgloss, and this is the perfect solution for that. This is perfect with a lip liner. Doesn't feel like lipgloss or lipstick at all. The color is also amazing and stays long after the balm wipes off. Literally replaced all my lip products—I wear it every day.”
Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Products available separately as well
Cons
- Some may dislike taste
If nothing else has helped, and you need a simple routine that’ll save your lips from an endless cycle of lip balm application and painful cracking, I’d recommend testing out dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss’s signature method: Lip basting. Basically, you go in with a gentle lip peel to get rid of any dead skin cells on the surface of your lips. Then, you replenish moisture by supplementing your skin’s moisture barrier with a thicker balm. Dr. Idriss recently launched this duo specifically designed for her technique.
Key ingredients: Mandelic acid, gluconolactone, squalane, ceramides
Size: 2 x 0.34 oz.
Dr. Idriss rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Dr. Idriss reviewer says: “I was hesitant this would work as well as I thought it did. I constantly apply Chapstick, lip gloss, etc. to make my lips feel hydrated, but nothing helps. This lip combo is effective at exfoliating and hydrating to make your lips feel very soft. This will now be a staple in my routine. Very impressed!”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Rachel Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
Dr. Gloria Lin is a board-certified dermatologist at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
How often should you use lip treatments?
It all depends on the product. “There are some that are overnight treatments, while others are designed to be used during the day when the lips are particularly dry,” says Dr. Lin. “In general, lip balms can be applied multiple times per day, but the lip treatments are typically not used as frequently.” For example, Dr. Nazarian recommends using more intense lip peels once a week, while you can use lip masks a little more often.
What are some other tried-and-true ways to prevent and treat dry lips?
According to Dr. Nazarian, some may benefit from installing a humidifier in the home in addition to drinking lots of water. “But I find that it can also be helpful to make sure you’re avoiding irritating and drying ingredients in your skin care regimen,” she adds. “Look for acne medications and retinoids, which are major culprits. Even drying, acne-targeting facial washes can strip moisture from lips, making them chapped over time.”
Dr. Lin also emphasizes the need for sun protection. Lips are often forgotten about during our daily sunscreen regimens, but the thin lips in the area need ample care, too. “SPF protection for the lips is also essential to avoid UV damage as this can worsen the texture and appearance over time,” she says.
Finally, both experts implore us to stop licking our lips. “Saliva destroys lips tissue and triggers chapping,” Dr. Nazarian explains.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee consulted skin care experts to learn more about lip treatments. She tested options and combed through reviews for top-rated products, assessing each one based on their features and customer evaluations.
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