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Feeling a bit tight-lipped today? You're not alone: Winter's cold temperatures bring about chapped lips. “As the weather cools and the air gets drier, the skin barrier is broken, leading to cracks in the outer layer, loss of hydration, and eventually inflammation,” says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology in NYC. Before you reach for your nearest lip balm, have you taken the time to read its ingredients? While all balms make lips feel hydrated upon application, if they’re formulated with petrolatum, there’s a good chance your pout will actually feel even drier with wear.
To hydrate your lips, board-certified dermatologist Lily Talakoub of McLean Skin in McLean, Virginia, explains that petrolatum, waxes, and mineral oils only provide a barrier on the skin. “They feel nice, but they do not retain moisture in the skin," she begins. “They create an almost addictive habit where you have to use them constantly to avoid feeling chapped." Instead, look for humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), which bind water to skin, and emollients (like shea butter and olive oil), which soothe and repair the skin barrier. To save you from a day spent scanning ingredient labels, ahead you'll find 18 petrolatum-free lip balms — both clear and tinted — to pamper your pout all winter long.
MAKE Beauty Lip Vinyl ($18)
Kari Gran Lip Whip ($24)
eos Red Limited Edition Pomegranate Raspberry Lip Balm ($4)
Pacifica Crystal Crush Lip Balm ($5)
Go-To Lips! ($12)
The Good Hippie Peppermint Lip Gloss ($22)
Cannasmack POSH Pink Shimmer Cotton Candy Lip Tint ($6)
Bali Body Coconut Lip Balm SPF 15 ($20)
Drunk Elephant Lippe ($18)
Akar Skin Ruby Lip Restoration ($32)
Do you suffer from chapped lips in the winter? Tell us on Pinterest!
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