Aquaphor holds a wide lead as the primary recommendation for soothing and shielding dry lips from harsh cold. Vaseline remains the closest alternative for barrier protection, though recommendations consistently favor Aquaphor Lip Repair when treating persistent seasonal chapping.
If your lips get chapped every winter, my top recommendation is plain Vaseline Original Healing Jelly. It’s inexpensive, fragrance-free, and does an excellent job of sealing in moisture. You don’t need an expensive lip balm to get results.
The key is choosing a product that protects your lips’ skin barrier rather than one that just feels soothing for a few minutes. Dermatologists recommend petroleum jelly and other non-irritating, fragrance-free ointments for dry, cracked lips.
The 3 lip balms I'd recommend
(Best overall)
Vaseline Original Healing Jelly
Usually around $3–6, depending on size
My first choice for very dry, flaky, or cracked lips. Its 100% petroleum jelly formula creates a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture loss.
Best for: maximum effectiveness on a budget, especially overnight.
Aquaphor Immediate Relief Lip Repair Balm - 0.35 fl oz
$4.79 · Target
A convenient squeeze-tube option for dry, flaky lips. It contains petrolatum and other conditioning ingredients to help protect the lips. Note that some formulas contain lanolin, which can irritate sensitive lips.
Best for: carrying in your pocket or purse for daytime reapplication.
Even the best balm won't help much if you apply it only when your lips already hurt. Try this routine consistently for 1–2 weeks.
Morning
Apply a generous layer of Vaseline or your chosen balm. Before going outside, use a separate lip balm with SPF 30 or higher.
Throughout the day
Reapply after eating or drinking and whenever your lips feel dry. Avoid licking, biting, or peeling the skin.
Before bed
Apply a thick layer of plain petroleum jelly. This is especially helpful because it stays on the lips longer than many waxy or lightweight balms.
Sources:
Ingredients to avoid
If your lips are already chapped, avoid balms containing:
Menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus
Peppermint, cinnamon, or citrus flavoring
Fragrance or exfoliating salicylic acid
These ingredients can irritate your lips and keep the cycle of dryness going. If a balm burns or tingles, stop using it.
If your lips don't improve after 2–3 weeks of consistent care, or you develop persistent cracking, bleeding, or inflammation, see a dermatologist to check for allergies or another cause.
One question that would help me narrow it down: When your lips get chapped in winter, which sounds most like your experience?
When it comes to winter chapped lips, dermatologists consistently recommend heavy, occlusive ointments that seal in moisture rather than waxy sticks loaded with artificial fragrances or mint/eucalyptus (which can feel tingly at first, but actually dry and irritate cracked skin further).
Top-performing, dermatologist-approved options that actually work include:
Widely considered a gold standard. It’s fragrance-free, inexpensive, and packed with nourishing shea butter and panthenol to immediately soothe and protect raw winter lips. You can grab a tube on the Aquaphor Official Site or via Walgreens.
Formulated with 5% panthenol (Vitamin B5) and MP-lipids, this barrier-repairing balm creates a protective shield against bitter cold wind and rapidly restores cracked skin. Available directly from La Roche-Posay or Ulta Beauty.
If your lips are actively cracked, bleeding, or severely inflamed from the cold, this medicated option containing 1% hydrocortisone is heavily recommended by dermatologists to break the cycle of chapping. It’s highlighted as a top pick by The New York Times Wirecutter.
If you want a more luxurious, glossy feel that still delivers serious hydration via vegan waxes and shea butter, this is a cult favorite praised by beauty editors and featured in roundups like Allure.[1][2]
If you want to narrow this down, let me know:
Do you prefer a clear ointment style or a glossy/tinted finish?
Are your lips just dry/flaky or actively cracked and bleeding?
I can give you a more tailored recommendation or a quick routine to heal them fast!
To prevent and heal chapped lips during the harsh winter months, the most effective lip balms act as occlusives —meaning they seal in moisture and protect your lips from biting wind, dry indoor heating, and freezing temperatures. Dermatologists generally recommend avoiding heavy fragrances, mint, menthol, or eucalyptus, which can feel tingly at first but ultimately dry out and irritate compromised skin.
The top-performing, dermatologist-backed lip treatments and balms for winter fall into several clear categories:
Aquaphor Lip Repair Ointment | hasaki.com& more | 4.5(27.1K)
Widely considered a holy grail by dermatologists, this fragrance-free formula relies on a petrolatum base and panthenol to immediately soothe, protect, and repair severely cracked or bleeding lips.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lip Balm | La Roche-Posay& more | 4.6(9.4K)
Enriched with 5% panthenol and shea butter, this barrier-repairing balm is specifically engineered to comfort very dry, irritated, or chapped lips without a sticky or heavy residue.
Dr. Dan’s Cortibalm | Delasco& more
Frequently recommended by dermatologists for extreme winter weather or chapping caused by medications (like acne treatments), this unique formulation contains 1% hydrocortisone to rapidly calm severe inflammation and peeling. (Note: Best used for short-term intensive healing rather than permanent daily maintenance due to the active steroid).
CeraVe Healing Ointment | Target& more | 4.8(262)
Packed with ceramides and petrolatum, this non-greasy ointment restores the skin barrier and locks in hydration, making it an exceptional heavy-duty shield against low winter humidity.
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm | LANEIGE& more | 4.6(16.1K)
For everyday wear with a comfortable texture, this viral favorite utilizes murumuru and shea butters to provide lightweight, non-sticky hydration and a subtle sheen throughout the day.
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm (Naked/Unscented) | Dr. Bronner's& more | 4.7(2.9K)
Apply an ointment at night: Slather a thick layer of an occlusive ointment (like Aquaphor or CeraVe) right before bed so it can repair your skin barrier while you sleep.
Don't forget SPF: Winter sun reflecting off snow can cause severe UV damage to unprotected lips. Consider a daytime balm with added protection, such as EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36.
Avoid licking your lips: Saliva evaporates quickly and strips natural moisture, compounding the drying effects of cold winter air.
The most effective lip balms for preventing winter chapping are generally fragrance-free formulas that seal in moisture, especially those containing petrolatum (petroleum jelly), mineral oil, ceramides, or shea butter. For very dry, cracked lips, a thick ointment usually works better than a lightweight wax-based stick because it helps prevent moisture loss for longer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends these ingredients and applying lip balm several times a day, including before bed.
Best lip balms for winter
These are my top picks based on their moisturizing ingredients, suitability for dry lips, and practicality for everyday use.
1. Vaseline Original Healing Jelly
(Best overall)
Best for: Severely dry lips and overnight protection.
Pure petroleum jelly creates a protective barrier that reduces moisture loss. It is simple, inexpensive, and a strong first choice for sensitive lips. Apply a thin layer before bed.
Shop:
2. Aquaphor Lip Repair
(Best for everyday use)
Best for: Dry, flaky lips that need lasting relief.
A convenient tube with petrolatum and moisturizing ingredients helps protect the lips throughout the day. A good choice to carry in your pocket or bag.
Typical listed price: $4.79 at Target.
3. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips
Best for: Sensitive, uncomfortable, or persistently dry lips.
A barrier-focused balm with shea butter that helps soften and protect dry lips. Worth considering if you prefer a dedicated lip product rather than petroleum jelly.
Typical listed price: $9.99 at CVS.
4. CeraVe Healing Lip Balm
Best for: Supporting the skin barrier.
Contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help moisturize and support the lip barrier. A useful alternative if you prefer a conventional balm texture.
Typical listed price: $8.99 at CVS.
5. Aquaphor Lip Repair SPF 30
Best for: Winter outdoor activities and sunny days.
Combines moisturizing lip care with sun protection. Particularly useful for skiing, hiking, or spending extended time outdoors.
Product prices and availability can change. These recommendations are based on ingredient suitability and practical use, not on a direct clinical trial comparing all five products.
How to get the best results during winter
Apply before your lips get dry.
Use balm several times throughout the day, after eating when needed, and before bedtime. For badly chapped lips, apply plain petroleum jelly to slightly damp lips.
Protect your lips from the sun.
Choose SPF 30 or higher when outdoors, even in winter, and reapply about every two hours while outside.
Avoid irritating ingredients.
Skip menthol, camphor, eucalyptus, strong mint or cinnamon flavors, fragrance, and exfoliating acids while your lips are chapped. Stop using any balm that burns or stings.
Don't lick or pick your lips.
Saliva evaporates and can worsen dryness. A bedroom humidifier can also help if indoor heating makes the air dry.
My recommendation
If you buy just one product, start with Vaseline Original Healing Jelly for maximum moisture protection or Aquaphor Lip Repair for a convenient daily option. You don't need an expensive balm to get effective results.
If your lips remain cracked, painful, or scaly after two to three weeks of consistent care, consult a dermatologist, since persistent chapping can have causes beyond winter weather.
