We chose sunflower seed wax for our vegan base, as it provides a protective barrier over the skin without a too-sticky texture. Another great perk? Sunflower seed wax leaves a very slight glaze on your pout—it’s the perfect satin-like finish, never too glossy or dull. Of course, we can’t forget about the other skin-softening actives in the formula: There’s shea butter to soften lip cracks, moringa seed oil to soothe flaky areas, and hyaluronic acid for a subtle plumping effect. 

lip balm, mindbodygreen ($12)

Shea, cocoa, and mango butters give this salve a luxurious, creamy feel, while the hemp-derived cannabis seed oil soothes and hydrates. It also includes sage extract and peppermint oil for a subtle yet refreshing sensation. And if you're looking for a kiss of color? Take your pick from four stunning tinted shades. 

KUSH Lip Balm, Milk Makeup ($16)

This grapefruit shade delivers the juiciest, kissable pout, providing a glossy finish that never reads sticky with a natural pink flush. It's the little sister to the brand's cult-favorite lip sleeping mask—it locks in hydration (thanks to murumuru and shea butters), yet it's lightweight enough to wear all day long. 

Lip Glowy Balm, LANEIGE ($17)

If you're looking for luxury, well, allow us to introduce you to this gold spun number. Yes, it actually contains flecks of crushed 23-karat gold for a subtle shimmer; it's also rich in Japanese camellia oil, which contains a host of vitamins and fatty acids (namely oleic acid) to truly protect and nourish the lips with moisture. 

Camellia Gold Spun Lip Balm, Tatcha ($30)

Instead of beeswax, this balm calls on rose wax—a rich and creamy (yet surprisingly fragrance-free) botanical that coats the lips in moisture. Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and sugar-cane-derived squalane also drench the lips in hydration, while wakame algae subtly plumps and softens. Essentially, it's a formula that delivers healthy lips from multiple angles. 

Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm, Biossance ($14)

We often use the term "soft as butter" to describe creamy balms, but this one truly fits the bill. Ingredients like shea butter, cacao butter, and kokum butter add to the silky formula, while jojoba, apricot, coconut, and hemp seed oil moisturize and soothe. A bonus? The tinted option boasts the perfect shade of rose. 

Lip Butter, Vertly ($20)

Agave nectar is a common alternative to honey, given its rich flavonoid content and skin-soothing abilities. (Agave was traditionally used 2to treat cuts and burns and speed up wound healing). In addition to the nurturing ingredient, this balm includes shea and mango seed butters and avocado oil to send much-needed moisture to dry, cracked lips.  

Agave Lip Butter Balm, BITE Beauty ($22)

This balm delivers an intense splash of moisture, whether you choose a clear, high-shine finish or one of the subtle "my lip, but better" shades. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, and murumuru seed butter condition the lips, while a blend of algae and marine flower extracts put in the work to plump and soften fine lines.  

SEA Quench Lip Rescue Balm, tarte ($19) 

Sunflower seed wax is the beeswax alternative in this here lip conditioner; paired with avocado oil and cocoa seed butter, the stick glides across the lips oh-so-effortlessly. Antioxidant-rich acai and pomegranate extracts also protect the pout, keeping the skin kissable and smooth.  

Tinted Lip Balm, Honest Beauty ($8.99)

We love a multitasking moisturizer, and this one has only a handful of simple ingredients: mango butter, jojoba butter, hemp seed oil, glycerin, and soothing essential oils. Feel free to apply this triple-whipped, velvety balm from head to toe, including a dab on extra-parched lips. 

Werkacita Allover Balm, Pholk Beauty ($14.40)

Yes, your pout needs sun protection, too. (We have a full SPF lip balm guide, if you're in the market.) This glossy vegan balm contains zinc oxide, as well as shea butter and bayberry fruit wax for a silky, moisturizing texture. 

Perfect Form Lip Balm SPF 15, EleVen by Venus Williams ($19)

This juicy salve has such an easy glide, thanks to the moisturizing properties of olive oil, coconut oil, and grapeseed oil. Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera extract also make an appearance to help the lips appear plump and supple, and the soft wash of color offers a smooth satin finish.

So Extra Tinted Lip Balm, PYT Beauty ($16)

Another multipurpose balm that's superb for flaky cuticles, eyebrows, and, of course, cracked lips. It has a menu of antioxidant-rich ingredients to repair and soften the skin—think shea butter, castor seed oil, camellia seed oil, CoQ10, and carrot root extract. We also love the sugar-cane packaging, as it's a carbon-neutral material that's 100% recyclable. 

Babe Balm, BYBI Beauty ($19)