25 Best Lip Balms for Men and Why We like Them

lip balm for men
  • Lip cancer is six times more common in men than in women, so it is important to keep your lips hydrated with a proper lip balm.
  • Using lip balm should be as much a part of a your daily regimen as showering, shampooing, and brushing your teeth.
  • Most lip balms can be used by men and women, however men prefer matte or no shine, where women prefer a shinier lip balm.

Why Should Men Use Lip Balm?

If you work outdoors in hot, cold, or sunny climates, you should wear a balm to protect your lips. Studies have shown that men are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer on their lips when not protected.

For those who work in an office, unseen environmental factors you confront each day — like too much heat or air conditioning or a lack of humidity — can lead to many of the same outcomes as those who work outdoors. You should also know that if you drink a lot of coffee, your body can easily become dehydrated, leaving your lips in need of lip balm’s hydrating power.

When you add the time that you use your lips during the day for normal activities like eating, drinking, and talking, to the amount of time you spend outdoors or in an office with recirculated air, you begin to realize just how frequently your lips are under stress.

Using lip balm should be as much a part of a your daily regimen as showering, shampooing, and brushing your teeth. In fact, we recommend finding a good lip balm and using it several times a day, whether the product is delivered by traditional stick, a tube you squeeze, or comes in a tin that you dab your finger into and spread on your lips. Using lip balm multiple times a day is the best way to prevent your lips from becoming dry, chapped, and sore.

» Coupled with a reputable lip balm, it is also important for men to have a proper skincare routine to keep their skin hydrated.  Learn more about our 7 favorite anti-aging creams for men that actually work.

Is Men’s Lip Balm the Same Thing as Women’s Lip Balm?

Generally, most of the products listed below can be used by men or women. That said, most women prefer shinier products, while men often prefer matte or no shine. Women also tend to prefer flavored balm, while men tend to want something without flavor or fragrance.

Which Lip Balm Is Right for Me?

There are numerous balms geared towards men who spend their day in the office, work outside, vacation in the sun, or just want some extra moisture and protection.

Given the price range of the products, you can experiment a little until you find the balm that best fits your needs and your budget; doesn’t smell or taste funny to you (or your partner); and contains ingredients that won’t leave your lips worse off than when you started using it.

Look for a balm that feels good and fits your lifestyle. Keep in mind that some balms are best suited for everyday use and can be applied several times each day, while others are designed for instances when your lips are particularly damaged.

Below is a list of some of the most popular men’s lip balms on the market:

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

Jack Black Intense Therapy is a powerful lip balm that offers broad-spectrum sun protection while healing dry, cracked lips. It contains antioxidants vitamin E and green tea to provide long-lasting relief.

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Pros
  • Provides sun protection – SPF 25 and protects against windburn and extreme temperature
  • Good for all-around use; manufacturer claims product relieves dry, chapped, and irritated lips
  • Available in several flavors
  • Product is squeezed from a tube
Cons
  • Some complaints about the recent change in formula Gel must be brushed into teeth and should be used twice a day for maximum effectiveness
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

Burt’s Bees uses natural ingredients to nourish and protect dry lips. This lip balm comes in many varieties, and is ethically made. It’s no wonder that it’s consistently one of the most popular and highest-rated lip balms out there.

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Pros
  • One of the most recognizable and high-reviewed/recommended products
  • Multiple flavors and available
  • Manufacturer claims beeswax seals the ingredients to the lips
  • Product is delivered in stick form
  • SPF 15 sun protection
Cons
  • Depending on conditions, may need to use product numerous times per day
Nivea A Kiss Of Moisture Essential Lip Balm

Nivea’s moisturizing lip balm uses a rich formula containing shea butter and jojoba oil to hydrate and protect lips. It’s long-lasting, not glossy, and offers sun protection, making it great for everyday use.

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Pros
  • Household name for skin and lip care products
  • One of the most often reviewed and highly-rated products
  • Multiple product offerings for flavor, moisturizing, and lip repair
  • SPF 15 sun protection
  • Product is delivered in stick form
Cons
  • Lower sun protection – SPF 15 – then some other products
  • Less glossy than others, but still has a light shine
Anthony Lip Balm

This balm moisturizes lips without leaving shine and is highly recommended for men with facial hair.It also has SPF 25 sun protection and freshens breath.

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Pros
  • Manufacturer claims softer lips, no shine (matte), and fresh breath
  • Product is squeezed from tube
  • SPF 25 sun protection
Cons
  • A little higher priced than other brands
  • Needs to be reapplied in challenging weather conditions
Skinceuticals Antioxidant Lip Restorative Repair Treatment

Using antioxidants vitamin E and silymarin, Skinceuticals Lip Restorative Repair Treatment rejuvenates lips and prevent environmental damage. This is a great choice for anyone wanting to combat the effects of aging, sun damage, or smoking.

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Pros

  • Manufacturer claims product helps prevent signs of aging while restoring moisture to lips
  • Exfoliating complex increases cell renewal and provides fuller looking lips
  • Used to restore look and feel of lips
  • Product squeezed from a tube; high SPF
Cons
  • More of a cream than a balm making it a bit pricey in the category
  • Meant more for restoring lips and adding plumpness
Kiehls Facial Fuel No Shine Moisturizing Lip Balm

One of the best matte lip balms out there, Kiehl’s Moisturizing Lip Balm is great for those who want softer lips without a greasy or shiny look. It has a hydrating formula and a minty fragrance so you’ll get all the benefits with none of the gloss.

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Pros
  • Brand name for cosmetics and skin care
  • Balm has a “no shine” formula that leaves a matte finish; light fragrance
  • Enriched with Shea Butter and Squalane
  • Product squeezed from a tube
Cons
  • Low SPF sun protection (SPF 4)
  • Can be hard to find through regular online searches
L’Occitane Shea Ultra Rich Lip Balm

For extremely dry lips, this thick and creamy lip balm offers an extra level of hydration and protection. While some people love its shea butter formula, others may find it too rich or greasy.

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Pros
  • Thicker than others; tends to last longer on lips
  • Shea Butter helps repair and protect lips
  • Hint of vanilla fragrance
  • Product squeezed from a tube
Cons
  • Some complaints from consumers that product is too thick/greasy
  • No SPF sun protection
  • Not recommended for harsh climates
Baxter-of-California-Hydro-Salve-Lip-Balm-1
Baxter of California Hydro Salve Lip Balm

Named Men’s Fitness’ Best Performer, Baxter of California lip balm has a light citrus flavor and uses natural oils to soothe dry skin. While it goes on quite shiny, it gets absorbed quickly and leaves your lips looking natural.

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Pros
  • Nice flavor; good for everyday use
  • Once it dries and absorbs lips more natural
  • Product is squeezed from tube
Cons
  • Tends to be shiny and reflective at first
  • Make cause chafing around edge of mouth
  • No SPF sun protection
MenScience Androceuticals Advanced Lip Protection SPF30

A heavy duty lip balm, MenScience Lip Protection provides everything you need for strong and healthy lips. It protects lips from wind, dryness, and sunburn with SPF 30 – one of the highest for lip balms.

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Pros
  • Clear formula
  • Product gradually reduces irritation and stops chapping and peeling
  • High SPF sun protection – SPF 30
  • Product is delivered in stick form
Cons
  • Can feel heavy on the lips
  • Some customers complain about taste
Ernest Lip Protect SPF 15

A super simple matte lip balm with everything you need, Ernest Lip Protect provides broad-spectrum sun protection without gloss or color. It comes in traditional stick form and is made with all-natural and organic ingredients.

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Pros
  • Broad spectrum lip protection with no gloss or color
  • Added organic ingredients and spearmint taste
  • SPF 15
Cons
  • Hard to find
  • Not many reviews
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Aquaphor Lip Repair

The #1 dermatologist recommended lip balm, Aquaphor is specially formulated for sensitive lips and is proven to soothe cracked lips. It creates a semi-occlusive barrier to help heal lips and trap in moisture – perfect if you have consistently dry lips.

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Pros
  • Produced by manufacturer of brand name skin care
  • Great for more sensitive lips
  • Fragrance free
  • No petroleum jelly
  • Product squeezed from a tube
  • All-purpose lip balm
Cons
  • Bad reviews are hard to find
Chapstick Lip Moisturizer

The name-brand of lip balm, Chapstick is a classic choice because it works. It smoothes, softens, and protects lips and is available in a variety of different formulas and flavors.

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Pros
  • One of the original “skincare for lips” companies; the product is highly marketed and reviewed
  • Available almost in almost every grocery store, pharmacy, etc.
  • Comes in a variety of flavors and SPFs
  • Product comes in stick form
  • All-purpose lip balm
Cons
  • Bad reviews are hard to find
Hurraw! SPF15 Tangerine Chamomile Sun Lip Balm

Hurraw! balm is entirely organic, vegan, and GMO-free. With a matte finish and SPF 15 protection, this is a great choice for a simple and natural lip balm.

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Pros
  • Manufacturer claims product is organic, vegan, all-natural, and raw
  • Subtle fruity fragrance
  • Matte finish (no shine)
  • SPF 15 sun protection
  • Available in stick form
Cons
Vaseline Advanced Healing Lip Therapy Tube

Using the Vaseline petroleum jelly formula we all know and love, this lip balm provides relief from dry and cracked lips. This Advanced Healing edition helps protect your lips from future damage as well.

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Pros
  • Household name, used by thousands
  • Claims to instantly moisturize, soften, and soothe lips
  • Product is squeezed from a tube and best used overnight
Cons
  • No SPF sun protection
Blistex Five Star Lip Protection

Blistex Lip Protection is non-greasy, flavorless, colorless, and odorless. It is a good no frills choice for people who want a soothing lip balm without giving up sun, heat, and wind protection.

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Pros
  • Inexpensive, popular brand; has been around for a long time
  • SPF sun protection as high as 30
  • Multiple varieties available
  • Claims to be water resistant for over an hour
  • Available in stick form
Cons
  • Some complain of poor taste
Dr. Bronner Peppermint Organic Lip Balm

These organic lip balms from Dr. Bronner use jojoba, avocado, and hemp oils to moisturize and protect lips without synthetic ingredients. They come in a 4-pack of three scented and on unscented sticks so you’ll have a variety to try out.

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Pros
  • Good for use under extreme cold and windy conditions
  • Can be used to cover exposed parts of the body
  • Manufacturer claims product is organic
Cons
  • Some complaints of greasiness and not lasting long
Eau Thermale Avène Cold Cream Lip Balm

Made with pure ingredients including Avenel thermal spring water, white beeswax, and paraffin oil, Eau Thermale lip balm soothes cracked and chapped lips. While it is more expensive than other lip balms, it provides long-lasting protection and recovery so you won’t have to reapply too often.

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Pros
  • Use for severely dry lips
  • Manufacturer claims it stays on lips for up to eight hours
  • More expensive than other brands
Cons
  • Some customers report product does not last as long as claimed
EOS Sweet Mint

With its distinctive packaging, EOS lip balms have skyrocketed in popularity. These mini lip balms are hypoallergenic and paraben-free but they have been known to irritate those with sensitive skin.

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Pros

  • Manufacturer claims product is organic, 100% natural, and hypoallergenic
  • Spherical shape is trendy, especially with women
  • Flavors give lips a mint smell
  • Product delivered in spherical-shaped dispenser
  • Some varieties have SPF as high as 30
Cons
  • Some customers report that product is too waxy and feels like lips are burning
Lab Series PRO LS Lip Tech Lip Balm

Aimed at men, this lip balm uses a high-tech formula containing shea butter, beeswax, and vegetable oil to soothe chapped lips. It has a slight sheen but is not super glossy.

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Pros
  • Marketed for men, but women can use as well
  • Part of Lab Series line of skin care products
  • Moisturizes lips and nourishes against environment
  • Claims no shine finish
  • Available in stick form
Cons
  • Some customers complained that product does leave a shine
Malin & Goetz Lip Balm

This gel lip balm from Malin & Goetz is deeply conditioning and nourishing. It has a thick but non-sticky feel to it and is considered a cult-favorite.

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Pros
  • Lesser known brand claims to be long-lasting and nourishing for lips
  • Moisture-rich gel helps heal dry, chapped, and cracked lips by going deep beneath surface
  • Good for all lip types
  • Product squeezed from tube
  • Highly reviewed
Cons
  • Higher price than many others in category
Aesop Avail Lip Balm with Sunscreen

Aesop Protective Lip Balm nourishes dry lips while providing UVA and UVB protection for the delicate lips. It hydrates with jojoba oil and is scented with tangerine peel oil.

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Pros
  • SPF 30
  • Available in stick form
  • Helps relieve skin of dead skin cells
Cons
  • Product can be hard, causing it to be tougher to spread lips
  • Product a little hard to find as are reviews
C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Balm Stick

Mentha Lip Balm Stick soothes lips and leaves behind a matte finish. It is infused with peppermint oil that has a cooling and tingling effect on the lips.

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Pros
  • Available in stick form
  • Not glossy
  • Mint-flavored
Cons
  • No SPF protection
  • Some complain of mint scent
  • Hard to find in stores; online price may be higher
Evolution Man Lip Balm

Lip balm that’s meant for men, this balm from Evolution is non-glossy and protects against extreme weather conditions. It uses antioxidants to improve skin health and can even be used to calm razor burn or irritation.

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Pros
  • SPF 15
  • Available in stick form
  • Good for everyday use
  • Relatively inexpensive
Cons
  • Additional applications needed per day in harsh weather
  • Relatively low and mixed reviews online
Tom Ford for Men Lip Balm

This luxury lip balm from designer Tom Ford leaves lips looking sleek and smooth, but never shiny. Its supple formula is made with natural oils, butters, and vitamins that give it an extra hydration boost.

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Pros
  • Good for repairing and revitalizing damaged lips
  • Can be applied several times a day
  • Moisturizes lips, but not glossy
  • Product squeezed from a tube
Cons
  • No SPF sun protection
  • Higher priced than others in category
Tokyo Milk Lip Elixir Dark Collection

Sultry and sophisticated, this lip balm from Tokyo Milk offers a full sensory experience when hydrating your lips. It is a thick luscious texture with a strong salted caramel flavor that its users love.

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Pros
  • Available in tin (versus stick or tube)
  • Pleasant fragrance; masculine in nature
  • Balm moisturizes lips; leaves lips cool and smooth; no excessive burn
Cons
  • No SPF sun protection
  • Tin tends to be hard to open
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