The Best Clean Lip Care Products of 2024: Beyond Basic Balms
NoneChapped, dry, or perpetually peeling lips? You're not alone. The skin on your lips is uniquely vulnerable – it's thinner than the rest of your face, lacks oil glands, and is constantly exposed to everything from sun and wind to food and drinks. Add to that the fact that we frequently lick our lips and ingest our lip products, and choosing the right lip care becomes even more crucial.
The clean beauty movement has transformed lip care from simple petroleum-based balms to sophisticated treatments that both protect and repair. But with countless options available, how do you identify products that actually deliver results without questionable ingredients?
To answer this question definitively, the Clean Beauty Awards program conducted its annual comprehensive evaluation of clean lip care products. In its 10th year, 355 products entered the Awards program. Over three months, a panel of industry experts – including clean beauty advocates and experts – rigorously tested products in 21 categories across multiple criteria. Each panelist documented daily use, tracking everything from immediate effects to long-term benefits. This systematic approach ensures our recommendations are backed by concrete results rather than marketing claims. Without further ado, here’s the 5 Award-Winning clean lip care products in the industry of 2025.
Evaluation Criteria
Performance
- Immediate relief & short term benefits
- Barrier repair
- Protection level
- Wear time
Ease of Use
- Texture
- Absorption
- Reapplication needs
- Packaging functionality
- Versatility
Top Lip Care Products
#1: Whish Beauty - Tinted Lip Balm with Bakuchiol - $26
Whish Beauty’s Tinted Lip Balm is infused with bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol that provides similar results without the harsh side effects. This lip balm soothes and hydrates while reducing the appearance of fine lines around the lips, helping to perfect the look of your pout. It offers just the right amount of shine—never sticky—and a hint of color for a perfect, sweetly enhanced pucker.
Expert Notes:
"Super hydrating for the lips and I absolutely LOVED the tint it gave! Could easily wear this product on a "no makeup" day and still feel put together." - Ashleigh Johnson, @hellogorgeousbba
"This lip balm feels so nourishing on my lips. It is easy to apply and goes on smoothly. It instantly hydrates my lips and keeps them hydrated throughout the day. I love that it contains Bakuchiol for improving the appearance of my lips. This balm gives my lips a nice light red hint of color. The scent of sparkling champagne with fresh melon and strawberry is so refreshing and sweet. The compact packaging is perfect for bringing this lip balm in my purse or pocket for reapplication when needed. A daily nourishing beauty must have for my dry lips!" - Hendrika Van Dijk, @hendrikavd
#2: Balcony Botanicals - Lavender & Peppermint Lip Balm - $7
Balcony Botanicals’ Lavender & Peppermint Lip Balm offers a soft, silky texture and long-lasting hydration, setting it apart from many all-natural alternatives. Infused with skin-restorative Calendula, this balm effectively nourishes the lips while providing a refreshing lavender and peppermint scent. Packaged in a compostable cardboard push-up tube, it combines sustainability with functionality, making it a pocket-sized powerhouse of eco-friendly lip care.
Expert Notes:
"Had a great feeling on the lips - smooth application as well. Loved the scent of the lavender and peppermint together! The packaging was also great - loved that it is sustainable/recyclable." - Ashleigh Johnson, @hellogorgeousbba
"This is a beautiful lip balm that keeps my lips silky soft and smooth without leaving a sticky feeling to them. I love the beautiful blend of ingredients that makes this balm so nourishing for my lips. It makes my lips feel moisturized. This is the perfect balm for my usually dry and chapped lips. I like the refreshing lavender, peppermint scent. The tube is perfect for bringing it in a purse for on-the-go reapplication!" - Hendrika Van Dijk, @hendrikavd
#3: Blume - Superbalm Tripeptide Vanilla Lip Squeeze - $18
Blume’s Superbalm is more than just a lip balm—it’s a hydration powerhouse. Formulated with tripeptides to boost collagen and three deeply nourishing natural butters, this moisture-locking glaze provides intense hydration, leaving lips feeling plump and juicy. Beyond surface-level shine, this treatment seals in moisture for hours, restoring dry, cracked lips. With a subtly sweet vanilla scent reminiscent of decadent vanilla bean ice cream, it’s the perfect daily lip care. Apply in the morning, reapply as needed, or indulge in a thicker layer before bed for pillow-soft lips by morning.
Expert Notes:
"The Vanilla Lip Squeeze by Blume smells divine, is easy to use and is nice and thick! It makes for a really great lip mask for overnight wear. If you love all things Vanilla, you will need to check out this lip balm!" - Alli Gilmore, @theallimarie
"I love the sleek packaging of this lip balm! The formula felt very smooth on my lips and I loved that the scent was light and not overpowering." - Ashleigh Johnson, @hellogorgeousbba
#4: ADOREYES - PepChat Biomimetic Lip Complex Serum - $34
ADOREYES PepChat Biomimetic Lip Serum is a revolutionary lip care treatment featuring a Biomimetic Peptide Complex that enhances collagen production, improving lip volume and elasticity. Infused with Dermomimetic Lipids, it restores the skin's natural barrier and locks in moisture for long-lasting hydration. The serum also contains proprietary Niagara Grape Extract, offering powerful antioxidant protection with 50% of Vitamin C’s efficacy. Packaged in eco-conscious sugarcane packaging, it reflects ADOREYES' commitment to sustainability. Certified vegan and cruelty-free, this luxurious serum delivers visibly fuller, healthier lips while supporting ethical and environmentally friendly practices.
Expert Notes:
"The application tubes are wonderful- very easy to use. I loved that there is no scent and the formula is so hydrating and smooth." - Ashleigh Johnson, @hellogorgeousbba
"This is such a luxurious lip serum. It is easy to apply with the applicator on the top of the tube. This lip serum has a nice nourishing texture that goes on so smoothly and instantly hydrates my dry lips. I love the plumping effect without any stinging. The hydration is long-lasting and I love how this lip serum does not make my lips feel sticky. I like that I can also use it at nighttime as a lip treatment and wake up with extra hydrated and silky soft lips. The compact tube is the perfect size to bring it along in my purse or makeup bag for easy reapplication throughout the day." - Hendrika Van Dijk, @hendrikavd
#5: Bio-First - Rapid Lip Rescue - $13.95
Bio-First Rapid Lip Rescue is a highly restorative, ultra-rich lip treatment designed to rescue super-dry, chapped, or distressed lips. It offers fast relief with noticeable results after just one application, leaving lips softer and more hydrated. This natural, non-toxic formula is free from harmful ingredients like fragrance, parabens, PEGs, phthalates, and phenols, making it a safe and effective solution for sensitive lips. Experience the soothing and hydrating benefits of this lip rescue treatment, ideal for restoring comfort and moisture overnight. Available January 2025.
Expert Notes:
"For those of you looking for a clean, fragrance-free lip product that can help rescue those dry winter lips... You need to check out the Rapid Lip Rescue from Bio-First! It is brand new and I have a feeling that it is going to be flying off of the shelves. The ingredient list is extremely clean and the product will leave your lips feeling hydrated and nourished." - Alli Gilmore, @theallimarie
"The formula is great! My favorite way to use it is as an overnight lip mask!" - Ashleigh Johnson, @hellogorgeousbba
The best clean lip care products go beyond basic hydration—they actively repair, protect, and support long-term lip health without relying on petroleum or synthetic waxes. This year’s top-performing formulas proved that clean ingredients can be just as effective, if not more so, than conventional alternatives.
That said, lip care isn’t the only category where ingredient transparency matters. Fragrance is one of the least regulated areas in beauty, and clean perfumes are redefining what it means to be truly transparent. Next, we reviewed the best clean fragrances of 2025, uncovering the brands that are leading the way with high-quality, non-toxic scents.
Follow us on Instagram (@CertCleanInc) for more clean beauty recommendations from this year’s judging panel. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and grab your free copy of the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide, a full rundown of this year’s top-performing products
