Best Natural Lip Balm Ingredients for Dry Lips: What to Avoid and Why
Did you know many lip balms contain seed oils that oxidize and irritate dry lips in up to 20% of users—often making the problem worse?[1] If you've been reapplying balm nonstop and still battling chapped lips, it might be your ingredients, not your lips.
Studies show that the skin can absorb a portion of topical substances, with rates varying by ingredient (often 1-10% for many cosmetics). For children, this effective exposure can be up to three times higher than in adults due to thinner skin and a proportionally larger surface area relative to body weight.[2] That means the ingredients in your lip balm matter not just for hydration, but for your health—especially if kids are using them."
[2] That means the ingredients in your lip balm matter not just for hydration, but for your health. Choosing the best natural lip balm ingredients is about more than going “green.” It’s about avoiding harmful fillers, irritants, and additives that can worsen dryness over time.
Building on our Best Natural Lip Balm for Severely Dry Lips guide, this post breaks down which ingredients to avoid — and which natural ones actually work — backed by science and real-life results so you can shop smarter.
Common Ingredients That Worsen Dry Lips—and WhyWhen shopping for lip balm, it's easy to be drawn in by cute packaging or bold scent claims. But behind many popular balms are harsh ingredients that sabotage hydration.Here are 6 common culprits you’ll find in many drugstore lip balms
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Seed Oils (e.g., Sunflower Oil) - Often used as carrier oils, sunflower and other seed oils can oxidize on contact with air, creating byproducts that irritate and inflame lips. Studies show up to 20% of users may experience worsening dryness or sensitivity.[1]
- At Numbrrrz, we avoid seed oils in all core scents. Only Strawberry and Coconut Vanilla contain trace amounts of organic sunflower oil to carry their natural scent blends. We're transparent about this so you can make the best choice for your skin.
- Petroleum Jelly - A byproduct of crude oil, petroleum jelly is commonly used as a moisture barrier. The problem? It coats the lips rather than nourishes them, trapping bacteria and creating a dependency loop—you keep reapplying but never get relief.[3]
- Parabens - Used as preservatives, parabens mimic estrogen and have been found in breast tissue samples. They also exacerbate skin sensitivity, especially on thin lip tissue.[4]
- Synthetic Waxes & Flavor Oils - Flavored balms are fun—but synthetic flavor oils and waxes can irritate mucous membranes, leading to redness, cracking, and even small blisters in sensitive users.[5]
- BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) - A petroleum-derived preservative, BHT is a known endocrine disruptor linked to tumor development in animal studies.[6]
- Mineral Oil (MOSH/MOAH) - These hydrocarbons accumulate in body fat and organs. Worse, MOAH compounds—found in 80% of tested balms—are known carcinogens.[7]
- Petrolatum
- Methylparaben / Ethylparaben
- BHT
- Mineral Oil / Paraffinum Liquidum
Top Natural Ingredients That Actually Work—and How They Help Dry Lips
Not all ingredients are created equal—some natural ones mimic your skin’s natural balance and deliver real results. Here are the best natural lip balm ingredients to look for:
- Beeswax - Creates a breathable seal on the lips, locking in moisture with high efficiency. Ideal for creating a protective barrier without suffocating the skin.[8]
- Jojoba Oil - Technically a wax ester, jojoba closely mimics human sebum. In clinical use, it helps regulate oil production and improve hydration. Bonus: it’s non-comedogenic.[9]
- Coconut Oil - Rich in lauric acid, coconut oil fights bacteria and inflammation. It’s soothing and protective—especially for cracked or bleeding lips.[10]
- Shea Butter - Known to improve skin elasticity (up to 25% in some studies), shea butter offers deep nourishment. It’s perfect for winter lips and dry, flaky skin.[11]
- Lavender Oil - This anti-inflammatory essential oil also helps reduce stress levels—up to 30% in aromatherapy trials. Calms both skin and senses.[12]
- Peppermint Oil - Not just a flavor—it stimulates blood flow, encouraging healing and a natural plumpness.[13]
- Almond Oil - Gentle and effective, almond oil has been shown to reduce inflammation (up to 30% in studies) and soothe dry or peeling lips.[14]
Quick Tip:
Look for ingredient labels that read like a kitchen recipe: clean & recognizable
Ready to Make the Switch?If your current lip balm isn’t helping, it’s probably what’s in it.At Numbrrrz, we keep it simple: no seed oils in our core scents, oversized tubes that actually last, and just 4 USDA-certified organic ingredients that your lips (and skin) will love.
Try our 3-pack for $36 or subscribe quarterly for $33 to stay stocked without thinking about it.
Not sure what scent you’ll love? The 5-pack variety is the perfect place to start.Your lips deserve better—and we’re here to deliver it.
References[1] https://maloneyhealing.com.au/blogs/news/ditch-the-seed-oils-the-truth-about-lip-balm-ingredients[2] https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-06/sccs_o_268.pdf[3] https://gbcwellness.com.au/why-you-should-avoid-petroleum-in-lip-care-and-what-to-use-instead/[4] https://www.bcpp.org/resource/parabens/[5] https://dermnetnz.org/topics/contact-reactions-to-lipsticks-and-other-lipcare-products[6] https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-08/sccs_o_257.pdf[7] https://www.consumer.org.hk/ws_en/news/press/521/lip-balms.html[8] https://pickleandbee.ca/blogs/news/does-beeswax-lip-balm-work[9] https://www.byrdie.com/jojoba-oil-for-skin-4783234[10] https://www.webmd.com/beauty/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil-for-lips[11] https://desavery.co/blogs/industry-news/the-role-of-shea-butter-in-revitalizing-dry-skin[12] https://www.verywellmind.com/lavender-for-less-anxiety-3571767[13] https://hudabeauty.com/us/en_US/blog-ditch-lip-injections-with-these-9-hacks-34789.html[14] https://www.koyalbeauty.com.au/yp/discover/news/hong-kong/article/unlocking-the-secrets-sweet-almond-oil-for-dry-and-sensitive-lips