If you’re among the many people who struggle with dry, chapped lips (like me!), you know how frustrating it can be to find a product that actually delivers!
Enter lip oils. These innovative formulations have taken the beauty world by storm for good reason.
Lip oils provide the perfect combination of hydration and nourishment, leaving even the driest, flakiest lips feeling soft, smooth, and healthy. Plus, many also contain natural ingredients that make your pout appear plumper and fuller.
And they add a glossy sheen to your lips, which is perfect for dressing up or down your look, depending on how you wear the oil.
So, let’s take a closer look at lip oils, their benefits, ingredients, differences from other lip products, and the best options available (including viral lip oils from Dior, Rare Beauty, and Clarins!).
What is a lip oil? And how is it different from a lip balm?
A lip oil is an innovative hybrid that combines the intense hydration of a balm, the shine of a gloss, and the (optional) tint of a lightweight lipstick.
But first, some skin science: Our lips do not have any sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, so they cannot produce their own protective layer of natural oils. In a double whammy, they also have the thinnest skin anywhere on the body.
That’s why lips often get dry and irritated with even the slightest triggers — like smoke, dehydration, sun exposure, or even our own saliva!
And that’s where lip oils make all the difference.
Unlike traditional lip balms that contain waxes and butters, lip oils are made from nutrient-rich natural oils.
Since oils absorb into the skin more easily than heavier waxes, lip oils can penetrate deep into our lips, leaving them soft and supple. Conversely, balms tend to sit on the lips, providing only temporary comfort.
And no, they don’t feel heavy or greasy — well-formulated lip oils are lightweight and quick-absorbing, offering a more comfortable, non-sticky experience compared to traditional balms that can leave a waxy residue.
[No, I am not saying lip balms are not good. I am only saying that lip oils are better in many situations.]
The benefits of using lip oils
The primary advantage comes from their ability to soothe and moisturise your lips with nourishing oils such as jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, raspberry oil, cherry oil, and almond oil. These are also rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, providing protection to the delicate skin.
And it’s not even just about the oils.
These lip care formulations can incorporate several other ingredients to help your pout as well. For example, some include vitamin E, which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Others contain hyaluronic acid, a powerful hydrating ingredient that plumps lips for a fuller look.
Some also contain essential oils, such as peppermint or rose, which provide a refreshing and calming effect. Peppermint oil, in particular, has a cooling sensation that reduces inflammation and plumps the lips.
Another advantage of lip oils is their versatility. They come in various shades and finishes, from sheer to shimmery, and can be worn alone or over your favorite lipstick or lip liner.
PS: My favorite way is to apply tinted lip oil over bare lips to polish up a minimal look, such as a casual brunch at home with friends!
What is the difference between lip oils and lip gloss?
At first, lip oils and lip glosses may seem alike. However, they have distinct differences in their formulation, purpose, and texture.
As discussed above, lip oils are made with natural oils that provide intense hydration and nourishment for the lips. They also have a light, non-sticky texture, and a barely-there feel.
In contrast, glosses have a thicker, stickier, gel-like texture that sits more heavily on the lips. They are often formulated with synthetic polymers or waxes to create their signature high shine. And their primary goal is to add glaze and glamour to the lips, with hydration being a secondary benefit.
Ultimately, the choice between lip oil and lip gloss comes down to personal preference. If you want deep hydration and nourishment, choose a lip oil. Go for a lip gloss if you want a high-shine finish.
The 17 best lip oils
As a beauty editor, I’ve tried countless lip oils, and these have always come out on top! They are packed with nourishing ingredients for deep hydration and a glossy finish, elevating your lip care routine.
This luxurious non-sticky, non-greasy formula combines the mirror shine of a lip gloss with intense lip care. Infused with nourishing cherry oil, it provides both hydration and protection, leaving lips soft and revitalized. Plus the Color Reviver technology means the pigment adjusts to your individual moisture levels for a true-to-you-tint and continual hydration.
Can Selena Gomez ever disappoint? This super-pigmented cult favourite provides bold color that lasts all day without being sticky. Easily layer for a bold look, or keep it simple with just one swipe. Infused with jojoba seed oil and sunflower seed oil, it nourishes lips and creates a protective barrier to lock in hydration and keep out environmental stressors.
A decadent formula enriched with plant-based ingredients like hazelnut, sweetbriar rose, and organic jojoba oils to nourish dry lips while providing deep hydration and a subtle gloss.
Building on the success of the original Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, this offers the same nourishing and hydrating properties but with a more intense, saturated color payoff. Its non-sticky texture and high-shine finish make a statement while keeping your lips soft, supple, and well-nourished.
Another version of the classic Clarins Lip Comfort Oil, this nourishing, lightweight option comes with a high-shimmer finish, intense color payoff, and multi-dimensional shine. Perfect for when you want some extra sparkle!
This creamy lip oil leaves a sheer wash of color and a high-shine finish. Infused with rosehip oil, shea butter, and grapeseed oil, it hydrates and protects the lips while offering a comfortable, non-sticky feel.
This antioxidant-rich formula protects lips from environmental stressors. The Triple Cherry complex nourishes dry, chapped lips while rich oils bind moisture for a plump, hydrated look. The delicious cherry scent and ultra-plush doe-foot applicator make for a super-luxe experience.
Made with natural ingredients like red root, jojoba oil, fermented pomegranate, and a plant-based Plumping Complex, this vegan lip-gloss-oil hybrid soothes, moisturizes, exfoliates, and plumps lips all in one go.
This vegan lip oil is infused with raspberry oil, cloudberry oil, and squalane for up to 12 hours of hydration and protection.
This hybrid oil-gloss contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, evening primrose oil, and other botanicals to hydrate, plump, and protect the lips — all while providing the juiciest slick of color.
This innovative gel-oil formula glides on effortlessly with a non-greasy feel. Raspberry seed oil and pomegranate extract hydrate your lips, while vitamins A and E deliver nourishment and protect against environmental stressors.
A non-sticky, milky lip oil that provides sheer color and shine. It's formulated with apricot kernel and raspberry seed oils for ultimate nourishment.
This honey(!) and hyaluronic acid-infused sheer formula smoothes, nourishes, and hydrates lips, leaving them looking shiny and juicy. The surprising part? It never feels sticky despite the honey.
Infused with vegan collagen, prickly pear oil, and plant squalane, this hydrates and plumps your lips while adding a pop of shine. PhD stands for pH-powered technology, which transforms the oil into a true-to-you tint.
An anti-aging formulation, this one features a blend of 14 essential oils, 10 lipid-rich plant oils, and 4 nourishing vitamins to boost hydration, smooth away lines, and enhance lip volume.
100% natural blend of nourishing meadowfoam seed and coconut oils to reduce the appearance of fine lines and lend lips a hint of sheer, glossy color that never feels sticky.
This luxurious offering is infused with crystal extracts, including rose quartz, amethyst, and tourmaline, for a radiant pout. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and plant adaptogen extracts to soothe, hydrate, and protect the lips.
FAQs
This FAQ will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about lip oils, including their benefits, how to use them, and more.
What does a lip oil do?
A lip oil provides intense hydration and nourishment to the lips with a blend of natural oils. It has a lightweight, non-sticky texture and is used to enhance the performance of other lip products or as a standalone treatment for dry, flaky lips.
Do lip oils help with dry lips?
Yes, lip oils can definitely help with dry lips. Their oil-based formula provides intense hydration and nourishment, using natural oils like jojoba, argan, and coconut oil. This helps them soothe and hydrate dry, chapped lips, leaving them feeling smooth and hydrated.
Can lip oils be worn alone or with other lip products?
Lip oils can be worn alone for a natural, glossy look or layered over other makeup products, such as lipsticks or lip liners, for a pop of color with extra shine.
Can I use lip oil at night?
Yes, you can use lip oil at night. In fact, it can be very beneficial lip treatment. The nourishing natural oils can deeply hydrate your lips as you sleep, repairing dry and chapped lips for a soft and supple pout.
Are there any key ingredients I should look for in a lip oil?
When choosing a lip oil, choose products containing nourishing and natural ingredients such as jojoba, argan, or rosehip oils. Also, look for ingredients like vitamin E and antioxidants that can provide additional protection and benefits for your lips.
Are lip oils better than lipstick?
Lip oils and lipsticks serve different purposes, with lip oils designed for intense hydration and nourishment (sheer wash of color is optional) and lipsticks for color and coverage. Whether lip oils or lipsticks are better depends on personal preferences and desired benefits.
Cossouq says
I really enjoyed your blog post on your ultimate guide to lip oils. Thanks for sharing your expertise! I learned a lot from it. I am looking forward to reading more of your work.
avatar game says
Many great content about lip oils that I get through the blog. Thanks
VINEVIDA says
Loving the fact that the article not only educates but also recommends specific products – a definite time-saver for readers. Thank you for sharing.