Best vegan lip balms for dry, cracked lips that actually heal

If you've scanned a beauty aisle recently, you may have noticed something curious: lip balm is having a moment. From luxury tubes infused with peptides to retro tins of tallow, the “lip economy” is booming. But for plant-based shoppers, one thing hasn’t changed—finding a vegan lip balm that actually works is still frustratingly hit-or-miss.

That’s because the beauty world’s go-to healing ingredients—like beeswax, lanolin (from sheep’s wool), and even carmine (a red dye made from crushed beetles)—are still common in most mainstream balms. And while there’s been a welcome uptick in vegan options, not all of them hold up when your lips are truly dry, cracked, or windburned.

But here’s the good news: brands are stepping up. Today’s best vegan lip balms don’t just avoid animal byproducts—they use smart, science-backed plant ingredients that actually repair your lips.

Why your dry lips need more than just coconut oil

First, a quick PSA: if your current “natural” balm leaves your lips feeling smooth for five minutes before drying out again, you’re not imagining things. Many popular formulas use oils or waxes that seal the surface without treating the deeper dehydration underneath.

That’s why you want a balm that:

• Uses humectants (to draw water into the skin)

• Includes occlusives (to seal in moisture)

• Avoids irritating essential oils (like peppermint or citrus in high amounts)

• Is free from drying alcohols or artificial flavors

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum explains it clearly:

“Certain lip balms only contain humectants (read: immediate moisture)—like hyaluronic acid and glycerin—which draw water from the air. However, if there is no occlusive—like petrolatum, beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, or squalene—the moisture will not be sealed in to protect the moisture barrier. As soon as the moisture evaporates, the lips will feel drier and appear dehydrated.”

She recommends ointments containing occlusives like petrolatum or dimethicone to seal in moisture and prevent water loss.

Let’s look at the standouts that check these boxes—and are 100% vegan.

The top vegan lip balms that actually heal, not just gloss

We tested dozens of vegan balms during a dry winter stretch in the Midwest (windchill: brutal), while checking ingredient lists and brand practices. These five came out on top for healing power, feel, and planet-friendliness.

1. Hurraw! Moon Balm

Best for: Overnight repair

This ultra-creamy stick uses a base of organic avocado, argan, and rosehip oils to hydrate deeply while you sleep. No fake shimmer, no plastic scent—just a soft, buttery feel that works like a moisture mask for your lips. Plus, it’s packaged in recyclable materials and made with renewable energy in Montana.

Standout ingredient: Meadowfoam seed oil, which mimics the skin’s natural sebum.

2. E.L.F. Squeeze Me Lip Balm

Best for: Budget-friendly softness

This drugstore fave costs under $5 and still manages to pack a hydrating punch. Unlike many balms at this price point, it’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free—E.L.F. has been Leaping Bunny certified for years. The formula uses castor oil and sunflower seed wax for softness and shine, and comes in fun, sheer tints without carmine.

Standout ingredient: Castor oil, a natural emollient that keeps lips smooth for hours.

3. UpCircle Lip Balm with Hemp & Shea

Best for: Climate-conscious shoppers

UK-based UpCircle is a certified B Corp known for circular beauty: they repurpose ingredients that would otherwise go to waste. This balm uses leftover hemp seed oil from the food industry, along with rich shea butter and seabuckthorn to protect and soothe. It’s housed in a fully recyclable metal tube with a compostable box.

Standout ingredient: Hemp seed oil, full of omega fatty acids for inflammation-prone skin.

4. Ethique Juicy Lip Balm

Best for: Zero-waste commitment

Ethique’s bar-style balm skips the plastic completely. One tube lasts as long as three regular lip balms, and the cardboard push-up is compostable. It glides on smoothly and leaves lips noticeably softer, thanks to moringa oil and wild mango butter. Bonus: the brand is climate-positive and donates 2% of sales to conservation efforts.

Standout ingredient: Moringa oil, praised for its antioxidant properties and skin-soothing benefits.

5. Axiology Lip-to-Lid Balmie

Best for: Multi-use minimalists

These crayon-style balmies are technically for eyes, lips, and cheeks—but don’t let that fool you. They’re deeply moisturizing and glide on like a creamy balm. Made without palm oil, wrapped in paper instead of plastic, and available in tinted or clear options, they’re a favorite among low-waste beauty lovers.

Standout ingredient: Coconut oil, but paired with elderberry extract and sunflower wax for staying power.

Why going vegan with lip care matters (beyond ethics)

Yes, skipping beeswax is better for the bees. But the vegan lip balm movement has larger ripple effects:

• Climate impact: According to a 2022 Oxford study, animal agriculture contributes up to 16.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing plant-based ingredients helps lower that footprint—even in small products like lip balm.

• Worker health: Lanolin, while effective, is often extracted with harsh solvents. Vegan brands typically use cold-pressed oils and butters that are gentler on the environment and on factory workers.

• Biodiversity: Carmine-based colorants come from cochineal beetles, which are primarily farmed in Peru and Mexico. Overharvesting can threaten wild populations and disrupt local ecosystems.

Even more than food, beauty products offer a chance to vote with your dollar on what gets sourced, packaged, and prioritized.

What to look for when choosing your next vegan lip balm

Beyond the “vegan” label, here are a few things that actually make a difference in performance:

• Rich butters > lightweight oils: Shea, kokum, and mango butters stay on longer than just coconut oil alone.

• Scentless or low-scent options: Fragrance, even “natural,” can irritate dry or chapped lips.

• Tube vs. tin vs. stick: Stick balms are convenient. Tins and jars offer more product per dollar but aren’t always hygienic for on-the-go use.

• Packaging transparency: Does the brand explain how it sources ingredients or offset emissions?

The upshot?

Dry lips aren’t just a cosmetic issue. They're a skin-barrier issue—and one that’s especially frustrating for those trying to live more sustainably. The good news is, you don’t have to choose between healing your lips and staying true to your values.

Today’s best vegan lip balms go beyond surface gloss. They treat, soothe, and shield—with ingredients that support not just your skin, but the planet too.