Most of us place a lot of importance on using lip balms and a good lip stain or color. It's easy to think that's all it takes to have great-looking lips, but our lips need more attention than that. Exfoliation is one important step to follow if you want to keep your lips looking healthy and youthful. It effectively removes dead skin cells and dry flakes from your lips, leaving your lips polished and smooth. This aids in even application of your lip makeup and makes them look better and last longer.
To aid you with your search, we've compiled a list of the 10 best lip scrubs available online. Handmade Heroes' Ultra Sexy Scrub was our top pick as this vegan product effectively removes dead skin cells while keeping your lips well hydrated. Read on to know more about our options! And if you need some tips in purchasing the right lip scrub for your lips, check out our buying guide reviewed by a professional makeup artist at the end.
Quick List - Top Lip Scrubs
Natalya is a professional makeup artist based in Los Angeles and has been trying new products to find what is best for each individual's skin tone and type. She is self-taught but wanted to further her education, and she went to a makeup school in Los Angeles to learn the ins and outs of makeup. She has tried many makeup brands and products and can proudly say she has found some of the best and longest-wearing products. As a freelance makeup artist, she wants her clients not to worry about their makeup not lasting as long as they need it to.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
You might have a healthy pout that might have you questioning the need for a lip exfoliator, but our lips are exposed to a lot of unwanted elements every day. If you admit that you need to take good care of your facial skin, you should not ignore the need to keep your lips healthy, too.
When the skin on your lips becomes chapped and dry, the lipid layer, which is a protective layer of the lips that balances moisture, becomes unbalanced. This can result in the build-up of dead skin that becomes flaky and starts peeling; this can lead to premature aging.
Exfoliating becomes essential in re-balancing the lipid layer and helping your lip balm penetrate the skin more effectively. What's more, a good scrub can rub away dullness caused by exposure to external elements and pollutants and give lips a healthy glow.
Thick lip balms can leave a layer of flakes that look hydrated but will interfere with even the application of lipsticks. Even if your lip balm is a moisturizing one, it can still make that annoying layer. A good lip scrub is all you need to slough away those thick flakes and to give your lips a good finish.
Many cosmetics fans turn to lip scrubs to make their lip products last longer and look better. It provides your lips with a smooth and moisturized base that the ordinary lip balms cannot offer. Scrubbing can also plump up your lips, giving them a fresh and youthful appearance, as well as provide a smooth canvas for lip color.
Your lip skin is more sensitive than most of your other facial skin. If you are someone who experiments with various lip stains, colors, and balms - or if you struggle with evenly applying your lip color - you should exfoliate your lips regularly. Here's what you should look for when browsing.
The major ingredient in a lip scrub is an exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin from lips. Coffee grounds, fine granules of brown or white sugar, and coarse oats are some common exfoliants that are gentle and safe on the lips.
Besides exfoliating agents, a good lip scrub will have moisturizing agents too. This ensures that while the dead skin is sloughed away, your lips get enough hydration, and they are kept moist and soft without causing a loss of moisture from the lips.
Common emollients include coconut oil, shea butter, avocado oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil. They can effectively soften and moisturize your lips. Some scrubs also use humectants such as aloe, honey, or glycerin to attract water to the surface of the skin and to keep it hydrated.
Your lips will not remain in the same state all the time. Various factors can affect the way your lips appear and feel, such as exposure to harsh climatic conditions, certain medications, dehydration, and more. That's why it's important to check your current condition before buying.
Lip scrubs with emollients are what you need if you have dry or cracked lips. While exfoliants slough away dry flakes from those with dry and chapped lips, these emollients keep them moisturized and leave them feeling soft and smooth afterward.
Lip scrubs containing shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E oil, and jojoba oil work well in achieving these results. They're also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids to soften your lips and protect the lips from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Glycerin, aloe vera, and honey are ingredients with fantastic moisturizing properties as well. They can keep your lips moist and soft to the touch. Honey and aloe vera can soothe irritated lips, too.
Those struggling to remove dead skin from their lips need to exfoliate twice a week with a good lip scrub that contains coarse exfoliants as well as good emollients. This could be sugar crystals or honey crystals.
Specifically, sugar crystals can effectively buff away stubborn dead skin cells. Meanwhile, honey crystals have gentle exfoliating power that won't damage sensitive or chapped lips. Some lip scrubs also combine more than one kind of exfoliants to eliminate rough skin better.
We also recommend moisturizing your lips before exfoliation to remove the dead skin without much struggle. After scrubbing off the dry flakes and dead skin, apply a lip balm formulated for dry and damaged lips.
If you belong to the category of people with sensitive lip skin, you need scrubs that have ingredients like coffee grounds, coconut, coarse oats, or fine sugar granules (white or brown) in them as exfoliants.
They have a softer texture than coarse sugar crystals and are, therefore, gentler on the skin. While they're less likely to irritate your sensitive skin, they can still effectively scrub your lips.
Organic scrubs are ideal for sensitive lips as well since they often don't contain preservatives or artificial ingredients. Since you're applying the scrub directly onto your lips, you don't want anything too harsh for your skin, right?
Lip scrubs help buff away dead skin cells, protect your lips, exfoliate, hydrate, promote blood circulation, and bring back your original lip color. You should know your skin type and know what lip scrubs will not burn. If you have more oily skin, you want to look for lip scrubs with more exfoliation.
If your lips are sensitive and dry, you want to look for more hydrating lip scrubs. You want to avoid over-exfoliation. Ingredients good for sensitive lips include coconut oil, avocado oil, jojoba oils, and cocoa butter to help soothe the lips.
Although salicylic acid is a good exfoliant, it can cause irritation and redness to your lips. Ingredients like menthol and peppermint can be soothing on cracked lips, but they too can upset the protective lipid layer of your lips and cause irritation or dryness.
Besides, you do not need to scrub anything toxic into your lips. We recommend staying away from scrubs that contain parabens commonly added to cosmetic products to increase their shelf life. While they're generally safe for the skin, they might actually cause irritation to those with sensitive skin, especially with frequent use.
When your lips are chapped, you want to get rid of that extra dead skin and sandpaper feeling. However, a lip scrub could be doing more harm than good if there are any harsh ingredients. Some find that after they apply a lip scrub, their dead skin that is ripped away can cause irritation or even bleeding. These harsh lip scrubs can damage and tear more of the chapped lip. Be sure to know what ingredients are being applied to the lip because some are more drying.
If there are any cuts or bruising on the lip, you should avoid a lip scrub. Lip scrubs are designed to be delicate and add moisture to the lips, but unfortunately, some fragrances can cause more dryness. I recommend sticking to the more natural lip scrubs that contain sugar because sugar can attract moisture. A honey scrub can soothe your lips because it contains anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Even if you are only going to be using a lip scrub once or twice a week, you should be excited about it than dreading the thought of it, right? Lip scrubs are available in a wide variety of flavors and scents ranging from citrus to herbal, to fruity, to tropical, and more.
If you are sensitive to scents and flavors (or have any allergies), make sure you check the label or read reviews before making your purchase. People with fragrance sensitivity might benefit from a fragrance-free lip scrub. Also, if you want to enjoy your lip scrub as a treat as well, make sure it's edible before deciding to lick it off!
A lip scrub can help you achieve those kissable lips. One with a scent or flavor such as grapefruit, raspberry, strawberry, bubble gum, brown sugar, or cinnamon can add more excitement when applying. A scent or flavor is just a bonus because if you were to lick your lips, it adds an amazing taste. Sometimes a plain lip scrub doesn't taste good or has no scent at all, which can be boring or not as enjoyable to apply.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Handmade Heroes Ultra Sexy Scrub|Coconut sorbet | ![]() | Gentle Exfoliation With 100% Vegan Ingredients | |
2 | Hanalei Sugar Lip Scrub | ![]() | Hawaiian Kukui Nut Oil for Plump, Soft Lips | |
3 | French Girl Rose Lip Polish | ![]() | Plump Your Lips With This Anti-Aging Lip Polish | |
4 | Beauty by Earth Vanilla Sugar Scrub |Vanilla | ![]() | Gently Remove Skin Debris With This Vanilla Lip Scrub | |
5 | Sara Happ Pink Grapefruit Lip Scrub|Pink Grapefruit | ![]() | A Nourishing Formula to Soften Lips Effectively | |
6 | Burt's Bees Conditioning Lip Scrub with Honey Crystals | ![]() | Exfoliate and Condition Your Lips with Honey Crystals | |
7 | L'Oreal Paris Pure-Sugar Scrub | ![]() | 3 Pure Sugars to Nourish and Refresh Your Skin | |
8 | Chapstick Total Hydration |Sugar Plum | ![]() | Great Conditioning Properties | |
9 | Henné Organics Lip Exfoliator|Lavender mint | ![]() | Non-Irritating and Suitable for Sensitive Lips | |
10 | Diva Stuff Lip Scrub|Cake Batter | ![]() | A Tasty Lip Scrub That Smells Just Like Cake Batter |
This lip scrub is formulated the vegan way with natural ingredients essential for a good and gentle lip exfoliating experience. Specifically, it comes with the goodness of powdered coconut and sugar enriched with a blend of oils to nourish, condition, and moisturize your lips.
Just take a pea-sized amount, apply to damp lips, and scrub in gentle and circular motions to slough away the dead and dry skin built up on your pout. For the best results, use it twice a week before applying lipstick or at night.
Some reviewers state that the lip scrub is hard and gritty. In that case, you can use a bit of virgin coconut oil or apply it to wet lips before scrubbing off the dry flakes. On another note, many buyers agree that the lip scrub is effective in removing dead skin cells. After using it, they notice their lips become soft, smooth, and moisturized.
When you use this scrub containing Maui sugar crystals for exfoliation and brightening, its many vitamins will soothe and heal your cracked lips. Another secret ingredient in this lip scrub is Hawaiian Kukui nut oil, which comes with the goodness of fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E to keep your lips plump and healthy.
Meanwhile, shea butter will lock in moisture and restore your lips to softness. What's more, this lip scrub is certified cruelty-free! There are some reviews of this drying out the lips after usage. You should follow up treatment with a good quality lip balm to ensure they're properly hydrated.
Nevertheless, most reviewers are happy with the gentle exfoliation provided by this lip scrub. They also love its creamy texture and sweet taste and are contented with how soft their lips feel after the application.
This lip scrub from French Girl boasts a vegan formula that aims to smoothen and plump your lips. Specifically, it uses mint and rose geranium essential oils to remove dead skin cells, brighten your lips, as well as neutralize free radicals that can cause aging in your lips.
It also uses shea butter, cocoa seed oil, and coconut oil to provide extra moisture to dry lips. What's more, the rosy color of this lip scrub is derived from beet juice powder, not artificial colorants.
Some reviewers say the sugar granules are a bit too big and curse that they actually hurt their lips. But many others say it effectively eliminates dead skin while giving their lips the moisture they need. Their lips certainly feel softer and more hydrated. The scent and taste please many reviewers, too!
This lip scrub from Beauty by Earth (who also makes great bath bombs) is brimming with organic ingredients. Sugar exfoliates, oils moisturize, and beeswax seals it in. It's also available in other flavors like berry and mint.
According to some users, this lip scrub might not be that effective for excessively dry lips. But we'd recommend it to those with normal to dry lips, especially for its non-toxic properties. You'd also like this if you want a great-tasting scrub!
On the other hand, most reviewers love that this lip scrub gently removes skin debris without stripping your skin off moisture. They further mention that it lasts for a long time and is very easy to use.
This Sara Happ lip scrub comes in a yummy pink grapefruit flavor that is safe to lick away after exfoliation. Formulated with grapeseed oil and jojoba seed oil, it can deliver the needed moisture to your lips and keep them soft and smooth.
Gently massage a pea-sized amount onto your lips in a circular motion for about 30 seconds and wipe away or wash it off. This lip scrub can efficiently remove the lip gloss or lipstick stains from your lips by the end of the day without removing the healthy layers of your lip skin.
For some buyers, one caveat of this lip scrub is the dry texture that makes it hard to apply. Nevertheless, the majority are contented with the moisturizing properties of this lip scrub and further mention that it softens their lips wonderfully.
If you're looking for a sugar-free lip scrub option, consider this product! This scrub uses all-natural honey crystals to exfoliate your lips. Also, honey is a gentle exfoliating ingredient, so this scrub is great for all types of lip skin, even for those with sensitive lips.
Additionally, the blend of castor seed oil and cocoa seed butter works to moisturize and condition your lips. Use the scrub twice a week and you will soon be staring at a healthy and conditioned pout.
Some reviewers comment that the lip scrub doesn't have a lot of scrubbing power. So those with dry lips might have to use extra scrub to remove dryness and rub away the dead skin. Yet, the majority love this lip scrub for its moisturizing formula. They are also happy with the honey scent and say the scrub tastes a little bit sweet.
This lip scrub is made with three different types of sugar, including blonde, brown, and white, to give your lips the exfoliation they need. It also combines cocoa butter and coconut oil to nourish and smoothen your lips.
Use them three times a week and you will soon boast a pair of refined and smooth lips. However, unlike most other scrubs that are formulated with natural ingredients, these aren't edible. When you're done, gently wipe them with a towel or wash with lukewarm water. These also aren't suitable for chapped lips.
Some reviewers mention that the scrub doesn't exfoliate that well, while a few others notice that it leaves a greasy residue even after rubbing it in. However, many reviewers love the cocoa scent. Those with dry, sensitive skin also appreciate how this lip scrub deeply hydrates their skin without causing allergic reactions.
This conditioning lip scrub from Chapstick is made for all who want regular exfoliation of their lips. It contains a host of emollients such as shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil to condition your lips; and natural sugar crystals gently exfoliate dead and dry skin from your lips.
However, some of the ingredients like iron oxide and citric acid included in the scrub might irritate those with sensitive lips. For some buyers, this scrub is too gentle and doesn't remove all their dead skin. So, it's great for those looking for moderate exfoliation.
Most reviewers comment that this lip scrub conditions the lips well and notice that their lips become softer and feel more refreshed after using it. They say it has a pleasant scent, too!
This soothing lip exfoliator from Henné Organics uses organic cane sugar to exfoliate and oils to moisturize. It also uses vitamin E to brighten lip skin for a healthy glow. We also like that it comes in a relaxing lavender mint scent (as well as Nordic Berries and Rose Diamonds).
Formulated with organic ingredients, this scrub is a safe bet on those with sensitive lips as well. However, the inclusion of peppermint might give a tingling sensation on those with cracked and chapped lips.
According to some reviewers, it dries out over time. In that case, you can mix a pea-sized amount of scrub with a few drops of coconut oil to exfoliate easily. But most users compliment the gentle, non-irritating formula that makes their lips feel smooth and soft. Reviewers comment that it tastes and smells great, too!
Diva Stuff brings in this gentle exfoliating lip scrub to remove dead skin cells and to lighten your lips from within. While the sugar in the scrub exfoliates your lips and seals in moisture, the combination of castor oil, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E keeps them moisturized with a healthy glow. It also comes in a ton of different flavors.
According to some reviews, the sugar granules in the scrub are big, so scrubbing them onto the lips is not that easy. Try mixing it with a few drops of coconut oil or castor oil and apply to your lips. Leave it on for two to three minutes before scrubbing it on.
Yet, the majority are amazed that the scent smells just like cake batter and add that this lip scrub is tasty, too! Many are also impressed at how well this lip scrub exfoliates their dead skin cells. Plus, it leaves their lips feeling buttery smooth and plump afterward!
A new lip scrub by the brand Kylie Skin made by Kylie Jenner is a gentle exfoliant that buffs away dead skin and is nourishing to lips. This is a great product to apply to your skin prep before makeup. I like to apply this lip scrub as I apply my moisturizer to the face before a makeup application. It is a great self-care routine.
It is made with shea butter, sugar crystals, and oils to soften the lips. I like to store it in a cool temp place to add a cooling sensation when applied. My clients love when I apply this lip scrub before doing their makeup; they say how it makes their lips feel so soft and plump before applying any lip color. My clients also examine that their lip color tends to last a little longer when I apply the lip scrub in the prep stage.
Usage of a lip scrub might sound easy. However, you must ensure you do it the right way. If you do not exfoliate well, you will not get the desired effect. Likewise, if you exfoliate excessively, it can result in irritation of your lips. Keep in mind a few tips before you venture into exfoliating your pout.
Scrubbing your lips at least once a week ensures you leave no chance for dead skin to build-up on them. This applies to even those whose lips are in a healthy state.
No matter what state your lips are in, you should not exfoliate more than twice a week. The skin on your lips is delicate, so excessive scrubbing can cause healthy skin layers to shed. It can also cause redness and irritation.
Before using a lip scrub, we recommend you dampen your lips or moisturize them with a balm. This ensures that the scrub can be massaged easily onto your lips.
You can either apply the scrub directly onto your lips or stroke it gently using a toothbrush to exfoliate. If you are massaging using your finger, make circular motions for about 30 seconds for ideal exfoliation. If your scrub has moisturizing ingredients, massage the scrub and leave it on for a minute before washing it off.
Many lip balms are edible. If your scrub has natural ingredients, you can lick up the left-over scrub from your lips. To finish off the process, apply a moisturizing lip balm to your lips to condition them. If you'd rather wash it off, we recommend using lukewarm water or a damp cloth.
Use a repairing lip balm if your lips were cracked and dry before exfoliation; pure petroleum jelly can help by sealing the lips from moisture loss and rehydrating the outer layer of the lips. However, excess application can result in further dryness.
Do not use lip scrubs on sunburned lips. Doing so can cause further irritation on your lips. Instead, use an after-sun gel or aloe to soothe and heal the sunburn before you consider using a lip scrub.
Petroleum jelly will seal the heat from the burn, so we don't recommend using that, either. We also advise avoiding lip scrub use on blistered or damaged lips.
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Natalya also took the time to answer a commonly-asked question about lip scrubs.
"A simple and easy DIY lip scrub would contain one teaspoon of honey and two teaspoons of sugar," Natalya explains. "The main components of a lip scrub are an exfoliant and a nutritious agent.
A coconut and honey lip scrub is also a simple DIY option, especially since many people have these ingredients already in their kitchen. One teaspoon of coconut oil, one teaspoon of honey, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and a half teaspoon of water are all you need. Mix all together and scrub! Adding eight drops of peppermint can give you that cooling sensation to your lips."
Have a look at a few other lip care products from the following articles that can transform the condition of your lips and enhance your appearance!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Handmade Heroes|Ultra Sexy Scrub|Coconut sorbet
No. 2: Hanalei |Sugar Lip Scrub
No. 3: French Girl |Rose Lip Polish
No. 4: Beauty by Earth|Vanilla Sugar Scrub |Vanilla
No. 5: Sara Happ|Pink Grapefruit Lip Scrub|Pink Grapefruit
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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