Lip balms are great to use daily and if you need quick moisturizing, but there are days where lip balms just won’t cut it. On days or nights when your lips are dry, chapped, and irritated, you can opt for hydrating and protective lip masks instead.
After doing research that has been backed by a board certified dermatologist, we've come up with a list of the 10 best lip masks that address common concerns like dryness and irritation. One of our favorites is the cult favorite, Laneige’s Sleeping Mask. It's moisturizing and will make your lips soft and supple overnight. Go through the rest of the list to see what other lip masks you can try, and make sure to read through our buying guide full of helpful tips and advice!
Quick List - Top Lip Masks
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
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.
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Table of Contents
Before choosing a lip mask, here are three key points to keep in mind. After going through this buying guide we prepared for you, we hope you find the perfect lip mask for you!
Chapped and dry lips are a common complaint, but lip masks can help with that. Here are a few key ingredients to keep an eye out for to get the ultimate nourishment.
Unlike our faces, our lips do not have pores and oil glands. This means that the lips do not produce natural oils and sweat, so they are more prone to getting dry and chapped. Climate can play a massive role in causing your lips to dry up and get chapped, including dry winter weather and very sunny weather.
While there aren't many lip masks that offer SPF protection from UV rays, there are plenty of masks to address dry lips caused by other environmental factors like free radicals and dryness. Go for lip masks with botanical oils such as castor seed oil, jojoba oil, hemp seed oil, and almond oil to address free radical damage and dryness.
These oils are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that serve as a protective barrier that can lock in moisture and hydration on the lips, especially during cold and dry weather. Some of these oils also contain natural plumping and anti-aging ingredients that restore the lips' youthful look.
The lack of humidity in combination with the use of heaters during the cold winter months makes every inch of skin dry, including the fragile lip skin. Lip masks can be used a few times a week to restore hydration to the lips.
Oil-based masks give an immediate softening effect, which is great, but they also provide long-lasting hydration so that the softening effect can last hours to days after the mask.
Everyday habits such as biting and licking your lips can cause the lips to dry up. Saliva can actually strip the moisture from your lips because it evaporates so quickly, which can dry them up even more.
It's hard to kick these habits, but you can alleviate symptoms by opting for lip masks with shea butter and cocoa butter! Shea butter contains fatty acids and antioxidants that help maintain the moisture of the lips. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can heal and soothe chapped lips.
Cocoa butter comes from cocoa beans and is infused with vitamins A and E. These vitamins are beneficial in restoring the lips and keeping them smooth and healthy. Lock in moisture in your lips with cocoa butter.
Lip licking is a common habit that can result in sore, chapped lips. Using a moisturizing, thick, deeply hydrating barrier mask with shea butter or cocoa butter can leave the lips hydrated for hours and protect them from chronic moisture loss.
For lip lickers dermatitis - a rash that comes from chronic lip licking and moisture - a topical steroid from your dermatologist may be necessary, but you should use a hydrating mask or balm in combination with the prescription for best results.
If you experience severely chapped and cracked lips caused by dehydration, look for lip masks with hydrators like botanical extracts and hyaluronic acid, a well-known humectant (a substance that draws moisture to the surface).
Botanical ingredients like aloe vera have vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve cracked lips. Coconut oil is an emollient, which means it can soften and soothe the skin. Honey is useful in treating dry lips due to its moisturizing ability. It also has antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties that help with severely cracked lips.
There are a ton of lip masks that contain different fruit and plant extracts. These lip masks are full of vitamins and antioxidants that can help you moisturize and rejuvenate the lips. Regularly drink water and apply lip masks if you are dehydrated to keep yourself and your lips healthy.
Avoid coconut oil masks if you are acne-prone, as these can trigger acne outbreaks around the lips. Fruit extracts may trigger contact dermatitis if you have sensitive skin or are prone to eczema.
It's not fun dealing with flaky and scaly lips. If you experience a build-up of dead skin cells on the lips, exfoliating lip masks can help bring back the natural softness and smoothness of the lips.
Look for a lip mask with vitamin C-containing ingredients, like lemon and orange, that will help you eliminate dead skin cell build-up and leave you with soft and supple lips. There are even lip masks that contain natural alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs can help regenerate skin cells to bring back your lip's healthy state.
However, it is not common to have exfoliants in lip masks. If you want to get rid of dead skin cells, you can use lip masks together with lip scrubs to thoroughly get rid of flaky, scaly, and chapped lips.
When looking for lip masks, go for ones that contain vitamins, fatty acids, and healthy oils. To be more specific, try for lip masks with ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, lanolin, and murumuru butter. These ingredients will keep the lips hydrated and slow down the water loss from the lips.
Beneficial natural oils include castor seed oil, jojoba oil, hemp seed oil, almond oil. They contain rich fatty acids and antioxidants that will moisturize and hydrate the lips. Plus, these ingredients help reduce fine lines and signs of aging.
As we mentioned, lip masks also may contain fruit and plant extracts like aloe vera, coconut oil, honey, and green tea. Ingredients like this are filled with vitamins, antioxidants, and properties that lock in moisture and hydration in the lips. If you struggle with dry and chapped lips, you should keep an eye out for these ingredients.
Some people complain of the lips becoming darker with time. This can be a result of friction or even sun exposure. If you have this concern, make sure you are wearing daily lip SPF. Masks with antioxidants and mild exfoliators, like AHAs, can be helpful.
When looking for the right lip mask for you, make sure to avoid products with potential irritants and harmful ingredients that could make the lips even drier.
Manufacturers often incorporate ingredients like phenol and menthol to provide a cooling or soothing sensation, but they tend to dry out the lips and shouldn't be used with certain skin conditions like eczema. You should avoid lip masks with fragrance if you are sensitive to scents and smells as they are a common cause of contact dermatitis.
Many people also worry about parabens, but parabens are in many skincare products and are excellent preservatives to keep the skincare fresh and bacteria-free. The majority of people have no issues using parabens.
If you are allergic to them, then avoid them, but that is the only real reason to actively seek out a paraben-free product. Avoid fragrances or essential oils if you are eczema-prone.
There are different types of masks, so let's find out which ones are available and you can decide which one will suit you best.
If you're looking for lip masks to keep at home by your vanity or nightstand, lip masks in tins might be for you. Lip masks in tins or jars are convenient and easy to use when you do your skincare at home. Moreover, it will be easy for you to evenly coat and target the part of the lips that need the most moisture.
However, lip masks in tins or jars may not be the most sanitary because they are exposed to more germs and microorganisms every time you dip your fingers in. This is a problem, especially for masks without applicators.
If you opt for a lip mask in a jar, get one with an applicator or look for an applicator you can use, like a cotton swab. Applicators will also allow you to control the amount of product you put on your lips. Either way, it is essential to keep your hands clean when applying the product to keep it all neat and sanitary.
If you are looking for lip masks you can easily travel with or carry with you everywhere; tube lip masks might be for you. Tube lip masks are very handy and convenient. These masks will fit well in your makeup bag or your carry-on luggage.
They come in thin tubes that help in saving space. Applying it will be as easy and mess-free as using your regular lip balm, and you can reapply throughout the day. Some even have a slight tint to them to give your lips a bit of color. You can bring these lip masks everywhere and put them on whenever you feel the need for deeper moisture and hydration.
Sheet masks aren’t only for the face anymore. There are also some for the lips! These sheet masks are soaked with different ingredients that are good for the lips. Put on these sheet masks when you feel the need to give your lips some extra loving and care.
You usually put on this mask, relax, and lie down for about 15 to 20 minutes until the serum has been thoroughly soaked up. It's best if you lie down because the lip masks tend to slide down and wobble. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to open your mouth or talk when you’re wearing one, which may be hard for some people!
If you think this might be a problem, it might be better to go for lip masks in tubes or tins. Mask-type ones are suitable for self-care days, where you want to take time to relax and give yourself that well-deserved break!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask|Berry | ![]() | Best All-Around Lip Mask on the Market | |
2 | fresh Applebutter Lip Mask | ![]() | Best for Strengthening the Lips' Moisture Barrier | |
3 | Kiehl's Buttermask for Lips | ![]() | Best Moisturizing Lip Mask for Winter Skincare | |
4 | Milk Makeup Melatonin Overnight Lip Mask | ![]() | Best for Rejuvenating Flaky Lips | |
5 | belif Sweet Clay Lip Mask | ![]() | Best Non-Irritating Lip Mask for Sensitive Lips | |
6 | I Dew Care Sleeping Lip Mask | ![]() | Best for Repairing and Hydrating Dry Lips | |
7 | Tarte SEA Jelly Glaze Anytime Lip Mask|Strawberry Jelly | ![]() | Best Tinted Lip Mask in a Tube | |
8 | florence by mills Matcha Moisturizing Lip Mask | ![]() | Best Lightweight and Gel-Like Lip Mask | |
9 | Milani FlashPatch Hydrating Lip Gels | ![]() | Best Vegan Lip Mask for Lightening Skin Discoloration | |
10 | Burt's Bees Moisturizing Lip Mask|6 pack | ![]() | Best Nourishing Sheet Masks for Chapped Lips |
Pros:
Cons:
Powered by a combination of fruit extracts such as strawberry, cranberry, and raspberry, this lip mask can provide soothing relief to dry and chapped lips while fighting signs of aging. The addition of hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan further increases hydration in the skin and leaves your lips feeling plump and healthy.
One drawback for some reviewers is the thick and greasy consistency. On the other hand, most mention that their lips become much smoother and softer after application. It's said this lip mask helps reduce fine lines on the lips. So, if you have lip lines or wrinkles, this product may be a good option for you!
Pros:
One key ingredient of this lip mask is berry wax, which can enhance the skin's protective barrier. It also has shea butter and nourishing botanical oils like black currant seed oil and grapeseed oil to keep the lips nourished and soft. Hyaluronic acid also provides much-needed hydration.
Some buyers complain that the moisturizing effect does not last for a long time. However, most are happy with the nourishing formula that leaves their lips feeling soft to the touch. The lip mask also spreads on easily and smoothly and doesn't make the skin greasy. It's said this lip mask is gentle for sensitive skin as well.
Pros:
Cons:
This lip mask is packed with plant-based oils and butters such as coconut oil, mango butter, coconut oil, and jojoba seed oil to supply dry and rough lips with abundant moisture and nourishment. The formula is also infused with willow bark extract and vanilla planifolia fruit extract to fight free radical damage.
There are some reports that this lip mask irritates their lips and causes redness. Still, most are pleased with the non-greasy texture. It's said that the lip mask keeps the skin moisturized even during the winter months.
Pros:
Topical melatonin and a berry blend of goji, acai, blueberry, and blackberry provide antioxidants that help restore and revitalize the lips. This lip mask also contains hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and olive fruit oil to keep your lips plump, smooth, and soft.
A few buyers mention that the lip mask doesn't sink into the skin and actually makes it feel greasy. But many reviewers love this mask's long-lasting moisturizing and healing properties and suggest it to people who struggle with dry and flaky lips. The mild and pleasant lavender scent gains a lot of compliments as well.
Pros:
Cons:
A few reviewers say the soothing effect wears off quickly, so they have to reapply it frequently. But this mask is still a staple for many buyers, particularly during the winter months. Sensitive skin users also like the gentle fragrance-free formula that doesn't further irritate their lips.
Pros:
Cons:
It also contains natural moisturizers such as shea butter, cocoa butter, olive oil, and jojoba oil. These ingredients will help in rejuvenating and revitalizing your lips. It also has vitamin C to neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals that can lead to premature aging.
The thick and sticky consistency is one con of this lip mask. But most people find it effective in hydrating and plumping up the lips. You can use this product as an overnight lip mask or as a lip butter throughout the day.
Pros:
Cons:
This subtly-tinted lip mask has plant-based oils with fatty acids that can restore moisture and enhance your lips' texture. It also contains hyaluronic acid and marine plant extracts to moisturize and make lips appear plumper.
Some buyers complain about the sticky texture of the lip mask, while some others find the scent too strong. However, many reviewers like how this mask sufficiently brings moisture to the lips. They also praise the subtle tint that makes the lips look rosy and healthy.
Pros:
Cons:
This lip mask is infused with apricot kernel oil, which can help the skin retain moisture and protect the lips from damage. The formula also includes squalane, an emollient that can smooth the skin and restore its radiance.
Some buyers share that this lip mask doesn't effectively moisturize their skin. Regardless, many love how the mask leaves their lips feeling soft and smooth after application. They also compliment the fruity scent and the jelly-like texture that feels nice on the lips.
Pros:
Cons:
Milani's Rose Butter Lip Mask features rose oil, which has strong brightening properties to improve the discoloration of your lips. It's also made with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, cupuacu butter, and hyaluronic acid to improve skin elasticity while supplying hydration and antioxidants.
There are some complaints of a sticky texture, but most buyers confirm that the mask is moisturizing, healing, and soothing. They are also pleased with its subtle rose scent. Many reviewers also say that this mask gives their lips a nice gloss.
Pros:
These sheet masks contain botanical oils like meadowfoam seed oil, sweet almond oil, and babassu oil to restore moisture to dry skin. It also has rosemary leaf extract, which has strong anti-inflammatory properties to soothe stressed skin.
A few reviewers find the lip masks hard to manage and keep on the lips as they are too big, but many confirm that these lip masks make their lips and the surrounding area soft, shiny, and supple. These masks are recommended for those with dry and chapped lips.
Lip masks are great for nourishing, but what about addressing other concerns, especially dead skin? Luckily, Dr. Levy has an answer to this commonly asked question.
Dr. Levy says, "When you have dry and flaking skin on your lips, avoid picking the dry skin off. This can lead to a condition called exfoliative cheilitis, which is when the lips chronically exfoliate, leaving behind dry and rough skin.
The more picking, the more flaking. If you do choose to use an exfoliant on your lips, make sure you follow it up with a hydrating mask or a hydrating balm."
No. 1: Laneige|Lip Sleeping Mask|Berry
No. 2: fresh |Applebutter Lip Mask
No. 3: Kiehl's|Buttermask for Lips
No. 4: Milk Makeup|Melatonin Overnight Lip Mask
No. 5: belif |Sweet Clay Lip Mask
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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