Lanolips Hydrating Balm: The Under-the-Radar Lip Savior with Lasting Moisture
Lanolips Balm: The Secret to Lasting Lip Hydration

Lanolips Hydrating Balm: The Under-the-Radar Lip Savior with Lasting Moisture

For lip balm enthusiasts, the quest for the perfect product is never-ending. From classic brands like Chapstick and Burt's Bees to viral options from Laneige and Glossier, the market is flooded with choices. However, a lesser-known brand, Lanolips, is gaining attention for its exceptional hydrating properties, thanks to a unique ingredient: lanolin.

The Power of Lanolin

Lanolips 101 Ointment is formulated with lanolin, an oil derived from sheep's wool that closely mimics human skin's natural oils. Experts highlight lanolin's ability to penetrate the lips' moisture barrier due to its high fat content, providing long-lasting hydration. The lanolin used in Lanolips products is sourced cruelty-free as a byproduct of wool washing, making it generally safe unless you have a wool allergy—always perform a patch test first.

Personal Experience and Recommendations

HuffPost senior shopping writer Tessa Flores swears by Lanolips, noting its effectiveness for her extremely dehydrated skin. "I have one of these tubes just about everywhere in my apartment, car, and every bag I own," Flores said. She praises the formula for staying on her lips for hours without constant reapplication, offering a glossy finish that isn't sticky or obnoxious.

Inspired by Flores' recommendation, I tried the strawberry-flavored balm, though options like watermelon, peach, minty, and banana cream pie are available. The packaging is cute and fun, but the real appeal lies in the formula.

Formula and Feel

The colorless, simple formula is comparable in thickness to Vaseline and Glossier's Balm Dotcom, though most flavored Balm Dotcoms have tints. I prefer an untinted balm for everyday use, which can be layered over other lip products. Lanolips is less greasy than Vaseline and only feels slightly sticky immediately after application.

The standout feature is its longevity. Unlike many balms that seem to evaporate or worsen dryness, Lanolips stays put. After a minute of absorption, I can go hours without reapplication, except after eating. It even protects lips in subzero temperatures without cracking or discomfort.

Value and Versatility

Reviews consistently note that a little goes a long way, making the tube last. One user reported a tube lasting a year with nightly and morning use, turning the initial price into a bargain. Beyond lips, dermatologists suggest using it on cuticles, elbows, and other dry patches—though those with acne-prone skin should avoid oil-based products like lanolin.

Rave Reviews

Lanolips has earned a spot among great hydrating lip products, with many calling it their "holy grail." Here are some highlights from Amazon reviews:

  • "After years of trying lip balms, this one is THE ONE. A little goes a long way... leaves your lips looking and feeling moisturized and plump." — Ashley
  • "This is hands down my favorite lip balm. It works to hydrate my lips without feeling like I need more in 5 minutes." — chasity
  • "This stuff saved my life... my lips have never been so soft." — Raina Gately
  • "This has been my go-to product for almost 9 years. I can’t imagine living without this stuff." — Berkley M.
  • "It’s thick and super hydrating without feeling sticky and it actually stays on." — Ashley Marie

Alternative Hydrating Lip Balms

If you're exploring other options, here are some top picks from a roundup by contributor Emily Laurence:

  1. Maed Revive Lip Balm and Topicals Slick Salve: A winter lip care combo praised for its rich, nourishing feel and soothing properties.
  2. Burt’s Bees Anti-Aging Lip Balm: A vitamin E-rich cream under $10 that helps maintain moisture barriers, with over 16,000 positive Amazon reviews.
  3. Jack Black Lip Balm with SPF 25: Features shea butter and sun protection, essential for preserving skin health.
  4. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: An overnight treatment with antioxidant-rich berry fruit complex and shea butter for soft, smooth lips.
  5. Revision Skincare Lip Balm: A colorless balm with hyaluronic acid and THD ascorbate for moisture retention and plumping effects.
  6. IT Cosmetics Anti-Aging Lip Balm: Offers tinted options with antioxidant ingredients like sweet cherry seed oil.
  7. Yuglow Lip Balm: Combines coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, and jojoba oil with a peachy scent.
  8. Collagen-Infused Lip Balm: Packed with three types of collagen to fill lip lines and plump lips, usable around the eyes.
  9. Collagen Lip Masks: A pack of masks worn for 20 minutes to reduce fine lines.
  10. Julep Glossy Balm: Doubles as an overnight mask with shea butter and antioxidant-rich extracts, available in multiple hues.
  11. U Beauty Anti-Aging Lip Balm: A pricier option formulated to boost collagen production in three days with hyaluronic acid and vitamins.
  12. Grown Alchemist Lip Repair Balm: A 100% vegan treatment with tri-peptides and African butter tree extract for plumping and moisturizing.
  13. Hourglass Lip Oil: A clear oil with essential oils and vitamins to moisturize and reduce lip wrinkles.
  14. Kaplan MD Lip Duo: Includes a balm with SPF 30 and a mask with hyaluronic acid and plant extracts, all under $20.

Lanolips may not have the name recognition of some brands, but its impressive reviews and effective formula make it a standout choice for anyone seeking lasting lip hydration.