Four Years and 35 Samples Later… This Ultra-Hydrating Lip Balm Is Finally Available

No matter the copious amounts of lip balm you seem to apply on constant repeat, lips always seem to be flaky, dry, and sore all winter long. It shouldn’t be that difficult, right? Winter is tough on the delicate skin on your lips, which can easily become affected by harsh conditions, be it too much sun, cold temperatures, or piping hot heating. A balm should protect and heal lips and stick on for more than like, 10 minutes. Yet finding one that actually accomplishes those basic needs feels like the search for the Loch Ness Monster: never-ending, and yet we seem biologically programmed to not give up.

That same endless search is registered into Dr. Barbara Sturm’s DNA too. The doctor has a highly sought-after practice in Dusseldorf, Germany, but she’s possibly more known for her feverishly popular eponymous skincare brand ripe with molecular-level advancements that promote healthier, “fountain of youth” skin. Her newest launch is a product that took four years and 35 formulas to perfect: Say hello to her little friend, simply named Lip Balm ($55).

Lip Balm is rather special because it actually accomplishes what it says it will. It’s specifically made to soothe and hydrate dry and cracked lips, thanks to a natural blend of  plant-based oils, butters, and waxes—plus the addition of antioxidant Vitamin E. Ever the mad scientist when it comes to natural skincare that outperforms it’s promised effects, Dr. Sturm has made a balm that feels lightweight and silky, but it also gives a light, glossy sheen. When applied, it goes hard to work, protecting lips from free radicals, immediately soothing the lip surface, while also absorbing deeper to actually restore moisture levels and give long-term protection. Shea butter, avocado, coconut oil, cacao butter, sunflower oil, lanolin, and that handy Vitamin E work together as a motley crew of ingredients to replenish softness and elasticity in lips.

This is a lot of words all to say simply that it feels silky-smooth, actually lasts, is a dream to look at, and seems to be the only product that actually heals my damaged, winter-abused lips and prevents future dryness.

Look, $55 is kind of crazy to spend on a lip balm. I get it. I’d argue that it’s well worth the price to have a product that lasts well past winter, and you’d likely never leave home without it. It just so happens to be the perfect gift for that super-chic person in your life that seems to have everything. Who doesn’t need possibly the world’s best lip balm?

Not quite ready to pull the $55 trigger? Shop these under-$30 picks below.

Lanolips Coconutter 101 Ointment, $14

We’re still in love with Lanolips, especially the Coconutter 101 Ointment. It feels fantastic on and lasts for hours.

Bite Agave Lip Mask, $26

Another beloved is the Agave Lip Mask, which sticks onto lips like nobody’s business. I love to use this overnight and find it’s still on my lips when my morning alarm goes off. 

Skin Food Lip Butter, $6.99

Another super-exciting launch comes from a brand known for deep hydration—Weleda, which just launched Skin Food Lip Butter. The same rich formula as its cult-status Skin Food but formulated just for lips. It’s glossy and feels lovely, and while we wish it lasted longer, it comes in the cutest tube that we almost don’t mind reapplying.