14 Must-Try Best Lip Balm for Cold Sores in 2023

Lip balm is like a wax substance that provides relief for cold sores. This cosmetic product is similar to lipstick in giving moisture and vibrancy to the lips. Most lip balms are made of beeswax, petroleum, and shea butter, including a hydrating ingredient like vitamin E. It prevents and soothes chapped, dry lips and cold sores. Cold sores are small blisters that can be irritating to the lips. Lip balm helps relieve the pain of this viral infection. A good lip balm that performs well on the lips has castor oil and hemp seed oil. This cosmetic product is suitable for taking care of the lips since it gives multiple benefits. It can be used as a hydrating lip product to nourish the lips and prevent them from drying or breaking. One should consider a lip balm that stands for any temperature and with maximum hydrating power. Lip balm should glide effortlessly to the lips to keep them smooth and soft. Use lip balms daily to keep the lips hydrated, preventing dryness and harmful infections. Lip balms and drinking a glass of water are the best combination to achieve hydrated lips and skin. 

Lip balms are considered one of the treatments for cold sores, and it is divided into two categories. The first category of lip balms comprises mild natural analgesic ingredients, such as menthol, that numbs up the lips and provides relief for the itchiness and discomfort caused by the cold sore. Most lip balms are promoted as an all-purpose treatment for chapped lips to cold sores. The second category is made up of antiviral lip balms containing the active ingredient docosanol or behenyl alcohol, which is designed to inhibit the cause of cold sores, the HSV-1 virus. Docosanol is the only FDA-approved topical medication for cold sores. Since the medicine is quickly absorbed through the oral or lips, lip balm containing docosanol is made for treating cold sores. This article will further explain the types of lip balms for cold sores.

Listed below are the top selected must-try best lip balm for cold sores in 2023.

1. Best With Natural Ingredients: The best natural ingredients lip balm in 2023 is Burt’s Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm. It relieves the pain and itching due to its natural oil from eucalyptus and other natural ingredients it contains. It also has a cooling effect and natural fragrance.
2. Best For Fast Relief: The best fast relief vegan lip balm in 2023 is Quantum Health Lip Clear Lysine+ Lip Care Ointment because of its fast action relief which reduces the healing time soreness, pain, and redness. It is made up of ingredients that can provide quick itch and pain relief.  
3. Best For Sun Protection: The best for sun protection vegan lip balm product is Herpecin-L Lip Balm because it is enriched with lysine, vitamin B6, C, and E, lemon balm, and SPF 30, which protects the lips from the sun. It gives relief not only for cold sores but also for fever blisters, dry, chapped lips, and sun exposure. 
   
   

1. Burt’s Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm (Best With Natural Ingredients)

Burt’s Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm is made up of organic butter and natural eucalyptus oil extract, designed for temporary itch and pain reliever caused by cold sores and fever blisters. It can also moisten, soften, and hydrate the lips. This lip balm is used for chapped lips with 0.9 percent menthol, which causes cooling effects and alleviates the discomfort of the lips. The eucalyptus aroma creates the soothing effect and natural fragrance. The lip becomes kissable, soft, and plump due to its melting butter. To easily treat the lips,  simply apply the lip balm to the lips during dry, cold or windy conditions as much as needed or no more than 3-4 times daily. This lip balm is for external use only. The average price of Burt’s Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm ranges from £3.30 to £7.02 GBP. Its overall rating is 3.9 out of 5 stars, mainly because it eases lip discomfort quickly

Burt’s Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm Advantages	Burt’s Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm Disadvantages
Lightens lip	Slightly dries up lips
With natural fragrance and cooling effect
Fast-acting relief

Shop Burt's Bees Lip Balm at Amazon

2. Quantum Health Lip Clear Lysine+ Lip Care Ointment (Best For Fast Relief)

Quantum Health Lip Clear Lysine+ Lip Care Ointment is a lip balm that contains natural herbal ingredients such as menthol, lysine, calendula, olive oil and propolis, and zinc oxide to manage damaged lips caused by cold sores. Menthol helps relieve the pain. Lysine, an amino acid that is arginine suppressant and nourishes the skin. Calendula makes the skin calm, dry, and soothes. Olive oil and propolis moisturises the lips. Zinc oxide is a viral reproduction inhibitor and provides quick healing. It can also be applied with makeup products and has a long-lasting effect. For optimal results, apply liberally every two hours for adults and children. Make sure to wash hands thoroughly before and after applying. Store at room temperature, close the cover tightly, and avoid placing it in direct sunlight. Quantum Health Lip Clear Lysine+ Lip Care Ointment is for external use only. The average price of Quantum Health Lip Clear Lysine+ Lip Care Ointment is £7.63 GBP, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars due to its herbal ingredients that are capable of healing the damaged skin.

3. Herpecin-L Lip Balm (Best For Sun Protection)

Herpecin-L Lip Balm contains different active ingredients such as lysine which prevents the growth of bacteria, vitamins B6, C, E, and lemon balm which help the chapped lips to calm, soften, moisten, and soothe. It also has an SPF 30 lip balm which protects the lips from the sun. It is used on the affected area of the lips by simply rubbing it at first sign of cold soreness and fifteen minutes before exposing to the sun. For crack and dry lips, cover the lips with it until absorbed to moisten and soften the lips. Moreover, Herpecin-L Lip Balm is safe for everyday use, not just for the treatment of cold sores. Herpecin-L Lip Balm’s average price is £7.46 GBP. The overall rating is 4 out of 5 stars, mainly because it can protect the lips from sun exposure.

Herpecin-L Lip Balm Advantages	Herpecin-L Lip Balm Disadvantages
Fast-acting relief	Can sometimes be itchy
Provides sun protection
Non-waxy product

4. Dan’s CortiBalm Lip Balm

Dan’s CortiBalm Lip Balm is used for the relief of dry and chapped lips caused by cold sores, allergies, cosmetics, medications, weather, and fever blisters. It is made up of natural beeswax extract, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and one percent hydrocortisone, a topical medicine used to help relieve skin conditions such as redness, swelling, itching, and other skin discomfort. The natural beeswax helps protect the hydrating cover of the lips and seals moisture. It is hypoallergenic which is ideal for most skin disorders and the number one dermatologist recommended lip balm. For fast lip recovery, it is highly effective for 24 hours and best applies at least three to four times when the developing cold sore is noticed. The average price of Dan’s CortiBalm Lip Balm is £16.73 GBP. The overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars, mainly because of its capability to reduce time of healing not just for chapped lips, but also for any type of skin disease.

Dan’s CortiBalm Lip Balm Advantages	Dan’s CortiBalm Lip Balm Disadvantages
Suitable for sensitive skin	Not preferable for lip eczema
No harsh chemicals or ingredients that delay the healing process	Can sometimes make the lips dry
Reduce irritation and discomfort

5. BlistexLip Medex Lip Balm

BlistexLip Medex Lip Balm is used for relieving dry and chapped lips caused by cold sores and fever blisters. It is made up of camphor, methanol, beeswax, lanolin, castor seed oil, organic shea butter, and cocoa seed butter. The nut butter is an excellent moisturising ingredient that is absorbed by the lips, leading to a smooth, plump, and soft feel. It is used for the sore lips to return to its moisture stability, which is provided by the BlistexLip Medex Lip Balm’s natural barrier. It also has medicated and botanical extracts that create a cooling effect to help relieve the hot and itching sensation of the lips.  Furthermore, it is also used by professional makeup artists to maintain the smooth texture of the lip before applying colour. Apply enough amount and leave on for five minutes to moisten the lips, then remove the excess after. It should also be applied fifteen minutes before exposing to the sun. The BlistexLip Medex Lip Balm is sold varies for its ounce. BlistexLip Medex Lip Balm 0.15 ounces with pack of 3 costs £5.28 GBP and 0.25 ounces with pack of 12 costs £14.97 GBP. The overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars, mainly because of its fast healing effects and natural barrier that protects the lip.

BlistexLip Medex Lip Balm Advantages	BlistexLip Medex Lip Balm Disadvantages
With fast healing effect	Contains some toxic ingredients
Ease dryness
With cooling effect

6. Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Lip Rescue

Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Lip Rescue is a therapeutic lip balm made up of eco-rich ingredients, such as tea tree oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E. The botanical extracts help lessen the redness, soreness, and swelling of the lips caused by cold sores.  Tea tree oil helps in preventing swelling and growth of bacteria because of its antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory components. The aloe vera extract creates a cooling effect and helps in redefining the skin. The natural beeswax smoothens and protects the dry cracked lips. It  also has spearmint and peppermint cooling flavour that helps in reducing the burning feeling. It is used in moisturising and hydrating the lips by softening the tissue cells, leaving a shine and smooth lips. Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Lip Rescue also protects the lips from any weather conditions and pollutants. It is a cruelty-free product and does not contain any ingredients derived from animals, in which it guarantees no harmful effects. Its average price ranges from £2.50 to £8.28 GBP, depending on the ounce. Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Lip Rescue received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, mainly because of its eco-harvest ingredients and antiseptic nature.

Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Lip Rescue Advantages	Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Lip Rescue Disadvantages
Antimicrobial	Grainy texture
No added fragrance or colour
TEA/MEA/DEA-free

7. Urban ReLeaf Lemon Balm & Lysine Extreme Lip Defense

Urban ReLeaf Lemon Balm & Lysine Extreme Lip Defense is a lip balm made of a natural lemon balm and lysine that builds up collagen in the skin, which helps protect and soothe the lips faster and prevents any future skin breakouts. It has a cooling, tranquillisation, healing, and tightening formula. It is used to treat chapped lips and skin chapped lips caused by cold sores by enhancing its flexibility and firmness. Likewise, it also has a fast-acting effect due to the zinc oxides it contains. This is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory product and is safe for everyday use. A hundred percent herbal product, drug-free, safe for children and individuals with sensitive skin type. The price of Urban ReLeaf Lemon Balm & Lysine Extreme Lip Defense is £8.27 GBP. This lip balm received an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars,  mainly because of its protection that prevents the lip from future outbreaks.

Urban ReLeaf Lemon Balm & Lysine Extreme Lip Defense Advantages	Urban ReLeaf Lemon Balm & Lysine Extreme Lip Defense Disadvantages
Suppresses future breakout	Too grainy texture
Heals and soothes lip	Stick can easily be broken
Fast-acting effect

8. Christopher’s Cold Sore Relief Lip Balm

Christopher’s Cold Sore Relief Lip Balm is made of natural herbs such as goldenseal root, garlic bulb, skullcap herb, olive oil, and beeswax. The goldenseal root helps lessen the swelling when applied to rashes and ulcers, as well as lessen the infection and itchiness. The tingling sensation, blisters, and cold sores are soothed and healed by the natural antiseptic properties that the balm contains. The garlic functions as the bacterial growth preventer as it consists of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties. Soft, smooth, and plumped lip are caused by the moisturising benefits of the olive oil. Christopher’s Cold Sore Relief Lip Balm’s main function is to treat the lip pain. Although it has a smooth and soft effect, some other customer reviews indicate that when they apply the balm to their lips, it is a bit dry. The average price ranges from £5.02 to £6.27 GBP, and received an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars due to its antibacterial components.

9. DocoShield Cold Sore Prevention Lip Balm

DocoShield Cold Sore Prevention Lip Balm keeps the lips hydrated, healthy, and plump with its botanical and jojoba extracts. It also offers a full relief from cold sores, fever blisters, and oral herpes. It is made of ten percent docosanol, an effective antiviral formula that helps in preventing the virus from infecting the healthy cells by stopping the growth and spread of the viral cells. Regular use of DocoShield Cold Sore Prevention Lip Balm can prevent and treat the outbreak of cold sores by simply applying it twice daily for a more effective result. It has a light fragrance and smooth texture that makes the lips feel fresh and more hydrated. The average price is £6.27 GBP, and an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars, because it provides lip hydration.

DocoShield Cold Sore Prevention Lip Balm Advantages	DocoShield Cold Sore Prevention Lip Balm Disadvantages
Stabilises swelling	Too waxy texture
Easy to apply	Leaves an awful taste
Prevents harbouring virus

10. Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment

Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment is made to ease the lip sores, itching, pain, and blisters. It consists of 0.5 percent camphor, 1.1 percent dimethicone, 0.63 percent methanol, and 0.5 percent phenol. These active ingredients are antifungal and are capable of soothing, healing, moisturising, and hydrating cracked and irritated lips. For an effective result, use this lip ointment for five minutes, then remove excess before applying any colouring products. It is also a clinical-proven product. The average price of Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment is £18 GBP. The overall rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars, mainly because of its fast healing effect.

Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment Advantages	Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment Disadvantages
Deep penetration	Slightly expensive
Emollient base	Has unappealing smell
Enhances lip moisture

11. Carmex Cold Daily Care Lip Balm

Carmex Cold Daily Care Lip Balm is made for smoothing, soothing, and softening the lips skin. It consists of octinoxate and oxybenzone ingredients that serve as lip protection from sun exposure and other environmental pollutants. The moist formula blends with other natural minerals it contains to protect the soreness and redness of the lips. It guarantees a harmless effect because it is clinically-proven and dermatologically-tested, which is best for treating lip itching and pain. It is allowed for everyday use. The average price of Carmex Cold Daily Care Lip Balm is £18 GBP. The overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars due to its harmless ingredients and skin protection. 

Carmex Cold Daily Care Lip Balm Advantages	Carmex Cold Daily Care Lip Balm Disadvantages
With broad-spectrum sunscreen	Can make lips darker
Can be easily absorb	Is not a hundred percent vegan
Moisten and protect lips

12. Carmex Classic Lip Balm

Carmex Classic Lip Balm is used as a lip mask at night to rejuvenate and soften the lips. It heals, soothes, protects, and provides comfort for chapped lips and dry lips caused by cold sores. It contains oil that forms a barrier to protect the lips from being dehydrated. It also contains salicylic acid which removes dead skin cells, and camphor and menthol which provides a cooling effect. To use this, apply to lips not more than 3 to 4 times a day, both for adults and children ageing to 2 years old. This lip balm is recommended for external use only. Its average price varies depending on its ounces and pack. 0.25 ounces in 4-12 packs range from £3.98 to £11.9 GBP. The Carmex Classic Lip Balm received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, mainly because it softens the lips with just one use.

Carmex Classic Lip Balm Advantages	Carmex Classic Lip Balm Disadvantages
With sun protection	Contains some toxic ingredients
Works best with just one use	Not suitable for individuals with sensitive skin

13. AverTeax Daily Lip Protector

AverTeax Daily Lip Protector is used for treating dry, cracked, and chapped lips naturally. It is made up of natural ingredients that help bring the lips to its healthy state. One of the ingredients is green tea, which is responsible for the nourishment and protection of the delicate skin. Others are natural oil extract such as grape seed, sweet almond, and combined vitamin E, beeswax, aloe vera, green tea, shea, and cocoa butter with eucalyptus that nourishes, moisturises, and rejuvenates the skin. Green tea together with SPF 30 is responsible for protecting the skin from oxidative damage due to its antioxidant components. For an optimal result, apply six to ten times daily for the first signs of cold sore symptoms and for lip protection and moisturiser. It is also beneficial to use during weather conditions. This lip balm is an over-the-counter product recommended by pharmacists and is clinically-proven with cold sore inhabitant formula. The average price of AverTeax Daily Lip Protector ranges from £8.20 to £9.21 GBP and still varies depending on the shop. The AverTeax Daily Lip Protector received a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, mainly because it contains all-natural ingredients that are harmless to the skin.

AverTeax Daily Lip Protector Advantages	AverTeax Daily Lip Protector Disadvantages
Anti-inflammatory	Texture is too sticky
With sun protection	Unclear pricing
Dermatologically-tested

14. Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm

Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm is an unscented organic lip balm that gives dry lips a real soothing relief. It is made up of rich botanical ingredients and free from any harmful or toxic ingredients. It has no fragrance, but it comes with different natural flavours such as creamy cocoa, sweet orange, vanilla bean, and cool mint. Preparation of Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm is through a low temperature to maintain its antioxidant components and naturally rich ingredients. It can be applied easily, just simply put some amount on the lips anytime. It can also be used for dry cuticles and skin patches that are dry and small. The average price of this lip balm is £4.18 GBP. It received an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, mainly because of its different flavours and unscented fragrance, which do not leave an awful smell after hours of application.

Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm Advantages	Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm Disadvantages
Cruelty and Gluten-free	Dries up lip sometimes
Does not contain chemical ingredients	Does not last long
Certified organic	Not suitable for sensitive skin

How to choose the best Lip balm for cold sores?

To choose the best lip balm for cold sores, it is important to consider the ingredients used in formulating the lip balm before using it. Choose the lip balm with all natural ingredients to prevent damaging the skin cells. It is better to pick the lip balm with sunscreen, so it can protect the lips from sun exposure and heal the dryness of lips. To individuals with sensitive skin type, it is recommended to use a hypoallergenic lip balm to prevent worsening of the condition and skin reactions. Most importantly, choose the lip balm that is clinically-proven and dermatologically recommended because it guarantees users a healthy application and effective result. 

What to look for in a lip balm ingredients for cold sores?

To look for lip balm ingredients for cold sores, choose the lip balm with natural oil extracts, vegan, natural herbs, non-toxic chemicals, with vitamins and minerals, and antiviral ingredients. These types of ingredients help in soothing and relieving lip pain, dryness, itching, and discomfort. With these types of ingredients, it also contains natural components that do not give harmful skin reactions and prevent skin damage. With minerals and vitamins such as vitamin B6, C, E, and broad spectrum sunscreen, the lips will absorb these ingredients, causing it to become smooth, soft, hydrated, and healthy by restoring the damaged cells. Also, one of the best ingredients lip balm for cold sores that must be looked for are those with antiviral ingredients because it has components that prevent and fight back viruses such as herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) which is the main cause for cold sores. 

What are the best lip balm with natural minerals for cold sores?

The best lip balms with natural minerals are Burt’s Bees Medicated Moisturizing Lip Balm, Herpecin-L Lip Balm, Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Lip Rescue, Christopher’s Cold Sore Relief Lip Balm, and Badger Cocoa Butter Lip Balm. These are the best lip balm with natural minerals for cold sores because they contain all-natural ingredients that are healthy for all skin types and have a low possibility of damaging the skin cells. They have natural components that are capable of faster healing and protect the lips from virus infections.

What Most recommended lip balm for cold sores?

The most recommended lip balm for cold sores is the Herpecin-L Lip Balm because it contains natural ingredients, vitamins and minerals, sun protection, and antiviral components. It is not only for treating chapped lips and soreness, but it also prevents the lips from cracking, dryness, sun exposure that can damage skin cells, and from future viral contamination.

Can lip balm treat the cold sores?

Yes, lip balm can treat cold sores, but not all lip balm products. Lip balms containing natural ingredients are effective in treating cold sores. However, some lip balms are only effective for soothing the itchiness and soreness of the lips caused by cold sores, but not completely treating or healing them. It is also an important reminder that when treating cold sores using lip balm, it is recommended to use it once, then disregard it immediately after it achieves its purpose. To answer the question “Do Cold Sore Lip Balms Work?”, yes, it works, but do not use the same lip balm used in treating cold sores for every day or normal use. It is because once it is applied on an active sore, it is already considered contaminated, and using it after the healing process may trigger cold sores. 

Does Vaseline work well on lip cold sores?

Yes, it works to soothe cold sores, but not cure them. Vaseline only helps to calm and relieve the pain of the irritated area. The product can be used as a protective layer from other irritants that might cause more harmful effects on the lips. One should consider moisturising the lips using lip balms to prevent skin from cracking and drying. It can be noted that lip balms can moisturise and protect the lips from harmful bacteria and infections. Using lip balms daily can nourish the lips, leaving it protected and plumped.