Dry Lips? Try These 5 Ultra-Hydrating Lip Oils

The amount of lip products on the market these days may seem like overkill. Between balms, glosses, masks, and treatments—where do lip oils fit in? And do you really need them? If you find yourself constantly reapplying your balm throughout the day, the answer is: yes.

What are lip oils?

Think of lip oils like the underdog hybrid serum that combines the benefits of gloss, balm, and even lipstick. While there are plenty of lip products that add shine and hydration on the surface, lip oils penetrate deeply to hydrate, nourish, and even heal the lips. Not only are lip oils more effective against dryness and chapping, their nourishing effects also last much longer.

How are lip oils formulated differently?

Lip oils drench your lips with effective ingredients like hyaluronic acid, nourishing oils, and vitamins to boost moisture level, support the skin’s natural barrier, plump the look of lines, and shield against environmental damage—all without any stickiness.

Best clear lip oils

Jouer Cosmetics Essential Hydrating Lip Oil, $20

Infused with 99% plant-derived ingredients—including nourishing apricot and jojoba seed oils—this lush choice adds high shine and major hydration in just one stroke. You’ll be left with softer, smoother, healthier-looking lips with a glass-like shine.

UMA Absolute Anti-Aging Lip Oil, $32

Revitalize chapped, dehydrated skin and plump it with nutrition, moisture, and strength. This deeply nourishing lip oil is infused with avocado oil, grapeseed oil, lavender, geranium, and peppermint to restore youth and vitality instantly—and multiply results over time.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Lip Oil Crystal Elixir, $40

This soothing serum-oil hybrid features potent plant extracts, hyaluronic acid, and real crystals to hydrate, smooth, and plump the lips while improving the appearance of lip texture. The special blend melts into the lips and coats them in a soft, glossy finish for noticeably softer, smoother, more conditioned lips.

Best tinted lip oils

Hourglass Nº28 Lip Treatment Oil, $52

This intensive lip treatment is packed with 28 lipid-rich plant oils, vitamins, and powerful anti-aging actives to boost moisture levels, plump wrinkles, and improve the lips’ shape, volume, and softness. The emollient blend wraps lips in a plush, long-lasting veil of hydration and sheer color.

ILIA Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil, $26

Experience a surge of moisture, comfort, and sheer color. Active levels of hyaluronic acid and a blend of powerful botanicals deliver deep hydration, so lips instantly feel fuller, smoother, and softer with a sheer wash of color.