How Does Lip Oil Differ From Lip Balm?

In great news for anyone who loves to carry approximately 79 lip products on them at any given time: Lip care has gotten really good. Like, really good. 

Gone are the days of a tube of bone-dry lippie and a pot of sticky ointment. From jellies to oils, masks, treatments, polishes, and cremes, your lips have never been so loved. 

But in the likely case that you’re maybe disoriented, overwhelmed, confused (all of the above?) by the brave new world of lip care, we thought we’d break down the difference between two of its biggest names: Lip balm and lip oil. 

What is lip oil?

Lip oil is primarily formulated with fatty acids and antioxidant-rich oils to soothe dryness and protect against it and give your lips a juicy glow.

It’s a bit of makeup, skincare hybrid—combining intense, nourishing hydration with a glossy sheen. 

Okay but how’s that different from lip balm?

For our non-lip care addicts, oils and balms can feel like much of a muchness—we get it. But the main difference comes down to how each feels, behaves, and looks. 

• Feel: Lip balms tend to include some sort of wax to provide its thick, balmy texture. Lip oil is lighter in texture, with an oily (note: not greasy) feel.

• Behave: Lip balms and their thicker texture sits on the surface of the lips to provide a protective shield. Lip oils deeply penetrate the lips for long-lasting hydration.

• Look: Lip balms leave your lips looking soothed and a tad shiny (sometimes even tinted), whereas lip oils offer more of a gloss (and also sometimes even tint). The oily texture gives lips a supple, soft look of juiciness (aka that your lips-but-whoa effect.) 

Which one should I use?

Dealer’s choice! When it comes to lip oil versus lip balm, it really is just a matter of personal preference. Both are an immediate hit of hydration to soothe cranky, chapped lips—just in different ways. 

Lip oil is a great pick for anyone who would love to enhance their lips with a lightweight, glossy glow—all while nourishing and restoring.

Lip balm is the perfect option for anyone who wants to soothe and protect their lips and add a hint of shine (without any frills or fuss). 

Bonus round: what’s the difference between lip balm, lip oil, and lip gloss?

If lip care was a spectrum, at one end you would have lip balm and at the other, lip gloss. You’d find lip oil sitting pretty in the middle. 

Consider it the happy medium between the two that combines intense hydration with an intense glossy sheen. Nice!