Almost all of your skin produces its own oil. Your lips don’t. That one fact explains why lips get dry first, why licking them backfires and what your lip balm actually needs to do. Here’s the science, in plain English.
Because lips have almost no oil glands, they can’t form their own protective film, so the right lip balm has to provide that layer for them.
Skin is dotted with sebaceous glands that release sebum, an oily mix of lipids. Sebum forms a thin film that slows water loss and keeps skin supple.
Your face has some of the highest concentrations of these glands on your body. Your lips, right next to them, have almost none.
The red part of your lips, the vermilion, is a transition zone between your facial skin and the lining of your mouth.
It has a very thin outer layer and no sweat glands. Without its own oil supply, it has no built-in way to hold moisture in.
Your lips are the only part of your face that can’t make their own protection.
Quick check. Tap what’s true for you.
Lips can’t make their own protective layer, so they rely on what you put on them. A balm with beeswax, propolis and vitamin E gives them a comforting layer, and it’s 1+1 free right now.
Give your lips a layer →
Ingredients called occlusives sit on the surface and slow water loss, doing the job sebum does elsewhere.
Petroleum jelly is the strongest, cutting water loss from skin by more than 98% in one widely cited study. Beeswax is lighter and less greasy: a semi-occlusive that forms a flexible film.
Licking feels like a quick fix, but saliva isn’t oil. It evaporates fast and takes moisture with it.
It also contains digestive enzymes that can irritate thin lip skin. A balm within reach is the better habit.
See all 25+ flavors →
Sebum doesn’t only protect. It also carries vitamin E, an antioxidant, to the skin’s surface.
With almost no oil glands, lips miss out on that delivery. That’s one reason vitamin E is so common in lip care.
A good lip balm stands in for the oil your lips can’t make: a layer that stays put, an ingredient that conditions and nothing that stings.
Beeswax melts at around 145°F, well above body temperature, so it forms a layer on your lips instead of melting away.
Honeybalm is built around comforting beeswax, which helps protect lips from feeling dry, propolis for a comforting feel and conditioning vitamin E.
It’s currently 1+1 free on as many balms as you like, with free returns for 30 days.
Honeybalm Lip Balm
Beeswax, propolis & vitamin E · 6.5 g · built-in Honeyspoon
Real reviews from Honeybalm customers.
“Honeybalm’s honey flavor is excellent. It provides great moisture and has a lovely, natural scent.”
“So I like these lip balms, NO! I LOVE THEM. I collect all flavors, and my collection is still incomplete :)”
“Got this baby for my birthday and immediately fell in love! Especially with the cutest honeyspoon. Couldn't choose between all the flavors and ordered one of their kits.Love it!!”
A twist-up stick and a tub of petroleum jelly both add a layer. Here’s how they compare on everything else.
| Honeybalm | Twist-up stick | Petroleum jelly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in Honeyspoon applicator | |||
| 25+ collectible flavors | |||
| Comforting, cushiony layer | |||
| Cute enough to show off | |||
| Fits in every coat pocket | |||
| Beeswax, propolis & vitamin E |
Give your lips what they can’t make
Beeswax, propolis and vitamin E in a pocket-sized jar with a spoon in every lid. Pick your flavor.
Honeybalm is a cosmetic product. Individual experiences may vary.