Lip Balm

Wind, cold weather, central heating and sun can all leave lips dry and cracked. This range brings together everyday lip balms and lip care from Vaseline, Carmex and Blistex, from classic tins and tubes to balms with added sun protection.

Choosing comes down to when and where you will use it. A rich balm such as Vaseline Lip Therapy suits very dry lips and works well as a thicker layer at night. Medicated-style balms like Carmex give a cooling, tingling feel that many people like on chapped lips. For time outdoors, a balm with SPF, such as Blistex Ultra SPF 50+ or Carmex SPF 15, adds sun protection for the lips, which are easy to forget. Reapply after eating, drinking or swimming, and keep your own balm to yourself rather than sharing.

All lip balms here are stocked at Leahy's Pharmacy, a family-run Irish pharmacy in Tralee, Co. Kerry. If your lips stay sore or cracked for more than a couple of weeks, our pharmacists are happy to advise. If you are prone to cold sores, see our mouth ulcer and cold sore range.

12 products

Related categories

Mouth Ulcer & Cold SoreMouth Ulcer & Cold Sore Hand creamHand cream Sun Care & Self-TanSun Care & Self-Tan Face moisturisersFace moisturisers

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use a lip balm with SPF? +
Lips have very little natural protection from the sun, so an SPF lip balm is worth using whenever you are outdoors for a while, including skiing, sailing and summer days. Blistex Ultra offers SPF 50+ and Carmex Strawberry SPF 15. Reapply often, especially after eating, drinking or swimming, as the balm wears off faster than sunscreen on skin.
Is a tube or a tin of lip balm better? +
It is mostly personal preference. Tubes and sticks are quick to apply without using your fingers, which is handy on the go. Tins and pots, such as Vaseline Lip Therapy, let you apply a thicker layer and are popular for overnight care. If you share a home with others, a stick or tube is easier to keep to yourself.
How often should I apply lip balm? +
Apply whenever your lips feel dry, and especially before going out in cold or windy weather, after eating and drinking, and before bed. Licking your lips can make dryness worse, as saliva evaporates quickly. If you find you need balm constantly and your lips are still cracked after a couple of weeks, ask our pharmacist for advice.
Can I use lip balm if I have a cold sore? +
It is best not to use your usual lip balm on a cold sore, as the virus can transfer to the balm and spread later. Use a separate product made for cold sores, such as a cream or patch, and replace your lip balm once the sore has cleared. Our pharmacist can recommend a cold sore product if you need one.