You may think a good lip balm is simple—and while it should be effortless to use, the formula itself is often a bit complex. And some lip balms can even leave your skin drier than before. Most of us know the frustration of applying a formula, only to have to reach for it moments later because the skin already feels parched. 

A good lip balm should keep your lips hydrated for hours (although some reapplication throughout the day is normal—especially if you’re drinking hot liquids, eating spicy food, or exposed to dry air.) In order to keep lips hydrated, it should contain humectants, occlusive and emollients. 

How does this combo work so well? Humectants pull in water, emollients help support the barrier and mend any cracks in the skin, and occlusives create a protective seal on top. That’s a perfect combo for a hydrated pout. 

While there are many ingredients that can be safely used on the lip area, here are a few of our favorites to keep an eye out for. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and castor oil can make for excellent humectants. Options like moringa seed, ceramides, coconut oil, and honey can act as emollients. And shea butter, cocoa butter, and sunflower seed wax are ideal occlusive ingredients.