The only thing worse than having painful, dry, cracked lips is watching your kid suffer from their own. That’s why it’s helpful to have some lip balms that are kid-safe on hand so you can get the healing process started as soon as possible. In fact, you may want to just stock up on these like you do baby wipes so that there’s always a pack nearby.
While your child can end up with chapped lips any time of the year, winter is particularly rough on them. “One of the most common causes of chapped lips is dry, cold weather which can transform into an irritant dermatitis called lip-licking dermatitis,” dermatologist Aída Lugo-Somolinos tells Romper in an email, “This is caused by irritation with saliva as the kids moisten their lips constantly with their tongues.” This may seem like a common event with your child, but if it goes on for too long without treatment, it can lead to much bigger problems. “If severe, it may require evaluation by a dermatologist and treatment with topical steroids,” Dr. Lugo-Somolinos warns.
When you were younger, you might have just grabbed your tube of strawberry-flavored Lip Smacker and gone on your way when your lips were chapped. However, Dr. Lugo-Somolinos advises against products like these for toddlers and kids. “One of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis of the lips is fragrances,” she explains, “The same chemicals used in fragrances are also used in flavorings like cinnamon, vanillin, etc.” Your child could end up with a severe allergic reaction to these chemicals, which would make their lips even redder, swollen, and painful. Instead, Dr. Lugo-Somolinos suggests parents stick to lip balms with basic ingredients. “Look for simple, hypoallergenic ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, shea butter, and coconut oil,” she says.
Here are some products to consider.
We only include products that have been independently selected by Romper's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
Kiehl's Baby Lip Balm
Kiehl's Baby Lip Balm is a baby-safe lip moisturizer from the high-end beauty brand. It's made with natural ingredients, including shea butter and Vitamin E, and has been allergy tested as well as pediatrician and dermatologist tested.
Burt's Bees Lip Balm With Beeswax
Burt’s Bees makes some of the best beeswax lip balm using all-natural ingredients like vitamin E and peppermint oil. The peppermint oil gives the balm a sweet and fresh taste that isn’t overwhelming and also provides a cooling sensation, which is especially nice for soothing sore lips.
Vaseline Lip Therapy
One product Dr. Lugo-Somolinos specifically suggests is traditional Vaseline Lip Therapy without flavor. This lip balm does not have any fragrance added to it and is free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and aluminum. If your child isn’t a fan of the taste, dab a little onto their lips once they’re asleep so it can moisturize them overnight.
Erbaviva
Made for both the lips and cheeks, this balm is made from all-natural ingredients, most of which are completely organic. Its key ingredients include organic chamomile and lavender essential oil for soothing anti-inflammatory relief, organic shea butter for moisture, and organic calendula essential oil to protect the lips and skin from the cold wind that would cause further damage.
Cleure Natural Lip Balm
Dr. Lugo-Somolinos recommends this brand because it uses hypoallergenic ingredients like shea butter and doesn’t contain any fragrances or flavors. Since it comes in a tube, it may be tough to apply it to little kids, but you can warm it up with your hands a bit to get some on your finger and apply it that way (just make sure your hands are squeaky clean before you do it).
Uriage Bariederm Cica-Lips Protecting Balm
Uriage Bariederm is another hypoallergenic lip balm that Dr. Lugo-Somolinos says is safe and effective. You can apply this balm as often as needed throughout the day, so if your child decides to wipe it off their lips when you’re not looking, you can add another layer worry-free.
SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Lip Balm
This lip balm is made with super hydrating ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, and has a naturally pleasant taste without the use of flavorings or coloring. Honestly, you may want to use this lip balm for your kids and for yourself.
Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Magic Balm - 2oz
This balm is unscented, has no flavors, and can be used to hydrate dry skin anywhere on the body, lips included. It uses ingredients like coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil to hydrate, heal, and protect little chapped lips.
Expert sourced:
Aída Lugo-Somolinos, MD, Professor of Dermatology at the University Of North Carolina in Chapel Hill
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