Best Lip Balm Alternatives for ChapStick, Carmex, and even lipstick
When it comes to lip balm, whether it's cherry Chapstick, classic Carmex, or whatever you reach for when your lips are dry and cracked, we all have our favorites.
When I was in high school, it was all about the Carmex. I loved the tingling, menthol-cooling sensation and would apply it all day long just for that cooling effect.
Before that (middle school), my favorite stocking stuffers were all the flavors of Bonne Bell Lip Smackers (Root Beer was my top pick!).
To date myself even more, I wasn't even 10 yet when Suzy from the Chapstick commercials would fly down the hill on her skis, come to an abrupt stop, and apply her "sensational" Chapstick for the TV viewers hunkered over our meatloaf-and-mashed-potatoes TV dinners.
My point? We all have our lip‐product memories - and I’ve gone from chapstick addict to mom of nine who solved dry, cracked skin with three simple ingredients (shea butter, beeswax, coconut oil).
And yes... my baby’s rash? Fixed with beeswax, coconut oil and zinc oxide.
We believe in simplicity + effectiveness. So of course my ChapStick, Carmex and Lip Smackers could be replaced.
I NEED my chapped lips to be nourished and healed.
I WANT my lips to experience the cooling sensation of menthol... or the sweet flavor of chocolate and cherry... or maybe I even want color!
If that's you, we've got you (and your lips) covered.
Watch how we do this. Scroll down and find your favorite traditional lip product. We'll match it with better ingredients:
Why Traditional Lip Balms Like ChapStick and Carmex Fall Short
Carmex Lip Balm & Petrolatum
Carmex likely introduced most of us to frequent lip-balm use. (“Lip-balm addiction” is a real thing—often triggered by repeated lip-licking which dries out the lips and triggers re-application.)
But Carmex uses a high level of petrolatum (about 45%) as the base.
While petrolatum provides a slick occlusive barrier, it doesn’t deliver nourishing botanical or skin-supporting actives.
So our alternative? Depending on your flavor preference, we recommend:
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Our Peppermint Lip Balm (only 4 ingredients!)
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Our Chocolate Mint Lip Balm (also 4 ingredients!)
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For an extra-cool sensation: our muscle balm, the MadeOn BeeCool Muscle Balm (yes—you can use it on your lips—and it will even help clear your sinuses!)
“Since I found MadeOn’s ‘chapstick’, I have not used any other. It is the best! It lasts and actually keeps my lips moist throughout the day without having to continually reapply.”
– Kristen (review)
Vaseline Lip Balm Alternative
I can't quite wrap my head around why people enjoy putting Vaseline on their lips although I can picture (again) having a tube of this when I was in high school.
If you're desperate enough to rely on the goopy Vaseline, then let me convince you that our all-natural lip balm will give you long-lasting relief without any scent or flavor.
Natural Lip Balm by MadeOn has only 3 ingredients: beeswax, coconut oil and shea butter
Tinted Lip Balm / Lipstick Alternative
But what about your favorite lipstick? Want a little color?
While we don't have the hundreds of shades of lipsticks that Sephora has, we do have 4 must-have tinted lip balms to match almost any item in your wardrome.
With hundreds of reviews, I might add! Choose from French Plum, Crimson Rose, Copper Glow, and our newest lip balm, Pretty in Pink!
How to Choose the Right Lip Balm for Your Needs
1. Check the base ingredients. Avoid heavy petrolatum-only formulas if your goal is more than just a quick slick.
2. Decide your feel. You want menthol/cooling? Flavor? No flavor? Low-profile tint?
3. Consider your lifestyle. Do you reapply 5-10 times a day? Do you use it at night? Are your lips often outdoors/windy/sun-exposed?
4. Bonus benefits. Look for nourishing oils (shea butter, coconut oil), beeswax (natural barrier) and minimal ingredient lists.
Why Your Lip Care Should Match Your Skin Care Philosophy
Here at MadeOn Skin Care, we built our brand on the principle that fewer, effective ingredients can deliver real skin relief. Just like I solved my dry cracked-skin issue with three core ingredients, your lips deserve the same thought.
When you upgrade from “just slip something on” to “carefully formulated lip balm,” you’re giving your lips safe, working basics - not just a temporary fix. Looking for more advice on researching your skin care? This guide will help.
Make the Switch: Explore Our Lip Balm Options
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Peppermint Lip Balm: 4-ingredient go-to for classic flavor and function.
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Chocolate Mint Lip Balm: flavor + care in one.
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All-Natural Lip Balm – minimal scent/flavor, maximum simplicity (beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter).
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Tinted Lip Balms – French Plum, Crimson Rose, Copper Glow, Pretty in Pink.
👉 Explore our full lip-care lineup here: https://store.hardlotion.com/pages/lip-balm
Quick Take: The Bottom Line
If you’ve been faithfully using ChapStick, Carmex or Vaseline on your lips and still finding yourself re-applying, let’s raise the bar.
Swap in a natural, nourishing alternative that supports lip health while still delivering the feel you love (cooling, flavor, tint).
Your lips will thank you - and your skincare routine will stay aligned with your skin-care values.
Lip Balm Reviews
Ever since I have found MadeOn's 'chapstick', I have not used any other. It is the best! It lasts and actually keeps my lips moist throughout the day without having to continually reapply.
Kristen
I bought this as a gift to my 4 oldest kiddos as they get dry lips in the winter months. Works better than any chapstick I’ve ever tried and I feel that the ingredients are very safe!
Katie
[The tinted lip balms are] perfect for a little color pop on the go or gift for anyone. Aaaaand it's a great moisturizing chapstick, win win!
Cari
I love the lip balms (so much better than "chap stick") and have given them in stockings several times for Christmas ~ my granddaughters love the Au Chocolat flavor! I'm hoping they will like the cherry chocolate this year.
Kay
Hear what one of our long-time customers thinks of MadeOn Lip Balms:
LIP BALM OPTIONS
LIP BALM Scented
