10 Best Tinted Lip Balms 2024 for Sheer Tints, Tested & Reviewed

Hyaluronic acid

This moisturizer is probably the most popular moisturizer in skin care. Doris DayThe New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, MD, previously charm Hyaluronic acid is “great at retaining moisture and giving skin elasticity and firmness,” she said. And while the most effective results come from injecting it into the deeper layers of the skin, where it can help restore lost volume, she said the ingredient is also incredibly beneficial as an external agent: “When used in creams, lotions and serums, it has an incredible rejuvenating and moisturizing effect,” she said.

Shea butter

Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, actually bind moisture to the surface layer of skin, while emollients, such as shea butter, act as a seal to reduce roughness and flaking while preventing moisture loss. “Shea butter is rich in essential fatty acids and is an excellent emollient for the skin, helping to moisturize and prevent moisture loss at the same time.” Kim Nichols, MDA board-certified dermatologist based in Greenwich, Connecticut, charmDr. Nichols adds that shea butter is also a good source of vitamins A (also known as retinol) and E. These two antioxidants help soothe and soften irritated, dry, or itchy skin. “This combination of powerful ingredients makes shea butter an ideal ingredient to help relieve common skin care conditions, including eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis,” she says.

Jojoba oil

Despite having “oil” in the name, jojoba oil is relatively lightweight: “It’s actually a liquid wax, so it’s less sticky on the skin than oils,” says Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of Jojoba Oil. BeautyStat Previously said charmUnlike most oils, jojoba oil is composed primarily of fatty acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons. Marisa GarshickAccording to Dr. Ian McGrath, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, jojoba oil’s ingredients give it its moisturizing properties and a lightweight texture that doesn’t clog pores as much as other oils. “Jojoba oil acts as both a humectant, drawing in moisture, and an emollient, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth,” she says.

What is the difference between tinted lip balms and lip tints?

Though the names may be similar, tinted lip balms focus on hydration, whereas lip tints and stains offer more intense color. Not all lip stains are moisturizing balms, says a cosmetic chemist from Cincinnati, Ohio. Kelly Dobos Previously said charm Depending on the ingredients, almost any lip product can act as a tint. “Whether the color actually stains your lips depends primarily on the color additives,” she says. “It’s the chemistry of the color additives that causes the stain, so balms, glosses, and lipsticks can all stain your lips.”

Meet Our Experts

• Doris DayA board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, MD,
• Kim Nichols, MDBoard-certified Dermatologist Based in Greenwich, Connecticut
• Ron RobinsonCosmetic chemist and skincare brand founder BeautyStat
• Marisa GarshickBoard Certified Dermatologist, MD, New York City
• Kelly DobosCosmetic chemist in Cincinnati, Ohio

How we test and review products

when charm When testing products, our editors look at them from every angle to ensure we are serving you the best possible — they review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and look at peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies where appropriate. Not only do we test every product included in our reviews, but we also work with experts in the fields of dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, medicine, and more to vet ingredients and formulas.