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What Is Japanese Lip Balm?
Japanese lip balm, which is referred to as rippu kurimu (lip cream), typically comes in wax, cream, or gel form. Similarly to lip balms from other countries, when regularly applied, it keeps the lips moisturized and free of that uncomfortable chapped feeling.
What is Japanese lip balm made of?
Japanese lip balms are usually made from bases such as vitamin E, olive oil, or other natural vegetable oils that are gentle on the skin. Many of them also include other skin-friendly ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane, which are also commonly found in other Japanese skincare products!
What Does Lip Balm Do?
Lip balm helps to keep dry lips hydrated, and also eases any soreness and/or discomfort caused by chapped lips. Some lip balms even contain special ingredients, such as shea butter, which prevent lips from becoming overly dry with regular use.
Why Is Japanese Lip Balm Special?
What differentiates Japanese lip balms from other lip balms is that many of them often feature added UV protection, are tinted, come in refreshing scents, or even have a slightly different texture compared to their Western counterparts.
In this article, we’ll share 9 of the best Japanese lip balms to keep your lips moisturized all day. The best part is that all of these lip balms are available to purchase from the Japanese Taste shop. Stay tuned to learn about these hydrating and unique lip balms that you need to incorporate into your daily routine!
How we decided
- Deep HydrationBalms lock in moisture with oils, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid for all-day relief.
- Gentle FormulasProducts suit sensitive lips using natural, unscented, or medicated ingredients.
- Daily ProtectionSelections include UV shields like SPF25 to guard against sun damage.
- Standout FeaturesEach offers unique perks—tints, scents, luxury textures, or long-wear seals.
Best Unscented Lip Balm
Rohto Mentholatum Melty Cream Lip Unscented Lip Balm SPF25/PA+++
There are many consumers out there who prefer unscented options, especially when it comes to lip balm. If you’re looking for an unscented lip balm option that will keep your lips feeling moisturized for hours on end, then the Mentholatum Unscented Melty Cream Lip Rohto is the perfect option for you!
This melty lip balm features a unique technology – Moist Bank Technology – that allows the balm's texture to turn into a creamy and buttery texture once it touches your lips. The addition of squalane and multiple types of ceramide included in this lip balm’s formula help keep your lips stay hydrated all day long.
Pros
- Deep moisture
- Fragrance-free
- UV protection with SPF25 PA+++
Cons
- No color
- Not a gloss product
Best Medicated Lip Balm
DHC Medicated Lip Cream
This DHC Medicated Lip Cream is hands down the best-medicated lip balm on the market! It is a Japanese skincare cult favorite, and contains ingredients such as olive oil, vitamin E, and soothing aloe vera. This lip balm will truly work its magic all day long, allowing you to only have to apply it once, and not have to worry about it for the rest of the day.
Since this is a medicated lip balm, it has been specifically formulated with ingredients to directly treat dry lips, instead of just temporarily moisturizing them.
Pros
- Contains olive & aloe extract
- Repairs dry chapped lips
- Colorless glossy finish
Cons
- No color
- Not a gloss product
Best Budget-Friendly Lip Balm
Nivea Deep Moisture Lip Unscented Lip Cream for Chapped Lips
Nivea brand products have a well-known reputation for being effective without breaking the bank. This moisture lip balm is no exception. Just a single swipe of this product will instantly moisturize and hydrate your lips. Another benefit of this lip balm is that it includes extra added sun protection with SPF26 and PA++.
Many Japanese Taste customers have also commented that this lip balm is effective and exceeded their expectations, especially for the price.
Pros
- Unscented gentle formula
- Deeply hydrates cracked lips
- UV protection with SPF26 PA++
Cons
- No color
- Not a gloss product
Best Natural Lip Balm
Rohto Mentholatum Natural Lip Baby Balm Fragrance Free Lip Cream
If you are concerned about sensitive skin or are worried about products causing irritation, then using a lip balm formulated with only natural ingredients is your best call. This particular mentholatum lip balm from Rohto is made of only food-derived ingredients. Containing only olive oil, macadamia nut oil, and aloe vera leaf extract, this lip balm is free of any chemicals or unnatural ingredients.
Even though the product is formulated with 100% natural ingredients, it is still an extremely effective product. It will still keep your lips feeling hydrated throughout the day without causing any irritation.
Pros
- 100% food ingredients
- Fragrance-free, preservative-free
- Allergy tested
Cons
- No UV protection
- No color
Most Luxurious Lip Balm
Shiseido Water In Lip Sakura Lip Balm
Shiseido is a well-known brand for its luxurious Japanese cosmetic and beauty products, and that applies to this Sakura Lip Balm as well. It will give your lips a nice, buttery texture, with the help of hyaluronic acid and Japanese hot spring water! Japanese Taste users have commented that they love this Shiseido lip balm for its effective yet lightweight texture.
Pros
- Hyaluronic acid locks moisture
- With Japanese hot spring water
- Fragrance-free, color-free
Cons
- No color
- Not a gloss product
Most Moisturizing Lip Balm
Yuskin Relip Cure Lip Balm
Yuskin is a reputable Japanese brand for creating highly moisturizing lotions and creams, but of course they have moisturizing lip products too! If you are looking to treat dry, cracked, or rough lips, then we recommend this lip balm to you. It also comes in a compact jar, meaning that it contains more product than conventional lip balms.
Pros
- Vitamins heal cracks fast
- Jojoba oil prevents dryness
- Steroid-free for safe use
Cons
- Needs finger application
- No scent for flavor fans
Best Lip Balm With Long-Lasting Effect
Kiss Me Liquid Lip Shield Top Coat Lipstick Sealer
Kiss Me Liquid Lip Shield Top Coat Lipstick Sealer is your new lipstick essential! This innovative lip coat provides a durable shield over your favorite lipstick, allowing you to say goodbye to smudges and color transfers, even when wearing masks or sipping from cups. It works to protect your lipstick from water and rubbing, keeping your color vibrant and intact all day long.
This clear-type sealer is filled with hydrating ingredients to prevent lip dryness and helps minimize the appearance of lip wrinkles. Simply apply it over your lipstick for flawless, long-lasting wear.
Pros
- Locks lipstick from smudges
- Hydrates prevents
- Clear coat
Cons
- Shake well before use
- Needs makeup remover
Best Tinted Lip Balm
BalmMentholatum Lip Fondue Melty Lip Balm Baby Pink Lipstick
Mentholatum Lip Fondue Melty Lip Balm in Baby Pink is a luxurious, fondue-like lip plumper that delivers soft, voluminous lips with a single swipe. The balm's thick, glossy film wraps snugly around the lips, providing a smooth, plump finish that helps reduce the appearance of vertical lines while offering a mucous membrane-like color. Encased in a dial-lock container to protect the ultra-soft formula like a serum oil, it provides intense moisturizing and a full, hydrated look.
This lip fondue features a fusion floral scent with a unique combination of ingredients that deliver both a warming and refreshing sensation, offering a gentle comfort with every application. It smoothly melts onto the lips, enhancing volume and minimizing vertical lines.
Pros
- Plumps lips for volume
- Instant glossy shine
- Reduces lines for smooth feel
Cons
- Can't retract once extended
- Not for menthol haters
Best Scented Lip Balm
Country & Stream Natural Honey Lip Balm
This lip balm is a fan favorite in Japan. It is loved for its moisturizing effect (of course) but also for its refreshing scent of honey and chamomile. Since this lip balm has more of a gel-like texture, it will also provide a shine to your lips, almost making it look like you’ve applied a clear lip gloss. But of course, the light and sweet scent of honey just makes this lip balm so enticing.
Pros
- Honey veil glossy moisture
- Chamomile soothes
- Sweet scent vibrant healthy
Cons
- No UV protection
- No color
Which Japanese lip balm do you want to try first? Have you tried Japanese lip-care products before? Let us know in the comments below!
