9 Of The Best Japanese Lip Balms You Need To Add To Your Routine!

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!

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 melthy 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best Lip Balm With Long-Lasting Effect

Rimmel Magical Stay Lip Coat Care+

This particular lip balm works as a two-in-one product – it can be used as just a lip balm, or it can be used as an additional lip coat to keep your lipstick in place. Whether it is used on its own as a lip balm, or as a lip coat, you can just set it and forget it. With one swipe in the morning, it will keep your lips hydrated all day long without having to reapply it every few hours.

Best Tinted Lip Balm

Rohto Mentholatum Lip Fondue Aurora 3D Pearl Cosmetic Lip Balm

For those looking for a lip balm and lip gloss hybrid product, then the Rohto Mentholatum Lip Fondue Aurora lip balm is perfect! This lip balm is formulated with hydrating ingredients like jojoba seed oil, olive oil, and honey to keep the lips feeling soft all day long while providing a glossy finish.

This lip fondue also features a special “3D Pearl” Feature to add a faint sparkle to your lips. Besides being moisturizing as well as providing color and sheen, there are also added UV-protection ingredients included in this lip balm. Talk about a multi-functional product!

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.

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!