If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, WWD may receive an affiliate commission.
We all know the drill. It’s time to add the final flourish in your makeup routine — a swipe of gloss or bold lipstick — only to realize those pigments won’t apply (or look) smooth due to dreaded dry lips. If they’re so chapped that an average lip balm isn’t cutting it, consider clearing the way for a soft smile with one of the best lip scrubs.
“Lip scrubs remove dead skin cells, creating a smooth feel and look and helps to prevent dry, chapped lips,” explains Drita Paljevic, the head makeup artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. But softer lips aren’t the only benefit behind these products. Lip scrubs also allow for better absorption of the lip oils, lip balms, and lip masks you apply on top, as the rough patches won’t get in the way of the hydrating ingredients your lips are thirsty for.
Related Articles
Beyond that, lip scrubs create a smooth canvas for lipsticks and stains. Paljevic suggests massaging on a lip scrub when you need to have a longer-lasting lip, because it will keep your lip color in place for longer. This exfoliation is also essential when you’re opting for statement lip colors, be it red lipstick or hot pink lipstick, as rough patches can cause these rich, bright tones to fall flat.
You May Also Like
The beauty aisles are packed with lip scrubs that come in just about every scent and flavor. In order to cut through the noise, we spoke to professional makeup artists and top dermatologists for their best recommendations and tips on what to look for when picking one out for yourself.
Top Lip Scrubs of 2024
- Best Drugstore: Burt’s Bees Natural Conditioning Lip Scrub
- Best Sugar Scrub: Sara Happ The Lip Scrub
- E.l.f Lip Exfoliator
- Is Clinical Lip Polish
- Best for Dry Lips: French Girl Organics Rose Lip Polish
- Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub
- Fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator
- Makeup by Mario Perfecting Lip Scrub
- Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Lip Loving Scrubstick
- Best Balm and Scrub: Refy Lip Buff Prep Scrub
- La Mer The Lip Polish
- Dr. Pawpaw Scrub and Nourish
- Best for Dark Lips: Glow Recipe Lip Pop
- Best for Chapped Lips: Thrive Causemetics Pout Hero Exfoliating Lip Scrub
- Babe Original Exfoliating Scrub Stick
Sign up for WWD Shop’s newsletter to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.
Burt’s Bees Natural Conditioning Lip Scrub
Size: 0.25 oz
Special features: The formula is free from SLS, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and more.
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5
Burt’s Bees’ Beeswax Lip Balm is perhaps their most iconic product, so it’s only natural that the balm’s sister, the lip scrub earned a spot on this list. Dr. Nava Greenfield, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Group in New York City, places this one amongst her favorites. “This one is hydrating with honey crystals, cocoa butter and beeswax so that you are replacing some oils that you are scrubbing off with the scrub,” she says. Outside of the impressive ingredient list, this accessible scrub rings up at under $10.
What testers say: “Burt’s Bees does not disappoint. To use, leave on lips and wait the appropriate time and lips will feel better. Has a gritty feel, which is to be expected since it’s name implies scrubbing. (Without actually scrubbing). You rub to apply without intentionally scrubbing.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $8.49
Sara Happ The Lip Scrub
Size: 0.5 oz
Special features: This yummy tasting scrub comes in four delicious flavors.
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
An icon for a reason, Sara Happ’s formula is one of the earliest lip scrubs to hit the market in 2005, and it hasn’t stopped flying off shelves since. Even though the sugar clusters may look large, they dissolve onto your lips for gentle buffing. “This scrub comes in four different flavors and has a soft blend of sugar crystals and natural oils that glide perfectly onto the lips,” says celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. She personally loves this bestseller in the fresh grapefruit flavor for its sweet and citrusy scent. Also nice: The gold lid makes this easy to find when stashed in your purse.
What testers say: “It’s quick and easy to use, and it leaves my lips feeling so soft and satiny. A nice pick-me-up.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $26
E.l.f Lip Exfoliator
Size: 0.11 oz
Special features: The bullet comes in sweet mint, cherry, and clear depending on your preference.
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Target Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5
If a lip scrub is not already a part of your beauty routine, investing a large sum of cash in a new product may not be the wisest splurge. Instead, opt for an effective, reasonably priced option. This E.l.f stick is packaged like a lipstick bullet which bodes well for those who want to scrub on-the-go, and it comes in three different flavors: sweet mint, clear, and cherry. Beyond its accessible price point, it comes loaded with good-for-your-skin ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, and avocado that restore moisture on your freshly exfoliated lips.
What testers say: “The E.l.f Lip Exfoliator in Coconut is a game-changer for anyone struggling with dry, chapped lips. The coconut scent reminds me of summer, and it offers a gentle yet effective exfoliation. The twist-up applicator makes it mess-free and convenient to use. After just one application, my lips felt noticeably smoother and more hydrated. It’s an affordable and reliable option for maintaining soft, kissable lips. Highly recommended!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $5.00
Is Clinical Lip Polish
Size: 0.5 oz
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Dermstore Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
Yes, lip scrubs create a smoother, clearer canvas, which extends the wear time of your lip color, but they actually do more than that — particularly if you have fine lines or wrinkles on your lips. “Lip scrubs make lipstick set more evenly to minimize the appearance of creases or flaking,” says dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp. So if your lips are on the mature side, this scrub is your secret weapon. “This lip scrub conditions, hydrates, and softens the lips with antioxidants like vitamins C and E and a blend of rich botanical butters,” he continues.
What testers say: “It is very expensive but a great exfoliating lip scrub that I really love ! Once you start using this you’ll have it as a holy grail skin routine!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $38
French Girl Organics Rose Lip Polish
Size: 1 oz. / 30 ml
Special features: This scrub features highly hydrating ingredients like mango and shea butters
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Revolve Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Even though using a lip scrub can be satisfying, dermatologists warn that overuse can damage the delicate skin on the lips. Thankfully, the sugar exfoliant present in this scrub is extra gentle and swirled with hydrating ingredients. Plus, it is also a dermatologist favorite. “Organic mint-infused sugar and shea and mango butters polish lips, remove flaky skin, and restore moisture to dry lips,” says Dr. Camp.
What testers say: “This actually makes your lips smooth and soft. Takes some of the dryness away. Smells good too!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $19.80
Dior Addict Lip Sugar Scrub
Size: 0.12 oz
Special features: The tube clicks shut, so you know that it is fully secured.
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Dior beauty is known for their lash-loving mascaras, bubble gum-pink blushes, and gorgeous foundations, but their lip scrub has been getting the spotlight lately. After making waves as a TikTok-famous beauty product, this luxury lip scrub quickly became one of the most sought after items in the brand’s collection. It also happens to be the most expert-recommended scrub on this list. Celebrity makeup artist J Guerra calls it “elegance” and “sleekness in a tube” and Greenberg loves the “subtle scent” it leaves behind. Dr. Camp believes that it creates a smooth and fresh canvas for lip color. But after using, you may not need any. “This scrub stick also delivers benefits of a balm and leaves a subtle, rosy-colored glow,” Guerra notes.
What testers say: “I’ve been using this product about a month now. My lips have never been softer or more hydrated. It has a nice light minty smell snd taste.melts into a balm that isn’t heavy or sticky.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $40
Fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator
Size: 10 grams
Special features: This luxe scrub feels and smells like brown sugar.
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Before clean beauty took over the beauty aisle, there was Fresh. Famous for their sugar lip treatment, the brand knows a thing or two about keeping your lips soft and smooth. Their natural lip scrub came highly recommended by our experts. Guerra calls it a “standout” amongst the others on shelves. “Its blend of natural ingredients ensures a gentle yet thorough scrub,” he says, “The subtle hint of real brown sugar pairs with nourishing shea butter and jojoba oil, smoothing dry lips while maintaining moisture.”
Greenberg calls this her go-to for evening out texture. “It easily removes my dry skin flakes and has clean ingredients to nourish my lips. Plus it works great to enhance my natural lip color,” she says.
Dr. Kristina Collins, dermatologist and founder of Love Foy skin care, loves it as well, thanks to its impressive ingredient list. The meadow foam seed oil, jojoba and grapeseed oil protect and pamper the lips.
What testers say: “Great for winter when your lips get all chapped and flaky!!! It just scrubs it right off to revile soft and smooth lips!!!! Tastes a lot like brown sugar!!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $21
Makeup by Mario Perfecting Lip Scrub
Size: 0.43 oz
Special features: The sanitary tube makes application easy, and the formula is edible.
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic took the makeup world by storm when he launched his namesake brand in 2020. Despite its pandemic launch, the King of Contour’s line quickly established itself as the go-to glam for both makeup artists and social media beauty gurus. The hype is both real and justified. From the always sold out SoftSculpt Shaping Sticks to the revolutionary all nudes eyeshadow palette, the brand hasn’t flopped yet. The Perfecting Lip Scrub is no exception. Guerra keeps this one close because it both hydrates and exfoliates.
“Its expertly crafted formula uses micro-fine sugar crystals to gently exfoliate, making it an essential prep step for any lip color,” he shares. “The edible formula doesn’t require wiping off, and uses coconut oil to hydrate and condition, while vitamin E protects the lips and helps to stimulate collagen and skin cell turnover.”
What testers say: “This product is actually amazing! I love that the scrub comes in a tube, so it’s very easy to keep clean. After you wash off, it leaves a very light layer of oil that is perfect for moisturizing your lips.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Lip Loving Scrubstick
Size: 0.1 oz
Special features: The twist up stick prevents messy application.
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
If you do not like the constant dipping application process for lip scrubs, the Fenty lip scrub may be more your speed. The twist up stick feels more like you’re applying lipstick rather than a gritty scrub. It is also one of Guerra’s favorites. “Its twist-up stick allows for precise application, ensuring every corner of the lips gets refined and smoothed without making a mess,” he says. The finely-ground apricot seeds are responsible for banishing flakiness, and nourishing shea butter plus jojoba oil deliver a surge of moisture. To top it off, the vanilla and stevia leaf extract infused scrub actually tastes good.
What testers say: “I’ve been looking all over for a good lip balm that’s not crazy expensive and happened to stumble upon this. If you are someone who never remembers to use your lip scrub, this is perfect for you! Easy to throw in your purse and apply when needed. I will say, you do have to use consistently for good results.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $16
Refy Lip Buff Prep Scrub
Size: 0.27 oz
Special features: The tube is topped with exfoliating nibs that add an extra layer of sloughing.
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
When Jess Hunt and Jenna Meek co-founder Refy, the brand was all about the brow, but after social media skyrocketed Refy into a new stratosphere, they expanded into lips. Their gloss and viral lip “sculpt” have made their way into the beauty bags of internet gurus like Alix Earle and Sofia Richie, but for the WWD beauty team, their lip scrub is the unsung hero.
Unlike other options on this list, this formula feels soft and smooth like a serum. Packed with amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera, the formula deeply hydrates. The exfoliation actually comes from the applicator: the rounded nubs slough off dead skin and the juicy serum moisturizes. Use before your favorite gloss or stain for a polished pout.
Price upon publish date of this article: $20
La Mer The Lip Polish
Size: 0.24 oz
Special features: It comes with a dual sided applicator.
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Sephora Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Yes, $80 is a hefty price tag for a tub of lip scrub, however, for La Mer, it is table stakes. Outside of the luxurious packaging, the heavily researched formulas earn these products their high price. Guerra believes it’s a worthy splurge. “Its delicate balance of exfoliation and nourishment truly transforms the lip’s texture, and the dual-sided applicator messages the product into the skin and boosts microcirculation,” he says. Flip to the nubby side for added exfoliation or use the smooth side for a gentler application.
What testers say: “The best!!! Felt a difference within minutes of putting it on. Lovely minty taste and leaves your lips feeling fresh soft and brand new.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $80
Dr. Pawpaw Scrub and Nourish Balm
Size: 0.5 oz
Special features: This handy stack comes with both a scrub and a balm, so you can treat and nourish at the same time.
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Ulta Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Though our experts may have different recommendations, all of the derms we spoke to for this piece agreed that applying a balm is necessary after lip scrub. This stackable set offers the best of both worlds. The top dish is filled with a gentle, effective scrub which banishes signs of flakiness, and the bottom coats the lips in a protective and hydrating bubble.
Price upon publish date of this article: $10.50
Glow Recipe Lip Pop Scrub
Size: 4.2 grams
Special features: Applying a swipe of this scrub is the perfect primer to lip color.
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Deeper skin tones tend to be more prone to hyperpigmentation, and the lips are not exempt. In fact, they are particularly susceptible to dark spots due to sun exposure. This Glow Recipe tube offers two-pronged exfoliation with fine sugars to buff away dark flakes and plant-based alpha hydroxy acids that eat away at dead and dry skin. To top it off, the balm imparts a rosy pink tone post application.
What testers say: “I love this lip pop!!! I love how it smooths my lips and makes my lips lips shine.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $22
Thrive Causemetics Pout Hero Exfoliating Lip Scrub
Size: 0.12 oz.
Special features: This bullet offers both physical and chemical exfoliation, so your lips feel silky smooth.
Thrive Causemetics Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Thrive Causemetics’ lip exfoliator offers two types of exfoliation: physical and chemical. The coconut powder is super fine and gently sloughs off dry flakes, while the smoothing enzyme complex dissolves dead skin. Then, avocado butter and pomegranate seed oil quench thirsty lips. For easy glide and less irritation, apply a lip balm before scrubbing.
What testers say: “I have tried many treatments for my frequently severely chapped lips. This is the first that has actually helped remove the “chaps” to help my lips recover. I like to then complement it with the liquid lip balm. Definitely recommend it!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $24
Babe Original Exfoliating Scrub Stick
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Unlike the rest of the options on this list, this exfoliator is more of a skin care tool rather than a sugar scrub. Greenberg highlights this as a more sustainable option for the eco-conscious. “This multi-use exfoliator stick helps remove dead skin beyond my lips,” she shares, “I use the shorter bristle side for a deeper cleanse and follow up with a lip balm. The longer bristles are perfect for a gentle cleanse.” The best part? It has multiple uses. The head is slightly bigger than a thumb nail and can be used to exfoliate the rest of your face as well as your lips, or it can be used to brush up your eyebrow hairs. You’ll want to keep this versatile tool in your makeup bag at all times.
Price upon publish date of this article: $14.99
How to Use a Lip Scrub
Because the skin on our lips is thin and delicate, it’s important to use lip scrubs carefully: Dr. Collins recommends limiting use to once or twice a week.
Using a lip scrub is similar to how you use a body scrub — just slough and repeat. But in order to get the softest lips possible, Greenberg has a few tips. She suggests starting with damp lips, then massaging your favorite scrub lightly onto the lips. “Remove with warm water, and a washcloth, and follow up with a good lip mask to lock in hydration,” she says. Pro tip: If the scrub you’re using does not include an applicator, Paljevic recommends applying with your ring finger (it’s the weakest one) for the gentlest possible application.
What to Look for in a Lip Scrub
- Type of exfoliant: You have two options here — physical or chemical exfoliants. Products with tactile granules like sugar or coffee grounds physically slough off dead skin, while products loaded with chemical exfoliants like glycolic and salicylic acid loosen bonds between dead cells and the fresh ones beneath them, allowing the former to fall away. Most lip scrubs have physical exfoliants, but some rely on acids or a mixture of both. Physical exfoliants tend to feel more satisfying, but Dr. Collins warns against overusing. “Mechanical exfoliants can worsen tiny breaks in the skin and rough up the already delicate protective barrier of the lip,” she says, “Products with AHAs or papaya enzymes provide a gentler method of removing dry skin with less damage. It is still important to follow up these methods with instant hydration and barrier protection, particularly with a non-irritating balm.”
- Nourishing ingredients: Hydrating ingredients are equally important as exfoliating ingredients. “Shea butter, coconut oil, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin E are key nourishing ingredients to look for in a lip scrub as they provide intense hydration to soften the appearance and texture of the lips,” says Greenberg.
- Applicator: This is a matter of personal preference. Most lip scrubs come in tubs which often include little wands or scoops to help you extract the product and apply it onto your lips. Others come in tubes or lipstick bullets which offer more targeted application and feel more hygienic, as you aren’t dipping a fingertip or applicator into the pot.
How We Chose the Best Lip Scrubs
Since 1910, WWD — often referred to as “the fashion bible” — has been the leading industry voice of authority for senior executives in the global women’s and men’s fashion, retail and beauty communities, while also informing the consumer media that cover the market. Today, WWD’s breaking news and trend coverage continues to be a trustworthy resource for both fashion insiders and consumers alike. Our shopping editors continue to uphold WWD’s editorial standards and values with quality, expert-backed product selections.
In order to find the best lip scrubs and exfoliators, our team combed the market for options from top brands. We read through ratings, examined features, and personally tested different products to see if they lived up to their claims. We considered top factors for lip exfoliators like the type of exfoliant, key ingredients, size, packaging, and special features. On top of that, we spoke to professional makeup artists and dermatologists for their expert opinions. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Drita Paljevic is the head makeup artist at Kevyn Aucoin Beauty and bridal makeup artist. She is known for her signature glamorous glow.
J Guerra is a celebrity makeup artist who splits his time between New York City and Los Angeles. His client list includes Rob Gronkowski, Neil Patrick Harris, Anna Kendrick, and more.
Dr. Nava Greenfield is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Group in New York City. She received her bachelor’s degree from Queens college in New York City. Then for medical school, she attended Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University. Afterwards, she completed her internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital and her residency in dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.
Dr. Brendan Camp is double board certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and practices at MDCS Dermatology which has locations in New York City and the Hamptons.
Dr. Kristina Collins is double board certified in dermatology and MOHS microsurgery and founder of Love Foy Skincare.
Jamie Greenberg is a celebrity makeup artist with a long list of A-list clientele consisting of Kaley Cucoco, Chelsea Handler, Rashida Jones, Kristen Stewart, and more. She also has her own makeup line, Jamie Makeup.
Meet the Author
Anneke Knot is a freelance writer in the fashion and beauty space based in San Francisco, California. Aside from WWD, her editorial work can be found in publications like InStyle, The Strategist, Byrdie, Forbes, and more. With over seven years of experience in beauty product testing and writing, she has extensive knowledge of lip scrubs and beyond.