This is why lip products such as scrubs are important to keep them healthy and moisturized. Picking the right lip scrub can be difficult, so we've prepared a Buying Guide with some comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz. You can also read our top 10 recommendations for the best lip scrubs to buy on sites like Lazada and Shopee.
Quick List - Top Lip Scrubs
Burt's Bees
Say Goodbye to Dry, Flaky Lips With This Honey Crystals-Infused Lip Scrub
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Lip scrubs are used to exfoliate the top layer of the skin on your lips. The particles in the lip scrubs physically remove the dead skin cells that build up on the surface. The practice of exfoliating helps the lips absorb the moisturizing ingredients from lip balms and lip oils. Some lip scrubs even have hydrating ingredients in their formulation.
Makeup enthusiasts love using lip scrubs as they help create a smooth surface that serves as the perfect base for lip products like liquid and traditional lipsticks, especially those who are fans of the matte lip trend.
The tricky thing about the lips is that it is an extension of the mucosal membrane of the mouth to the outer skin. Although it has a thin layer of the stratum corneum (outermost layer of the skin), it tends to have poor skin barrier function and low moisture capacity. Add exposure to the environment and this leads to dry, chapped, dull-colored lips.
This is where the use of lip scrubs may come in—not an absolute necessity but can definitely be worthwhile if used correctly. But what are lip scrubs and what do they do? Lip scrubs are products that contain tiny particles that can aid in removing dry, flaky skin to reveal smooth, plump lips.
Lip scrubs contain abrasive ingredients like microbead particles that slough away damaged skin cells from your lips. Exfoliators are usually fine-granule sugar, coffee grounds, or even course oats. These ingredients are gentle on the lips and won't irritate them while still being effective.
With that said, knowing the main ingredient is important to make sure that the lip scrub you're purchasing won't cause irritation. Should you get something with harsh exfoliators like salt or synthetic abrasive materials and fragrances, it may cause more harm than good.
As much as we would want the scrub to get rid of all the dry skin from the lips, a balance must be achieved since the barrier of the lips should still be preserved. And just like our skin, when adding a new player to our skincare routine, we should test it out so that our lips won't react or develop signs of irritation. A mild choice is best, avoiding harsh abrasive particles and always starting slow —weekly or even monthly.
This is why it's famous for its moisturizing ability and is used in numerous products as a hydrating component. Other uses for pure petroleum jelly include moisturizing the face and hands, removing eye makeup, saving split ends, and even preserving perfume scents.
Perhaps, petroleum jelly is one of the most underrated skincare products. It acts as an occlusive, meaning it blocks the escape of water to the environment and seals in water into the skin's surface. It also has the added benefit of providing a protective layer that supports skin healing—and that includes the lips, too! Personally, this is definitely one of my top picks for moisturizing lips!
Aside from this, honey also has a lot of vitamins and minerals, including Calcium and Zinc, and is an antioxidant that is beneficial for your skin, face, and body as well. It's a natural ingredient, too, so you can be sure that it won't irritate your lips.
The demand for natural-based cosmetics is increasing. A lot of lip products—from lip balms to scrubs—now incorporate honey as a moisturizing agent. Honey has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and natural oxidant properties that make it a good option to be added to the formulation of lip products.
Its waxy texture forms a protective barrier over your lips to lock in moisture, making them feel soft and smooth. It's also antibacterial and hypoallergenic, which is always a great sign for those whose lips are easily irritated.
Jojoba oil is a natural emollient and acts as an occlusive that decreases the water from the stratum corneum to escape to the environment. It has been incorporated into moisturizers, sunscreens, and yes, even lip products.
It is a great emollient that helps soften the skin. Not to mention, it also enhances the absorption of other ingredients. Studies have shown that this oil is very similar to sebum—the natural oil that lubricates our skin and hair, making it a good choice!
It has vitamins A and E as well, which contributes to its antioxidant and anti-aging properties. This means that it promotes cell regeneration, the body's way of creating healthy cells to replace dead skin cells.
Shea butter has been used as an adjuvant moisturizer in skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, dry skin, and even dry lips.
The reason why it's a crowd favorite is that it contains a high percentage of unsaponifiable fraction (e.g., triterpenes, tocopherol, phenols, and sterols), which possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Triterpenes, in particular, has been identified as potentially even inducing collagen deposition.
The packaging of your lip scrub is as important as the product itself. This is why it's important to pick something with packaging that is suited for your needs and lifestyle.
One of the greatest benefits of tubed packaging for lip scrubs is that it will most likely result in a mess-free application. All you have to do is swipe it on your lips! This also makes your lip scrub portable, which means that you can easily take it with you wherever you go.
We recommend this type of packaging for those who move around or travel a lot as you're less likely to accidentally spill or mess up your lip scrub with this type of packaging.
Tubed packaging is a good choice as they're portable and not to mention more hygienic for the user. Pick products in tubed packaging if you are frequently on the go!
Lip scrubs with pot or jar packaging are very convenient since they make it easier to pick up the product with an applicator. They're usually compact, too, so they won't take up a lot of space either in your vanity, bathroom sink, or makeup kit.
That being said, they can be messy, though, especially if you accidentally pick up too much product. This is recommended for those who plan to use their lip scrubs at home or as part of their skincare regimen over the bathroom sink or vanity.
If you prefer potted lip scrubs, my only additional advice is to make sure to get the product with clean hands or use a spatula!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net Weight | Main Exfoliator | Moisturizing Ingredients | Additional Features | |||||
1 | LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub | ![]() | Yummy Bubblegum Scrub for Smooth, Soft, and Moisturized Lips | 20g | Caster Sugar | Jojoba Oil | Natural Ingredients, Vegan, Cruelty-Free | |
2 | Burt's Bees Conditioning Lip Scrub | ![]() | Say Goodbye to Dry, Flaky Lips With This Honey Crystals-Infused Lip Scrub | 709g | Honey Crystals | Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Castor Oil, Sunflower Seed Wax, Ceramide NP | 100% Natural, Paraben-Free | |
3 | Nivea Lip Caring Lip Scrub with Rosehip Oil | ![]() | No-Frills Lip Scrub That You Can Apply on the Go | 5.5g | Naturally-Derived Grains (From Corn Starch) | Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E, Castor Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax | Easy-to-Apply, Dermatologically-Approved, Clinically-Tested | |
4 | Luxe Organix Soft Lips Lip Exfoliating Scrub | ![]() | Alcohol-Free Lip Scrub for Sensitive, Chapped Lips | 15g | Fine Ground Walnut Shell Powder | Shea Butter, Vitamin E | Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free | |
5 | Human Nature Natural Lip Scrub | ![]() | All Natural Exfoliant, Ideal for Those With Sensitive Skin | 12g | Sugar Crystals | Beeswax, Sunflower Oil, Jojoba Oil | 99.85% Natural, Paraben-Free | |
6 | Ellana Strawberry Vanilla Lip Scrub | ![]() | Strawberry Vanilla Flavored Lip Scrub With Gentle Formula for Your Chapped Lips | 20g | Sugar | Coconut Oil | Mineral-Free, Paraben-Free, Silicone-Free, Sulfate-Free | |
7 | The Face Shop Lip Scrub | ![]() | Creamy and Effective Lip Scrub With a Relaxing Fragrance | 10g | Walnut Shell Powder | Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil | Cruelty-Free, Dermatologically-Tested, Natural Ingredients | |
8 | Dr. Pawpaw Lip Scrub and Nourish Duo Pot | ![]() | Your Two-in-One Scrub and Salve That Saves You Time and Bag Space | 16g | Sugar | Papaya Fruit, Aloe vera, Castor Oil, Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil | Vegan, Gluten-Free, Cruelty-Free, Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free | |
9 | Fresh Sugar Lip Polish | ![]() | A Natural, Exfoliating Scrub That Deeply Nourishes the Lips | 10g | Brown Sugar Crystals | Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, Castor Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Grapeseed Oil | Gluten-Free, Paraben-Free, Sulphate-Free | |
10 | IN2IT Lip Scrub|02-LIS01 | ![]() | Gets Rid of Dry, Chapped Lips to Prep Them for Makeup | 7g | Fine Sugar Particles | Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Vitamin E | Cruelty-Free, Halal-Certified |
Net Weight | 20g |
---|---|
Main Exfoliator | Caster Sugar |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Jojoba Oil |
Additional Features | Natural Ingredients, Vegan, Cruelty-Free |
Known for their cult-favorite lip balm, Burt's Bees also has something for those who want to get rid of dry, flaky lips. Cue this 100% natural product that uses honey crystals to exfoliate your lips and responsibly sourced beeswax to condition and hydrate your lips effectively. To add to its moisturizing effect, it contains jojoba oil, castor oil, sunflower seed wax, and ceramide as well.
Plus, it has peppermint oil for that refreshing feeling. Users are generally satisfied with this product—apart from exfoliating your lips, it is also able to boost moisture. Some even say that it is gentle, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin and who are looking for something that is not too abrasive.
Net Weight | 709g |
---|---|
Main Exfoliator | Honey Crystals |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, Castor Oil, Sunflower Seed Wax, Ceramide NP |
Additional Features | 100% Natural, Paraben-Free |
What sets this lip scrub apart is it contains exfoliating particles that are naturally derived from corn starch. Reviewers noticed that these grains are gentler than lip scrubs that use sugar. Additionally, it contains rosehip oil and vitamin E, which also help with hydrating and exfoliating the lips.
Plus, it's super easy to apply! Unlike most lip scrubs that require you to wipe off your lips thoroughly, you can apply this one just like your regular lip balm. You can even use it on the go! Simply swipe it on your lips and rub them together to dissolve the scrub particles. And the best part is, it doesn't feel sticky at all!
Net Weight | 5.5g |
---|---|
Main Exfoliator | Naturally-Derived Grains (From Corn Starch) |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Rosehip Oil, Vitamin E, Castor Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax |
Additional Features | Easy-to-Apply, Dermatologically-Approved, Clinically-Tested |
Net Weight | 15g |
---|---|
Main Exfoliator | Fine Ground Walnut Shell Powder |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Shea Butter, Vitamin E |
Additional Features | Alcohol-Free, Paraben-Free |
This lip scrub from Human Nature uses sugar crystals as its main exfoliator. It also contains many beneficial natural ingredients, such as beeswax, sunflower oil, and jojoba oil, which can soften the lips and lock in moisture. Plus, it has a cool peppermint scent that is soothing to the senses.
This 99.85% natural lip scrub is also paraben-free and biodegradable, making it great not only for those with sensitive skin but also for the environment. Many users always reach for this product for its moisturizing capability, scent, and all-natural ingredients.
Net Weight | 12g |
---|---|
Main Exfoliator | Sugar Crystals |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Beeswax, Sunflower Oil, Jojoba Oil |
Additional Features | 99.85% Natural, Paraben-Free |
Coming from a line known for its sensitive skin-friendly products, you can be assured that this lip scrub is gentle enough for your delicate lips. It is free from sulfate, paraben, and silicone. It is also formulated with sugar and coconut oil to gently exfoliate and moisturize your lips for a soft and hydrated finish.
Moreover, it can be an excellent product to prime your lips before applying tints or stains, giving you a smoother finish. Another thing you'll love about this is its yummy strawberry vanilla flavor that most users are fond of!
Net Weight | 20g |
---|---|
Main Exfoliator | Sugar |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Coconut Oil |
Additional Features | Mineral-Free, Paraben-Free, Silicone-Free, Sulfate-Free |
This lip scrub's main ingredients are walnut shells and shea butter, which slough away dead skin cells while hydrating the lips. These ingredients also create a mild, relaxing fragrance that customers love! Plus, a little goes a long way with this one, so the tube is sure to last a long time.
Compared to other lip products, it has a creamy and moisturizing texture, giving you baby-smooth lips and allowing matte lipsticks to adhere better. Several user reviews claim that this scrub did not just smoothen their lips but also made them appear plumper and brighter.
Net Weight | 10g |
---|---|
Main Exfoliator | Walnut Shell Powder |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil |
Additional Features | Cruelty-Free, Dermatologically-Tested, Natural Ingredients |
Net Weight | 16g |
---|---|
Main Exfoliator | Sugar |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Papaya Fruit, Aloe vera, Castor Oil, Sunflower Oil, Olive Oil |
Additional Features | Vegan, Gluten-Free, Cruelty-Free, Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free |
Net Weight | 10g |
---|---|
Main Exfoliator | Brown Sugar Crystals |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, Castor Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Grapeseed Oil |
Additional Features | Gluten-Free, Paraben-Free, Sulphate-Free |
According to reviews, this product is a great way to prep your lips for makeup application. With this scrub, your lips will feel softer and smoother, which will help your lipstick or lip liner stick longerーand even matte lipstick users can attest to that!
Net Weight | 7g |
---|---|
Main Exfoliator | Fine Sugar Particles |
Moisturizing Ingredients | Shea Butter, Argan Oil, Vitamin E |
Additional Features | Cruelty-Free, Halal-Certified |
In this section, we have compiled some frequently asked questions online answered by Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz. We hope you learn from these tips!
When it comes to scrubs or exfoliators of any kind, I always believe it is best to start slow. The lip scrub aims to get rid of dry, flaky skin and moisturize the lips but we must also maintain the skin barrier as it is still key to the function of the skin. Weekly or even monthly depending on your lips' needs would be a good place to start.
Listen to your skin. When in doubt, Ask Your Dermatologist!
I'd say best to just not eat your lip scrub. If you accidentally lick it, fine. But as much as possible, try to make a conscious effort to avoid lip-licking since, guess what—another common cause of chapped lips is habitual licking!
Best to check the product label! Most of the time, products would be labeled with their manufactured date and expiration date.
Some tips before starting that lip scrub to get those luscious lips:
After using a lip scrub, lock in moisture with lip oil and clear lip gloss. And to keep your lips soft and protected against UV rays, don't forget to apply lip balm with SPF. Check out these products to complete your lip care routine!
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: LUSH|Bubblegum Lip Scrub
No. 2: Burt's Bees|Conditioning Lip Scrub
No. 3: Nivea|Lip Caring Lip Scrub with Rosehip Oil
No. 4: Luxe Organix|Soft Lips Lip Exfoliating Scrub
No. 5: Human Nature|Natural Lip Scrub
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others