You can buy CBD in many forms nowadays, including lip balms! Hemp-infused lip balms offer numerous positive effects, such as protecting from sun damage, reducing inflammation, and just being generally nourishing. They are a fantastic upgrade to regular lip balms!
In this guide, I’ll be taking a deep dive into the benefits of CBD for your lips and how to find a lip balm that is safe and suitable for you. But let’s begin with the five best CBD lip balms on the market right now – I’ve spent hours browsing online, and here’s what I found!
1. CBD American Shaman – CBD Lip Revitalizer
This impressive lip revitalizer from CBD American Shaman makes your lips soft and kissable. Each balm is infused with 30mg of high-quality full-spectrum hemp extract and an array of beneficial ingredients, including beeswax and shea butter.
With CBD American Shaman’s Lip Revitalizer, you can make chapped lips a thing of the past. Use as much as you require as often as you desire without having to worry about psychoactive effects.
CBD American Shaman promises moisturized, plump, but never greasy lips from its lip revitalizer. This product is third-party tested by Green Scientific Labs and has less than 0.3% THC.
2. Veritas Farms – Full Spectrum CBD Lip Balm
Freshen up and moisturize your lips with this full-spectrum chapstick from Veritas Farms. Each 25mg balm contains a mixture of CBD, CBG, CBC, and other secondary cannabinoids, as well as myriad terpenes and flavonoids.
Veritas Farms uses antioxidant-rich beeswax in its CBD lip balm, which helps protect sensitive lips from the outside elements. The full-spectrum CBD extract is taken from organically grown, non-GMO hemp for maximum purity.
Whether you suffer from chapped lips or are looking for a primer, this lip balm can help you! Available individually or in 3-packs and in a variety of flavors. Veritas Farms products are third-party tested regularly.
Flavors: Cherry, Mango, Orange Crème, Strawberry, Watermelon
3. Shea Brand – CBD Restorative Lip Balm
This restorative lip balm comes with a hefty 25mg CBD extract and is perfect for nourishing your lips back to full health. The CBD extract combines with moisturizing shea butter and beeswax, making your lips luscious and plump and protecting them from external nasties.
Shea Brand uses organic, US-grown hemp in its restorative lip balm and a CBD-isolate extract separated from THC, easing any worries about drug tests. This CBD balm is great for regenerating skin cells and soothing your lips, which are packed with cannabinoid receptors.
Shea Brand’s CBD lip balm is third-party tested by ProVerde Laboratories and contains no detectable THC. This product is palm oil-free and 100% recyclable!
4. Neurogan – CBD Lip Balm (200mg)
Neurogan makes an impressive range of CBD products – and you can add this full-spectrum lip balm to the collection! Loaded with 200mg CBD extract, it’s more potent than most CBD chapsticks on the market and comes infused with minor cannabinoids and terpenes!
The fatty acids and antioxidants in hemp combine to make this a moisturizing and protective lip balm. But it’s not just hemp – Neurogan’s balm also contains avocado oil, beeswax, and jojoba oil! It’s an all-around therapeutic powerhouse!
The Neurogan CBD Lip Balm is manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility and is third-party tested by Confident Cannabis. Available as a one-time purchase or on a subscription.
Flavors: Peppermint, Pomegranate, Peppermint, and Pomegranate (2-pack)
5. Smith & Cult – Locked & Lit CBD Lip Balm
Hydrate and moisturize your lips with the Locked & Lit CBD Lip Balm from Smith & Cult. This premium lip balm consists of hemp-derived CBD oil and coconut-derived MCT oil, with the MCTs increasing the absorption of CBD into the lips.
Smith & Cult also uses apple seed oil, providing a natural fruity flavor and numerous vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. All these ingredients combine to create a nourishing lip balm that promotes smooth and supple lips.
The Locked & Lit CBD Lip Balm is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and available in four shades. While Smith & Cult is a reputable cosmetic brand, they don’t specialize in CBD. It’s disappointing but not surprising to see no third-party test, hence why they are only fifth on my list.
Shades: Clear, Glassy Pink, Glassy Rose, Glassy Berry
What is CBD?
Non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) products have come from nowhere in recent years to become one of America’s most popular supplements and natural remedies. Found in cannabis and hemp plants, CBD is a cannabinoid that works oppositely to intoxicating THC.
CBD is a therapeutic substance that mostly appears to function in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). While CBD engages with cannabinoid receptors, unlike THC, it has an antagonizing or blocking effect.
CBD also elevates the body’s natural endocannabinoids – specifically anandamide and 2-AG. In a sense, rather than acting as an external force, CBD helps to regulate and restore order to the ECS.
At the federal level, only hemp-derived CBD is legal. However, in states that have legalized recreational marijuana, CBD is legal regardless of how it is obtained. But federally, CBD must come from cannabis with less than 0.3% THC, which is classified as hemp.
CBD is relatively safe, with research showing that humans can tolerate extremely high doses. But while CBD doesn’t cause paranoia and anxiety-like psychoactive THC, it’s not without side effects.
Dry mouth, nausea, and fatigue are commonly reported side effects of CBD. Products may also interfere with some prescription medications, including beta-blockers, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Consult with a doctor or physician if you’re unsure about mixing CBD with your meds.
What are CBD lip balms?
With CBD seemingly in everything nowadays, you could be forgiven for thinking CBD-infused lip balms were a gimmick. But hemp extract is beneficial for your lips, which are teeming with cannabinoid receptors.
CBD lip balms come in twistable tubes or tubs and work to hydrate, moisturize, and nourish the lips. In addition to CBD, these products typically contain ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax, too – the benefits of which we will discuss later.
Not all CBD lip balms consist of the same hemp extract. Some brands prefer using THC-free, CBD-isolate extract, which has fewer health benefits but guarantees a clean drug test.
Others opt for the all-encompassing therapeutic effects of full-spectrum or whole-plant hemp extract. These products contain minor cannabinoids such as cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG), which bring individual benefits and promote the entourage effect.
This synergistic reaction occurs when cannabinoids are consumed as part of a full-plant extract. The entourage effect makes the CBD, CBG, CBN, and other cannabinoids more effective than the sum of their parts.
However, full-spectrum hemp can have up to 0.3% THC, per regulations set by the 2018 Farm Bill. If taking any THC is a red line for you, perhaps give broad-spectrum CBD lip balms a try – these keep the minor cannabinoids while siphoning off the THC.
Health benefits of CBD lip balms
Applying CBD to your lips as a lip balm could have multiple health benefits.
In 2014, researchers determined that CBD has anti-inflammatory and sebostatic properties. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, noted that CBD was a promising treatment for acne, a skin condition affecting hundreds of millions worldwide.
While you may need other CBD creams to control acne around the rest of your face, a CBD lip balm could help control acne flare-ups around the mouth area.
Similarly, CBD lip balms may ease symptoms of other inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Research shows that the endocannabinoid system is linked to the immune system via the CB2 receptor, which explains CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects.
Additional ingredients in CBD lip balms
While not an exhaustive list, here are a few non-hemp ingredients in CBD lip balms.
Beeswax: A regular presence in lip balms, beeswax is packed with natural emulsifiers, making it an excellent moisturizer. Beeswax is perfect for dealing with dry, chapped lips and protects against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Shea butter: A natural emollient, shea butter is another ingredient that promotes moisture retention in the lips. Shea butter helps form a barrier to the outside world, locking moisture in and keeping your lips luscious and hydrated.
Coconut oil: A rich source of medium-chained triglycerides (MCTs), coconut oil enhances the effects of CBD and other cannabinoids. MCTs increase cannabinoid bioavailability, boosting CBD absorption rate into your lips.
Avocado oil: Antioxidant and vitamin-rich, avocado oil moisturizes your lips, protects them from UV ray damage, and stimulates collagen products. Not all brands include avocado oil in CBD lip balms, but it’s a smart addition.
Apple seed oil: This ingredient is often found in skincare products and, occasionally, CBD lip balms. Apple seed oil contains high linoleic and oleic fatty acids, which help keep your lips hydrated.
Jojoba oil: Look for CBD balms with jojoba oil if you suffer from cracked and dry lips. Jojoba oil is a brilliant source of vitamins and minerals that nourish and moisturize your lips without leaving them greasy.
What to Look For When Buying CBD Lip Balms
Third-party tests
Independent lab tests are essential for all CBD products, but perhaps even more so with lip balms. While companies specializing in CBD are usually on top of this, traditional cosmetic brands that only dabble in CBD often aren’t.
Lab testing verifies how much CBD is present in a lip balm and if it conforms with legal requirements (i.e., has less than 0.3% THC). Some independent tests also check for impurities, including residual solvents and heavy metals.
Type of hemp extract
CBD lip balms contain CBD-isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum hemp extract. Balms with CBD-isolate extract consist of pure CBD and no additional cannabinoids or terpenes.
Full-spectrum balms are more therapeutic, thanks to minor cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG) and beneficial terpenes. But these products also contain trace levels of THC, which, in theory, could lead to a failed drug test.
Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD balms provide a popular balance, with all the cannabinoids and terpenes you would find in a full-spectrum lip balm, except with none of the THC.
Other ingredients
Brands making CBD topicals sometimes take the opportunity to make products more effective by infusing them with other natural extracts. For instance, many CBD lip balms are made with shea butter and beeswax. Some like to add jojoba oil and avocado oil, too.
Double-check the ingredients list before purchasing a CBD lip balm, especially a high-end one. You don’t want any allergic reactions!
How to Store Your CBD Lip Balms
I recommend storing CBD lip balms in cool temperatures and dark environments to protect against potency loss. Resign the cap after use to prevent your lip balm from drying out. Perhaps keep it in your handbag or jacket pocket for on-the-go use.
How Long Do CBD Lip Balms Last?
CBD lip balms should keep your lips moist and revitalized for at least a few hours after application. Feel free to re-apply as often as you need to unless the manufacturer suggests otherwise. Remember that CBD does not have any intoxicating effects.
Purchasing CBD Lip Balms Online vs. Shops Near Me
Finding high-quality, hemp-infused lip balms isn’t always easy, as with all CBD products. But you can make things much easier by avoiding unreliable brick-and-mortar stores like gas stations and always purchasing from renowned online vendors.
Furthermore, I advocate buying CBD lip balms from companies that specialize in CBD products rather than cosmetic brands looking to cash in on the CBD trend. Experienced and respected CBD companies are more likely to be making genuine and effective products.
Always check for third-party testing when buying lip balms and other CBD products. Be wary of brands selling suspiciously cheap balms – they may be cutting corners during manufacturing or, worse, not even using any CBD extract.
