The 13 best lip scrubs for your smoothest lips yet

Diane then adds: “Summer dry or winter cracked lips, benefit from the removal of the dry and flaky skin, but also the stimulation of the microcirculation in the lips, by using a scrub.” One surprising fact? “If you’ve got a pale pout, then regular use of a lip scrub can potentially add a warmer hue to your lips as the circulation is increased.” says Diane.

What ingredients should we be looking for on our lip scrubs?

Emma Coleman, dermatology & aesthetic RGN, says: “Ideal lip scrub ingredients would include an emollient such as shea butter to seal in moisture, an exfoliant such as pomegranate enzyme and to reduce dry skin without being too abrasive.”

Alexandra Haq Mills, medical aesthetician & skincare expert also recommends products rich in moisturising ingredients “such as honey, shea butter, or coconut oil” as well as “vitamin E, which is known for its skin-healing properties”.

Any ingredients we should avoid?

Diane recommends staying away from heavily fragranced products and essential oils. “The alcohol in the fragrance can have the opposite effect to hydration and dry the lips out. Essential oils in large doses, specifically stimulants such as peppermint, menthol, and eucalyptus, even citrus in large doses can be too stimulating on the lips.”

She says, then adding: “The same can be said for ingredients which are known to be astringents; although they can be great on the skin, ingredients such as witch hazel are not the best to use on the lip area for their skin tightening effects as they don’t assist with any dryness, flaking or cracked skin on the lips, they simply sting.”

While Emma also adds: “Avoid heavily abrasive ingredients such as sugar and apricot kernels as lip skin is fragile.”

How often should we use lip scrubs?

“Ideally use your lip scrubs two to three times per week, be gentle though when you use to ensure you don’t over sensitise the lips. You simply want to eradicate the dead, dry and cracked skin and replenish the moisture and hydration levels.” says Diane.

Dr Bhavjit Kaur, aesthetic medical practitioner adds: “Never exfoliate if there are open cuts or wounds on lip or if lips are very dry.”

Are there any side effects from overusing lip scrubs?

When it comes to any side effects that may occur, Diane says: “Your lips are delicate, full of nerves, and have their very own microcirculation. Over stimulation will have the opposite effect of what you want to achieve, potentially causing the lip skin to shed, making them more dry, fragile, and increasing the risk of cracking.”

Dr Bhavjit Kaur adds: “Sometimes people with hyperpigmentation of lips (especially in melanin rich skin or post allergy) over scrubbing can irritate the area and further exacerbate lip hyperpigmentation.”

Is it okay to make your own lip scrubs from home?

Now, if you’re wondering wether at home DIY lip scrubs are a go to? The answer is both yay and nay. DIY lip scrubs can be great if you know what you’re doing and use safe ingredients. However, it’s essential to be cautious and informed about what you’re putting on your lips. Some common DIY lip scrub ingredients like sugar, honey, and oils can be perfectly safe, but others might irritate sensitive skin, or make the dryness worst. So, do your research, follow reliable recipes, and listen to your skin.

Diane adds: “Whether it be a home-made application of coconut oil, sugar cane, and a hint of honey or the latest advance in beauty ingredients with dry powder scrubs or nano spheric ingredients which are totally spherical so as not to scratch the delicate lip membrane. Search for scrubs with humectant ingredients which continue to keep lips soft and hydrated by attracting moisture even after use. Emollients are great too, for those heavier, rich and conditioning base formulations to keep lips pliable, soft and smooth.”

Convinced? Here are some of our favourites to shop now: