Skip to main content
Bianca Censori posing in Paris, showcasing modern fashion.
Elon Musk and MacKenzie Scott at a public event.
Applying sunscreen on a woman's cheek for sun protection.

Beauty

Is There A Difference Between ChapStick And Other Types Of Lip Balm? The Answer.

September 16, 2016 by Katelyn Holland
shefinds | Beauty
Featured image
house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!

It doesn’t matter if your a beauty girl or a grown man, everyone gets chapped lips. Lip balm is a skincare essential. But what is the actually difference between lip balm and Chapstick? Is one better than the other? A lip balm is an ointment that is used to soothe the lips. There are typically made with a blend of oils and beeswax that work by forming a protective layer over the skin that prevents the loss of moisture (read more here). Chapstick is actually just a brand of lip balm. However, the term “chapstick” is often used synonymously for the term lip balm.

The biggest difference between lip balm and Chapstick tends to be that Chapstick is formulated just for your mouth. It comes in a stick form that is easy to apply to your lips. The reason that lip balm is so much better than the stick form is because it can be used in many different ways. For example, the Glossier Balm Dotcom ($12) is a universal skin salve. This means you can use it to moisturize areas other than your lips, like your hands, elbows and cuticles. It can even be used to create a “glossy” makeup look.

It’s better to opt for lip balm that comes in a jar or a tube because it has a variety of uses. To get the most out of your lip balm, pick an unflavored or unscented option. This will make it easier to use on other areas of your body. While there’s nothing wrong with using Chapstick, it’s a little awkward to rub a tube of it all over your hands. Stick with a balm because it has more than one use.

Many people worry that lip balm can be “addictive.” This is because some lip balm ingredients, like salicylic acid and alcohol, which seem soothing but actually dry out your lips, which causes you to apply more product. Find out which lip balms have the best ingredients that are good for your lips here.

For more beauty tips, check out which type of hairbrush is right for your hair type and best drugstore hair tools.

[Image: iMaxTree]

Author:

Woman washing hair with nourishing products.
Woman using retinoids for skin rejuvenation.
Outdated hairstyling trends replaced by youthful looks.
Woman looking down at her phone, engaged with content.
Best beauty treatments for collagen building after 40.
Stylish pillbox organizer for vitamins and supplements.
Low-maintenance haircuts for women over 40 with fine hair.
Woman struggling with hair loss, looking concerned.
Chic haircuts for women over 50 trending in 2026.
Woman experiencing fatigue after a sleepless night.
Summer superfoods for boosting collagen and glowing skin.
Best beauty deals on Amazon during Prime Day.
Woman applying sunscreen for sun protection outdoors.
The viral Italian bob hair trend for summer 2026.
Nina Ubhi demonstrating concealer application on YouTube.
Six beauty habits causing skin inflammation unknowingly.
Older woman performing her skincare routine.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Hair mistakes that may age you, according to stylists.
Anti-aging skincare advice from Arielle Lorre and Dr. Anthony Youn.
Inspiring beauty tips and secrets revealed by experts.