Lip oil: actually moisturizing or just glossy?
By Ulta Beauty Advisors · Published September 2026
All products featured are available at Ulta Beauty. Ulta Beauty Advisors select products independently. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Shiny, non-sticky and everywhere lately, lip oils have earned their spot in a lot of makeup bags. But do they actually moisturize, or are they just an elevated gloss in disguise? The short answer: it depends on the formula. Many lip oils blend nourishing oils that may help condition and soften the look of lips while adding a glossy finish. Others lean more decorative. Knowing what's inside helps you pick one that fits your goals.
Dry, chapped lips are a super common concern. Cold weather, dry air, sun exposure and even licking your lips can leave them feeling rough or looking flaky. Lips also have thinner skin and fewer oil glands than the rest of your face, so they can lose moisture fast. Learning how lip oils work and how they stack up against balms and glosses can help you decide what belongs in your routine.
How do lip oils work?
Lip oils are thought to work by delivering emollient, conditioning ingredients that may help soften and smooth the look of lips while sealing in a bit of shine. Think of them as a hybrid: part lip care, part light gloss.
Most lip oils are built around plant-based oils like jojoba, squalane, coconut or sweet almond. These emollients may help fill in the look of rough patches and leave lips feeling smoother. Some formulas also add antioxidants like vitamin E, which may support defense against everyday environmental stressors.
Here's what lip oils are generally thought to do:
Coat lips with emollient oils that may help condition and soften their appearance
Add a glossy, non-sticky finish that feels lighter than traditional gloss
Support your lips' moisture barrier when formulated with nourishing ingredients
Layer easily over or under other lip products
The catch? Oils are mainly emollients, meaning they smooth and soften. They're a little different from occlusives (like petrolatum or beeswax) that form a stronger seal to help lock moisture in. That's why formula matters so much.
Lip oil vs. lip gloss vs. lip balm: what's the difference?
All three live on your lips, but they play different roles. Here's the quick breakdown.
Lip oil: Built around nourishing oils, lip oils may help condition and soften the look of lips while adding a lightweight, glossy shine. They tend to feel silkier and less sticky than gloss. A nice pick if you want a little care and a little shine in one step.
Lip gloss: Gloss is mostly about the look, high shine, color and sometimes a plumping tingle. Traditional glosses may include some conditioning ingredients, but shine and finish are usually the main event. If softening your lips is the goal, gloss alone may not do much.
Lip balm: Balms often lean on occlusives and waxes that may help seal in moisture and protect against dryness. They're typically more matte or satin than glossy. Many also come with SPF, which is a big plus for daytime.
The takeaway: reach for a lip oil when you want shine plus some conditioning, a balm when your main goal is sealing in moisture and a gloss when you're all about that glassy finish.
Potential benefits and limitations of lip oils
Potential benefits include:
May help soften and smooth the look of dry, rough lips
Lightweight, non-sticky feel compared to many glosses
Often packed with nourishing oils and antioxidants
Adds a glossy finish that works over balm or lipstick
Easy to reapply throughout the day
Potential limitations include:
Emollient oils may not seal in moisture as strongly as occlusive balms
Some tinted or flavored formulas may feel less conditioning
Most don't include SPF, so daytime sun protection needs a separate step
Results vary a lot depending on the ingredients
Bottom line? A well-formulated lip oil may do double duty as shine and light care. But if your lips are seriously dry or cracked, you may want to pair it with a richer balm.
How to choose a lip oil
Your pick comes down to your lips' needs and the look you're after:
Consider a nourishing, oil-rich formula if softening dry lips is your main goal. Look for jojoba, squalane, shea or vitamin E.
Consider a tinted lip oil if you want a wash of color with your shine.
Consider a fragrance-free option if your lips tend to feel sensitive or reactive.
Peek at the ingredient list before you commit. The more conditioning oils near the top, the more likely it may help soften your lips, not just add gloss.
Best lip oils for soft, glossy lips
Best all-around nourishing lip oil
Clarins Lip Comfort Hydrating & Plumping Oil
Lip oil | $32.00
Shop Clarins Lip Comfort Hydrating & Plumping Oil at Ulta Beauty →
Shine, meet softness. This cult-fave lip oil melts on with plant-based oils that help condition and smooth the look of dry lips while adding a plush, glassy finish. It feels cushiony, never sticky, and layers like a dream over balm or lipstick.
Key specs: Nourishing plant oils · Hydrating and plumping feel · Glossy, non-sticky finish · Good for most lip types
Ulta Beauty Advisor tip: Swipe on 1-2 coats after your balm for a soft, shiny top layer. Reapply whenever your lips need a little pick-me-up!
Best tinted lip oil for a hint of color
Ulta Beauty Collection Juice Infused Tinted Lip Oil
Lip oil | $10.50
Shop Ulta Beauty Collection Juice Infused Tinted Lip Oil at Ulta Beauty →
Color, shine and comfort in one swipe. This viral-fave tinted oil blends fruit oils and vitamin E to help soothe and soften the look of lips while adding a sheer wash of color. The cushiony formula feels light enough for all-day wear.
Key specs: Sheer-to-buildable color · Fruit oils with vitamin E · Non-sticky, cushiony finish · 6 shades to play with
Ulta Beauty Advisor tip: Apply straight from the applicator for buildable color. Layer for more punch or keep it sheer for that "your lips but better" vibe.
Best fragrance-free lip oil for sensitive lips
Made By Mitchell Bare Lip Oil
Lip oil | $13.00
Shop Made By Mitchell Bare Lip Oil at Ulta Beauty →
Gentle glow for cranky lips. This lightweight formula leans on shea butter and vitamin E to help condition and smooth the look of dry lips, without a strong scent or flavor. A friendly pick if fragranced options tend to leave your lips feeling irritated.
Key specs: Low-scent formula · Shea butter and tocopheryl acetate · Lightweight, hydrating feel · Good for sensitive lips
Ulta Beauty Advisor tip: A little goes a long way, so start with a thin layer. Patch test first if your lips run reactive, then work it into your daily routine.
Best daytime lip oil for glossy shine
e.l.f. Makeup Glow Reviver Lip Oil
Lip oil | $9.00
Shop e.l.f. Makeup Glow Reviver Lip Oil at Ulta Beauty →
Big glow, tiny price. This bestselling lip oil pairs nourishing oils with a high-shine finish to help soften the look of lips while leaving behind a glassy, non-sticky shine. It's an easy add to your morning lineup, just pair it with an SPF lip product to keep your lips protected.
Key specs: Nourishing oils · Glossy, non-sticky finish · Fan-favorite bestseller · Good for most lip types
Ulta Beauty Advisor tip: Layer it over your SPF lip balm each morning, then reapply through the day. Sun protection keeps your lips feeling their best!
How to use lip oil
Getting the most out of your lip oil is easy, it's all about layering smart. Here's a simple routine:
Daytime:
Gentle lip scrub (1–2 times a week to smooth flaky bits)
Nourishing lip balm
Lip oil (or a lip oil with SPF)
Reapply SPF lip product throughout the day
Nighttime:
Cleanse lips
Richer lip balm or overnight lip mask
Lip oil for extra softness and shine
Keep lips hydrated, sip plenty of water and resist the urge to lick, it can dry them out even more.
How fast do lip oils work?
You may notice smoother, shinier-looking lips right away thanks to those emollient oils. But real softening, the kind that helps with ongoing dryness, tends to build with consistent use over days or weeks. Formula and how often you reapply both play a big role.
Daily lip SPF is highly recommended, since sun exposure can contribute to dryness and long-term lip concerns. For persistent cracking or irritation, a dermatologist may help.
Frequently asked questions
Do lip oils actually moisturize?
Many may help condition and soften the look of lips thanks to nourishing oils. But oils are mainly emollients, so they may not seal in moisture as strongly as occlusive balms. Formula makes all the difference.
Lip oil or lip balm, which is better?
Neither wins outright. Lip oils lean glossy and conditioning, while balms often seal in moisture better. For very dry lips, using both may give you the best of both worlds.
Can I wear lip oil over lipstick?
Yes! A thin layer of lip oil over lipstick may add shine and a softer feel. Just know it may sheer out your color a bit.
Are lip oils sticky?
Most are designed to feel lighter and less sticky than traditional gloss, which is a big part of their appeal.
Do lip oils have SPF?
Some do, but many don't. If you want sun protection, look for a lip oil that lists broad-spectrum SPF, or layer an SPF lip product underneath.
Can I use lip oil every day?
For most people, yes. Reapply as often as your lips need it. If you notice irritation, switch to a fragrance-free formula and patch test first.
What ingredients should I look for?
Jojoba, squalane, shea butter, sweet almond oil and vitamin E are common conditioning picks. The more of these near the top of the list, the better.
What's the most important factor for happy lips?
Consistency, and sun protection. Regular hydration paired with daily lip SPF helps keep lips feeling soft and looking their best.
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