The Best Lip Scrubs Will Get Rid of Flakes in Once Use

Not only was Happ the original creator of the lip scrub category, but her namesake product also happens to be my all-time favorite. It comes in four colors—brown sugar, vanilla bean, pink grapefruit, and sparkling peach—and boasts a simple formula that eliminates dry and flaky skin without irritation. I use it every night before bed and lock in the moisture with a balm or moisturizer. Plus, every flavor tastes like a sugary little treat.

Pros: Great shade selection; Non-irritating; Works immediately

Cons: None

I’ll be honest: This isn’t what I’m reaching for before bed—I want something more intense. But the bullet design and no-wipe formula make it an absolute savior for on-the-go touch-ups before lipstick application. I just swipe it across my top and bottom lip a few times to let the sugar particles wipe away any massive flakes and soften my lips’ texture. I’ll use this on repeat throughout the day too to prevent chapping.

Pros: Easy to use; Travel friendly

Cons: Not a deep exfoliation

No matter how hard you scrub, this super-fine formula remains one of the most gentle on the market. It's ideal for those who are really sensitive in the perioral area—and a staple in Aharon’s kit. “It’s almost like sand, so you can really get into the corners and edges of your lips when you’re buffing it in,” she says. “It leaves the lips feeling really soft and conditioned.”

Pros: Gentle formula; Great for chapped lip edges

Cons: Hard to wipe off—granules sometimes stay behind

This scrub frankly feels more like a balm. It’s formulated with micro-fine sugar particles so small that you barely feel them exfoliating. What takes sensory precedence is the creamy texture that’s fortified with nourishing oils. When I rub my lips together, the grit pretty much dissolves in its entirety, leaving behind a soft and smooth canvas. On days when I’m using a more matte lipstick, I will use a tissue to get the scrub fully off.

Pros: Great packaging for on-the-go application; Very hydrating

Cons: Won’t fully remove a chapped texture in one use

Every makeup artist I talk to keeps this wide-stick formula on hand for lip prep. “You don’t need to get your fingers involved or have a spatula on hand,” says Aharon. “It uses olive stones and coffee beans, which is unique and great if you don’t like the sweeter sugar tastes.” Follow it up with the brand’s tinted lip balms—they’re truly the best.

Pros: Lightweight feel; Not messy

Cons: Hard to remove

When my lips look their worst (read: incredibly dry and peeling), this Henne Organics is my life savior. It has larger sugar crystals than most, so it can pick up big chunks of dead skin. Despite the incredibly satisfying exfoliation, the formula remains deeply nourishing. You’ll find vitamin E, rose oil, and jojoba oil inside, which work together to lock in moisture. It comes in three different versions—Rose Diamonds, Nordic Berries, and Lavender Mint—so there’s something for everyone.

Pros: Flavor options; Great smell

Cons: A little messy

I can’t talk about this lip scrub without its applicator. Designed with soft buffing brushes, this serum-meets-scrub removes dead cells and flakes without any gritty ingredients. Instead, it gives lips a dose of hyaluronic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, and a special plumping agent that leaves lips looking healthy, fresh, and enhanced. There’s no need to rub anything off—just apply, and you’re good to go.

Pros: Very hydrating; Gentle

Cons: Plumping can tingle

I can get on board with any Rihanna-backed product, but this non-greasy lip scrub is truly something special. Made with the exfoliating powers of apricot seed and balanced by the always-moisturizing shea butter and jojoba oil, this twist-up lip scrub is essential in my collection. It’s very soothing and calms tightness and irritation, but it’s necessary to follow this guy up with a balm to prevent dryness.

Pros: Gentle and non-irritating; Smells great

Cons: Not hydrating enough on its own; Messy packaging

I’ve had this lip scrub since high school, so I’ve mastered the application technique. Because it is grittier than most, it can get a little messy on the face. I like to put a wet washcloth or tissue over my finger as I massage this in. Not only does it help the scrub really get into every crevice and crack, but it also makes cleanup seamless.

Pros: Effective; Moisturizing

Cons: A little greasy

Splurge on this La Mer scrub to transform your daily lip scrub into a sensorial experience. Its soothing rose scent and luxe applicator instantly elevates the scoop-and-scrub process. The formula itself is just as high end—it includes the brand’s trademarked miracle broth, which is responsible for nourishing and supporting the health of the lips. The rich texture will make lips feel smooth after just one use.

Pros: Nice mint flavor left behind; Very effecting at smoothing texture

Cons: Expensive