The Best Lip Oils Are Basically Glosses With a Skin Barrier Boost

Hydration in a high-shine disguise.

Lip Oils U Beauty
(Image credit: U Beauty)

By now, everyone in the beauty space likely owns, and at the very least, has tried, a lip oil. But these aren't just glorified lip glosses—they actually marry skincare and makeup seamlessly, for the best of both worlds: barrier-supporting ingredients that repair and protect, plus a wash of color and high-shine finish.

Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, says that the right lip oil can help rebuild the defenses of the fragile skin around the lips—especially if it includes ingredients like ceramides, peptides, and fatty acids. "Think of them as a healing sealant: it cushions cracks, replenishes lost moisture, and helps restore that silky-smooth surface, not just mask it." In short, they nourish the lips while doubling as makeup.

Celebrity makeup artist MarQuis Ward loves their versatility. "I wear lip oil on its own when I want something easy and hydrating

From hydrating blend to tinted oilds that do double dut

Siena Gagliano merit

(Image credit: Siena Gagliano)

Isabelle Adler

(Image credit: Isabelle Adler)

Siena Gagliano YSL lip oil

(Image credit: Siena Gagliano)

Siena Gagliano wearing Nars Afterglow

Siena Gagliano applies the NARS Afterglow Lip Oil in Laguna from the Hot Escape Collection.

(Image credit: Siena Gagliano)

Siena Gagliano applies lip gloss

Siena Gagliano before and after applying Kosas Wet Lip Oil.

(Image credit: Siena Gagliano)

Iman Balagam applies lip gloss

Iman Balagam before and after applying Perricone MD No Makeup Lip Oil.

(Image credit: Iman Balagam)

What to Look for in a Lip Oil

  • Ingredients

The best lip oils include a blend of humectants, emollients, and occlusives to deeply hydrate, soften, and lock all that moisture in. Humectants like hyaluronic acid attract water to the lips, emollients such as jojoba and shea butter smooth and condition the fragile skin on the lips, while occlusives like squalane create a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss throughout the day. Dr. Gohara recommends looking for a formulation that has some—bonus points for all!—of these ingredients, especially if your lips are chronically dry or prone to chapping.

Other ingredients to look out for? Ceramides, glycerin, and fatty acids, as the right lip oil can actually support your skin's barrier repair. "Think of a lip oil as a healing sealant: it cushions cracks, replenishes lost moisture, and helps restore that silky-smooth surface, not just mask it," says Dr. Gohara. She also warns to avoid essential oils, synthetic fragrances, or irritating colorants if you have sensitive lips, as these ingredients can cause stinging or peeling.

  • Texture

Each lip oil differs depending on the formulation. Many deliver a glossy finish, while others can offer a sheen; texture can vary from ultra-lightweight to richer, balmy formulas, but one thing the best all have in common? They avoid stickiness. MarQuis Ward points out, "I always look for a formula that feels good, isn't sticky, and actually does something for my lips." So, whether you prefer a sheer wash of color or a highly saturated payoff, a thick balm or a slippery oil, the key is to find one that glides smoothly and wears comfortably throughout the day.

  • Application

Thanks to the versatility of lip oils, they can be applied and layered in a multitude of ways. MarQuis Ward suggests wearing lip oil alone for quick hydration, layering under lipstick for softness, or topping lip color with it for extra shine. Ford's trick for longevity is to line lips first, apply oil, then gently press it in with your fingers. He also suggests using translucent powder to set the very outer edge of the lip line with a small, precise brush. This helps to prevent feathering without drying out the lips.

Is Lip Oil Better Than Lip Balm?

Lip oils tend to sink in more quickly and deliver deeper hydration, while balms often sit on the surface. Dr. Gohara explains, "Lip oils are more like a nutrient-packed smoothie for your lips—balms are more like the plastic lid." Oils moisturize and repair with ingredients that soften, plump, and protect the skin barrier, while balms work to seal moisture in to prevent transepidermal water loss. "Both have value, but lip oils usually bring a more reparative edge," says Dr. Gohara.

How We Tested

Marie Claire is an authority on beauty, having written numerous stories about must-have makeup formulas, including the best tinted sunscreens and the best eyebrow gels, among others. The products on this list have all been tried and tested by one of our editors or hand-picked by beauty writers after extensive testing over several weeks.

While the best lip oil for you will vary based on personal preference, you truly can't go wrong with one of the items on this list.

Why Trust Marie Claire?

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Experts

Board-certified dermatologist, Mona Gohara
Dr. Mona Gohara

Dr. Mona Gohara, a Yale-trained board-certified dermatologist and former chief resident at Yale New Haven Hospital, is an associate clinical professor at Yale, where she continues to teach and mentor. As President of the Women's Dermatologic Society and chair of several committees for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Gohara is a recognized leader in her field. A trusted medical expert, she frequently contributes to Marie Claire, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, and more, and serves on the advisory board for Women's Health. Her clinical focus and interests include skin of color and both medical and surgical dermatology.

vincent ford
Vincent Ford

With almost two decades of experience as a makeup artist, Vincent Ford soon discovered a passion for photography. He found that his makeup expertise enhanced his photography skills, while being a beauty photographer made him a better makeup artist. Ford's career has taken him around the globe, working across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. He shares his work and tips with his combined audience of over 1 million people across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

MarQuis Ward
Demario “Marquis” Ward

MarQuis Ward, an Atlanta native and founder of Expensive Skin Studios, brings 14 years of experience to the world of makeup artistry. Formerly known for wardrobe styling, Marquis embarked on a remarkable transition fueled by his deep-rooted passion for music and fashion. Now based in Los Angeles, he has seamlessly channeled his innate creativity into the realm of makeup, expanding his repertoire from his earlier days. 

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Siena Gagliano
Beauty Editor

Siena Gagliano is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she writes and edits reported features, trend stories, and expert-backed shopping roundups. Before joining the team full-time, she was an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she specialized in SEO-first beauty content and commerce strategy. Her bylines have also appeared in Allure, ELLE, Bustle, Well+Good, Popsugar, and Women's Health, covering everything from the best products for brighter, glowier skin to the science behind face mapping. Curious about the behind-the-scenes magazine life and her go-to beauty picks? Follow her on Instagram at @sienagagliano.