Exfoliating lip scrubs are the missing step in your seasonal lip care routine. The colder winter months are not kind to our poor lips. The wind, low temperatures and low humidity mean we’ll often find them parched, dry and flaky – and that is because the skin on the lips is thin and lacks its own oil glands, meaning it can’t naturally moisturise.
Vogue’s top exfoliating lip scrubs at a glance:
I am a lip balm obsessive, and at any given time, I will likely have three on my person – maybe even a mask, but to make the most of the nourishing ingredients, I will first, every now and again, call on a lip scrub. They also provide an even base for lipstick to apply smoothly and enhance its longevity. “Look for gentle, non-abrasive exfoliants combined with nourishing emollients,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite. “Natural particles like sugar, jojoba beads, or finely milled silica can help remove dead skin cells and surface dryness without irritating the delicate lip skin.”
But beyond the buffing agent, it is also important that these formulas are packed with humectants and emollients to lock in moisture. “A good lip scrub should also include conditioning ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, squalane, ceramides, or vitamin E to replenish moisture immediately after exfoliation,” says Dr Granite.
See below for the Vogue-recommended lip scrubs to invest in for the winter season and beyond, and scroll on to find out everything you need to know about how to use them from the expert dermatologist.
Why it’s Vogue-approved: For a mess-free scrub, Tatcha’s Kissu applies like an ordinary lip balm in a tube format, but it is boosted with peach seed, konjac, and sugar for exfoliation. Most welcomed of all, however, is the addition of Japanese camellia oil that leaves lips smooth and hydrated. Cracked, flaky lips be gone.
Why it’s Vogue-approved: A hero in the Fresh range, the Sugar Lip Polish is one of the most popular scrubs on the market, and that’s not only for the sweet brown sugar crystals that feel like a sugary treat to parched pouts. There are also the nourishing benefits of shea butter and jojoba oil within so that lips feel smooth and supple, especially when followed by a nourishing balm. It doesn’t take long to get to work either, I noticed benefits in just one use.
Why it’s Vogue-approved: Using chemical exfoliants (as opposed to the physical ingredients often found in lip scrubs), The Ordinary’s serum stands out. The pink-tinted formula is infused with PHAs and AHAs alongside glycerin and ecotin, the latter of which offsets the exfoliating elements to ensure that the combination is gentle to the delicate lip area. The texture is smooth and hydrating, working over the course of a few days to restore lips to their smooth glory.
Why it’s Vogue-approved: The delicious scent of coconut makes this lip scrub a pleasure to apply. It gives a tropical touch that brings a transportive holiday feeling even when used on a dark winter day – it’s the small things that count. The sweet, summery fragrance is just one of the reasons to love this scrub. The other is the inclusion of sugar and strawberry fruit seed pieces that act as the exfoliating agent and lanolin, the hero ingredient across the Lanolips collection, which is highly moisturising.
Why it’s Vogue-approved: “The genius of Fenty Beauty’s lip scrub lies in its chapstick format, which makes exfoliating dry lips a simple swipe-on job,” says Vogue contributor Tracy Achonwa. “Made with plant seeds to gently polish your pout and nourishing coconut oil, it leaves lips smooth, soft and kissable (or at the very least, well-prepped for your lipstick.) Before you go in with any of the very good lip balms in this edit, it’s worth adding this one to your cart for the best results.”
FAQs
Which ingredients in lip scrubs should I avoid for sensitive lips?
According to Dr Granite, “Avoid rough, irregular particles (like large salt or nut shells) and harsh chemical exfoliants that can sting and disrupt the barrier”. She also spotlights other potential irritants: “Fragrance, menthol, camphor, eucalyptus and mint can feel tingly but often lead to irritation, especially if your lips are already dry or chapped.” As for sensitive lips, “Stick to fragrance-free, dermatologically-tested formulas with a smooth, uniform texture.”
How often should you use a lip scrub?
The expert dermatologist recommends using “Once or twice a week is enough for most people.” She warns against over-exfoliating as this “Can thin the protective barrier and make lips more prone to dryness and sensitivity. If your lips are already chapped or sore, skip exfoliation entirely until they have healed.”
How do you use a lip scrub properly?
“Apply a small amount of your scrub to damp lips, then gently massage for 30 seconds”, says the derm. “Wipe or rinse off with lukewarm water and follow with a hydrating lip balm or treatment to lock in moisture.”
Is a lip scrub necessary if I already use a lip balm?
The two products are different and are used for different tasks. Dr Granite confirms this, “lip scrubs serve a different purpose. Scrubs can be helpful for smoothing and retexturising dry, flaky lips, especially before applying make-up.”
Can lip scrubs damage your lips?
“They can if used too aggressively or too often,” warns Dr Granite. “Over-exfoliating or using coarse scrubs can cause micro-tears, inflammation, and increased dryness, just as they can on facial and body skin. The goal is softening (not shearing): gentle pressure, minimal frequency, and immediate re-hydration keep your lips healthy and smooth.”
Meet the expert
Dr Alexis Granite is a consultant dermatologist and the founder of Joonbyrd