19 Best Korean Lip Balms For Soft, Glassy & Irresistible Lips (That Korean’s Actually Use)!
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Looking for the best Korean lip balms that take lips from chapped to fab? We’ve got the lowdown on the 19 best K-beauty lippies that you’ll want to add to cart – stat!
Korean skincare products are becoming firm favorites in the beauty world for their fresh products that are as creative as they are effective, and their stellar lip products are no exception.
We did the research and these are our Top 5 picks for the best Korean lip moisturizers:
Our Top Picks
From lip tints for a quick pick-me-up to heavy-duty lip masks to restore flaky lips, check out our complete round-up for the best lip balms that deserve a spot in your lip care routine!
Best Korean Lip Balms For Everyday Wear
Looking for moisturizing balms that are perfect for daily wear? Here are our top picks:
This cult-favorite dewy lip balm reigns as one of the ultimate best chapsticks in the world. Laneige Lip Glowy Balm’s smooth formulation contains shea butter and murumuru butter to lock in moisture. We love how it keeps lips feeling soft!
This paraben-free lip balm comes in playful flavors and scents, including Peach, Grapefruit, Berry, and Gummy Bear. The soft colors bring out the natural tones of the lips, making this the perfect addition to a no-makeup makeup routine.
We find that the glass finish doesn’t last very long, but lips stay nicely hydrated even after the gloss has worn off.
What we love:
- Feels lightweight yet super moisturizing
- Non-sticky formula
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Natural-looking shades
Something to consider:
- The glass finish isn’t very long-lasting
This Amazon bestseller delivers impressive moisturizing properties for a lip stain! It doesn’t feel heavy, sticky, or oily, making it comfortable for day-to-night wear (which is perfect since it lasts pretty long!).
NOONI Appleberry Lip Oil delivers a delish dewy finish with a pretty hint of pink. We love that the tint can be layered to achieve a richer look.
For day and night lip care by Nooni, check out their popular Appleberry Lip Oil and Applebutter Lip Mask lip duo set.
What we love:
- Long-lasting
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Buildable tint
Something to consider:
- The pink tint may not suit all complexions
Skin Food’s iconic Tomato Jelly Tint is an absolute Korean beauty gem! The nutrient-dense lip tint is infused with natural ingredients like tomato extract, vitamin E, and botanical oils to leave lips looking fresh and plump.
The shades are easily buildable, and they’re gorgeous too! We’re fans of the classic Cherry Tomato shade – it’s universally flattering for all skin types. That being said, there are only 4 shades to choose from, so it’s pretty limited compared to other brands.
What we love:
- Long-lasting
- Rich, buildable shades that don’t fade easily
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Natural-looking shades
- One of the most budget-friendly lip balms
Something to consider:
- The texture feels a little sticky
- The range of colors is limited
It’s no surprise why this viral glass-finish balm has taken over TikTok. Touted as the ultimate Dior Lip Glow dupe, the ROM&ND Glasting Melting Balm is the effortless secret to achieving those signature juicy Korean lips!
The creamy balm practically melts onto the skin and gives off a gorgeous glossy finish.
If you’re looking for the best Korean lip balm tint, this is a worthy pick. We love how pigmented these buildable shades are! There’s a range of rich and lush colors to choose from, and they look absolutely phenomenal.
What we love:
- Functions as a balm, gloss, and lipstick all in one
- Highly-pigmented shades
- Glides on smoothly
- Long-lasting
Something to consider:
- The texture feels a little sticky
For a subtle “your lips but better” look, you’ll love the natural shades of this popular lip balm. The Peripera Ink Mood Glowy Lip Balm delivers a sheer pop of color for the perfect no-makeup look.
The formula goes on smooth and feels lightweight on the skin. The vegan formula is made with prickly pear extract and coconut oil to keep lips moisturized.
That being said, we find that it’s not as nourishing as the other featured balms. The color doesn’t last very long either.
What we love:
- Beautiful natural shades
- Lightweight formula
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Something to consider:
- Not as moisturizing as other brands
- Color doesn’t last long
- Limited color options
I’M MEME Pep! Balm is one of the Korean best lip balms if you love a rich pop of color. Between the classic reds, corals, and browns, you’ll find something that’s flattering for most skin tones.
The shea butter-infused formula feels wonderfully creamy. It works for lips and as a cream blusher as well. A little goes a long way to get that natural glow!
While the squeeze tube is such a fun, playful design, we do find it a bit messy to apply this balm with our fingers. You could use a lip brush but it makes it a little less suited for touching up on the go.
What we love:
- Highly-pigmented shades
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Doubles as a cream blush
Something to consider:
- It’s not practical for on-the-go applications
- The color transfers
Looking for a hydrating lip balm with sun protection? It’s gotta be TONYMOLY’s Mini Peach Lip Balm! This sweet, fruity balm contains SPF15++ and gets an antioxidant-rich boost from peach extract.
The addition of shea butter and witch hazel to the formula helps to prevent moisture loss, keeping lips soft and plump.
The color goes on pretty sheer on lips, offering just a hint of a tint. The tiny peach-shaped tub packaging is super cute but it means you’ll have to dip your fingers in it every time to apply.
What we love:
- Contains SPF15++ for sun protection
- Incredibly moisturizing formula
- Pleasant peachy scent
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Something to consider:
- It’s pricey, considering how small the size is
If you’re looking for something lightweight with subtle shades, you’ll want to get your hands on these dewy tinted lip balms! The watery texture of the AMUSE Dew Tinted Lip Balm feels incredibly comfortable without drying out the lips.
Some of the key ingredients in this vegan lip balm include 15% olive squalane and apple seed oil, offering natural hydrating properties. The finish is sleek and dewy, perfect if you’re going for the K-beauty look.
What we love:
- Feels lightweight yet super moisturizing
- Non-sticky formula
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Natural-looking shades
Something to consider:
- It’s not very long-lasting
- It’s pretty pricey
Innisfree Hydrating Dewy Tint Lip Balm is another stellar balm we’re obsessed with by one of Korea’s most popular lip balm brands!
This paraben-free lip balm contains lip-loving ingredients including Jeju camelia seed oil to combat oxidation, ceramide for skin softening and moisturizing, and hyaluronic acid for an extra boost in hydration.
We’re impressed with the buildable shades! This versatile Korean lip color can be used for a barely-there look or layered up for a more pronounced pop of color.
What we love:
- Super nourishing for the lips
- Buildable coverage
- Non-sticky formula
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Something to consider:
- The menthol scent is pretty strong
This matte lippie is a great pick if you love the natural ingredients infused into Korean lip balms but you’re not a fan of a high-shine glossy finish.
The TOCOBO Powder Cream Lip Balm goes on powdery on the lips and finishes off with a smooth, matte look. We love how this velvety oil-based balm just melts onto the lips! It pulls double-duty as a basic lipstick too, thanks to the rich high-pigment shades.
This isn’t the best Korean lip balm for dry lips though, as the powdery texture tends to get into creases and doesn’t look as smooth. For this skin type, their Glass Tinted Lip Balm is a better pick.
What we love:
- Smooth matte finish
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Highly-pigmented shades
Something to consider:
- It’s not great for dry lips
If you’re into top-notch lip care with a dash of pop culture, you’ll love The Crème Shop’s collab with this iconic cutie.
The Hello Kitty Macaron Lip Balm comes in the most imaginative dessert-inspired flavors including the crowd-favorites Icing on the Cake, White Chocolate, and Red Velvet.
Infused with Vitamin E, the moisturizing formula definitely delivers, leaving lips feeling soft and hydrated. The balm appears pretty sheer on lips, offering a natural look.
What we love:
- Collectible macaron containers with cute Hello Kitty characters
- Available in fun dessert-themed flavors
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Natural-looking shade
Something to consider:
- Not as practical as traditional lip balm sticks
Best Korean Lip Balms For Dry Lips
If you’re looking for the best lip balms Korean-style for chapped lips, we recommend checking out these deep-moisturizing superstar lip treatments:
K-beauty fans declare this iconic lip mask to be one of the best Korean lip treatments, and we completely agree! Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask works its moisturizing magic while you sleep, but you can use it during the day too to deal with extra-dry lips.
This Korean lip moisturizer is made with a nourishing combination of murumuru butter, shea butter, and the brand’s signature Berry Fruit Complex. The lush texture feels pretty comfy for a heavy-duty lip treatment. The subtly sweet scent helps too!
What we love:
- Intensive hydration
- Smooth, rich texture
- Pleasant scent
Something to consider:
- It’s pretty pricey
Etude House Ginger Sugar Essential Lip Balm is a must-have for deep hydration. The shea butter-infused formula works wonders for rehydrating lips and keeping them feeling lush.
We absolutely love the addition of ginger and orange oil to the ingredients list. The combo has such an invigorating scent! The sugar in the formula gently removes dead skin cells, helping to restore the skin and lock in moisture.
Just keep in mind that the formula is super thick and sticky, with an almost syrup-like texture. It comes in a squeeze tube packaging so application does get a bit messy. For on-the-go touch-ups, grab the stick version or for an overnight lip treatment, opt for the Etude Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Mask.
What we love:
- Rich deep-moisturizing formula
- Gently exfoliates while it hydrates
- Wonderful ginger-orange scent
Something to consider:
- The thick, sticky texture takes getting used to
If you’re a fan of fruity lip balms that pack a punch, you’ll love the Frudia Blueberry Hydrating Honey Lip Balm! Packed with lip-loving nutrients from honey and blueberries, this jam-like balm goes deep into the skin to refresh flaky, chapped lips.
The balm also contains plant-based collagen to improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles, making this a favorite for mature lips.
The balm promises a plumping effect, but it varies from one person to another. The tingling sensation is a little strong too.
What we love:
- Works incredibly well to restore chapped lips
- Luscious, jam-like texture
- Mature skin-friendly
Something to consider:
- Not great for on-the-go (the lid comes off easily when moving around in bags)
- Strong tingling sensation
Bom Keeo Day & Night Lip Mask delivers a potent formula for reviving cracked lips. This smoothie-in-a-tub is made with green tea, avocado, grapefruit, and coconut oil for intensive moisturizing and healing.
We especially love that the lip mask includes rosehip oil for an anti-aging boost! The texture feels super smooth too, and is lightweight enough to be used as a balm during the day.
What we love:
- Works incredibly well to restore chapped lips
- Light enough for daywear, rich enough for a night mask
- Long-lasting
- Mature skin-friendly
Something to consider:
- The tub packaging doesn’t come with an applicator
Prone to breakouts and skin reactions? Check out these cleaner lip balm options:
This squeaky-clean plant-based lippie swaps out petroleum jelly with agave as the base, and is jam-packed with moisturizing properties from shea butter, jojoba oil, and argan oil. This paraben-free lip balm is also free from fragrance.
We love the subtle hint of color you get with a swipe of the Melixir Vegan Lip Butter! It glides on smoothly too, and doesn’t feel greasy or sticky on the skin. The finish is not too glossy – perfect if you love a low-shine look.
What we love:
- Smooth, non-sticky texture
- Clean and gentle formulation
- Natural-looking shades
Something to consider:
- It’s not very long-lasting
This double-duty balm functions as a rich plumping balm in the day and a deep-repair salve to soothe lips at night.
The nifty COSRX Lip Plump Balm uses a mix of Vitamin C, shea butter, and citric acid to naturally plump up the lips, though the effect is more apparent on some than others. The jelly-based texture feels cool and smooth on the skin without any stickiness.
In keeping with the brand’s clean beauty vibe, the lip balm is free from parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and fragrances.
If you’re not looking for a lip plumper and are just after something nourishing then check out the equally popular COSRX Lip Sleep Ceramide Lip Butter Sleeping Mask.
What we love:
- Intensive hydration
- Smooth, non-sticky texture
- Clean and gentle formulation
Something to consider:
- The plumping effect varies on lips
This ultra-hydrating lip essence earns rave reviews for restoring lips from chapped to kiss-worthy! The secret ingredient? Torriden SOLID IN Ceramide Lip Essence is made with 5 types of ceramides, designed to deep-moisturize.
The sensitive skin-friendly formula is free from artificial fragrance, parabens, colorants, mineral oils, and isopropyl alcohol.
You can use lip essence just like a lip balm. It also works great as a nighttime lip mask.
What we love:
- Works incredibly well to restore chapped lips
- Clean and gentle formulation
- Budget-friendly treatment option
Something to consider:
- It has a chemical-like aftertaste
Here’s another ceramide-infused lip treatment we’re obsessed with! DR. JART+ Ceramidin Lipair delivers on its promise for nourished lips with this ultra-moisturizing formulation.
Sensitive skin beauties will appreciate this gentle treatment, free from parabens, sulfates, and fragrances.
We love the curved tip, which makes it easy to apply the product directly to the lips. The rich lip gel melts beautifully onto the skin but it can feel a little heavy compared to other lip balms.
What we love:
- Works incredibly well to restore chapped lips
- Curved tip for easy application
- Clean and gentle formulation
Something to consider:
- The texture feels a little heavy on the lips
On the lookout for the best Korean lip balm for dark lips? The antioxidant-rich Vegan Kombucha Tea Lip Balm helps to lighten hyperpigmentation. Infused with fermented oil, the plant-based lip balm locks in moisture by strengthening the skin barrier.
This sensitive skin-friendly lip balm doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances and flavors.
What we love:
- Smooth, non-sticky texture
- Clean and gentle formulation
- Great for reducing hyperpigmentation
Something to consider:
- It’s not very long-lasting
Why Is Korean Skincare So Popular?
Korean skincare brands have become popular worldwide for their innovative products. A lot goes into their research and development, introducing newfound ingredients and formulations that often set off viral trends in the beauty world.
Check out the ingredients list of Korean beauty products and you’ll notice they usually contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid and camelia seed oil that are not only high-quality but also target specific skin problems to deliver more noticeable results.
For the innovation and effectiveness they deliver, Korean beauty products are considered to be budget-friendly – you’ll find loads of top-notch options at practically drugstore prices.
How Does A Korean Lip Balm Work?
Just like standard Korean skincare, Korean lip balms follow the same “skin-first” philosophy that promotes healing your skin (versus relying on heavy makeup to hide skin issues).
Most Korean lip balms are infused with natural ingredients to nourish the lip area. For example, the cult-classic Laneige Lip Glowy Balm contains shea butter and murumuru butter for intense hydration while Etude House’s Essential Lip Balm invigorates with ginger and orange oil.
If you need something extra-hydrating, there are also plenty of nighttime lip treatments to choose from, like the iconic Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask and the fruity Frudia Blueberry Hydrating Honey Lip Balm.
What Does A Korean Lip Care Routine Look Like?
Here are the basic steps of a Korean lip care routine:
- Cleanse: A good lip care routine starts with regularly cleansing off makeup and impurities with a cleansing balm.
- Exfoliate: Use a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells.
- Moisturize: Keep your lips luscious with your favorite Korean lip balm!
- Repair: Use a moisturizing lip treatment to hydrate while you sleep.
- Nourish: Add some nutrient-rich Korean lip patches to your weekly self-care routine.
How To Choose Korean Lip Balms
Consider these factors to find the best Korean lip balm for you:
- What skin concerns do you have? For example, if you’re dealing with chapped lips, you’ll want to go for deep-moisturizing lip balms and treatments.
- Do you prefer subtle or rich colors? Sheer lip tints are an easy pick for daily wear. Tints with buildable coverage are versatile enough to work as lipsticks.
- What kind of finish are you going for? Korean lip balms are a great way to get the signature glass-like Korean lips. If that’s not your thing, go for matte options.
- Do you have any sensitivities? Check the ingredients list to make sure the product is a good fit for you. If you have sensitive skin, be especially careful with products containing fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and other harsh ingredients.
- What’s your budget? While Korean lip products are generally pretty budget-friendly, products from high-end brands like Laneige will cost more.
FAQs: Best Korean Lip Balm
Which Is The Best Korean Lip Balm?
Laneige Lip Glowy Balm is the best Korean lip balm in our books! We love the super smooth texture of this cult-favorite lippie. While the glass finish isn’t very long-lasting, the lips continue feeling fresh and hydrated. The soft shades are super pretty too!
What Lip Balms Do Koreans Use?
These are some of the most popular lip balms in Korea:
- Peripera Ink Mood Glowy Lip Balm
- Skin Food Tomato Jelly Lip Tint
- Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask / Laneige Lip Glowy Balm
- AMUSE Dew Tinted Lip Balm
- ROM&ND Glasting Melting Balm
- Innisfree Hydrating Dewy Tint Lip Balm
What Lip Balm Do BTS Members Use?
BTS members are known to love these lip balms:
- Jung Kook: Bobbi Brown’s Extra Lip Tint in Bare Pink
- RM: Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm
- Suga: Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips
- Jimin: TONYMOLY Kiss Kiss Lip Essence Balm
- V: Mentholatum Water Lip Tone Up CC in Pure Red
How Do Koreans Get Pretty Lips?
Koreans are known to have a comprehensive routine for pretty lips! Here are the basic steps:
- Cleanse off makeup and impurities with a cleansing balm.
- Exfoliate with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells.
- Apply lip balm for daywear.
- Use a nighttime moisturizing lip treatment.
- Round up routine with weekly lip patches.
How Do You Get Korean Glossy Lips?
You can get Korean glossy lips by using glass-finish lip balms. We love these ones:
- ROM&ND Glasting Melting Balm
- Peripera Ink Mood Glowy Lip Balm
- Innisfree Hydrating Dewy Tint Lip Balm
- AMUSE Dew Tinted Lip Balm
- Skin Food Tomato Jelly Lip Tint
Summary: Best Korean Lip Balm
If you’ve never tried K-beauty brands before, starting off with the best Korean lip balm is a great way to see if these infused skincare products are for you.
For something classic, you can’t go wrong with the crowd-favorite Laneige Lip Glowy Balm. If you’re looking to rock those signature Korean-style glass lips, we highly recommend the TikTok-approved ROM&ND Glasting Melting Balm.
Which Korean lip balm is your fave? Share your top picks with us in the comments!