Best Lip Balms for Accutane: Dermatologist-Recommended Guide

When you’re taking Accutane, severely dry, cracked or peeling lips become one of the most common (and frustrating) side effects. Because Accutane drastically reduces oil production, your lips lose moisture quickly — meaning a standard lip balm simply isn’t enough.

This guide highlights the best lip balms that dermatologists and Accutane users consistently rely on, all of which are safe, highly moisturising, fragrance-free (or minimal), and designed to protect severely dry lips.

✔️ What to Look for in a Lip Balm While on Accutane

To keep lips comfortable and protected, choose lip balms with:

• Occlusive ingredients such as petroleum jelly, lanolin, beeswax or shea butter — these seal in moisture and prevent cracking.

• Barrier-repair ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid — essential for healing damaged lips.

• Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, hypoallergenic formulas — these reduce irritation.

• Simple, gentle ingredients — the fewer irritants, the better.

• Easy re-application — Accutane requires frequent re-application throughout the day.

Avoid: menthol, peppermint, cinnamon, strong flavours, matte lipsticks, and alcohol-based products — they can worsen dryness or cause stinging.

🌟 Top 10 Best Lip Balms for Accutane

Below is a curated list of the most effective, gentle and reliable options for severely dry or cracked lips while on Accutane.

1. Aquaphor Lip Repair / Healing Ointment — Best for Severely Dry Lips

 

Why it’s recommended:

• Extremely hydrating and occlusive

• Protects raw, irritated or cracked lips

• Ideal as an overnight treatment

• Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin

Perfect for: painful, peeling or bleeding lips.

2. CeraVe Healing Lip Balm — Best for Barrier Repair

 

Benefits:

• Contains ceramides + hyaluronic acid

• Helps repair and strengthen the lip barrier

• Lightweight, non-sticky texture

Perfect for: daytime reapplication and barrier support.

3. Vaseline Lip Therapy — Best Budget Occlusive

 

Why it works:

• Pure petroleum jelly locks in moisture

• Hypoallergenic and extremely gentle

• Protects lips from further cracking

Perfect for: a simple, affordable, effective solution.

4. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Levres Lip Balm — Best for Irritated Lips

 

Highlights:

• Repairs and soothes damaged lips

• Non-greasy yet protective

• Ideal when lips are raw or sensitive

Perfect for: intense dryness or stinging lips.

5. Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm — Best Natural Option

 

Why users love it:

• Beeswax seals in moisture

• Vitamin E nourishes and softens

• Natural formula

Perfect for: mild–moderate dryness and everyday use.

6. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer — Best for Long-Lasting Hydration

 

What it offers:

• Long-lasting moisture

• Gentle, fragrance-free formula

• Portable and easy to use throughout the day

Perfect for: dry climates or outdoor activities.

7. Lanolips 101 Ointment — Best Deep-Moisture Treatment

 

Why it’s effective:

• Uses rich lanolin to mimic the skin’s natural oils

• Excellent for very dry or flaky lips

• Works beautifully as a nighttime lip mask

Perfect for: extremely cracked or peeling lips.

8. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm — Best Unisex Option

 

Benefits:

• Shea butter + avocado oil nourish deeply

• Smooth, comfortable formula

• Available with SPF (useful outdoors)

Perfect for: men, teens, and unisex everyday use.

9. Aesop Protective Lip Balm SPF 30 — Best Sun Protection

 

Why it stands out:

• Offers much-needed sun protection

• Moisturising formula with natural oils

• Great for outdoor environments

Perfect for: sun-sensitive Accutane skin.

10. Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment — Best for Quick Relief

 

Why it’s useful:

• Provides immediate soothing relief

• Helps with painful, cracked lips

• Good emergency lip treatment

Perfect for: short-term relief during flare-ups.

🧴 Expert Lip Care Tips for Accutane

• Reapply frequently — every 1–2 hours if needed

• Apply a thick layer at night for lip repair while sleeping

• Drink plenty of water to support hydration

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air

• Avoid licking your lips — it worsens dryness

• Avoid mint, citrus, and flavoured lip balms

• Pair a light daytime balm with a heavy nighttime ointment

❓ FAQ

Why do lips get so dry on Accutane?

Accutane reduces oil production — without natural oils, lips dry out rapidly, crack, and need constant moisturisation.

Is petroleum jelly safe to use on Accutane?

Yes. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is one of the most effective occlusives and is widely recommended for Accutane users.

How often should I apply lip balm?

As often as needed. Many people apply 4–10 times per day while taking Accutane.

Can I wear lipstick while on Accutane?

Avoid matte or long-wear formulas. Choose creamy, hydrating or balm-based lip colours if needed.

💬 Final Thoughts

Keeping lips moisturised during Accutane treatment is essential for comfort and skin health. Whether you prefer a simple occlusive like Vaseline, a barrier-supporting option like CeraVe, or a deep-repair treatment like Lanolips, the products above offer reliable relief for even the driest, most cracked lips.