Chapped lips can result from several causes. For instance, chapped lips may be caused by a vitamin deficiency, an allergic reaction, dehydration, smoking, excessive licking/biting of the lips, or exposure to the sun and harsh weather. If your lips have suffered from one or more of the causes listed, consider trying one of the popular home remedies below:
1. Sugar or Brown Sugar with Honey
Sugar is a natural softener that exfoliates the dead cells of the chapped lips. And since honey has anti-bacterial properties, it treats inflamed lips. Simply mix some sugar with a teaspoon of honey and gently rub it on your lips. After massaging your lips, let the paste rest for a few seconds and then wash it off. This gentle scrub can leave your lips feeling smoother almost immediately.
2. Glycerin and Honey
Glycerin helps to raise the moisture level of skin. As a natural humectant, it relieves dryness by sealing moisture. Mix with honey and apply to lips. This mixture will repair the damaged tissues and speed up the healing process. It also creates a protective layer that keeps lips soft for a longer period of time.
3. Green Tea Bag
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book for moisturizing dry lips. Take 1 used green tea bag and press it against your lips for at least 4 minutes. (Note: cold, wet green tea bags also help reduce the appearance of dark, under-eye circles.) The antioxidants in green tea provide additional nourishment that supports skin health.
4. Cucumber
Either cucumber juice or a slice of cucumber can be applied liberally over the lips to make them gentle and soft. Apply as often as needed. The natural cooling effect of the cucumber can also soothe irritation caused by dryness.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great combatant for cold, dry weather. Simply apply pure coconut oil as often as needed. Its natural fatty acids help lock in moisture and create a barrier against harsh environmental conditions.
6. Fresh Milk Cream
This remedy has a high content of fat that helps moisturize lips naturally. An alternative is unsalted butter. Both options provide deep hydration that can quickly soften peeling or flaky lips.
7. Rose Petals
Not only do rose petals enhance lip color, but they also moisturize. Create a paste using mashed rose petals soaked in either milk cream or glycerin. Apply the mixture as often as needed and preferably before bed. This soothing blend can also help restore natural lip pigmentation over time.
8. Castor Oil and Petroleum Jelly
Try applying castor oil to your lips, then cover them with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Since this paste is not particularly tasty, unlike the previous ones, it will help prevent bad habits like biting or licking lips. If fidgeting with your lips is something you struggle with, then consider trying castor oil and petroleum jelly! The combination forms a thick protective seal that keeps moisture from evaporating.
9. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera’s excellent healing properties help to heal dry, burned lips, as well as relieve any pain. You can apply aloe vera gel or fresh aloe vera pulp directly to your lips. This treatment is excellent for weather-chapped lips. Its cooling sensation offers immediate comfort while promoting faster repair.
10. Sunscreen
If you are outside when UV rays are strongest, then wear a good quality sunscreen to protect your lips from sun damage. Several big-name brands manufacture lip balm with high SPF. A personal favorite is Burt’s Bees Outdoor Res-Q Lip Balm! Consistent SPF use can prevent long-term sun-related dryness and discoloration.
11. Iron Supplements
If you’ve tried some of the remedies listed above to no avail, then you may be suffering from anemia, low iron, or a low red-blood-cell count. Indicators of iron deficiency include headache, tiredness, and severe chapped lips. If you have these symptoms, have your doctor run a blood test to check for iron deficiency. Addressing the underlying cause may eliminate your lip issues.
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12. Water!!!
Ultimately, the problem may not be external but internal. You may want to consider checking your water intake, as dehydration may be the source of the problem. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, and remember that soda, tea, juice, and coffee are not substitutes. In fact, some beverages may actually worsen the problem. Regular hydration supports overall skin health and helps prevent dryness from recurring.
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This article was updated on 12/2/25.