Lip Balm: Self-Care or Addiction?

Okay, let’s talk about it: the lip balm obsession. You know the drill… You can’t leave the house without your trusty little tube, and if you forget it? Panic. Chaos. Lips instantly feel like the Sahara desert. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. For a whole generation raised on skincare routines, hydration reminders, and aesthetic “what’s in my bag” videos, lip balm isn’t just a necessity—it’s a personality trait. We’re not just talking basic ChapStick anymore. We’re talking Glossier Balm Dotcom, Laneige lip sleeping masks (used 24/7, not just at night), Rhode madness and absoulately luxurious treatments like YSL Loveshine Gloss, Armani Prisma Glass or obscure K-beauty brands you found through a TikTok rabbit hole at 2 am. But here’s the thing, when did taking care of your lips turn into a full-on dependency?

Some dermatologists have pointed out that certain ingredients (like menthol or camphor) might actually dry your lips out more, meaning the more you use, the more you need. That’s like putting out a fire with gasoline. And yet, we keep applying every hour, on the hour. Why? Maybe it’s not just about hydration. Maybe it’s about control. Life can be overwhelming, chaotic, and unpredictable. But lip balm? That’s easy. It’s right there. It works instantly. Swipe, done. It’s like a tiny hug in stick form. Comfort culture, anyone?

But here’s where it gets a little ironic: sometimes we’re so obsessed with fixing “dry lips” that we never give our lips the chance to actually regulate on their own. Like, yes, self-care is cool and all, but are we actually just chasing the feeling of doing something for ourselves even when it’s kinda pointless?

Let’s also not ignore how capitalism eats this up. Brands have figured out that we don’t want just balm, we want strawberry-scented, collagen-boosting, glowy, gender-neutral, ethically-sourced hydration experiences. So we buy five, stash them everywhere, and act shocked when we still feel dry. Here’s the truth: lip balm isn’t the villain. Use it, love it, enjoy it. But if you find yourself reaching for it every five minutes like it’s emotional support glue, maybe it’s time to check in. Are your lips really dry, or are you just vibing with the ritual?

No shame, no judgment—just a reminder that your lips (and your mental health) deserve more than endless reapplication.