Makeup
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18 November 2025

5 Tinted Lip Balms with Clean, Nourishing Formulas

Tinted lip balms are the ultimate beauty multitaskers. They bridge the gap between skincare and makeup, delivering hydration and comfort while adding a hint of flattering colour. But not all balms are created equal – some are heavy on synthetic fragrances, questionable dyes, or petrolatum bases that do little more than coat the lips.

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If you’re looking for something cleaner, there are plenty of options made with plant butters, botanical oils, and mineral pigments that keep your lips soft while offering that effortless “your lips but better” tint. Below, we’ve rounded up five standout tinted balms that deliver on both care and colour, with formulas you can actually feel good about using.

By 
Faya
All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm

ILIA – Available in 8 shades

ILIA’s Balmy Tint is often hailed as a cult favourite in clean beauty, and for good reason. It blends nourishing ingredients like rosehip seed oil, shea butter, and sea succulent extract to condition the lips while delivering a soft, buildable wash of colour. Available in a range of shades, from barely-there neutrals to richer berry tones, it’s the perfect essential for a polished yet natural look.

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Best for: A buildable tint that feels like skin first, makeup second.

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Tinted Daily Lip Balm

RMS BEAUTY – Available in 9 shades

RMS has always been about minimal, clean formulas that perform like luxury beauty. Their Tinted Daily Lip Balm delivers a sheer veil of colour while keeping lips nourished for up to 12 hours. Infused with jojoba oil, cocoa seed butter, and candelilla wax, it’s fragrance-free and formulated without unnecessary additives – making it ideal for sensitive lips.

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Best for: Long-lasting hydration with a natural tint.

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EWG Verified Tinted Lip Balm

HONEST BEAUTY – Available in 6 shades

Honest Beauty’s tinted balm is a budget-friendly clean option that doesn’t compromise on performance. The vegan formula is packed with avocado oil and pomegranate extract, giving lips a boost of hydration and antioxidant protection. With eight versatile shades that flatter a variety of skin tones, it’s a great everyday option to keep in your bag.

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Best for: Affordable, clean colour in an easy everyday formula.

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LipluxÂŽ Organic Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30

COOLA – Available in 4 shades

For those who want both colour and sun protection, COOLA’s Liplux is a standout. This mineral-based balm provides broad spectrum SPF 30 while nourishing lips with cupuaçu butter, mongongo oil, and raspberry seed oil. The shade Summer Crush adds a pop of rosy colour while shielding delicate lip skin from UV damage – perfect for sunny days.

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Best for: Clean colour with built-in SPF protection.

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Squeezy Tinted Balm

BURT'S BEES – Available in 7 shades

Burt’s Bees has been a lip balm staple for decades, and their Squeezy Tinted Balm is a fun twist on the classic. The squeezy tube delivers a sheer, glossy tint in shades inspired by fruit, while natural ingredients like beeswax, cocoa seed butter, and responsibly sourced oils lock in moisture. The result is juicy colour with the comfort of a hydrating balm.

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Best for: Glossy, juicy colour with a playful feel.

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Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Tinted Lip Balm

Exfoliate first:‍

Gently buff lips with a sugar scrub or damp washcloth once or twice a week. Smooth lips help the tint glide on evenly and last longer.

‍Layer for intensity:

‍Start with one swipe for a sheer finish and add more layers for richer colour. Tinted balms are designed to build without feeling heavy.

Use as a multitasker:‍

Many clean tinted balms can double as a subtle blush – dab a little onto the apples of your cheeks and blend with fingers for a natural flush.

Don’t forget SPF:‍

If your balm doesn’t contain sun protection, pair it with an SPF lip primer underneath during the day to shield lips from UV damage.

Keep one on hand:‍

Tinted balms are the perfect on-the-go product – stow one in your bag, desk drawer, or car so you always have a quick hit of colour and hydration.

Final Thoughts

Tinted lip balms prove that makeup doesn’t have to be high-maintenance to look beautiful. Whether you want buildable colour (ILIA), long-lasting hydration (RMS), an affordable clean option (Honest), sun-safe colour (COOLA), or a glossy fruit-inspired tint (Burt’s Bees), there’s a formula here to suit every preference. Each of these balms puts nourishing ingredients first – so your lips feel as good as they look.

FAQ

Are tinted lip balms safe to use every day?

Yes. Most tinted lip balms are formulated for daily use, often with conditioning butters and oils. Choosing clean formulas without synthetic fragrances or harsh dyes makes them even safer for sensitive lips.

What makes a lip balm “clean”?

A clean lip balm avoids petrolatum, parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes, or artificial fragrances. Instead, it relies on natural or responsibly sourced ingredients like plant oils, butters, and mineral pigments.

Can tinted lip balm replace lipstick?

Tinted balms provide sheer-to-buildable colour, so while they won’t deliver the intense payoff of a lipstick, they’re ideal for a natural, effortless look. Many can be layered for more depth.

Is SPF in lip balm necessary?

Yes, sometimes. The skin on your lips is thinner and more vulnerable to sun damage. If you spend time outdoors, a tinted balm with SPF – like COOLA’s Liplux – is a smart choice.

How do I choose the best shade for me?

Look for shades that are close to your natural lip colour for an enhanced, “your lips but better” look. Warmer tones like coral and peach suit golden undertones, while berry and rose shades flatter cooler undertones.

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