We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What Are the Best Remedies for Cracked Dry Lips?

Dee Saale
By
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Depending on the reason behind the cracked dry lips, there are many remedies that can treat the condition. For example, since dehydration can cause the lips to become cracked and dry, drinking plenty of water may remedy the issue. In addition, there are many homeopathic remedies, such as coconut oil, neem extract, and aloe vera. If the condition is caused by a vitamin deficiency, exposure to the elements, or a bad habit, there are additional ways to prevent the lips from cracking as well.

One of the most basic and easiest remedies for cracked dry lips is water, specifically remaining hydrated by drinking water. If a person is dehydrated from climate, illness, or even over-exercising, her lips may crack or peel. In that case, the person should increase her water intake. Typically, most guidelines recommend that a person drink eight glasses of water each day. If her activity level is higher, if she is in a dry climate, or if she has been ill, her water intake may need to be even higher to prevent and treat cracking lips.

In some cases, a person may want to moisturize her cracked dry lips using a homeopathic remedy, and there are countless remedies available. For example, some people recommend rubbing coconut oil, castor oil, or mineral oil on the lips. Other people claim that neem extract or clarified butter work wonders to treat lips that are cracked and dry. Other homeopathic remedies for cracked lips include mixing rose petals with glycerin, combining honey with olive oil, and laying cucumbers over the lips.

There are plenty of over-the-counter treatments for cracked dry lips as well. Some of these medications contain a mild antibiotic to prevent infection from occurring within the cracks. In addition, these products often contain a moisturizing component, such as mineral oil, to remedy the person’s dry lips.

Additional treatments may be required if a person has dry cracked lips because of a vitamin deficiency or exposure to outdoor elements. For example, a person may need to increase her dosage of vitamins A, C, B, B2, and E through supplements or through her diet to treat her lip condition. In addition, she should apply sunscreen to her lips and refrain from using harsh moisturizers.

Other remedies for cracked dry lips include breaking bad habits that may cause the condition. For example, some people bite or peel at their lips, which may increase the likelihood of the lips to become dry and cracked. In addition, flavored lipsticks and lip glosses should be avoided because they can increase the sensation to lick the lips.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dee Saale
By Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Discussion Comments

By Wisedly33 — On Jan 27, 2014

I had terribly dry lips this winter. I tried coconut oil, which helped them feel better, but didn't heal them. I tried at least four different lip treatments.

The only thing that offered me relief was a $0.97 tube of Blistex medicated lip balm. Seriously. It's in the dark green tube. It stung when I first put it on, but I am not kidding when I say I could tell a difference in a couple of hours -- it worked that quickly.

I apply it a couple of times a day now, and always before bedtime. My lips look and feel so much better. I don't know what's in that stuff, but it worked for me.

Dee Saale

Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is...

Read more
WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.