There’s nothing quite as satisfying as the moment your favorite lip product glides across your pout. Except perhaps the moment you finish prepping your lips for that perfect pigment by scrubbing them with a gritty, exfoliating lip scrubs. It’s an act that feels so luxurious, it might just be your new favorite part of your beauty routine. But how often do you need to get up in there with that lip scrub? What is a lip scrub anyway? And which one is right for you? These are all things you may be wondering when it comes to those exciting new lip scrubs. And we have the answers you seek! Keep reading to find out more about these helpful little guys and discover our top 10 best drugstore lip scrubs to get you started on this wonderful skincare ritual.

What is a Lip Scrub?

Lip scrubs are a type of exfoliating lip balm that can improve the look and feel of your pout. They are made with a blend of coarse salt and sugar that is applied to your lips and gently rubbed in a circular motion to slough off dry, dead skin cells. The best lip scrubs contain ingredients like jojoba oil to moisturize lips, salicylic acid to prevent breakouts, and vitamin E to help keep lips hydrated. Although you can use a lip scrub on any part of your lips – including the border where your upper and lower lip meet – they are most commonly used on the inside of your lips. This is because the skin inside your lips is quite a bit thicker than the skin on the border, making it a better candidate for an exfoliating treatment.

How Often Should You Use a Lip Scrub?

It’s important to note that lip scrubs are not meant to be used daily. In fact, you should use them just a couple of times a week at most. Using a lip scrub on a daily basis can cause your lips to become very dry and irritated. So choose your scrub wisely and use it sparingly to avoid over-exfoliation. If you are using a lip scrub to prep your lips for lip color, then you should do so right before you apply your product so it has enough time to penetrate and work its magic. If you use a lip scrub to help fight breakouts, then you can use it daily to start seeing results.

Which Type of Lip Scrub Is Right for You?

When it comes to lip scrubs, there are two basic types you’ll find in stores: Those with sugar as the abrasive; and those with salt as the abrasive. Both are helpful for different reasons, and both types of scrubs can be found among our top 10 best drugstore lip scrubs. Sugar Lip Scrubs – Made with granulated sugar as the abrasive, sugar lip scrubs are great for those with sensitive skin. The coarse texture of the sugar helps slough off dry, dead skin cells and create a smooth surface on lips while also moisturizing them with ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. Salt Lip Scrubs – Salt lip scrubs are typically better for those with oilier skin types because the coarse texture of the salt helps draw excess oil from your lips and fight breakouts. Salt lip scrubs often contain great anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides.

The best lip scrubs you can buy at the drugstore!

1. e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator: This affordable lip scrub from e.l.f. is made with sugar as the abrasive. It’s enriched with vitamin E and peppermint oil for hydration and peppermint for a tingly, cooling sensation. This lip scrub can be used on all areas of the lips, including the border where the upper and lower lip meet.
2. Maybelline Baby Lips Dr. Rescue Lip Rescue: This lip scrub is made with salt as the abrasive. It has a unique fragrance and is enriched with vitamin E and shea butter to hydrate lips. This lip scrub can be used on all areas of the lips, including the border where the upper and lower lip meet.
3. e.l.f. Daily Lip Scrub: This is another affordable option from e.l.f. that is made with sugar as the abrasive. It is enriched with jojoba oil and vitamin E to moisturize lips. This lip scrub can be used on all areas of the lips, including the border where the upper and lower lip meet.
4. CVS Health Lip Exfoliator: This lip scrub from CVS Health is made with salt as the abrasive. It has a citrus scent and is enriched with vitamin E, shea butter, and peppermint oil to hydrate lips. This lip scrub can be used on all areas of the lips, including the border where the upper and lower lip meet.
5. Pacifica Coconut Lip Scrub: This is a great option for those with sensitive skin. It’s made with walnut seeds as the abrasive and is enriched with vitamin E and shea butter to moisturize lips. This lip scrub can be used on all areas of the lips, including the border where the upper and lower lip meet.

Beauty Tips to Make Your Lip Scrub Even Better

1. Choose a lip scrub that is made with jojoba oil. This ingredient is very moisturizing and can help prevent dryness caused by over-exfoliation.

2. Apply lip balm after using a lip scrub. This will help lock in the hydration and protect your lips from the abrasive texture of the scrub.

3. Use a lip scrub right before applying lip color to begin the process of prepping your lips for that perfect pigment.

4. If you use a lip scrub to help fight breakouts, be sure to use it daily until the blemishes subside.

5. Experiment with different lip scrub textures like salt, sugar, or seeds to find which one works best for your skin type.

Conclusion

Lip scrubs are an excellent way to give your lips a boost of hydration and exfoliation. Not only will they keep them feeling smooth and soft, but they’ll also make them look plump, healthy, and ready to color. And while there are a few different types of lip scrubs you can choose from, we suggest one made with sugar as the abrasive since it can be used on all skin types and is a gentler formula for sensitive complexions. Whether you’re using a lip scrub to prep your pout for lip color or to help fight breakouts, these little guys will make your lips look and feel amazing. So get ready to fall in love with your lips all over again with the help of a lip scrub!