Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm
A hydrating balm for lips, elbows, and cuticles designed to support softness, comfort, and smoother texture.
A strong multi-use support balm for people who want hydration without leaning into a heavily fragranced or overly glossy lip product.
Most lip balms at this price point rely on cheap waxes and fragrance. This one applies a real skincare philosophy — squalane for lipid support, amino acids for structural softening — to the lips. For people who already love The Ordinary's face products, the formulation approach feels familiar and trustworthy.
Anytime — apply throughout the day as needed, and use a generous amount as a last step before bed for overnight lip treatment. No timing restrictions.
Skincare-focused people who want their lip product to have a real ingredient story. Also anyone who wants one balm they can apply on lips, cuticles, and elbows without carrying three separate products.
If you want a glossy, shiny, or visibly slick lip look — this is more of a soft satin finish. Also not designed for people who want flavour or scent in their lip products.
Safe to use on sensitized lips — no fragrance, no harsh actives, no essential oils. One of the most straightforward lip balm formulas available.
- Applied after the Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution on evenings when you want a full face + lip softening routine
- The 100% Plant-Derived Squalane on the face as a paired minimalist oil step
- Used nightly as a lip sleeping mask for noticeably softer lips over 2–3 days
Best For
- Dry lips
- Rough cuticles
- Dry elbows
- Minimalist multi-use balm routines
How to Use
Apply to lips, cuticles, or other dry areas as needed throughout the day. Can be used as a night-time lip treatment for deeper softening.
Key Ingredients
Softens and conditions the skin, reinforces the moisture barrier, and provides a lightweight emollient feel without greasiness.
Amino acids draw moisture to the skin (humectant function), replenish the natural moisturizing factors found in healthy skin cells, and provide the raw materials for collagen and elastin synthesis. In the skin's natural state, free amino acids make up a significant portion of the NMF complex that keeps the stratum corneum soft and hydrated.
Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals in the skin's lipid layers, supports barrier function, helps reduce transepidermal water loss, and works synergistically with vitamin C — with ferulic acid further amplifying this combination. In formulations, it also stabilizes other active ingredients and extends shelf life.
Full Ingredient List
About This Product
The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm combines plant-derived squalane — a lightweight oil that mimics the skin's natural lipids — with amino acids that support the structural proteins of the lip and surrounding skin. The balm format creates a light occlusive seal that holds in moisture while the amino acid component works on softening rough, dry texture over time. Unlike heavily fragranced lip balms or those built primarily around petrolatum or beeswax, this formula takes a more functional skincare angle: no fragrance, no flavour, and no unnecessary filler ingredients. The multi-use positioning (lips, elbows, cuticles) reflects The Ordinary's minimalist philosophy.