Question: Can you truly get addicted to lip balm? If so, how do you break the habit? And how can I keep my lips smooth, soft, and free from flakes?
Answer: Think of it as a harmless habit rather than true addiction. Online buzz often blames additives in lip balms for creating dependency, but the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority investigated and dismissed this as nonsense.
Lips won't 'get used' to balms and stop producing their own oils—they simply lack sebaceous glands. That's why lips dry out so easily in the first place.
Licking dry lips only worsens the problem, as saliva evaporates and pulls moisture away.
The simplest fix for that dry feeling? A quality lip balm. Apply it once or twice daily to keep lips soft, comfortable, and supple. Choose one with staying power—lighter formulas that vanish quickly aren't ideal for frequent users.
For rough patches or flakes, apply Vaseline, then gently exfoliate with a soft toothbrush.
Rob van der Leegte, importer of Palmer's Cocoa Butter
