As a charm director, attempting brand-new items is a big part of my task (insert the appreciation hands emoji here). I’m constantly bouncing from one buzzy new skin, hair, and makeup formula to the next. Once in a while, a superstar standout makes its method into my daily regimen. Enter Aquaphor, a dermatologist-approved, skin care staple that I utilize a lot of various methods. From dry lips and flaky eyelids, to rough cuticles, unruly brows, and even on my child’s diaper rash, Aquaphor helps to solve all kinds of charm– and beyond– concerns. It’s my desert island choice for sure (I’ve even used it as highlighter on my cheeks and I slick it on my hands when I’m on television for a healthy sheen). So when I heard there was a brand-new coconut version in town, I could not wait to get my hands on it.
The sample of the Lip Repair Stick in Coconut came at the ideal time. Fall is in full effect here in New York and in addition to the crisper air and shorter days typically comes chapped lips (woof). In full transparency, I’m a lip picker (gross, I know) so keeping my lips smooth and hydrated is crucial, since when those flakes develop, it’s an uphill battle all season long.
Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick in Coconut
The 99% naturally derived formula is available in a handy stick and is without preservatives, dyes, and scents– a fantastic option if you’re searching for a cleaner item. And although I love the giant tubs and squeeze tubes, the portable stick is the most hassle-free to stash in my bag. While the OG formula contains petroleum jelly, mineral oil, glycerin, and lanolin, which help soften skin and create an occlusive barrier to lock in wetness, this brand-new formula consists of coconut oil and shea butter, in addition to castor seed oil, beeswax, and sunflower oil, making it incredible for delicate lips (it me).
I asked among my favorite dermatologists, Joshua Zeichner, MD, board-certified skin specialist and director of dermatology cosmetic and clinical research at the Mount Sinai Hospital, to compare the active ingredient lists. “This formula does not use cleansed petrolatum as its base, which offers it a lighter consistency and simple spreadability for areas like the lips,” he states. “While cleansed petroleum has actually been shown to be safe and efficient for usage on the skin, this alternative variation offers another alternative for those searching for natural ingredients.”
While I still enjoy using the OG formula as a thick overnight lip mask, the new coconut stick is perfect for daily usage. It’s thin yet incredibly healing and it legit turns my crackly lips into flexible, kissable ones. Before I do my makeup, I swipe on a thin coat, then I do my foundation, blush, and eyes, so when it’s time to do my lips, it has actually had some time to sink in and my lips are primed for a smooth lipstick application– mwah.
If you’re anxious that the balm will have a very sweet, coconutty fragrance similar to Bonnebell Pina Colada (my high school fave), felt confident it’s fragrance-free. While I’ll still test all of the new lip balms that roll in, since, well, you understand, task calls, I currently understand the winner I’ll be swiping on all season long.
