The search for cheaper lip balm (well, chapstick): bad Lypsyl, expensive Blistex

First published on January 13, 2007

Oh chapstick… how ChapStick managed to achieve a Xerox-like genericized trademark is a feat in itself. But that’s not what this post is about…

I’ve always had chapped lips (well, dry skin in general) but was only convinced to start using chapstick a few years ago. I’ve always used Blistex Complete Moisture (or whatever it’s called) and it certainly helps my lips out. However, it costs a good $2.99, so being the cheapskate that I am, I was curious to see if there’s a cheaper product that might work as well. After all, I find no difference between Life brand and Listerine mouthwash, or between no-name cereal and that of the Kellogg’s or Post variety. I don’t want to pay extra if the money just goes to fund advertising initiatives.

So I purchased this chapstick called Lypsyl from Mac’s just a while ago for the wonderful price of $1.79. How I went through a week with that stuff is a feat in itself. Lypsyl might have made my lips worse. It actually feels a bit rough on application. I quickly came crying back to Blistex.

Lypsyl or Blistex?

Is this an isolated Lypsyl incident? Is there something cheaper than but just as good as Blistex?

This entry is filed under Consumerism and written by Peter Keung. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

14 Responses to “The search for cheaper lip balm (well, chapstick): bad Lypsyl, expensive Blistex”

January 14th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Julia says:

Yes this is an issue! I love to use Vaseline brand. It’s quite cheap, but not sure if they sell it here. They seem to sell it everywhere but here! But check it out at Shoppers and see if you can find it!
January 14th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Melissa says:

I’ve been using LipSmackers forever and it’s never let me down. Might not be so appealing to the men reading this, since it kinda makes your lips a bit glossy, but it works like nothing else! And, it costs about $1.99 a piece. Not too shabby….
January 17th, 2007 at 1:47 am
Thom says:

I’d have to agree with the Vaseline suggestion. You could also use it for other applications…*wink wink. On another note, are you one of the few people that actually finishes a stick of lip-balm rather than losing it?
January 21st, 2007 at 9:36 pm
caroline says:

The best balm on earth is carmex. It’s cheap and available everywhere. Comes in small jar or tube or lipstick style.
January 24th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Don says:

The blue Chapstick is always a reliable go-to. It works well, lasts long and has SPF15. Vaseline (most lip balms are basically all petroleum-based) is a good suggestion, too.

For reviews of more than fifty lip balms, all of varying prices and effectiveness- you should check Chaptastic (www.chaptastic.com or http://chaptastic.blogspot.com).
September 16th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Carolyn says:

I have been using Lypsyl since I was 10 years old. I licked my lips so bad that under my nose and under my bottom lip would be red and extremely dry and would crack. I am 49 now and still have VERY dry lips. Apparently they dont get naturally moist so I was licking them constantly.
I have tried every brand out there and find that the majority of them are to greasy (vaseline) and wear off way to fast. The odd feeling with Lypsyl is that it is thicker and more waxy if you want to say. Perfect for me because it stays on longer and I feel that it really covers my lips well.
I came across this page because I am looking for a site to write the Lypsyl Co. because they have changed the product and now feels just like the rest. I have bought ( for $1.79) every tube I can find of the old kind and am now getting deperate , i cant find anymore!!!
February 17th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Stephanie says:

I used blue ChapStick lip moisture for a long time as well as cherry, when it stopped working this winter. I found a fifty cent tube of Lypsyl that fit my picky ingredient list and it was the best I have ever used. I can’t find it cheaper than $2.99 anywhere and I regret not buying more. I’m going to try out ChapStick naturals.
February 25th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Kim says:

You should try the newer brand of Lypsyl. It’s called LipSensitivity or something it comes in a small pot with a green top. I find it works wonders. Its not waxy or greasy but it gives your lips the right amount of moisture that you need. It’s also not sticky like vaseline. Only a small amount works for most of the day and when you wear it all day or to bed you wake up with nice soft lips and the lines in your lips are also less visible. It’s around 2-4 dollars at most grocery and drug stores. Definately give it a try im sure you will find that it’s worth it.
May 3rd, 2010 at 5:02 am
Alex K says:

Some things in life are worth saving money over, for instance mouth wash, corn flakes etc. But other things aren’t. You spend a third of your life in bed – get a nice bed, a third of your life in shoes – get nice shoes, and all of your life with lips – get good lip balm!

The answer: Blistex in a tube (which you can squirt out).

Reply from Peter: Nicely put!
October 10th, 2010 at 6:31 am
Jenn says:

use burt’s bees
after you use it, you’ll feel like you kissed a snowman
December 8th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Nicole says:

I know this one won’t help BUT I remember once a few years ago I found an 89 cent lip chap at the corner store where I live….I accidentally ripped the label off it though so I don’t remember the brand name (and of course they stopped carrying it!) BUT that lip chap…it was HEAVEN!!! I suffer from incredibly dry lips and winter in Canada doesn’t help them!

Another brand I would recommend (though it’s a bit high on price) is EOS (Evolution of Smooth). The packaging on them is so cute, too!
June 29th, 2011 at 3:53 am
Yamne says:

Ya Lypsyl used to rock but they have changed the formula to something close to Labello and it absolutely sucks.

Can I get a WTF???
November 21st, 2012 at 8:31 am
Jeffrey says:

I agree that the formula for Lypsyl has changed and I too can no longer use it – it is absolutley useless!!!!

Idiots!!!!!
June 8th, 2015 at 2:03 pm
Rachael says:

Totally agree. Lipsyl has changed their formula for the worse! Been using for years and I have got to say have quite an addiction! I bought some of the new formula and it seems to have a funny aftertaste. My local chemist had quite a few of the old formula left so I stocked up. I have finally run out and had to resort to the new ones and hate it!