Aquaphor's New Coconut Lip Repair Stick Cured My Chapped Lips

As a beauty director, trying new products is a big part of my job (insert the praise hands emoji here). I'm constantly bouncing from one buzzy new skin, hair, and makeup formula to the next. But once in a while, a superstar standout makes its way into my daily routine. Enter Aquaphor, a dermatologist-approved, skin care staple that I use a bunch of different ways. From dry lips and flaky eyelids, to ragged cuticles, unruly brows, and even on my daughter's diaper rash, Aquaphor helps to solve all kinds of beauty—and beyond—woes. It's my desert island pick for sure (I've even used it as highlighter on my cheeks and I slick it on my hands when I'm on TV for a healthy sheen). So when I heard there was a new coconut variant in town, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

The sample of the Lip Repair Stick in Coconut came at the perfect time. Fall is in full effect here in New York and along with the crisper air and shorter days usually comes chapped lips (woof). In full transparency, I'm a lip picker (gross, I know) so keeping my lips smooth and hydrated is key, because once those flakes arise, it's an uphill battle all season long.

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick in Coconut The 99% naturally derived formula comes in a handy stick and is free of preservatives, dyes, and fragrances—a great option if you're looking for a cleaner product. And although I love the giant tubs and squeeze tubes, the portable stick is the most convenient 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 moisture, this new formula contains coconut oil and shea butter, along with castor seed oil, beeswax, and sunflower oil, making it amazing for sensitive lips (it me).

I asked one of my favorite dermatologists, Joshua Zeichner , MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of dermatology cosmetic and clinical research at the Mount Sinai Hospital, to compare the ingredient lists. "This formula does not use purified petrolatum as its base, which gives it a lighter consistency and easy spreadability for areas like the lips," he says. "While purified petroleum has been shown to be safe and effective for use on the skin, this alternative version provides another option for those looking for all-natural ingredients."

While I still love using the OG formula as a thick overnight lip mask, the new coconut stick is ideal for everyday use. It's thin yet super healing and it legit turns my crackly lips into supple, 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 had some time to sink in and my lips are primed for a smooth lipstick application—mwah.