Lanolin is the better lip balm for extreme cold.

For extreme cold, lanolin-based lip balms outperform petroleum-based ones for most people. The difference is noticeable the second the wind picks up.

Lanolin is a natural wax from sheep wool that actually mimics your skin’s own oils. It both moisturizes and creates a barrier. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline, etc.) only creates a barrier. In extreme cold, your lips are losing moisture fast because the air is dry and any exposed skin is getting hammered. Lanolin helps replace what’s leaving. Petroleum just seals what’s left.

There’s one catch: some