I literally slather myself in oils from head to toe in winter.
Olive oil pre-shampoo treatment on my locks. Facial oil. Body oil. Lip oil. I waterproof EVERYTHING. Better greasy than flaky, yo!
In theory. Because in practice that are so many oils that aren’t greasy at all. And they still keep the flakiness at bay. Win win.
An example? Zelens Lip Treatment Oil. It’s packed with 9 plant oils and hyaluronic acids to pump up the moisture in your lips, keeping them soft and kissable all winter long.
In theory. In practice, here’s what happened when I put it to the test:
What’s In Zelens Lip Treatment Oil?
ARGAN OIL TO MOISTURISE SKIN
There may be 9 plant oils in here, but argan oil’s the only one that’s made it into the top 5. The other 4 main ingredients are all synthetic emollients, which could explain why its texture is so lightweight and not greasy at all.
I’m glad there’s plenty of argan oil here because it’s an incredible multitasker:
- Moisturising: Argan oil is rich in linoleic and oleic acid, two fatty acids that increase moisture in the skin.
- Soothing: Linoleic acid also reduces inflammation.
- Anti-acne: Linoleic acid helps treat acne too.
- Anti-wrinkles: Argain oil is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E, that fight the free radicals that cause wrinkles.
All things your lips need as much as your face, if not more.
SQUALENE TO SEAL IN MOISTURE
This is an oil derived from shark liver.
Only kidding! Sort of. It used to be derived from sharks but that almost caused their extinction. No kidding this time. So now, we’re getting our fix from olives and other plants. That’s much better for everyone.
Squalene is also naturally present in your skin. That’s why it works so well at moisturising it. Plus, it has antioxidant properties too.
Related: The Complete Guide To Squalene In Skincare: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
Need help creating the best skincare routine for you dry skin? Sign up to the newsletter below to receive the “Dry Skincare Routine Cheatsheet” (it includes product recommendations, too!).
HYALURONIC ACID TO HYDRATE SKIN
Hyaluronic Acid is my fave humectant.
No, that’s not a dirty word. It’s scientists fancy way of calling anything that can draw moisture from the environment into the skin and lock it there.
Hyaluronic Acid does this better than all other humectants out there. Why? It can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water. Plus, it works well both in high and low humidity conditions.
It hardly gets more hydrating than this!
Related: Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type
Texture
Lightweight, non-greasy oil.
Fragrance
Vanilla. Subtle.
How To Use It
Apply before bedtime and as needed during the day.
Performance & Personal Opinion
As I’ve said already, Zelens Lip Treatment Oil is super light. That’s both good and bad.
It’s good because it glides on so smoothly and sinks in quickly. It leaves no greasy residue behind at all.
It’s bad because it doesn’t last long. I have to reapply it every two hours.
If you can put up with that, it does make your lips softer and smoother. Since I started using it, the dreaded winter flakiness hasn’t touched my lips.
Touching up is easy to do anyway thanks to the doefoot applicator. And the vanilla scent is quite pleasant too. Even better, there’s no flavour. If it tasted good, this would last A LOT less on my lips!
Who Is This For?
If your lips are in good condition and you want to keep them that way, this’ll do the trick.
Who Is This NOT For?
Dry/chapped lips.
Packaging
A see-through tube with a doe-foot applicator. It’s not the prettiest, but it’s practical.
Does Zelens Lip Treatment Oil Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| This restorative formula delivers instant moisture, strengthens the lipid barrier and protects against environmental damage. | True, but it’s not very moisturising. |
| Helps to smooth and fill in fine lines and wrinkles while improving lip texture, plumpness and shape. | True, but it’s moisture that does this. Two hours later, when moisture runs out, your lips go back to how they were before. |
Price & Availability
£40.0 at Cult Beauty, Feel Unique, Net-A-Porter, and SpaceNK
Do You Need It?
Not really. There are more moisturising lip products around.
Dupes & Alternatives
Ingredients
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Polybutene, Octyldodecanol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Squalene, Rosa Moschata (Musk Rose) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Phospholipids, Hyaluronic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Tripeptide-29, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Portulaca Pilosa Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Saccharomyces Cerevisae Extract, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Arachidyl Propionate, Ethyl Linolenate, Ethyl Oleate, Ethyl Linoleate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, BHT, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Aroma (Flavour), Sucrose Cocoate.
