‘I noticed the morning after I started using it, the cracked skin was more hydrated and feeling less tight. My cold sore wasn’t as painful either and, by day three, my lips were practically back to normal’
A woman who says she ‘suffered from cold sores for over 50 years’ claims a £10 balm has made a huge difference to her lips. The budget-friendly treatment has been described as ‘priceless’ by the 67-year-old, who says she has seen a dramatic change in her cold sore breakouts.
The LipQ Liquorice Lip Balm is now down to £9.95 on Amazon and is designed for people prone to cold sores, as well as those with dry or sensitive lips. The naturally active balm can be used morning and night, with the brand recommending reapplication whenever lips feel dry.
It’s made with natural ingredients and is free from parabens, perfume, MI and SLS, making it suitable for sensitive skin, the site says. The balm has also been trialled with the Herpes Viruses Association, with the brand reporting that 83% of users experienced faster recovery and that outbreaks were reduced by nearly half.
In the trial, more than 73% of participants reported reduced severity and duration of outbreaks, while testers said their outbreaks were around half their usual length on average. The formula contains glycyrrhizic acid, which the brand says provides natural UV protection and may help protect against sun-triggered cold sores.
For those who regularly experience cold sores, the brand recommends using the balm as a preventative daily treatment and pairing it with LipQ Liquorice & Melissa Lip Gel, which is intended for use at the first sign of tingling. An alternative is the Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Balm Beeswax (4.25g) for £4.69 from Holland and Barrett.
The LipQ Liquorice Lip Balm is available from Amazon
This lip balm is to be used as daily care for cold sore-prone lips
This one conditions and moisturises lips with beeswax and vitamin E. It also is said to leave a refreshing, tingling sensation from a hint of peppermint oil and is free from parabens, phthalates, petrolatum and SLS.
LookFantastic then has the Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Lip Balm (7ml) for £15. This is described as a nourishing lip balm that moisturises dryness and provides a glossy finish.
The LipQ Liquorice Lip Balm has received an average 4.4 out of five-star rating from almost 700 reviews on Amazon, however. One person said: “This lip balm is brilliant!! I’ve suffered from cold sores for over 50 years? I’m 67 now and didn’t think anything could shift them.
“How wrong was I? I had one starting right in the middle of my top lip, I used some of the lip balm and it never broke out! I can’t believe it to be honest! It really is brilliant! 10/10 from me! I thought it was expensive at £9.99, but for what it does, it is priceless. I’m very pleased with my purchase. Thank you.”
Another added: “I suffer from cold sores and my erratic hormones have contributed to more frequent outbreaks. I’ve been looking for a natural aid to help the healing process and came across this product.
“I was about day five in on a particularly painful cold sore when I received the lip balm, it was also a heatwave and my lips also became very dry and cracked. The lip balm is soothing, not thick and sticky and easy to apply.
“I noticed the morning after I started using it, the cracked skin was more hydrated and feeling less tight. My cold sore wasn’t as painful either and, by day three, my lips were practically back to normal. It definitely knocked off a couple days of healing time, so I’m very impressed. I will continue to use it daily.”
This person removed a star and said: “Helpful for cold-sore prone lips. Not quite as instantly efficient as its sister product that comes in a tube.”
Overall, most people were pleased, however. For example, this person said: “Excellent balm. Since using it for the last few years, I haven’t had a cold sore. Miracle stuff! Always used to suffer when stressed and now with the balm, nothing. I use it multiple times a day and last thing at night. I highly recommend it.”
The LipQ Liquorice Lip Balm is now down to £9.95 on Amazon.
