Research & Trends
From Gloss to Balm: The Lip Trend Comes Full Circle
Lip Gloss Balm Trend Sparks a Revival in Lip Care
The beauty industry continues to evolve, and the Lip Gloss Balm Trend is now reshaping consumer choices in lip care products.
The Return of Lip Balm in a Gloss-Obsessed Market
Lip oils, treatments, and jellies previously dominated the lip category with viral success, especially among Gen Z and trend-savvy shoppers. However, the original staple — lip balm — is officially back in style, boosted by a new wave of innovation and nostalgia.
According to Daash Intelligence, lip balm unit sales have risen 3.5 percent year-to-date, revealing growing consumer interest. Even more telling, average prices jumped by $5.50, proving the segment is experiencing premiumization.
Now, consumers want formulas that combine color, hydration, and performance — leading to the rise of the Lip Gloss Balm Trend.
New Launches Driving the Lip Gloss Balm Trend
Several brands are pushing this trend forward with clever campaigns and high-performance formulations. Cocokindlaunched its Ceramide Lip Blur Balm in March, capturing attention with a tongue-in-cheek “world’s first lip balm” campaign. Likewise, Starface and Eadem introduced their viral lip balms, priced at $6.99 and $24, showing the broad appeal across demographics. Meanwhile, Maybelline New York unveiled the Lifter Glaze Lip Balms — a hybrid of its popular gloss and nourishing balm technology.
These launches support data from Daash Intelligence, which reported a 29 percent increase in prestige lip balm sales over the past year. Additionally, Circana confirmed makeup lip balm sales hit $486.5 million in 2024 — a massive 45 percent increase from 2023.
Balms Now Compete in a New Category
What sets this movement apart is its ability to merge benefits: shine, hydration, and comfort. As formats multiply, the Lip Gloss Balm Trend becomes the unexpected differentiator in an oversaturated market.
Now, lip balms aren’t just basic products; they’re prestige staples with elevated ingredients and aesthetics. Consumers want all-in-one solutions that are easy to use but still deliver visible results.
Explore more beauty industry trends and product innovations by visiting the latest articles on this website.