Dry, chapped lips don’t improve with lip balm alone—what you need is a structured Korean lip care routine that gently exfoliates and deeply hydrates.
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Exfoliation for Dry, Chapped Lips
Dry, chapped lips often begin with a buildup of dead skin that blocks moisture from absorbing properly.
That’s why Korean lip care routines place the highest importance on gently exfoliating and smoothing the surface of the lips before any hydration step.
Once this part is done correctly, your lip products absorb far better, and your lip makeup applies much more smoothly and evenly.
01. Lip Scrub
Source: FULLY official website
Source: SKINFOOD official website
A lip scrub is one of the most effective ways to smooth flaky lips and remove dead skin without causing irritation.
The goal isn’t to scrub harshly, but to gently lift only the loose, raised flakes.
Scrubs made with fine sugar grains, fruit enzymes, or plant-based oils help minimize micro-tears and keep the lips comfortable even after exfoliation.
If you struggle with visibly large flakes on your lips, a lip scrub can quickly help restore a smoother, more polished look.
Hwahae Pick!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recommended
It really does have a bit of a tingling sensation, but you can actually see the uneven texture disappearing. The scent is absolutely divine… I’ve lost count of how many bottles I’ve gone through.
02. Lip Sleeping Mask
Source: tocobo official website
Source: LANEIGE official website
If physical exfoliation feels too harsh for your skin, a lip sleeping mask offers a much gentler alternative.
These overnight masks soften dead skin while delivering deep hydration, allowing you to simply wipe away loosened flakes the next morning.
This method is especially helpful for sensitive lips or those dealing with severe dryness, as it minimizes irritation while maximizing long-lasting moisture.
Hwahae Pick!
![LIP SLEEPING MASK [GUMMY BEAR]](https://img.hwahae.co.kr/products/2129424/2129424_20250115111155.jpg)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recommended
As someone whose lips crack even in summer without lip balm, I was pleasantly surprised. After using this as night care, my lips felt moisturized and soft the next day.
Hydrating Lip Balm for Daily Moisture
After exfoliating, the lips can feel especially dry, which is why applying a hydrating Korean lip balm is essential for sealing in moisture and protecting the freshly smoothed surface.
During colder seasons like fall and winter, when lips lose hydration even faster, reapplying lip balm throughout the day is the key to keeping them soft and plump.
Source: Oliveyoung Bring Green product detail page
Among the many types of lip balms available, tube-type balms are the ones Hwahae recommends most.
They’re easy to carry, hygienic to use, and glide smoothly over existing lip makeup without removing color—making them perfect for on-the-go hydration and shine.
Hwahae Pick!
![JOJOBA Lip Essence [Raw Flavor]](https://img.hwahae.co.kr/products/1918116/1918116_20240308143024.jpg)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recommended
The tube format keeps everything hygienic and clean! When you apply it, your skin feels so hydrated and moisturized, and honestly, you get amazing value for your money.
Source: VOGUE JAPAN youtube
Among all options, the Laneige lip balm stands out not only for its excellent formula but also for its popularity after being associated with BTS’s Jungkook, whose glossy, healthy-looking lips helped boost the product’s reputation.
The balm contains a subtle lavender tint that adds a natural, lively flush to the lips. If you’re looking for long-lasting moisture and a comfortable, non-sticky finish, this is definitely a lip balm worth trying.
Hwahae Tip!
When your lips are dry, regular lipsticks or matte tints can highlight flakes and make them look rough. A tinted lip balm gives soft color while keeping lips moisturized, making it a better choice for dry or chapped lips. If dryness is a constant issue, switching to a tinted balm helps maintain a comfortable, smoother look without emphasizing texture.
![LIP GLOWY BALM [GUMMY BEAR BONBON OURSON]](https://img.hwahae.co.kr/products/2122813/2122813_20241119105248.jpg)
Editor’s Note
Dry, chapped lips can recover surprisingly quickly with proper exfoliation and consistent hydration. By following this Korean lip care routine, anyone can achieve soft, smooth, and healthy-looking lips that stay moisturized throughout the day.
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