Wondering If You Need a Lip Scrub? Here's What a Dermatologist Has to Say

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The skin of your lips is exactly that — skin. Like that of the rest of your body, they need to be exfoliated and cared for. Lip scrubs are the perfect way to give them some R and R.

"A lip scrub not only removes dead skin cells and helps exfoliate but it also allows for better penetration of hydrating products," said dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, M.D. "By removing the outer layer of dead cells, emollients can penetrate better and work more effectively." Mariwalla suggests using a lip scrub at least once a week.

These exfoliators not only introduce hydrating ingredients to your lips, but they also help prime the area for makeup application by creating a smooth canvas for lipstick. Check out some of our favorite scrubs ahead.

Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Lip-Loving Scrubstick
sephora.com

Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss’r Lip-Loving Scrubstick

Fenty Beauty Pro Kiss'r Lip-Loving Scrubstick ($16) exfoliates lips with finely ground apricot seeds before hydrating them using its long list of oils (like coconut, jojoba, and soybean, and castor).

Lush Mint Julips
lushusa.com

Lush Mint Julips

Lush Mint Julips ($11) sloughs off dead skin to leave your lips feeling soft and smooth. The only thing that will linger is a slight taste of refreshing peppermint.

Beauty by PopSugar Be Smooth Sugar Lip Scrub
Beauty by POPSUGAR

Beauty by PopSugar Be Smooth Sugar Lip Scrub

The best part about the emollient Beauty by PopSugar Be Smooth Sugar Lip Scrub ($22) is that it doubles as a scrub and a balm. That means that you don't have to wipe it off after you've gently rubbed it across your lips.

Kopari Coconut Lip Scrubby
sephora.com

Kopari Coconut Lip Scrubby

The Kopari Coconut Lip Scrubby ($16) is housed in a tube that allows you to apply the exfoliating treatment straight onto your lips.

Bite Beauty Agave+ Weekly Lip Scrub
sephora.com

Bite Beauty Agave+ Weekly Lip Scrub

The Bite Beauty Agave+ Weekly Lip Scrub ($20) exfoliates lips using a combination of sugar crystals and papaya enzymes, and leaves them moisturized with sunflower seed oil and squalane.

Fresh Sugar Lip Polis
fresh.com

Fresh Sugar Lip Polis

A heavy-duty option that makeup artist Irwin said she loves is Fresh's Sugar Lip Polish ($24), which is made with shea butter, jojoba oil, and brown sugar crystals. "Apply it, let it sit for a while, and then massage it off," she advised.

Tarte Lip Facial Lip Scrub
sephora.com

Tarte Lip Facial Lip Scrub

You'll love the feeling of having the Tarte Lip Facial Lip Scrub ($16) on your lips as your smack and rub them together. As its sugar crystals gently exfoliate lips, they melt down, mixing into the shea butter that ultimately leaves lips moisturized and soft.