A £9.95 lip balm has been hailed as a 'miracle cure' by cold sore sufferers, with many reporting years without outbreaks. The LipQ Liquorice Balm, available on Amazon, contains active liquorice extract and glycyrrhizic acid, which offers natural UV protection against sun-triggered cold sores.
How It Works
According to the NHS, cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically contracted in childhood through skin-to-skin contact. The LipQ balm's formula weakens the virus before outbreaks begin, according to the brand. A double-blind study by the Herpes Viruses Association found it reduced the severity and length of outbreaks for over 73% of participants, and 83% experienced fewer outbreaks compared to their usual treatments. Testers reported outbreaks were only half their usual length, with longer intervals between episodes.
Customer Testimonials
One shopper said: 'Amazing! This has been my miracle cure. I suffered from constant severe cold sores, but this has nearly got rid of them entirely! When I do get the tingle or the start of one, it cures within days, and it never truly appears like before. I use the balm all day, every day. It really has changed my life!' Another user added: 'My daughter has not had a single cold sore since using this every day.' A third commented: 'Since using this balm daily, I haven't had an outbreak in over four years.'
Price and Alternatives
The LipQ Balm costs £9.95 on Amazon and has over 650 reviews, with more than 400 purchased in the past month. Lower-cost alternatives include Boots Antiviral Cold Sore 5% ointment at £4.29 and Superdrug's Blistex Relief Cream at £3.99. However, some users note the LipQ balm is not as instantly effective as the tube version. One reviewer said: 'Helpful for cold-sore prone lips. Not quite as instantly efficient as its sister product that comes in a tube.'
Additional Benefits
Another user reported it helped with angular cheilitis, cracks at the corners of the mouth, which prescription creams failed to treat. A final purchaser concluded: 'I've also not had a cold sore since using it, so fingers crossed. Well worth the money - I would recommend!'
