A £10 lip balm is being hailed as 'priceless' by cold sore sufferers, with many reporting remarkable improvements in their outbreaks. The LipQ Liquorice Lip Balm, currently reduced to £9.95 on Amazon, is formulated for individuals prone to cold sores as well as those with dry or sensitive lips.
Natural Formula and User Results
The balm is made with natural ingredients and is free from parabens, perfume, MI, and SLS, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It has been tested with the Herpes Viruses Association, with the manufacturer noting that 83% of users experienced quicker recovery and that outbreaks were diminished by nearly half. In the trial, over 73% of participants noted reduced severity and duration of outbreaks, with testers indicating their outbreaks were roughly half their typical length on average.
The formula includes glycyrrhizic acid, which the manufacturer claims delivers natural UV protection and may help guard against sun-triggered cold sores. The balm can be applied morning and evening, with reapplication suggested whenever lips feel parched.
Customer Reviews
One 67-year-old woman who says she 'suffered from cold sores for over 50 years' claims the balm has made a huge difference to her lips. She described the budget-friendly treatment as 'priceless', saying she has seen a dramatic change in her cold sore breakouts.
On Amazon, the LipQ Liquorice Lip Balm has garnered an average 4.4 out of five-star rating from nearly 700 reviews. One customer remarked: "This miracle balm has prevented the dreaded lip herpes when using every night before bed. My bedside essential"
Another added: "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."
Not All Reviews Positive
Not every customer was quite so impressed, however, with one noting: "It’s ok, didn’t stop the horrendous coleslaw appearing on my lip during a recent holiday, not much flavour, a moisturiser at the most."
Many buyers said they did find it effective at keeping their lips in good health. Another said: "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."
Alternatives and Usage
For those who frequently suffer from cold sores, the brand suggests using the balm as a preventative daily treatment and combining it with LipQ Liquorice and Melissa Lip Gel, which is designed for application at the initial sign of tingling. An alternative option is the Burt's Bees 100% Natural Lip Balm Beeswax (4.25g) for £4.69 from Holland and Barrett, which conditions and hydrates lips with beeswax and vitamin E. LookFantastic also stocks the Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Lip Balm (7ml) for £15, characterized as a nourishing lip balm that hydrates dryness and delivers a glossy finish.
