A bride who was unable to kiss her husband properly at her wedding after developing a cold sore says a £9.95 balm has given her confidence back after more than a decade of severe, recurring outbreaks.
Georgia Ruth, 34, suffered frequent flare-ups for over ten years and described the condition as disrupting every aspect of her life. She said the stigma attached to cold sores made her anxious, and there were times she did not want to go to work, see her husband or friends, or attend social events.
“There were times I didn't want to go to work, didn't want to see my husband or friends and would avoid social events altogether,” she revealed.
Wedding day heartbreak
The emotional impact reached its worst point just before her wedding. “One of the hardest moments came the night before my wedding when I developed a cold sore. I was absolutely devastated,” she remembered. “My husband was nothing but supportive and reassuring, but we couldn't seal our vows with a proper deep kiss, and at the time that was genuinely heartbreaking.”
After unsuccessful attempts with doctor-prescribed antivirals and high-street treatments, Georgia eventually tried the LipQ Liquorice Lip Balm (30g), a natural, intensely nourishing balm designed to keep breakouts, dryness and irritation under control. She has now finished two tins and keeps one by her bedside and one in her car.
“The last cold sore I had was in October 2025, and incredibly, I haven't had a single outbreak since,” she said. “Unlike many products I'd tried before, LipQ Balm feels preventative rather than simply treating an outbreak once it's already arrived.”
Trial results and customer reviews
During trials with the Herpes Viruses Association, 83% of participants experienced faster healing times and nearly 50% fewer outbreaks. Association spokesperson Marian Nicholson said the balm demonstrated a “marked reduction in severity and duration” of flare-ups, prompting the organisation to officially endorse the treatment to its members.
Created in the UK without parabens or artificial fragrances, the balm harnesses naturally active Glycyrrhizic acid, extracted from liquorice root, to calm delicate skin and provide natural UV protection. It is intended for daily morning and evening application, with swift touch-ups during the day.
On Amazon, the product has a 4.4-star rating from over 700 reviews. One customer wrote: “Wow...it works. I put it on a tingling, painful cold sore; it kept it unnoticeable, and the cold sore went away in three days.” Another raved: “Miracle cure for cold sores, highly recommended. Purchased after reading liquorice is good for treating cold sores - amazed by the results!”
“I've been prone to cold sores for years when I'm feeling run down or stressed-out and have always used Zovirax etc thinking that was the only answer... along with going into hiding for days due to unsightly cold sores. This cream has CHANGED MY LIFE,” added another shopper.
Final endorsement
Georgia Ruth concluded: “Instead of constantly living in defence mode, I've finally been able to live in repair and prevention mode. That has been incredibly healing for both my skin and my nervous system. LipQ Balm has given me my confidence back.”
The LipQ Balm can be bought on Amazon. For those battling dry lips, LookFantastic stocks the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume Lips 7.5ml (£9), and Boots sells the Blistex Relief Cream Soothing Protective Lip Cream 5g (£3.50).
