I Tested 5 Viral Lip Scrubs (e.l.f., Skinfood) on My Dry Lips & Here’s What Actually Works 👄✨
I tested 5 of the most popular lip scrubs on the market, from convenient sticks to nourishing pots, to see which ones actually remove dead skin without ripping your lips apart. I looked for grit, hydration, and ease of use. Here are the results!
Why Sugar & Oils Matter 🧪
Not all "grit" is good grit. In my testing, I found two main types of exfoliants:
- Sugar (Sucrose): This is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin while it scrubs. It dissolves as you use it, making it impossible to over-scrub.
- Walnut Shell Powder: A harder physical exfoliant that doesn't dissolve. It acts more like a polisher but can be harsh if you press too hard.
Combining these with oils (like Jojoba or Avocado) is critical—without the oil, you're just scratching your skin!
⚡ Quick Look: The Winners
- Best for Convenience: e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator (Stick format)
- Best Budget Option: L.A. Girl Sweet Lip Scrub
- Best for Deep Hydration: SKIN FOOD Avocado & Sugar
- Best for Sensitive Lips: The Face Shop Vitamin E
- Best for Travel: Dr. PawPaw Duo Pot
1. e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator (Coffee) ☕
This product is legendary in the beauty community. It looks exactly like a lipstick bullet, but it's packed with coarse sugar granules and infused with Jojoba Oil. I chose the "Coffee" scent, and wow—it smells like a fresh espresso shot.
The genius here is that you don't need to dip your fingers into a pot. You just swipe it on like lipstick, rub your lips together, and wipe it off. It’s gritty—very gritty. However, because it's a hard stick, you have to warm it up a bit on your skin first.
| ✅ Pros • Mess-free stick format • Very affordable • Strong exfoliation |
🛑 Cons • Stick can break if pressed hard • Needs warming up |
2. L.A. Girl Pro and Prime Sweet Lip Scrub 🍬
If you prefer the traditional pot method, L.A. Girl offers a great standard sugar scrub. It comes in a small jar, and the texture is dense and sugary.
This definitely requires a finger to apply. It’s very effective at sloughing off dead skin cells because you can control the pressure easily. It leaves a nice oily residue behind that acts as a balm, so your lips don't feel stripped dry afterward.
| ✅ Pros • Gentle sugar particles • Leaves balm residue • Great value |
🛑 Cons • Messy (requires finger) • Small pot size |
3. SKIN FOOD Avocado & Sugar Lip Scrub 🥑
Skinfood is famous for using food ingredients in skincare. This is the most moisturizing scrub of the bunch. It contains real Avocado Oil and Shea Butter.
What I love is that while it exfoliates, it also masks your lips. When you wipe it off, your lips feel baby soft, not raw. It’s perfect for a Sunday night spa session.
| ✅ Pros • Extremely hydrating • Smoother texture • Cute packaging |
🛑 Cons • Scent is very subtle • Can feel greasy |
4. The Face Shop Vitamin E Gentle Exfoliating Lip Scrub 💊
The Face Shop brings us a different approach. Instead of a thick sugar paste, this feels more like a creamy lotion with scrubbing particles (Walnut shell powder).
It is incredibly gentle. It’s formulated with Vitamin E, which is known for healing skin. If your lips are sore or tender, this is the one to use. It doesn't scratch; it polishes.
| ✅ Pros • Creamy formula • Very gentle polish • Vitamin E enriched |
🛑 Cons • Not gritty enough for heavy flakes • Cream tube can dispense too much |
Safety first! For a guide on the correct technique, check out NIVEA's expert advice on how to use lip scrub correctly to avoid micro-tears.
5. Dr. PawPaw Lip Scrub and Lip Balm Duo 🐕
I love products that multitask, and Dr. PawPaw nailed it with this Duo pot. The top jar contains the sugar scrub (Mango/Coconut scent), and the bottom jar contains their famous Papaya balm.
The real win is having the balm attached right there. Immediately after scrubbing, you can dip into the bottom pot and soothe your lips. It is vegan, cruelty-free, and perfect for throwing in your purse.
| ✅ Pros • 2-in-1 Design • Delicious scent • Vegan formula |
🛑 Cons • Pots are very small • Can be hard to open with greasy hands |
Comparison: Which Scrub Wins? 📊
| Product | Key Ingredient | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| e.l.f. Coffee | Sugar + Jojoba | Convenience 🏃♀️ |
| L.A. Girl | Sugar + Shea | Budget 💰 |
| SKIN FOOD | Avocado Oil | Hydration 🥑 |
| Face Shop | Walnut Shell | Sensitive Skin ☁️ |
| Dr. PawPaw | Papaya Fruit | Travel ✈️ |
Final Thoughts 💭
Exfoliating is the step most people skip, but it makes the biggest difference. After testing these, the e.l.f. stick stays in my makeup bag for daily use, but the SKIN FOOD pot sits on my nightstand for deep repair. Your lips will thank you!
Stay smooth! 💋
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
You should gently rub the scrub in circular motions for about 30 seconds and then wipe it off with a damp tissue or rinse with water. Some edible sugar scrubs (like L.A. Girl) can technically be licked off, but wiping is more hygienic.
Lip scrubs can help brighten lips by removing dead, dull skin cells and improving blood circulation (which brings a pink flush). However, they will not bleach pigmentation caused by genetics or sun damage.
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean lips. Use your finger (or the stick) to massage gently in small circles. Don't press too hard! Rinse, dry, and immediately apply a lip balm.
Temporarily, yes! The friction from scrubbing increases blood flow to the area, giving lips a natural, healthy pink tint for a short time after use.
If you scrub too hard or too often (more than 2-3 times a week), you can cause micro-tears, bleeding, and increased sensitivity. Always be gentle.
Last Updated: 05 January 2026
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