PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Skin Care
Face Care
Lip Care
How to Lighten Dark Lips Download Article Co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Approved
Download Article
Preventing Lip Darkening
|
Massaging and Exfoliating
|
Lightening with Food
|
Expert Q&A
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD. Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 16 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,268,979 times.
Many factors can cause your lips to darken. Smoking, pollution, and sun damage, for example, can negatively impact the appearance of your lips. Luckily, there are many home remedies that can help lighten lips.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Preventing Lip Darkening
Download Article
1 Moisturize your lips. Dry, damaged lips can have a dark appearance. Use a good quality lip balm. Check the ingredients to make sure that it has both a moisturizer, such as shea butter or cocoa butter, and a binding agent, such as beeswax.
Good moisturizing ingredients to look for include shea butter, cocoa butter, and almond oil. Shea butter has been used since ancient times and is known for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties.[1]XResearch source Cocoa butter is often used to reduce discoloration from scarring.[2]XResearch source Almond oil is considered one of the best oils to improve the health and appearance of skin.
2 Use sunblock. Protect your lips from the sun as you protect the rest of your skin. Lips don't tan but they can burn and become dry which will make them appear darker.[3]X Expert Source Kaveri Karhade, MDBoard Certified DermatologistExpert Interview
Make sure your lip balm has sun blocking material of SPF 20 or greater.
Use lipsticks with sun block of SPF 20 also.
Advertisement
3 Quit smoking, if you do. Smoking can discolor lips, as tobacco, nicotine, and tar can all darken lips.[4]XResearch source Additionally, heat from cigarettes may cause you to produce more melanin (which protects skin from the sun) and darken your lips.[5]XResearch source
Quitting is hard. Talk to your doctor about medications that can help you quit, as well as gum or patches.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Massaging and Exfoliating
Download Article
1 Massage your lips. Massages can increase blood flow and brighten your lips. Massage your lips with almond oil every night before bed to deeply moisturize.
Alternatively, massage your lips with ice cubes to moisturize and make them appear fuller and pink.[6]XResearch source
2 Exfoliate your lips. There are several ways to exfoliate your lips. You might choose to use an exfoliating scrub, or you could buff them with a toothbrush.
Make a sugar scrub by combining a tablespoon of white or brown sugar with just enough honey or olive oil to make a paste.[7]XResearch source Rub the mixture vigorously over your lips. After a minute wipe off with a damp washcloth.
Alternatively, use a dry, soft-bristled toothbrush to buff away the dry skin. Apply light pressure to the toothbrush and work the bristles in a circular motion.
Follow with a soothing lip balm.
Repeat twice a week. If irritation happens, reduce the number of times per week or rub more gently.
3 Use a pomegranate lip scrub. Pomegranates can make your lips pinker.[8]XResearch source Crush 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of pomegranate seeds, and then mix the powder with milk to create a paste. Rub the paste onto your lips, then rinse it off after 2-3 minutes.
Repeat as desired.
Discontinue if irritation occurs.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Lightening with Food
Download Article
1 Use lemon juice. Lemon juice is well-known for its ability to lighten skin.[9]XResearch source Rub a few drops of lemon juice on your lips before bed each night. Rinse off in the morning with warm water.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
As an alternative, you can mix lemon and honey together, then apply it to your lips at night to subtlety lighten your lips.
2 Massage on a baking soda paste. Baking soda can also lighten your skin. Plus, you probably already have it in your kitchen! Mix just enough water into your baking soda to create a paste, then massage the paste into your lips. Finally, rinse it away.
Apply a moisturizing balm after you rinse.
In addition to lightening your skin, the paste also exfoliates your lips.
3 Use potatoes. Potatoes have been used to lighten skin, including reducing the appearance of scars. Rub a slice of potato on your lips before bed, without rinsing afterwards.[10]XResearch source Wash your lips with warm water in the morning.
Potatoes contain "catecholase," a naturally occurring enzyme that is best known for reducing skin darkness.[11]XResearch source
4 Use beet root juice for pink lips. Although it won't lighten your lips, beet juice can provide your lips with a pink stain that might improve their look, depending on your preferences. To get the look, apply 2-3 drops of beet root juice to your lips everyday, and don't wash it off.[12]XResearch source
As an alternative, you can create a paste with beet root powder and water. Apply the paste to your lips. After 10 minutes, wipe away the paste.
Repeat as desired to maintain the look.
5 Use a pomegranate lip stain. You can mix pomegranate with other fruit juices to create a lip stain. To make a stain, grind 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of pomegranate seeds. Mix the ground seeds into equal parts beet root and carrot juice. Rub the mixture on your lips, leaving it on as a stain.[13]XResearch source
Alternatively, you could use a mixture of cranberry and grape juice to stain your lips a ruby-red color.
Repeat as desired to maintain the look.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How can we reduce blackness of lips? Kaveri Karhade, MD Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Kaveri Karhade, MD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Answer Try not to scrub or rub your lips too frequently. This can help prevent your lips from darkening! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 16
Question How do you get rid of black lips? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Exfoliating is a great way to lighten lips. Try mixing sugar, honey, and olive oil and rubbing it gently over your lips. Honey is a natural lightener. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 37
Question Why do I have dark lips? Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University. Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Dark lips can be genetic or they can be the result of sun damage or a buildup of dry skin. If your lips have suddenly darkened and none of these causes fit, you should see a dermatologist. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 25
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
Keep allergies in mind when utilizing any of these methods. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If irritation occurs, discontinue and seek medical attention if necessary. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How to Get Rid of Smoker’s Lips: Lip Scrubs & MoreHow toLighten Dark Upper LipsHow toGet Pink LipsHow toMake Your Lips Naturally RedHow toGet Natural Red LipsHow toHave Pink Lips NaturallyHow toGet Soft Lips14 Ways to Get Softer & Smoother LipsHow toExfoliate LipsHow toGet Great LipsHow toLighten Your SkinHow to Get Fair Skin: Can Natural Remedies Help?How to Fix Chapped Lips Without Lip Balm: Simple Home RemediesHow toMake Your Skin Lighter Advertisement
Co-authored by: Kaveri Karhade, MD Board Certified Dermatologist This article was co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD. Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. This article has been viewed 1,268,979 times. 9 votes - 69% Co-authors: 19Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 1,268,979 Categories: Lip CareArticle SummaryX
If your lips are dark and you want to lighten them, try massaging them with almond oil every night to increase blood flow and help brighten them. Since lemon juice is known for its ability to lighten skin, rub a few drops of it on your lips before bed and then rinse it off in the morning with warm water. Alternatively, you can make your lips look lighter by exfoliating them twice a week using a sugar scrub or dry, soft-bristled toothbrush. Another scrub you can try is a pomegranate lip scrub made from 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds mixed with some milk, as the fruit can make your lips look pinker. Once you’ve created the paste, rub it onto your lips and then rinse it off after 2 to 3 minutes. For more tips from our Cosmetology co-author, including how to prevent your lips from getting darker, scroll down!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Italian German Chinese French Russian Portuguese Indonesian Dutch Arabic Thai Hindi Czech Vietnamese Japanese Korean Turkish
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,268,979 times.
Reader Success Stories
Neha Ramtohul
Apr 27, 2016
"Lemon actually works. I've been applying lemon on my lips two times every day, and it has reduced the darkness, now it's naturally pink."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Kaveri Karhade, MD Board Certified Dermatologist 9 votes - 69% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 19Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 1,268,979
Neha Ramtohul
Apr 27, 2016
"Lemon actually works. I've been applying lemon on my lips two times every day, and it has reduced the darkness, now it's naturally pink."..." more
Naomi Rahman
Sep 10, 2016
"I have just learned the way to get lighter toned lips. I will try it at home and then I will be able to inform you of my result."..." more
Emeline Tabia
May 20, 2017
"It's very helpful. Thanks to this article, now I can see very big changes when following the steps that I read here."..." more
Mia Young
Mar 11, 2017
"When I opened this article, I started following some of the tips to lighten my lips, and it really helps me a lot."
Janu Revin
Jan 9, 2019
"I tried baking soda paste for my lips, and it's really working it's reduce the darkness. Thank you so much!"..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
What Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How to Get Rid of Smoker’s Lips: Lip Scrubs & MoreHow toLighten Dark Upper LipsHow toGet Pink LipsHow toMake Your Lips Naturally Red
Trending Articles
Am I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz
Watch Articles
How toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?How toWear a HoodieHow toChiffonadeHow toMake a Fabric RoseHow toConfront a Bully
Trending Articles
What Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic Quiz
Quizzes & Games
Do I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Food Am I QuizTake QuizMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake QuizWhat Color Should I Paint My Nails QuizTake QuizWhat Do I Want in a Weight Loss Program QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Skin Care
Face Care
Lip Care
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD 
How toMake Your Lips Naturally Red 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Kaveri Karhade, MD Board Certified Dermatologist This article was co-authored by Kaveri Karhade, MD. Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. This article has been viewed 1,268,979 times. 9 votes - 69% Co-authors: 19 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 1,268,979 Categories: Lip Care Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
532 
1 Moisturize your lips. Dry, damaged lips can have a dark appearance. Use a good quality lip balm. Check the ingredients to make sure that it has both a moisturizer, such as shea butter or cocoa butter, and a binding agent, such as beeswax. 
2 Use sunblock. Protect your lips from the sun as you protect the rest of your skin. Lips don't tan but they can burn and become dry which will make them appear darker.[3] 
3 Quit smoking, if you do. Smoking can discolor lips, as tobacco, nicotine, and tar can all darken lips.[4] Additionally, heat from cigarettes may cause you to produce more melanin (which protects skin from the sun) and darken your lips.[5] 
1 Massage your lips. Massages can increase blood flow and brighten your lips. Massage your lips with almond oil every night before bed to deeply moisturize. 
2 Exfoliate your lips. There are several ways to exfoliate your lips. You might choose to use an exfoliating scrub, or you could buff them with a toothbrush. 
3 Use a pomegranate lip scrub. Pomegranates can make your lips pinker.[8] Crush 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of pomegranate seeds, and then mix the powder with milk to create a paste. Rub the paste onto your lips, then rinse it off after 2-3 minutes. 
1 Use lemon juice. Lemon juice is well-known for its ability to lighten skin.[9] Rub a few drops of lemon juice on your lips before bed each night. Rinse off in the morning with warm water. 
2 Massage on a baking soda paste. Baking soda can also lighten your skin. Plus, you probably already have it in your kitchen! Mix just enough water into your baking soda to create a paste, then massage the paste into your lips. Finally, rinse it away. 
3 Use potatoes. Potatoes have been used to lighten skin, including reducing the appearance of scars. Rub a slice of potato on your lips before bed, without rinsing afterwards.[10] Wash your lips with warm water in the morning. 
4 Use beet root juice for pink lips. Although it won't lighten your lips, beet juice can provide your lips with a pink stain that might improve their look, depending on your preferences. To get the look, apply 2-3 drops of beet root juice to your lips everyday, and don't wash it off.[12] 
5 Use a pomegranate lip stain. You can mix pomegranate with other fruit juices to create a lip stain. To make a stain, grind 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of pomegranate seeds. Mix the ground seeds into equal parts beet root and carrot juice. Rub the mixture on your lips, leaving it on as a stain.[13] 
Kaveri Karhade, MD Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Kaveri Karhade is a board certified Laser, Medical, and Cosmetic Dermatologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her areas of expertise are acne and hair loss. She has advanced training in injectables, lasers, surgery, and other cosmetic treatments, and has published extensive research in medical journals. She holds a BS from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Michigan Medical School. She completed her internship in Internal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine and her Residency in Dermatology at Brown University School of Medicine. Dr. Karhade is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. 
Laura Martin Licensed Cosmetologist Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.