How To Use Lip Scrub: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Use Lip Scrub PDF download Download Article Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Lorena Barcal

Last Updated: December 9, 2025 Approved

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This article was co-authored by Lorena Barcal. Lorena Barcal is a Clinical Herbalist, Clean Beauty Specialist, and Writer for IslandBeauty.co, a blog dedicated to sharing the benefits of using all-natural beauty products and recipes created by herbalists. Lorena specializes in studying and developing natural alternatives for beauty products. After finishing her herbal studies, Lorena managed an herbal lab in Barcelona developing natural beauty products. As a writer for IslandBeauty.co, she shares knowledge and insights to promote the natural beauty industry. There are 10 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. In this case, 91% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 141,302 times.

Lip scrubs are used as a form of mechanical exfoliation.[1] They contain small, grainy particles that, when rubbed onto your lips, remove dead skin cells and dry flaky bits. In turn, this leaves your lips soft and smooth, as opposed to rough, chapped lips. Incorporating lip scrub into your skincare routine is beneficial in many ways, but it is only effective when used correctly.

How to Use a Lip Scrub

Licensed esthetician and makeup artist Bia Rehman says to use small, circular motions when you’re exfoliating with a lip scrub. Spread the scrub evenly on both lips, then gently rub it in for about 30 seconds. When you’re finished, rinse the scrub off your lips (or lick it off if it’s edible), then pat your lips dry.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Scoop some lip scrub out of its container using your finger. 1 Scoop some lip scrub out of its container using your finger. Ensure your finger is clean so you don't contaminate the scrub. The amount you apply depends on how rough or flaky your lips are. Flakier lips call for a liberal amount of lip scrub, whereas relatively smooth lips require only a small amount of lip scrub to do the job. Assess your current situation and make an informed decision.
    • If your lips are peeling, but not raw, use your lip scrub generously to get rid of the dead skin.
    • If your lips are raw, cracked or bleeding, wait for them to heal before using any lip scrub. You do not want to cause any further damage.
    • Cracked lips will take 2-3 weeks to fully heal if you treat them properly.[2] This may seem like a long wait but it will be worth it in the end. In the meantime, you can practice other forms of lip care that are more gentle on your delicate skin.
  2. Step 2 Spread the lip scrub evenly around your lips using one finger. 2 Spread the lip scrub evenly around your lips using one finger. Ensure that both the top lip and bottom lip have an equal coating. However, if one lip is particularly flakier than the other, it will not hurt to apply a more liberal amount to that one.
    • Be careful not to apply too much pressure when doing this.[3] The skin of your lips is sensitive and can break easily if too much force is used.
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  3. Step 3 Rub your lips together. 3 Rub your lips together. Press your lips together and rub your bottom lip against your top lip in a circular motion. Continue this motion for around 30 seconds. Done correctly, this is will scrape off any dead skin cells and flakes you have.[4] Ensure you do this firmly, but not too hard, or you may risk damaging your lips.
    • If you feel your skin rip while you are rubbing them together, stop immediately. This is a sign that you might have applied too much force.
    • Wait for them to heal before using lip scrub again. When you do, either rub more gently, or for a shorter period of time.
  4. Step 4 Get rid of the excess lip scrub. 4 Get rid of the excess lip scrub. If your lip scrub is edible - which is often the case - you can simply lick it off. If not, gently rinse it off using your hands and some lukewarm water. To avoid making a mess, it is suggested that you lean over a sink or basin when doing this.
  5. Step 5 Dab your lips dry. 5 Dab your lips dry. The best way to do this is to use a soft towel or tissue. Make sure this is done gently and with care.
    • Avoid drying them by quickly rubbing them back and forth. Although this may make them dry faster, it is not worth it in the end. This will only lead you ripping your skin and making your lips bleed.
    • Try not to use any rough materials against your lips. This may cause the skin to break. However, if this is your last resort because you cannot find a soft towel or tissue, gently press your lips against the material until they are dry. Remember that this is your last option and you should not use it unless absolutely necessary. Using rough materials can also lead to dry, irritated lips.[5]
    Dr. Anjali Mahto Dr. Anjali Mahto, Dermatologist

    When using a lip scrub, be gentle yet thorough in massaging particles over the lips to lift away dry, flaky skin. Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry, and follow with a nourishing balm. Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times weekly for most skin types. Those with sensitive skin may require less frequent scrubbing. The proper prep work pays dividends in revealing smooth, conditioned lips ready to shine.

  6. Step 6 Moisturize your lips. 6 Moisturize your lips. An effective and simple way to do this after exfoliation is to apply a hydrating lip balm or lotion. This step is not only important for keeping your lips smooth and soft, but also to reduce your risk of getting chapped lips. Lip scrubs are mainly for exfoliating your lips, and although many have moisturizing ingredients in them such as natural oils (olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, etc.), it is more effective to hydrate your lips with a lip balm or lotion.
    • Products with petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, seal the moisture in your lips for hours.[6] This is helpful if you have or are prone to particularly dry or cracked lips.
    • Not only does petroleum jelly have multiple skincare benefits, it is also inexpensive and found in most drugstores and pharmacies. Hence, it is a very useful product to have at home.[7]
    • Some lip balms can cause irritation if you have sensitive skin.[8] If you experience a tingling, burning or stinging sensation after an application, discontinue use and use another lip balm instead.[9]
  7. Step 7 Repeat this process one to three times a week. 7 Repeat this process one to three times a week.[10] This will ensure that you have smooth, plump lips every day. However, it is important to refrain from using lip scrub any more than the recommendation as exfoliating too often will damage your lips.
    • Cinnamon is a great ingredient for plumper lips. It irritates your mucus membrane, increases blood circulation in the area, and makes your lips look fuller.[11]
    • The shelf life of a homemade lip scrub depends on the ingredients used in the recipe.[12]
    • If you use 100% natural ingredients and do not put preservatives, a lip scrub based on coconut or avocado oil should last for about two weeks if it's being refrigerated.[13]
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Tips

  • Use lip scrub in the morning to prepare your lips for the day ahead. Thanks Helpful 25 Not Helpful 3
  • Refrigerating lip scrubs (especially homemade ones) can help them to last longer. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 4
  • Ensure you replace the lid of your lip scrub after each use. This will preserve its freshness for the next use. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 6
Show More 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! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Scrub your lips a maximum of three times a week. Any more will damage your lips, especially if you have sensitive skin. Thanks Helpful 25 Not Helpful 1
  • Avoid scrubbing your lips too hard - this will only rip the skin. Scrubbing gently will still provide effective exfoliation. Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 2
  • Stop scrubbing immediately if you feel the skin tear. Thanks Helpful 27 Not Helpful 3
  • If your lips are cracked or raw, wait for them heal before you use lip scrub. Thanks Helpful 26 Not Helpful 3
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.vaseline.com/us/en/articles/skin-care-basics/everything-you-need-to-know-about-using-a-lip-scrub.html
  2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips
  3. ↑ https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/exfoliate-lips
  4. ↑ https://www.beautyforreal.com/blogs/blog/chapstick-vs-lip-scrub
  5. ↑ https://www.byrdie.com/best-towels-for-skin
  6. ↑ https://www.healthline.com/health/vaseline-on-face
  7. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/petroleum-jelly
  8. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin
  9. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://skincarehero.com/how-often-should-you-exfoliate-your-lips/
  2. ↑ Lorena Barcal. Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ Lorena Barcal. Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Lorena Barcal. Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Lorena Barcal Co-authored by: Lorena Barcal Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist This article was co-authored by Lorena Barcal. Lorena Barcal is a Clinical Herbalist, Clean Beauty Specialist, and Writer for IslandBeauty.co, a blog dedicated to sharing the benefits of using all-natural beauty products and recipes created by herbalists. Lorena specializes in studying and developing natural alternatives for beauty products. After finishing her herbal studies, Lorena managed an herbal lab in Barcelona developing natural beauty products. As a writer for IslandBeauty.co, she shares knowledge and insights to promote the natural beauty industry. This article has been viewed 141,302 times. 11 votes - 91% Co-authors: 9 Updated: December 9, 2025 Views: 141,302 Categories: Lip Care
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Reader Success Stories

  • Freeda G.

    Freeda G.

    Sep 26, 2024

    "I recently hurt my lips, and they were getting drier than before, so this will help me get rid of all the..." more Rated this article:
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Lorena Barcal Co-authored by: Lorena Barcal Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist Co-authors: 9 Updated: December 9, 2025 Views: 141,302 91% of readers found this article helpful. 11 votes - 91% Click a star to add your vote 91% of people told us that this article helped them. Freeda G.

Freeda G.

Sep 26, 2024

"I recently hurt my lips, and they were getting drier than before, so this will help me get rid of all the..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Jan 8, 2024

"I now know how to use a lip scrub efficiently." Connie M.

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