Finding a non-toxic lip gloss that looks great, feels good, AND lasts longer than five minutes can feel like a treasure hunt where the prize is usually sticky and overpriced. I’ve tried lip glosses a-plenty over the years, and while some looked beautiful, many didn’t last, felt sticky, or gave little color payoff. The five clean lip glosses in this roundup are the ones I keep coming back to because they deliver on shine, comfort, and ingredients I feel good about using. If you’re looking for the best non-toxic lip gloss that is worth repurchasing, these are my tried-and-true favorites.
Y’all know me, I’m a lippie junkie. So when I began swapping my products over to clean beauty, the lip products were the first on my list to replace — clean lip balm was #1, but a clean lip gloss was definitely #2! Why? Because products applied on your mouth are definitely making their way inside when we talk, eat, drink, smooch, etc. But this turned out to be a daunting task, as I had some longtime, lip gloss LOVES…and I struggled to find clean lip glosses that could really replace my former beloveds.
Luckily clean beauty has come a long way in the past few years, and I am now flush with wonderful non-toxic lip glosses that I truly love. I no longer pine for my old traditional favorites!
Here’s what I want in a non-toxic lip gloss:
- Uh, I want it to be non-toxic – that means no parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance or dyes (if it follows Credo’s standards, I’m good).
- Great color – and I mean saturated color. I need a one-and-done gloss that can hold its own.
- Not overly sticky – stay with me here. I feel like a gloss needs a wee bit of stickiness or it simply won’t stay on. But not so sticky that my hair is getting caught in it, or it feels tacky on my lips. So maybe sticky isn’t the right word, but you know what I’m saying!
- Nourishing and safe for sensitive skin – over the past few years, makeup has proved it can be more than just makeup, and as delicate as our lips are, I want something that’s doing good for that skin along with looking great. And as my lips are as sensitive as the rest of my skin, it goes without saying that things like cinnamon will NOT be in my ideal lip gloss.
Below you’ll find my current top five non-toxic lip glosses (in no particular order), including my picks for best lip gloss for rich color payoff, the best long-lasting lip gloss, the best hydrating non-toxic lip gloss, the best lip gloss that doubles as a lip treatment, and the best clean lip gloss under $20. Whether you’re looking for the glossiest shine, nourishing ingredients, long-wear or an affordable clean beauty lippie, I think there’s a favorite here for just about every fellow lip gloss lover! And because no roundup is complete without a few misses, I’ll also share the clean lip glosses I wouldn’t repurchase (and explain why).
My Top 5 Clean, Non-Toxic Lip Glosses
Best Hydrating Non-Toxic Lip Gloss
ILIA BEAUTY | Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss
This little gem is brand-new to ILIA’s line and a new favorite clean lip gloss for me! Thanks to Ilia I was given the opportunity to try this just before launch, and I can hardly wait to try other shades…it’s AWESOME. Moisture factor lasts for ages and it just feels SO good on the lips — it’s kind of difficult to describe the texture, but it’s somehow super cushiony, but also super glossy…all without being sticky. I don’t know what sort of innovative magic they put into this, but it truly makes your lips feel like you’ve used a lip treatment, and it just so happens to have exceptional color in it too?! Crystalline is a lovely every day neutral, but also fab as a topper over a liner. I can hardly wait to get ahold of Clay…IYKYK! One of my top seven products from ILIA!
What I dig most:
- This one hydrates for days…ILIA is hyperfocused on hydration throughout their line, and this lip gloss is a true winner here
- The feel of it…it’s just so cushiony!
- Appearance and performance…lips look shiny, smooth, plump and amazing, well-pigmented AND it doesn’t travel or bleed
- So moisturizing — I would certainly classify this as a gloss-balm hybrid, and after the color is gone, the balminess of this remains!
And not so much…
- While there are a few petroleum-derived emollients/film-formers (Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polydecene, and Hydrogenated Polybutene), the data shows risk levels as being quite low, so I’m taking my chances. However worth nothing here for those that have petroleum on the radar.
Best Lip Gloss That Doubles as a Lip Treatment
EADEM | Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm
It’s safe to say that this gal would never turn down a chance to try a potentially amazing new lippie, and with this being described as a lip treatment AND beautiful gloss, I was instantly intrigued! Truly an all-in-one, Le Chouchou promises to exfoliate, plump, moisturize AND look fabulous. Don’t let the exfoliation factor scare you…they use ultra-gentle lactic acid and hibiscus enzymes in that department, and the plumping doesn’t come from anything scary either – that’s courtesy of some amazing butters (Brazilian Acai and African mongongo). This feels so freaking good on. Nice and thick, great staying power, and the color I was gifted (Pain au Chocolat) = beautimous! I’ve since purchased Fig Sauce, and it’s just as gorgeous, and my daughter adores a new shade, Sakura Shaved Ice. I love using this as a pre-lipstick treatment sesh as well as a gloss/balm on its own or with a lipliner. One of my favorite finds for 2025!
What I dig most:
- Um, it’s a lip treatment AND a gloss, you know I love a multi-tasker!
- Again, the feel-good factor (it’s the first thing my daughter mentioned when she first tried it too) — so nourishing and plumping, not sticky
- Gorgeous wearable shades, plenty pigmented too
- I know it says ‘Balm’ in the product title, but don’t sleep on these as a lip gloss…the gloss and color factors are knock-out
- If you’re going for shine, color AND treatment in one glorious product, you can’t beat it — this has literally become my go-to lippie this summer as I can just swipe this on (with the lovely cooling applicator!) and the lips are good to go
And not so much…
- Not a dang thing. But please EADEM, make one that’s minty for me!
Best Lip Gloss for Rich Color Payoff
FITGLOW | Lip Colour Serum
There’s a reason these lip glosses are so beloved. Launched over 10 years ago, Fitglow’s Lip Colour Serum was the first non-toxic lip gloss that performed as well as – if not better then – traditional high end lip glosses IMHO. Beautiful colors, packed full of goodness for your lips, and no stickiness (I actually wish they had a bit more sticky so they’d last even longer). And they are just so comfy on. Love the vanilla-y scent, too! I’m a big fan of Buff, Root, Gospel, Au, Ti, and Ful. Need to try Coco (yes, I love me a brown lippie)! Also, while spendy for a clear lip gloss, their Night Lip Serum is the best nighttime lip treatment around…I’ve used it for years and swear by it, and using it over a lipstick or liner during the day gives treatment plus shine, just sayin’.
What I dig most:
- The richness of the color…these are so pigmented and I haven’t found another clean lip gloss that delivers this much color
- The shade range…all beautiful and versatile, so many to love!
- Moisturizing and nourishing, not sticky — like any lip gloss the color wears off after drinking/eating, but the foundation of this gloss remains and keeps doing its job
- Truly a skincare-meets-makeup product, powered by vegetable collagen, vitamin E and organic plant actives
- Overall appearance and wear performance…lips look healthy, plump and fine lines are lessened in appearance
- Great/safe ingredients, half of which are certified organic
And not so much…
- The price…they’re spendy, so I grab during sales/promos. But a hot tip as of publishing date, many of the shades are currently on sale on Fitglow’s site!
Best Long-Lasting Lip Gloss
RÓEN BEAUTY | Kiss My Liquid Lip Balm
These lip glosses busted their way to the top of my lip gloss-loving list at first swipe. The texture is so unique…it’s definitely a balm/gloss hybrid, but with ALL the shine of a glossy gloss and none of the stickiness (magic?!). And not only are you getting color and shine, but tons of nourishment, protection and hydration from plant-based botanicals that include mango seed butter, avocado, grapeseed and coconut oils. And it’s a bit minty, which you know is always my jam. Lola is the perfect easy (and sexy) nude, Charlie the perfect my-lips-but-better shade, and I’ve got Jude and Dodi on my wishlist…I will have them all *insert evil laugh*! They also make a shimmer version, and I love me some Bowie (a lovely nude-rose, peachy shade with subtle gold shimmer…perfect summery color!).
What I dig most:
- The colors just work on me — far too often clean lip shades pull orangey on me, particularly nude shades, but these are perfectly balanced!
- The feel of it…it truly is unique and just feels fabulous on
- Shine is perfect, not overly sticky, and color lasts really well for a gloss…this isn’t a hair-catcher, but it has a bit more stickiness than the rest of these, which I think contributes to the color lasting longer
- So hydrating and moisturizing — and when the color wears off, you can still feel this on your lips for hours, keeping your lips happy
- The mint factor…I’m prone to cold sores, and applying a minty lip product daily keeps them away
- Safe to wear, no parabens, silicones or nano particles
And not so much…
- Not a thing, other than more availability — I believe RÓEN underwent some management changes, and the full range of shades hasn’t yet returned (fingers crossed!!!)
Best Clean Lip Gloss Under $20
TOWER 28 | ShineOn Lip Jelly
I have loved Tower 28 from the day they launched onto the scene (how could not, the line was created for us sensitive-skinned peeps!). And I have LOVED this lipgloss from day 1. It’s super cushiony (there’s that word again…I guess we know how I like my lip glosses!) and moisturizing. These are the sheerest of this bunch, but you still good color payoff all while feeling so good on the lips. AND they smell like a cupcake…nothing wrong with that! Cashew, Almond and Sesame shades are all in regular use for me, and I love them all equally.
What I dig most:
- Easy, pretty, wearable shades — great on their own for a sheer, glossy look, or pair with a liner for more oomph
- This is another gloss-balm hybrid, a great multi-tasker
- Did I mention it’s the ‘budget’ pick of the bunch at $16?!
- Super comfy formula and no stickiness…it’s crazy curly-hair approved
- You just can’t beat this gloss at this price
And not so much…
- Same as the ILIA above: there are a few petroleum-derived emollients/film-formers (Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polydecene, and Hydrogenated Polybutene), the data shows risk levels as being quite low, so I’m taking my chances. However worth nothing here for those that have petroleum on the radar.
- Not a deal-breaker for me, but some folks don’t love the smell/taste
A few more lovely clean lip glosses that just missed the top 5 –
These are other favorites of mine that are definitely worth checking out:
- RMS Liplights Cream Lip Gloss – this is actually one of my favorite lip products, but though they call this a gloss, the finish is more of a high-shine lipstick to me. I actually named this the Best Clean Balm/Lipstick Hybrid in my top clean lip balms roundup! So for me the ‘gloss’ factor isn’t there, but as a lip product overall, it’s awesome.
- KOSAS Wet Lip Oil – this gloss looks and feels great, it just doesn’t wear as long as the others for me. I love the color range! But for a shiny Kosas lippie that does last, I love and reach for their Wetstick a LOT…great shine too (though not as much as a true gloss, but don’t sleep on it as there’s a reason it’s one of my favorite products from Kosas)!
- Beauty Pie Wondergloss Collagen Lip Oil – high shine and feels great on, but because it’s a lip oil the colors are very sheer, so I reach for my more pigmented friends more often. However this is definitely hydrating and non-sticky, and a fantastic option if you’re looking for a lip oil!
A few that sadly missed the mark for me….
Westman Atelier’s Squeaky Clean Liquid Lip Hydrating Lip Balm (kills me as I love so much from this line, but this doesn’t last and you get very little product for the price), Saint Jane Luxury Lip Shine (same issues as the WA, plus very limited shade range), RMS Legendary Lip Oil (tube/applicator are PITA, didn’t last and lips felt dry after use). There have been others, but they’ve been discontinued (or reformulated and I haven’t re-tested).
And the non-toxic lip glosses I need to try next!
My wishlist includes Rituel de Fille’s Thorn Bite Peptide Plump Crème Lip Oil (I tend to love their lip products), TOK Beauty Lip Tonic (I’ve loved everything else from this line!), Sarah Creal No Further Questions Lip Gloss (I’ve seen way too many great reviews about this!), Iris&Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 30 Moisture Lip Balm (SPF! And so many mentions of it lately), and AORA México ACARÍCIAME Hydrating and Smoothing Solid Lip Gloss Serum (it’s a solid lip gloss with rave reviews!).
Disclaimer: This page includes some affiliate links (including Amazon – as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases), and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies and brands I trust and have tried myself. There is no additional cost to you.
Tracey is the founder and writer of Life in the Happy Medium. She’s also a freelance graphic designer, Mom to 2 college kids, Wife, and Friend to a tribe she holds dear, who’s prone to some fairly serious car singing and dancing much to her family’s chagrin (old school R&B is where it’s at!).
From cleaner beauty to healthy-ish eating, she’s blogging here to share favorite finds that keep her happy in the middle.
