Lip balm for men comes in small packaging that’s easy to slip in a pocket to reapply as needed. (BestReviews)

Did you know that the skin on your lips is some of the thinnest skin on the human body? Its delicate nature makes lips prone to chapping, dryness, irritation and cracking. When these issues affect guys, the solution is a lip balm that’s made especially for men.

Men's lip balms go on smoothly, absorb quickly and have a subtle finish. Ideally, a quality lip balm for men will moisturize and protect lips. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm is made with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and emollients and offers SPF 25 that protects lip skin from sun damage.

Not only are chapped lips uncomfortable, but they are also unsightly. Swiping lip balm on your lips produces a protective layer that moisturizes the delicate skin. This keeps lips supple and protects them from chapping and cracking due to dryness. It also makes them feel soft and smooth.

Just like the face, arms, back and other parts of the body, lips are prone to sunburn. Years of exposure to the sun's rays can cause lips to age prematurely, and may even increase the risk of developing skin cancer. A lip balm for men that contains sunscreen adds an extra level of protection in addition to hydrating lips.

The elements can be as harsh on lips as it is on the skin on other parts of the body. Just like lotions and sunscreens are worn to protect and moisturize year-round, lip balm should be used every season of the year.

Lip balm should be applied in the morning before lips are exposed to the outdoor elements. For an added boost of moisture, lip balm can also be applied at bedtime so it hydrates lips throughout the night.

Lip balms are made with a base of wax, paraffin wax or beeswax that gives them staying power. Ingredients like shea butter, mineral oil, cocoa butter and plant-based oils moisturize and soothe skin. Antioxidants, botanical extracts and vitamins are nourishing to lips. Additionally, flavors and scents typically come from essential oils such as mint and eucalyptus.

Some ingredients are made without ingredients some consumers don’t want to put on their skin. These include parabens, phthalates, artificial dyes and fragrances and animal-based additives.

Lip balm for men comes in classic sticks that work with a twisting mechanism at the bottom of the package. Tubes are also available and are applied by simply giving them a squeeze. Some lip balms come in small jars and must be applied with a fingertip.

The flavor and scent of a lip balm are the same. For example, if the scent of lip balm is mint, it will also have a minty fragrance.

In addition to mint, lip balms for men are available in flavors and scents such as bourbon vanilla, spices, and various fruits. Some also have a nondescript classic or original option, while others have no flavor or scent at all.

Lip balm is an affordable personal care product that costs between $1 and $10 for a stick, tube or jar. Many top brands are available in multipacks that are ideal for frequent users and will save them a few dollars.

A. Many lip balms for men are formulated to have a matte finish that's barely detectable and doesn't have any shine once applied. However, glossy lip balms are available if you prefer a shiny finish.

A. The longevity of a lip balm will depend on how often you use it. With daily use, you can expect one lip balm to last several months. With occasional use, it may last up to a year.

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm: available at Amazon, Ulta, Macy's and Sephora

Our take: From soothing skin to protecting it against the sun's rays, this lip balm is a guy's go-to pick for healthy-looking lips.

What we like: This lip balm is packed with vitamins, antioxidants and plant-based emollients that nourish and protect. It comes in several flavors and has SPF 25. The handy tube makes it easy to apply.

What we dislike: The downside of the SPF is that it leaves behind a slight white residue.

ChapStick Classic Original Lip Balm: available at Amazon 

Our take: This is an inexpensive lip balm that protects, hydrates and heals chapped lips.

What we like: With no flavor and a highly-moisturizing formula, this ChapStick is an excellent choice for men. Each tube is affordable and long-lasting. It's made by one of the most recognizable brands on the market.

What we dislike: Although rare, a few users reported skin irritation after using it.

Olivina Men Barrell and Oak Bourbon Vanilla Organic Lip Balm: available at Amazon

Our take: With an appealing flavor and scent, organic ingredients and a moisturizing formula, this lip balm is worth considering for men who need to hydrate their lips and prefer natural products.

What we like: This lip balm contains organic olive oil and essential oils, plus it has a pleasant vanilla flavor and scent. It's made without harsh additives such as parabens, SLS and phthalates and is cruelty-free.

What we dislike: The consistency is somewhat thin.

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.

Jennifer Manfrin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.