Cold sores can be painful and embarrassing, but this cold sore lip balm has kept people outbreak-free for years
It’s made with glycyrrhizic acid, which offers natural UV protection.(Image: LipQ Balm)
Cold sores don’t just appear during the winter months. Various other triggers can spark them, including illness, menstrual cycles and, quite surprisingly, sunshine.
Those who experience cold sores frequently discover they return time and again. They’re uncomfortable, inflamed, and can be highly visible on the lips, impacting a person’s confidence and self-esteem; nevertheless, there are methods sufferers can employ to help prevent them.
Cold sores are triggered by a virus known as herpes simplex, according to the NHS. Most individuals encounter the virus during childhood following close skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing, with someone who has a cold sore.
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One sought-after product is the LipQ Liquorice Balm, which is formulated with active liquorice extract to weaken the virus before outbreaks begin, maintaining lip protection and preventing breakouts, according to the brand. Available for £9.95 on Amazon, it has garnered rave reviews from long-term users, many of whom claim it eliminated cold sores within days.
The LipQ Balm is perfect for summer application, as it contains Glycyrrhizic acid, which protects lips from sun-induced cold sores, providing defence beyond standard SPF creams. The balm proved effective in a double-blind study carried out by the Herpes Viruses Association, reports the Mirror.
LipQ Liquorice Balm
It’s made with glycyrrhizic acid, which offers natural UV protection.
It diminished the severity and length of outbreaks for more than 73% of participants tested. Additionally, 83% of participants using the liquorice balm experienced fewer outbreaks compared to their usual treatments.
While using the liquorice lip balm, testers reported that, on average, their outbreaks were only half their usual length and that the time between outbreaks was much longer. Consumers interested in finding an alternative can find similar products on the high street.
For instance, Boots offers an Antiviral Cold Sore 5% ointment for £4.29 This topical treatment targets cold sores of the lips and face. Meanwhile, Superdrug stocks the Blistex Relief Cream for £3.99. The remedy soothes and treats occasional cold sores and cracked, chapped lips.
However, the LipQ Balm boasts more than 650 customer reviews, with more than 400 purchased in the past month alone. In the comments, one shopper said: “Amazing! This has been my miracle cure. I suffered from constant severe cold sores, but this has nearly got rid of them entirely!
“When I do get the tingle or the start of one, it cures within days, and it never truly appears like before. I use the balm all day, every day. It really has changed my life!”
Another user remarked: “Brilliant stuff. My daughter has not had a single cold sore since using this every day. I really believe in this. Excellent for cold sore sufferers. Will definitely purchase again.”
A third customer added: “I suffer from cold sores. Since using this balm daily, I haven’t had an outbreak in over four years. Feels nice on lips, not greasy or sticky. Highly recommend.”
Not all the reviews are glowing, as one person highlighted a drawback, writing: “Helpful for cold-sore prone lips. Not quite as instantly efficient as its sister product that comes in a tube.”
Another user had a more positive experience, saying: “I have been using this for years, and I’ve just bought this for the 10x. It is amazing how cracks can appear in the corners of your lips. I was told it was angular cheilitis and given a prescription cream that never worked. This is the only cream I have found that actually stops this.”
A final purchaser concluded: “I purchased this as it stated it could help with the prevention of cold sores. It’s a lovely, hydrating lip balm that seems to never run out, despite being used. It glides on the lips, has a pleasant smell, and adds a little shine. I’ve also not had a cold sore since using it, so fingers crossed. Well worth the money – I would recommend!”
The LipQ Balm is £9.95 on Amazon.
