My problem: dry, flaky, textured lips that never stay smooth for long. As a result, I rely heavily on lip balm and never leave the house without one. There’s always one in my backpack, another in my purse and at least one stored in the pockets of whatever jacket I’m wearing that day.
On a recent rushed morning, while heading out for a week-long trip to a severely cold climate, I grabbed an extra “just in case” balm to throw in my bag. The first one I spotted in my stash was the Torriden Solid-In ceramide lip essence . With the brand’s strong reputation for its serums, I figured I couldn’t go wrong. Plus, this was only meant to be a backup in case I misplaced my usual go-to.
To my surprise, even in subarctic conditions while chasing the northern lights, where wind chills dropped to -63°F, and I was outside for at least two hours at a time, the lip essence not only kept my lips from cracking or peeling, but I didn’t find myself needing to reapply during those stretches outside, despite the intensely dry air. Over the course of the week, it quickly became the one product I consistently reached for, working double duty as a daytime gloss and a nourishing overnight mask.
Now that I’ve been using the Torriden Solid-In ceramide lip essence consistently for the past two months, including in much milder conditions, I’ve noticed benefits that go beyond immediate, surface-level relief. It seems to have helped break that cycle of constant dryness and frequent reapplication, leaving my lips feeling more balanced over time. And on the rare occasion I forget to apply balm before layering a lip crayon, I still find it goes on smoothly without catching or crinkling, likely thanks to the longer-term conditioning effect I’ve been seeing develop with continued use.
Ceramides have become a standout ingredient in K-beauty thanks to their ability to help lock in moisture, reinforce the skin barrier against environmental stressors, reduce sensitivity and support a smoother, more hydrated appearance, especially for dry or compromised skin.
What makes this formula stand out is its blend of five ceramides — ceramide NP, NS, AS, EOP, and AP — each with a slightly different structure and all working together to reinforce the lip barrier so it can retain moisture more effectively.
Supporting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, shea butter and jojoba oil round out the formula, adding hydration and soothing benefits. The result is a hybrid between a balm and a treatment essence: thinner than many traditional lip balms and without the heavy, waxy feel that often just sits on the surface of the lips as an occlusive layer. Instead, this Torriden Solid-In ceramide lip essence is designed to help strengthen the barrier itself.
In terms of texture, the essence glides on easily and is lightweight and non-sticky, going on clear with no tint or fragrance.
For nighttime use, I apply a more generous layer so it can work like an overnight conditioning mask. The formula also blends seaweed extract and Fuligo wax that help gently exfoliate while forming a protective layer over the lips. By morning, my lips feel replenished and more supple.
See what other loyal users are saying about the lip essence they credit for their soft, hydrated lips or just keep scrolling to pick up a tube for yourself.
“In terms of texture, the essence is lightweight and non-sticky, going on clear with no tint or fragrance. It glides on easily and sits comfortably on the lips, making it suitable for both everyday wear and more intensive overnight use.” — Sissi
“ I’ve loved these specific lip balm for two years now. I tried so many before like Burt’s bees and aquaphor, but everything just dried my lips out more.This however has jojoba oil in it making it waaay more moisturizing. It’s like a nice clear lip gloss that actually gives you moisture and not one you need to keep reapplying all day. Maybe on very dry lips twice daily, but if you use it before bed you’ll wake up to perfect lips. The keychain is also my favorite part about this I can put it on anything. I will say the lip balm + keychain combo is kinda big.” — Caylie
“I’ve been using this lip product for a few weeks now so I will give you my initial thoughts. What I’ve noticed so far is that it doesn’t just sit on top of my lips like a lot of balms—it actually hydrates and helps them heal.At night, I use a lip scrub first then this and then in the morning I will reapply the lip essence.” — Nickel26
“ I keep one in my purse and one by my bed—it’s that good.This delivers intense hydration, like a mini facial for your lips. Silky, soothing, and a total must-have.” — Renee
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