How to Get Rid of Lip Line Pimples Fast (And Prevent More of Them)

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Plus, how lip pimples form and when to see your dermatologist

Co-authored by Alicia Ramos and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: December 20, 2024 Fact Checked

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• OTC Treatments
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• Natural Remedies that Work
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• Natural Remedies to Avoid
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• Should you pop a lip pimple?
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• What causes lip pimples?
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• Preventing Lip Pimples
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• When to See a Dermatologist

|Show more |Show less

Nothing makes you feel as insecure about your smile as a pimple on your lip line. These pesky pimples can look like small whiteheads or inflamed red bumps and can be painful, too! Luckily, there are a ton of over-the-counter products, natural remedies, and medical treatments that can come to your rescue and alleviate redness, pain, and visibility. In this article, we’ve consulted licensed estheticians for tips on products and skincare that truly work (and we’ll share some common remedies that definitely do not work, too). Plus, we’ll dive into what causes these lip pimples in the first place and how to prevent them from coming back.

Best Ways to Get Rid of a Pimple on Your Lip

1. Use cleansers or spot-treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
2. Try products containing zinc or sulfur in your skincare routine.
3. Apply 1–2 drops of castor oil to the lip pimple once or twice a day.
4. Dab the pimple with diluted tea tree oil twice a day.
5. Use a small dot of aloe vera gel on the pimple 1 or 2 times a day.

Steps

Section 1 of 7:

Over-the-Counter Treatments for Lip Pimples

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1. 1
   Benzoyl peroxide Try a cleanser with benzoyl peroxide—a topical antiseptic that kills acne-causing bacteria and clears out pores—to get rid of pimples on your lip line and other parts of your face. Benzoyl peroxide can potentially dry out your skin, so start with a face wash or gel that you rinse off afterward. Look for products with 4% or 5% benzoyl peroxide to start; if your skin does OK with it, you can work up to a stronger concentration.

   • Use the cleanser 1–2 times daily or as instructed on the product’s directions.
2. 2
   Salicylic acid Try a salicylic acid cleanser to unclog your pores and treat small lip pimples that aren’t very inflamed. Since it doesn’t kill bacteria (like benzoyl peroxide), salicylic acid is more effective for mild acne and pimples. Licensed esthetician Joanna Kula says, “salicylic acid is excellent for oily, acne-prone, and congested skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties so it can also help reduce redness and acne marks.”

   • Use the cleanser 1–2 times daily to start. Kula adds, “When and how often [you use salicylic acid] depends on your individual skin type.”
   • Need to get rid of a lip pimple overnight? Kula recommends “icing it and spot-treating with a salicylic acid product, but keep in mind that it will generally take more than one night to completely heal [the pimple].”
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3. 3
   Zinc Try a topical product with 5% zinc to improve mild acne (including pimples on your lip line) and balance the oil in your skin. Follow the product’s instructions, as zinc creams can be used as spot-treatments or applied to your whole face, depending on the product.

   • There is some research that shows zinc supplements can help clear your skin, but they may interfere with other medications or cause potential side effects. Consult your doctor before trying a new supplement.
4. 4
   Sulfur Try a cleanser with sulfur if products containing chemicals like benzoyl peroxide are too harsh on your skin. Sulfur has antibacterial properties and can peel off dead skin cells that clog the pores around your lips. If a sulfur cleanser works well for your skin but you need a higher dose, try a leave-on sulfur product like a spot-treatment or gel.

   • As with any acne product, follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid irritating your skin further.
5. 5
   Alcohol-free cleansers For a more gentle approach, try an everyday alcohol-free face wash and avoid harsh astringents or exfoliants (especially if you have sensitive skin). Make sure to work the lathered product into your lip line with gentle pressure (no hard scrubbing!).

   • Most gentle face cleansers can be used twice daily and after sweating.
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Section 2 of 7:

Natural Remedies for Lip Pimples

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1. 1
   Warm compress or ice Both heat and cold can promote healing and reduce the pain associated with pesky pimples on your lip line. To use heat, soak a clean cloth in very warm water (about 95°F or 35°C) and apply to your lip 3–4 times a day. To try ice, wrap an ice pack or ice cube in a thin cloth and hold it to your pimple for about 10 minutes, 2–3 times a day.

   • Heat brings more blood flow to the pimple, which can speed up the healing process. Cold slows down blood flow, which reduces swelling and eases pain.
2. 2
   Castor oil Castor oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, fatty acids that can smooth and soften skin, and is unlikely to clog your pores. Studies also show it’s helpful in fighting pimples and promoting healthy pores and skin. Simply apply 1–2 drops of castor oil to your lip pimple once or twice a day for best results.

   • Some products containing ricinoleic acid (a component of castor oil) may also be effective at clearing up lip and facial pimples.
3. 3
   Tea tree oil Diluted tea tree oil has been shown to be a good natural acne-fighting ingredient in some studies. Dilute 2 drops of pure tea tree oil with 12 drops of witch hazel and apply it to your lip pimple (or any acne-affected area) twice a day. Since tea tree oil can irritate sensitive skin, you may want to spot-test it first, though.

   • Do not use undiluted tea tree oil on your skin as this can cause major irritation or redness and potentially inflame your pimple even more. If you notice a reaction to it, stop using it right away.
   • If you don’t want to mix tea tree oil yourself, look for a gel with 5% tea tree oil instead.
4. 4
   Aloe vera Aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe red and irritated lip pimples (although it won’t help prevent future pimples or outbreaks). It’s safe for most people to use aloe as a spot treatment on their skin. Simpy apply a small dot of aloe vera gel to your pimple 1–2 times a day.

   • Like with other natural remedies, stop using the aloe immediately if you notice any negative side effects or irritation.
5. 5
   Lemon juice Be cautious with lemon juice; although citric acid has antibacterial properties that can help pimples, lemon juice is often a bit harsh for most people’s skin. Licensed esthetician and skincare professional Alicia Ramos warns, “Small amounts of lemon can invigorate and rejuvenate the skin while reducing the creation of bacteria. Too much lemon, though, and it can harm the skin, irritate it, and leave it dehydrated.”

   • If you’d like to try this remedy, dilute a small amount of lemon juice (a few drops or so) with water or a carrier oil and apply to your pimple with a cotton swab after washing your face with a gentle cleanser.
   • Do not use lemon juice if you plan on going out in the sun afterward. Any citrus juice (like from lemons, limes, grapefruits, or oranges) can react with sunlight and cause irritation or even unwanted skin lightening.
   • Stop using lemon juice immediately if you notice any redness, irritation, rashes, or discoloration.
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Section 3 of 7:

Natural & Home Remedies to Avoid

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1. Popular home fixes like apple cider vinegar or toothpaste can make pimples worse. Most home remedies for pimples don’t have a lot of research to back them up, and unfortunately, this means some of them can have adverse side effects. Some natural pimple fixers you’ve probably heard of but shouldn’t use include:

   • Apple cider vinegar. The acid in ACV can disrupt the pH level of your facial skin and cause irritation or make your lip pimple worse.
   • Turmeric. Even though it’s slightly antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, there are no studies showing turmeric can fight pimples. Instead, it can irritate your skin or stain it yellow.
   • Honey. There’s little evidence to show honey is effective at fighting pimples, although you’re unlikely to have a bad reaction (unless you’re allergic to bees or pollen).
   • Toothpaste. Toothpaste is mildly antibacterial and drying, but there are many other substances and chemicals in it that can irritate or over-dry your skin. Stick to actual skincare products instead.

Section 4 of 7:

Should you pop a pimple on your lip?

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1. No—popping a pimple on your lip can make the pimple worse. It’s tempting to squeeze an annoying pimple out of existence, but doing so yourself can have negative consequences. Popping pimples on your lip (or anywhere) can potentially cause permanent scarring, a more noticeable or painful pimple, or even an infection, so resist the urge to pop them and try to be patient while other methods work.

   • This is because DIY pimple popping usually just pushes the content of the pimple deeper into your skin, causing pain and inflammation. Dirty hands or tools can also lead to bacterial infection.
   • Occasionally, a dermatologist will perform an extraction (a clinical method of popping a pimple safely) with sterile tools if no other pimple-fighting methods are effective.
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Section 5 of 7:

What causes lip pimples?

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1. Clogged pores or irritating foods and lip products can cause lip pimples. Pimples on your lip aren’t different from pimples elsewhere on your face. The most common cause is a pore clogged with oil, dirt, or sweat that gets inflamed. Stress or hormonal changes can also lead to annoying lip pimples. However, other lip-specific things may result in pimples on your lip line, like:

   • Foods or drinks that irritate the skin on or around your lips.
   • Using products like lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, chapstick, or petroleum jelly excessively.

Section 6 of 7:

Preventing Lip Pimples

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1. 1
   Try to stick to a regular skin cleansing and moisturizing routine. The best thing you can do to prevent pimples (on your lips or anywhere) is wash your face twice a day or after you sweat to prevent clogged pores. Alicia Ramos says, “Clearing out the pores allows them to more fruitfully rid the skin of oils and keeps them free of blockages. A gentle foaming cleanser is always a great choice for sensitive skin and it does a great job.”

   • If you’ve got oily skin that’s causing acne, Ramos adds that “toners can work wonders to reduce oil on the surface of the skin.”
   • As for moisturizing, Ramos recommends “a mild, natural moisturizer. Many people don’t know that oily skin is often caused by unbalanced, dry skin. Your body reacts by creating excess oil and sending it to the surface of the skin. An oil-free moisturizer can curb this process and tell your body to produce less.”
2. 2
   Cut excess fats and oils from your diet if oily skin is to blame. When oily skin is a problem, Ramos says, “The first thing I recommend my clients look at is their diet. Diets rich in fats and oils typically show up first on the skin in the form of an oily, often pimple-ridden complexion.” So, cut back on extra oily or greasy foods like deep-fried snacks or fast food, and high-fat or high-sugar foods like red meat or full-fat dairy.
3. 3
   Stop using or consuming products and foods that irritate your lips. Use thinner layers of heavy lipsticks or balms (or use them less frequently) to reduce the chance of clogging pores or affecting your lips, or try natural products or products for sensitive lips instead. Similarly, avoid foods that irritate your lips and the skin around them (like spicy, oily foods or items you may be mildly allergic to).
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Section 7 of 7:

When to See a Dermatologist

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1. 1
   Visit your dermatologist for painful pimples lasting more than 4 weeks. Usually, lip pimples are nothing serious and will clear up after several days or weeks. Remember to give your products about 4 weeks to tell if they work, and avoid switching up products after only a few days since the flux can irritate your skin or pimples more. Other signs it’s time to see the dermatologist include:

   • No non-prescription products you try have cleared up your pimples.
   • The pimples cause cysts or nodules that leave scars when they clear.
   • The pimples interfere with activities involving your lips like eating or playing instruments.
   • The pimples make you uncomfortable or self-conscious.
2. 2
   Your dermatologist may offer medical treatments for stubborn pimples. If over-the-counter or natural remedies aren’t working, a doctor or dermatologist might use one of the following tactics:

   • Laser therapy. Various types of laser treatments for acne exist with differing success rates. You’ll typically need several sessions.
   • Chemical peels. These peels use chemicals to eliminate the upper level of your skin to improve stubborn acne. While it’s possible to do these at home, Alicia Ramos explains, “There are a variety of safety concerns to take into account when performing a chemical peel and it is best for a trained professional to do it…It’s not worth the risk of doing it at home.”
   • Antibiotics and other medications. Your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics that typically need to be taken for 3–4 months. Or, they may recommend stronger medication, like Isotretinoin, although these may have unwanted side effects.
   • Extraction. The dermatologist will use sterile tools to “pop” or physically remove the pimple if no other treatments work.
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