It was 1975. While the rest of the world was busy with disco and bell-bottoms, a small family-owned cosmetics company in Ohio was about to change the beauty industry forever. Jess A. Bell Sr. had already launched the world’s first flavored lip balm two years earlier—Strawberry, Lemon, and Green Apple—but he wanted something bigger. Something "spicy."
He pitched a partnership to the executives at Dr Pepper. They actually laughed at him. They thought a soda-flavored lip gloss was a guaranteed flop. Fast forward fifty years, and Lip Smackers Dr Pepper isn't just a product; it’s a cultural relic that people are literally scouring the internet for in 2026.
Honestly, if you grew up in the 80s, 90s, or early 2000s, that specific tube was probably your first "makeup" purchase. It wasn't just about the scent. It was about that very specific, sheer reddish-brown tint that made everyone feel like they were wearing a "real" lipstick without getting grounded.
What Really Happened to the Original Formula?
If you’ve bought a tube recently and thought, “Wait, this tastes like a cheap candle,” you aren't crazy. There is a massive divide between the "Vintage" Bonne Bell era and the modern Markwins era.
In 2015, the Bonne Bell Company closed its doors and sold the brand to Markwins Beauty Brands. While the name stayed the same, the soul of the product changed. The original recipe was complex. It captured that "23 flavors" essence of Dr Pepper—dark cherry, licorice, and a hint of spice—while the newer versions often lean into a generic, sugary cherry flavor that misses the mark.
💡 You might also like: Why Every Mom and Daughter Photo You Take Actually Matters
The Collagen Mystery
Here’s a fact most people don't know: the very first 1975 production run of Dr Pepper Lip Smackers actually contained collagen peptides. Yes, the "it" ingredient of the 2020s was being smeared on lips in the mid-seventies. It was removed shortly after to streamline production, but those original "Biggy" tubes were surprisingly high-tech for their time.
Why the Obsession Continues
Why are people paying $30 to $50 for a single stick of wax on eBay and Poshmark?
It's the nostalgia, sure. But it’s also the tint.
Modern "clean" beauty brands like Summer Fridays or Rhode try to replicate that perfect, moody mauve-red, but they often lack the stay-power or the sheer "it" factor of the Dr Pepper tube. Makeup artists in the 90s famously used the balm on models' cheeks to create a natural flush. It was a multi-use tool before "multi-use" was a marketing buzzword.
📖 Related: Sport watch water resist explained: why 50 meters doesn't mean you can dive
Basically, it was the "Black Honey" of the playground.
Spotting a Real Vintage Tube
If you’re hunting for the "real" stuff, look for the Bonne Bell logo.
- The Pre-2015 Era: Features the classic Bonne Bell branding. The scent is deep, spicy, and accurately mimics the soda.
- The Post-2015 Era: Usually just says "Lip Smacker." The tube is lighter, the balm is often "grittier," and the flavor is noticeably more "fake."
- The Tinte Cosmetics Connection: If you can't find the original, a company called Tinte Cosmetics makes a "Miss Pepper" balm that many purists claim is the closest thing to the 1975 original formula.
The Discontinuation Drama
As of early 2026, the specific "Dr Pepper" licensing agreement has been a roller coaster. For a while, it was completely scrubbed from US shelves, appearing only in "international" packs or as part of rare limited-edition "Vault" releases.
The shortage isn't just a supply chain issue; it’s a licensing headache. When you’re dealing with a brand as big as Dr Pepper, the contracts for lip balm are surprisingly tight. This is why you see "Dr. Delight" or "Soda Pop" generic versions pop up—they want the vibe without the legal fees.
👉 See also: Pink White Nail Studio Secrets and Why Your Manicure Isn't Lasting
How to Get Your Fix Now
If you are desperate for that specific tingle and tint, you have a few options that don't involve a time machine.
First, check the "International" sections of online retailers. Sometimes the European or Australian distribution (now under Bell Family Brands) still carries the classic licensing that the US version lost.
Second, look for "dupes" that actually work.
- Delight Naturals "Dr. Delight": Often cited as the best flavor match.
- Hurraw! Black Cherry: Captures the tint perfectly, though the scent is pure cherry, not soda.
- Burt's Bees Pomegranate: Provides a similar sheer red-stain effect if you don't care about the soda smell.
The reality is that the 1975 Bonne Bell Dr Pepper Lip Smacker was a lightning-in-a-bottle moment. It was the first true "collab" in the beauty world. Long before Rihanna or Kylie Jenner, there was a soda company and a family from Ohio making the most popular lip product on the planet.
Actionable Tips for Collectors
- Check the Expiration: Even though "lip balm doesn't expire" is a common myth, old oils go rancid. If a vintage tube smells like old crayons, don't put it on your mouth.
- Store it Cold: If you find a stash of the good stuff, keep it in a cool, dark place. Heat is the enemy of those original oils.
- Verify the Logo: Don't pay "collector" prices for a 2018 Markwins tube. Look for the "Bonne Bell" script to ensure you're getting the heritage formula.
The hunt for the perfect Dr Pepper balm is basically a rite of passage at this point. Whether it’s for the scent, the memories of middle school lockers, or just that perfect sheer red glow, it remains a staple that refuses to stay dead.
To find the best current deals, search for "Bonne Bell Deadstock" on resale platforms, as these are the authentic original formulas highly prized by enthusiasts. If you prefer a modern alternative, look for indie brands that specialize in "soda-scented" apothecary goods, as they often use higher-quality essential oils than the mass-produced versions found in big-box stores today.