Skincare experts would agree that it’s a sin to step outside without slathering yourself with sunscreen. Yet, one area that is often neglected — lips. Just like your face, neck, hands, and other parts of your body, lips also need protection from harmful UV rays, and failure to do so has consequences.
Thin and delicate, the skin of the lips is most susceptible to the damage caused by the sun, especially when it is lacking in melanin (a natural pigment that provides defense against the sun). The more harmful UV rays infiltrate the lips, the greater the risks of dehydration, chapped lips, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and sunburns. Chronic sun exposure on lips can lead to a precancerous condition called “actinic cheilitis” or sailors lip, where the skin of the lips appears as rough, scaly patches, says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
To ensure this doesn’t happen to your lips, we researched hours and hours to bring forward products that can provide lip care as well as sun protection: lip-sun-care hybrids—lip balms with SPF. The market is flooded with them, making it challenging to choose which is the right fit for you, but fret not. This detailed guide lists some of the best lip-sun-care products and how to shop for them. Keep reading on to find out more!
Comparing the Top Lip Balms With SPF
MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30 — Best Overall
Super creamy and intensely moisturizing, this MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30 checks all the boxes of being an “it” balm. It’s dermatologist favorite and for all the right reasons, as this pick is infused with emollients like avocado, and olive oil, shea butter, along with antioxidants and a broad-spectrum SPF 30 that hydrates, nourishes, and protects your lips with every swipe.
The best part? This lip balm is easy to apply thanks to applicator-like lipstick, but one that is loaded with skincare ingredients to deliver maximum protection against UVA and UVB rays to your lips while not compromising on the color side – tinted formulas. All seven shades are amazing, and our personal favorite is Dream. So head out and grab the one that you like before it runs out because this baby sells fast.
Pros
- Unscented
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Available in tinted and sheer formulas
Cons
- It’s not water-resistant
Aquaphor Lip Protectant and Sunscreen — Best Budget
Who said lip balms with SPF have to be expensive? Formulated with broad-spectrum SPF 30, which protects against sun damage, and other nourishing and moisturizing ingredients, this Aquaphor Lip Protectant and Sunscreen is a deal that you don’t want to miss. It’s a clear lip balm and is available at an affordable price point, making it one of our favorites on the list. The packaging is nice and sturdy, and it is a great companion when you’re on the road.
Pros
- Offers a glossy finish
- Little goes a long way
- Free from parabens and fragrances
Cons
- It might feel a little sticky
EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36 — Best Dermatologist-Approved
Another SPF lip balm that derms love? Coola Organic Liplux Lip Balm SPF 30 is a classic, organic formula that features broad spectrum SPF 30 sun protection, which helps against UVA/UVB rays, and other softening, hydrating ingredients like raspberry and avocado butter that helps soothe dry, chapped lips. It’s lightweight, easy to glide, and offers a shiny, clear finish, leaving your lips incredibly soft. The brand also offers tinted SPF lip balms, so if you want something that nourishes and hydrates as well as gives you subtle color, you know what to shop.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy to apply
- Has a compact packaging
Cons
- Some reviewers found the taste off-putting
Revlon Kiss Tinted Lip Balm SPF 20 — Best for Everyday Use
Infused with natural fruit oils that hydrate and nourish with SPF 20, this Revlon Kiss Tinted Lip Balm is a perfect lipstick-lip-care-sunscreen hybrid that helps keep your lips soft and smooth. The ultra-hydrating formula glides like a dream and offers a subtle glossy finish that makes your lips shine for up to 8 hours. What’s more fantastic is that this SPF lip balm comes in five shimmery natural fruit shades: fresh strawberry, berry burst, sweet cherry, tropical coconut, and juicy peach, which just doesn’t look amazing but also tastes delicious. It’s perfect for everyday use and goes well with a no-makeup makeup look.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Provides long-lasting hydration
- Offers a pretty subtle tint
Cons
- Packaging could be better
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 — Best Moisturizing
Anyone seeking an ultimate lip-care solution should get their hands on this Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25. Loaded with conditioning ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, vitamin E, and sun protection, thanks to SPF 25, this baby hydrates and soothes the thirst of parched lips in no time. The packaging is super sleek, and it’s available at a fair price point in the market, making it our go-to choice, whether indoors or outdoors. The best part? It comes in a flavorless option as well as some amazingly delicious flavors like grapefruit, blackberry, mint, black tea, ginger, and mango, giving you ample choices to choose from. So shop your favorite and give your lips some extra love they deserve.
Pros
- Affordable
- Offers long-lasting moisture
- Feels great on the lips
Cons
- SPF protection could be a little higher
eos Sun Protect Lip Balm SPF 30 — Best Water-Resistant
Formulated with beeswax, a humectant that helps in water retention, nourishing oils like coconut and jojoba, and water-resistant properties, this eos Sun Protect Lip Balm SPF 30 is a perfect companion on sunny days. With this in your arsenal, you can splash as you want, run as you like, and do pretty much everything without worrying about reapplying your lip balm every now and then. What we loved most about it was its natural watermelon scent with a hint of lime that freshens you up all day long. It also comes in a coconut flavor, so choose what you like.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Has a cute packaging
Cons
- Has a thicker consistency
Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 — Best Soothing
Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm is powered by an exclusive ion2 complex and SPF 20 that moisturizes, protects, and soothes your lips for a rosier, healthier-looking look that you just can’t get enough of. It comes in six moisturizing shades, from sheer shimmer to soft caramel, healthy blush, sunny berries, petal glow, and fresh plum.
Pros
- Has a sheer finish
- Offers a subtle tint
- Improves the lip texture
Cons
- SPF protection could be a little higher
Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 — Best Tinted
Makeup, but make it SPF. This Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 hydrates and nourishes your lips thanks to moisturizing ingredients like aloe stem cells, vitamin E, and sea moss that protect and soothe chapped, dehydrated lips. The inclusion of SPF 30 shields your lips against UV rays and prevents sunburns and redness. The formula is super moisturizing yet lightweight and glides like a dream. It is available in clear and two tinted shades: bad gyal berry, which offers a true berry tint, and irie rose, which has a touch of pink.
Pros
- Vegan
- Silicon-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Has a bit of an SPF-like taste
Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30 — Best Classic
Talking about SPF and no mention of Sun Bum? Not possible. Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30 is a classic and has a cult following because why not? We ” trust the bum” – the brand’s motto when it comes to skincare protection from the sun. This super creamy yet lightweight lip balm is loaded with aloe vera and vitamin E, the moisture mega pack that intensely hydrates and nourishes the lips for a soft, smooth look. It’s also friendly on the pocket and comes in these amazing fruit-smacking flavors that we just keep wanting more. What really seals the deal for us is that it doesn’t doesn’t have that awful sunscreen taste. Try it, and you’ll know what we mean.
Pros
- Affordable
- Goes on smoothly
- Comes in multiple yummy flavors
Cons
- Consistency is very thin
Well People Lip Butter SPF 15 — Best Natural
Available in natural and two tinted options, peach and afterglow, this Well People Lip Butter SPF 15 is a hit product these days. It comprises minimal ingredients, like different organic oils such as jojoba and raspberry seed, along with non-micronized mineral zinc (sun protection); this pick offers the best of both worlds, nourishing and protecting. The hydrating formula is super-gentle and non-drying, leaving your lips ultra-soft and smooth.
Pros
- Layerable
- Creamy formula
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- The stick could be a bit thicker
Buying Guide: Lip Balms With SPF
Just like the rest of your body, your lips also need defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays. For this purpose, SPF lip balms came into being and rose to popularity, thanks to their hydrating and protecting ingredients that keep your lips healthy and soft. But with so many products to choose from, it can be challenging to know what is the right fit for you. Below are some general guidelines that you can use when you’re out shopping for an SPF lip balm.
Things to Look for in a Lip Balm With SPF
Here are a few things you should keep in mind:
SPF
Sun protection factor (SPF) refers to a number that measures the protection against the sun. Common SPF found in the products is SPF 15, which can help block 93 percent of the sun’s UVB rays; SPF 30, 97 percent; SPF 50, 98 percent; and SPF 70, 98.5 percent. While all SPF protects and shields, try to get your hands on one that at least has SPF 30 or higher, as suggested by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Ingredients
Just like it’s important to check the ingredient list before buying any skincare or makeup product, the same formula applies when you’re shopping for SPF lip balm. As the skin of the lips is most thin and delicate, look for emollients like oils, shea butter, or hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid that keep your lips soft and supple.
Be wary of cooling ingredients like menthol, phenol, or camphor, as they can be drying. Steer away from SPF balms that use alcohol in formulation, as they can dry the lips, which might lead to irritation. Also, if you have sensitive skin, avoid lip balms with fragrances, as they can also irritate the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is SPF lip balm necessary?
A. Yes. Like your body, your lips need protection against harmful UV rays and premature aging. Since the skin of the lips is thin, it is more vulnerable to the damage caused by the sun.
Q. Do SPF lip balms expire?
A. Yes. Like all other beauty products, your SPF lip balms also expire. Please double-check the expiration date of the product on the label and replace it with a new one when you’re past the expiration date.
Q: How often should I apply SPF lip balm?
A. As a general rule of thumb, sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours, whether it is on your face, body, or lips.