Any dermatologist or aesthetician will tell you that the lips are one of the most-overlooked areas for sun protection (or lack thereof). When you don't protect the delicate skin on your lips, you increase the chance of serious UV damage that could result in premature signs of aging, like discoloration, lines, wrinkles, or worse. I mean, think about it; we spend so much time outside in the summer, and it doesn't make much sense to be so diligent about wearing face and body sunscreen yet leave our lips defenseless.
An easy way to keep your lips plump and protected is to invest in an SPF lip balm. The right ones will provide sun protection and much-needed moisture, antioxidants, and other skin-loving ingredients without leaving a white cast or a filmy residue behind. Keep scrolling to see 15 of my favorite SPF lip balms.
Best Invisible Formula
This is sold out almost everywhere, so you know it's good. It's a 100% invisible SPF lip balm that provides UV and environmental protection with SPF 30 and antioxidant-rich ingredients.
Pros: 100% invisible formula, antioxidant-rich, lightweight texture
Cons: Some reviewers say it can leave a bad taste on their lips.
Customer Review: "I love this SPF formula it is such a great feeling on my lips and it is unscented. It is a great way to hydrate and protect lips!! This is a must!!"
Product Specs:
-0.12 ounces
-SPF 30
-Antioxidant-rich formula
Best Mineral Formula
A 100% mineral formula, this lip balm uses zinc oxide to protect the skin on the lips from UV rays. At only $5 a pop, this is one of the most budget-friendly SPF lip balms out there—and it has one of the cutest names. Beaches and Cream? I mean, c'mon.
Pros: 100% mineral formula, affordable, subtle and summery scent
Cons: Some reviewers say it can leave a little bit of a white cast if your lips are dry or chapped.
Customer Review: "Most chapsticks either aren’t clean or don’t have enough SPF. This one is both!"
Product Specs:
-0.15 ounces
-SPF 30
-100% mineral and natural origin
Best Scented Formula
A yummy brown sugar vanilla scent makes this SPF lip balm stand out from all the others. It smells so good that I find myself applying it over and over again just to catch a whiff. This is the clear version, but it comes in two tinted shades as well.
Pros: Both clear and tinted options, antioxidant-rich, delicious scent
Cons: Some reviewers say the applicator is prone to clogging.
Customer Review: "This is the best-smelling lip balm I've ever had the fortune to own. If it gets in your mouth, there's only the slightest sour sunscreen taste. I almost didn't even notice a taste at all."
Product Specs:
-0.35 ounces
-SPF 30
-Antioxidant-rich formula
Best Fragrance-Free Formula
Equally as soothing as it is protective, this lip balm is formulated with zinc oxide (a mineral sunscreen), glycerin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and something called Hydromanil, which provides long-lasting moisture. It's my go-to fragrance-free option when my lips feel especially dry or sensitive.
Pros: Fragrance-free, non-irritating, antioxidant-rich
Cons: Reviewers say it can be hard to squeeze the product out of the tube.
Customer Review: "This is an affordable, nourishing, and lasting lip balm that also provides great protection from the sun. Highly recommended for those with sensitive skin and those with melanin-rich skin."
Product Specs:
-0.28 ounces
-SPF 36
-Fragrance-free, vitamin-rich, and water-resistant formula
Best Tinted Formula
Every shade of this SPF lip balm is on point, but I love Summer Crush the most. It's a natural-looking deep pink, and it looks so pretty on the lips. Knowing that it also hydrates and protects my lips from UV rays is the cherry on top.
Pros: 100% mineral formula, four shades, organic cupuaçu butter and mongongo oil–rich formula
Cons: None.
Customer Review: "I've bought so many of these for myself and as gifts. I'm someone that doesn't wear makeup, and the colors are subtle and add a little extra something to my face."
Product Specs:
-0.15 ounces
-SPF 30
-Cupuaçu butter and mongongo oil–rich formula.
Shop 10 Other SPF Lip Balms I Love
Everyone's favorite sunscreen brand, Vacation, has some of the best SPF lip balms out there. This version, which is called Strawberry Jello Salad, is '80s-inspired like the brand's other products. It works like a charm thanks to a formula that includes coconut oil, cocoa butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E. Plus, it's delightfully kitschy.
Pros: Lightweight and hydrating formula
Cons: Reviewers say it can leave a bad taste on their lips.
Customer review: "I can say that it's a great product for those looking for a lip balm with sun protection. The scent of the lip balm is nice and subtle, and it goes on smoothly without feeling greasy or heavy on the lips. I really appreciate that it's water-resistant, so I don't have to constantly reapply when I'm swimming or sweating."
Product Specs:
-0.15 ounces
-SPF 30
-Coconut oil and cocoa butter–rich formula
An SPF lip gloss? Yes, it exists. This one gives the lips the dreamiest sheen with SPF 40 and antioxidant-rich grape-seed extract. It's not too thick or sticky.
Pros: Lightweight; gloss-balm hybrid; grape seed, shea butter, and coconut oil–rich formula
Cons: Reviewers say it can leave a bad taste on their lips.
Customer review: "I have tried TONS of lip sunscreens over the years. This works well and offers an SPF of 40. You can use it with any of your other lipstick or glosses or on its' own."
Product Specs:
-0.34 ounces
-SPF 40
-Grape seed, shea butter, and coconut oil–rich formula
Hard-core fans of Aquaphor will love this SPF-infused version of the brand's iconic lip balm. It provides SPF 30, moisturizing shea butter, and skin-loving vitamins. The best part? It costs less than a morning latte.
Pros: Long-lasting, skin-comforting, shea butter and vitamin–rich formula
Cons: Reviewers say it's not as moisturizing as other lip balms.
Customer review: "If Billie Eilish trusts this why not and it didn't disappoint! Will buy again."
Product Specs:
-0.17 ounces
-SPF 30
-Shea butter and vitamin–rich formula
These tinted SPF lip balms are so pretty. They give the lips a sheer wash of color that makes them look vibrant and healthy, while SPF 30 ensures they're protected all day.
Pros: Lightweight; six shades; shea butter, avocado, and olive oil–rich formula
Cons: Reviewers say it can break or get stuck in the tube.
Customer review: "The color is lovely, it applies smoothly, it's moisturizing, and it protects against UV rays. It's the total package!"
Product Specs:
-0.15 ounces
-SPF 30
-Shea butter and vitamin–rich formula
The broad-spectrum SPF 30 in this formula protects lips from persistent UV rays, while the natural fruit butters moisturize, smooth, and condition dry lips.
Pros: Lightweight; cupuaçu butter, raspberry seed oil, and jojoba–rich formula.
Cons: Reviewers say it's not as moisturizing as other lip balms.
Customer review: "I was so happy to find this! I would say it has no sunscreen bitter taste that so many SPF lip products do; it may be slight to some others but barely noticeable. Light enough to go over lipstick and dark enough for a no-makeup day! LOVE!"
Product Specs:
-0.1 ounces
-SPF 30
-70% certified organic and water-resistant
Here's another Supergoop product I love. This one is especially good at locking in moisture thanks to a formula rich in shea butter. This has a bit of a sunscreen taste, so if you can't stand that, I recommend reaching for another Supergoop lip balm.
Pros: Lightweight, liquid formula with a blend of shea butter and natural oils
Cons: Reviewers say it can leave a bad taste on the lips.
Customer review: "I have been using this for years. I use this as my everyday lip balm and for outdoor activities. I live in a hot area, and I love the packaging because I don't have to worry about a stick melting."
Product Specs:
-0.5 ounces
-SPF 30
-Shea butter and oil–rich formula
A drugstore classic, this SPF lip balm comes in a variety of scents, and I like the banana one best. It gives me a summery, beachy vibe. I like the watermelon one, too. What am I saying? They're all good.
Pros: Lightweight, smooth texture, delicious scent
Cons: Reviewers say it's not as long-lasting as other lip balms.
Customer review: "The balm smells great and has a nice smooth texture. It applies well."
Product Specs:
-0.15 ounces
-SPF 30
-Aloe and vitamin E–rich formula
I like using this lip balm when I know I'm going to be active. For example, when I'm going to the beach or going on a morning jog. It's long-wearing, so I don't feel like I have to constantly reapply. And shea butter, aloe, and vitamin E help moisturize, soothe, and soften dry lips.
Pros: Affordable, moisturizing formula
Cons: Reviewers say it can leave a white cast if applied too thick.
Customer review: "Love the SPF 25! My lips are always getting so sunburnt in the summer, so I love the SPF in this, especially for the price! A beach, lake, and pool must have!"
Product Specs:
-0.18 ounces
-SPF 25
-Shea butter, aloe, and vitamin E–rich formula
Okay, this is admittedly more of a lipstick, but the formula is sheer and buildable, so I'm considering it a lip balm. It has handy pop-up packaging that makes it easy to apply on the fly. I'm partial to this clear shade, but it comes in a variety of colors. Each one hydrates, repairs, and protects the lips with 22 certified organic extracts and hyaluronic spheres that hydrate and plump the lips.
Pros: Sheer finish, gloss-balm hybrid, dermatologist-developed
Cons: Reviewers say the product can break off from the tube if too much pressure is applied.
Customer review: "This is my favorite. I love how it isn't too waxy or too glossy. The tube operation with no lid is very convenient and fancy!"
Product Specs:
-0.11 ounces
-SPF 30
-22 certified organic extracts and hyaluronic acid–rich formula
This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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