There’s something about using a lip balm that’s just so soothing and hydrating (as they should be). But, when embarking on some sun in the fun, you’ll want to make sure your lip product has some SPF protection.
Much like your best body sunscreens and facial sunscreens, you’ll benefit from much-needed protection that’s (1) recommended by board-certified dermatologists and (2) extremely important for helping to prevent skin cancer, according to a report by Skin Cancer Foundation.
“Protecting [your] lips from the sun is equally as important as protecting the skin,” Rachel Westbay, MD, NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist at Marmur Medical and beauty and skincare expert, told the New York Post. “I find this goes frequently unrecognized by patients. SPF lip balm is a daily essential to help protect from the development of the same skin cancers on the lips that we think of as developing on the skin. This includes basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.”
More, sun exposure can also cause actinic cheilitis, a precancerous condition common on the lower lip owing to it protruding more, making it more susceptible to UV radiation — per Westbay — so you’ll surely want to buy one (or two, or three) of the 11 best SPF lip balms we rounded up below. All of these options were hand-picked by board-certified dermatologists.
Check out our in-depth FAQ section for best practices and recommendations from our team of skincare experts as well.
1. Aquaphor Lip Protection Lip Balm SPF 30, $4
Aquaphor is incredibly effective at moisturizing severely cracked or dry areas, which is why Dendy Engleman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, recommends the budget-friendly product.
“I specifically like the Aquaphor Lip Protectant + SPF 30 because it’s specifically formulated for sensitive lips to protect against the elements,” she told The Post. “It works by preventing loss of water in the skin, which allows natural oils to nourish and repair.”
More, this product uses lanolin to condition and soothe dry skin.
2. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50, $32 to $34
“This balm is amazing for those who want a departure from a basic (sometimes boring) chapstick and want a pop of color, while also getting all the sun protective benefits necessary in an SPF lip balm,” Dr. Westbay notes.”It contains 12.5% zinc oxide, offering broad Spectrum SPF 50 against UVA and UVB rays, is also water- and sweat-resistant, hydrates and conditions for healthier-looking lips and comes in three buildable shades that are versatile.”
Not only can you use them on your lips, you can use them on your eyelids and cheeks, too.
3. cocokind Tinted Lip Shield Glossy SPF 24, $16
“This lip SPF is packed with antioxidant-rich starfruit and protects against both UVA and UVB rays, all while providing a gorgeous sheer tint,” Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, Beverly Hills-based board-certified integrative medicine doctor and aesthetics specialist, told The Post.
Even better, it’s just as plump as it is hydrating.
4. EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36, $14
One thing’s for sure: board-certified dermatologists love EltaMD for its SPF.
“Its UV Lip Balm (SPF 36) is long-wearing, water resistant and contains zinc oxide, which is a mineral compound that works as an agent to deflect the sun’s rays,” Dr. Engleman notes. “Not only is this oil-free and fragrance-free, but it also has antioxidants to actively repair damage.”
Additionally, this creamy lip balm with SPF contains 5% Hydromanil for immediate and long-term moisture and transparent zinc oxide, “making it an ideal sun protector for all skin types,” Dr. Sarbaziha adds, also recommending the product.
5. Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30, $4
Sun Bum products are well-received — and its lip balm is no exception.
“This one is also mineral-only, containing only zinc oxide, to provide excellent broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays,” Westbay says. “Yet, despite the tendency for mineral formulations to leave a white cast, this does not — at all.”
It’s also formulated with sweet almond oil — a natural moisturizing ingredient — to keep lips hydrated and soft. ” — Westbay
“This banana flavored lip balm will make you feel like you’re at the beach wherever you are,” Sarbaziha offers. “This triple action formula will protect, heal and moisturize your lips with UVA/UVB protection, aloe vera and vitamin E.”
6. Supergoop! Lipscreen Shine SPF 40, $22
If there’s a social media-viral SPF brand, it’s Supergoop! — without a doubt.
“The Supergoop! Lipscreen Shine SPF 40 leaves the lips looking glossy, feeling non-sticky, and well-protected with an impressive SPF 40,” Sarbaziha adds.
7. Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Nourishing Lip Balm SPF 30, $28
“Beauty Pie’s Super Healthy Skin™ Nourishing Lip Balm SPF 30 is great because not only does it help protect against sun damage but it also includes vitamin C to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the lips,” Engleman says.
It’s also naturally flavored with orange peel oil for a sweet twist.
8. eos Sun Protect Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30, $3
“This conditioning lip balm tastes like a piña colada and leaves lips feeling soft, hydrated and protected,” Sarbaziha adds, recommending the eos Sun Protect Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30.
For just $3, how could you say no?
9. Neutrogena Revitalizing Tinted Lip Balm SPF 20, $7
“The Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 from Neutrogena is a perfect product if you’re looking for a protective lip balm that also has some color,” Engleman recommends.
Impressively, it comes in six different shades to help improve both the texture and color of your lips.
10. Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30, $14 to $20
“This vanilla brown sugar-flavored lip balm is both nourishing and protective,” Sarbaziha shares, recommending the Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30.”
Plus, it’s formulated with sea moss, aloe stem cells and vitamin E to support and protect the delicate lip area against environmental stressors.
11. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sunscreen SPF 15, $27
“I love all products Elizabeth Arden and its Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick does not disappoint,” Engleman shares. “Although this only has an SPF of 15, it treats the lips to care for up to eight hours, so you’re not reapplying every hour or two like some other lip balms.”
Oh, and the packaging is just too cute.
An FAQ on SPF Lip Balms
Ahead, find expertise provided by our team of board-certified dermatologists for key notes and tips to keep in mind when applying a lip balm with SPF.
What are the benefits of wearing an SPF lip balm?
You may have realized it already, but our lips are prone to becoming dry since they are busy throughout the day — from talking, eating, etc. — and it’s important to nurture them.
“In addition, lips have a lower density of oil glands and they are in constant contact with saliva, which contains an enzyme that can break down skin,” Engleman tells The Post. “These factors make the lips already primed to be chapped, but add exposure to elements like the sun, and they are even more at risk. That’s why it’s important to use lip balm with SPF so that we are protecting against those elements and preventing further dry and chapped lips.”
What’s more, using a quality SPF lip balm is important for (1) protecting the lips from the sun’s UV radiation and (2) to prevent moisture loss,” according to Sarbaziha. “Regularly applying SPF to the lips can improve lip moisture over time,” she adds.
What ingredients to look for in an SPF lip balm, according to experts
Beyond SPF, there are a few key ingredients to look out for when shopping for a new SPF lip balm for your beach bag.
According to Engleman, vitamin E, beeswax, hyaluronic acid and lanolin are all great ingredients to have in a lip balm.
“Choose non-irritating lip products,” Westbay instructs. “Look for lip balms, lipsticks and other lip products that contain ingredients that are known humectants and/or contain other moisturizing properties.”
To provide a quick-and-easy cheat sheet, Westbay highlights some top ingredients to look for:
- Castor seed oil
- Ceramides
- Dimethicone
- Hemp seed oil
- Mineral oil
- Petrolatum
- Shea butter
- Vitamin E (aka, tocopherol)
- Glycerin
What ingredients to avoid in an SPF lip balm, according to experts
Sure, there are star ingredients you’ll want to douse your lips with. But, shopping for your new lip product t also comes with ingredients you should steer clear from.
“You should be avoiding any lip balms that contain fragrance, alcohol, chemical sunscreen and salicylic acid,” Engleman lists. “These ingredients can further harm the lips, causing increased dryness and irritation.”
According to Sarbaziha, it’s also important to avoid chemicals such as oxybenzone that’s commonly used in non-mineral sunscreens, along with parabens.
What SPF number is best for my lips?
As the golden rule recommended by most dermatologists, you should be looking for a lip balm with SPF 30 for ultimate sun protection. Keep in mind that for spray sunscreens, you’ll want to aim for a higher SPF, like 50 or 60, as a good amount of formulation gets transmitted into the air, instead of on your skin.
“Ideally, any lip balm containing SPF 15 and above is effective, but aim for SPF 30+,” Sarbaziha instructs. Additionally, both Engleman and Westbay recommend SPF 30.
Additionally, you should be reapplying your SPF lip balm at least every two hours.
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