Derms Say These SPF Lip Balms Are MVPs for Hydrating, Smoothing Protection
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Hopefully, sunscreen already has a permanent spot in your skincare routine year-round (yes, even during the winter). But even if you diligently apply your SPF all over your face and body, chances are you're still missing one very important step: Protecting your lips. Luckily, the best SPF lip balms have you covered.
Our lips are under near-constant sunlight exposure, which not only makes them susceptible to sunburn , but also a common sneaky skin cancer spot . Without proper protection, they can also develop precancerous scaly, non-healing patches called actinic keratosis (or actinic cheilitis, where the patches are specifically on the pink part of the lips), according to Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D. , a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. "Lip skin is also at risk for developing melanoma , a potentially lethal form of skin cancer ," she adds.
Meet the experts: Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D. , a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles; Yoram Harth, M.D., California-based board-certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne; Shari Marchbein, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine ; Joshua Zeichner, M.D. , director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
In addition to protecting your lips from the sun, the best SPF lip balms have many of the same positive effects as your regular moisturizer . "Lips have thin skin with very little melanin, so they have minimal innate protection from aging and damaging UV rays," Dr. Shainhouse explains. A nourishing lip balm can hydrate and slow visible signs of aging while halting harmful skin cancers.
But like any other product in your skincare lineup, the best one for you varies based on your individual skin concerns. That's where we come in. Ahead, browse the top dermatologist-approved SPF lip balms for every skin type, including tinted and allergen-free options.
1) Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
Many lip balms rely on chemical sunscreen ingredients, but not this mineral, reef-safe formula —which is good for your skin and our oceans. Nourishing vitamin E, shea butter, and jojoba are just added perks. (Note that this one does contain beeswax if you are sensitive to it.)
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Lightweight, silky formula
- Affordable
- Contains beeswax
2) Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
This lip balm from Jack Black packs vitamin E, soothing green tea, silky avocado oil, and rich shea butter to hydrate parched lips. Bonus: The formula is vegan, free of artificial colors, and a dream for sensitive skin.What's not to love?
- Emollient formula hydrates and moisturizes
- Contains vitamin E and and green tea
- Available in three flavors
- Lower SPF level than most balms
3) EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36
Dermatologists love EltaMD's face sunscreens, and the brand's SPF 36 lip balm is no exception. The hydrating formula contains slippery glycerin to retain moisture, nourishing vitamin E to soothe, and zinc oxide for sensitive skin-friendly protection.
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Provides antioxidant protection
- Adds immediate and long-lasting hydration and moisture
- May leave slight white cast on lips
4) Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30
You'll want to apply this vanilla brown sugar-flavored balm from supermodel Winnie Harlow's skincare line over and over again. Available in a sheer rose tint, sheer berry, and clear, Cay Skin's SPF 30 lip treatment is infused with aloe, sea moss, and vitamin E for nourishment and shine.
- Available in tinted and clear shades
- Strengthens moisture barrier
- Vanilla scent
- Some reviewers find the formula sticky
5) Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20
This sheer, tinted lip balm with SPF gets a stamp of approval from Joshua Zeichner, M.D. , director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. It contains SPF 20 to keep lips protected, meanwhile shea butter and petroleum jelly lock in moisture. The subtle rosy hue leaves behind a healthy wash of color for a your-lips-but-better tint.
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Leaves a sheer, natural tint
- Available in several shades
- Some reviewers thought the tint too sheer
6) MDSolarSciences Hydrating Transparent Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30
Craving a bold lip color? This SPF 30 balm from MDSolarSciences delivers plenty of pigment while protecting your lipsfrom UV rays. Enriched with avocado oil and shea butter, the formula leaves lips feeling hydrated and supple. Choose between seven shades, like this deep ruby red.
- Impressive color payoff
- Hydrating formula
- Some reviewers had a hard time dispensing product
7) Blistex Five Star Lip Protection SPF 30
For Blistex fans, this lip balm with SPF 30 swipes on smoothly and doesn't contain menthol or camphor, which can be drying and irritating to the lips, says Dr. Shainhouse. It's also a super-affordable optionif you prefer to go the drugstore route.
- Soothes chapped lips
- Forms a wind-resistant shield
- Affordable
- Some reviewers report a sticky texture
8) Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30
The sunscreen experts at Supergoop! have us covered for all of our SPF needs, including lips. This formula includes shea butter for moisture, sunflower seed oil for hydration and antioxidant protection, and honey or acai depending on your scent selection. The lightweight formula quickly absorbs into lips, leaving behind zero white cast.
- Non-sticky, lightweight texture
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Available in acai and mint flavors
- Some reviewers note a sunscreen taste in addition to flavor
9) Aquaphor Lip Protectant Plus Sunscreen SPF 30
Along with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, Aquaphor's lip balm contains shea butter, castor seed oil, and vitamin E for a moisturizing trifecta your lips will love. Plus, it is fragrance-, dye-, and paraben-free, says Yoram Harth, M.D., California-based board-certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne. So, it's a great option if your skin tends to be sensitive.
- Nourishes dry, chapped lips
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Free of fragrance and dyes
- May require frequent reapplication
10) Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30
Lip oils are a lightweight way to add hydration, and Vacation's take on the trend adds a healthy dose of UV protection to its glossy formula. Some glosses may attract UV rays, so it's important to avoid them when outside for long periods of time. One with SPF in it is also a great option. Made with chardonnay grapeseed oiland combined with vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, this lip oil keeps your pout plump and nourished. Plus, we love the padded doe-foot applicator.
- Plush doe-foot applicator
- Yummy caramel vanilla scent
- Hydrating ingredients
- Some reviewers find the scent too strong
11) Nivea Smoothness Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Lip Care
Silky-soft lips are just a swipe away, thanks to this broad spectrum SPF 15 lip balm from affordable skincare brand Nivea. Reviewers love how the shea butter, jojoba, and avocado oil-enhanced formula leaves their lips feeling comfortable and hydrated all day long.
- Affordable
- Contains shea butter
- Hydrating formula
- Some reviewers dislike the taste
12) Coola Organic Liplux Lip Balm and Sunscreen
Keep it cool-a this season with this SPF 30 lip balm. Not only does it provide broad spectrum protection, but it also contains raspberry and avocado fruit butter to moisturize, as well as vitamins and antioxidants to nourish, says Dr. Harth.
- Smoothes and conditions dry lips
- Lightweight texture
- 70%+ certified organic ingredients
- Some reviewers report packaging issues
13) Banana Boat Sunscreen Lip Balm with Aloe Vera
Aloe vera isn't just for your after-sun care. Banana Boat's aloe- and vitamin E-infused SPF 45 lip balm claims to moisturize for up to 12 hours, all while providing UVA and UVB protection. This formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes—meaning you can have fun in the sun worry-free.
- Long-lasting hydration
- Water-resistant
- Made with aloe vera
- Some reviewers complained about the taste
14) Paula's Choice Lipscreen SPF 50
This balm has been a lifesaver for Prevention Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Finigan, who's allergic to a common lip balm ingredient. "I am super sensitive to lip balms because I am allergic to lanolin, which is a sneaky ingredient in about 75% of them, and the remaining 25% without always feel too waxy, chalky, or taste nasty on my lips," she says. "This Paula's Choice balm with SPF 50 has none of that. It goes on so smooth, keeps my lips hydrated for hours (and layers super well under lipstick!), and protects my sensitive lips from getting damaged from the sun. LOVE."
- Formulated without lanolin
- High SPF level
- Works well under makeup
- Pricier than other options on this list
15) Naked Sundays SPF50 Glow & Go Lip Oil
While this hydrating lip oil isn't available in a completely clear shade, this "coconut" option leaves lips with a subtle shimmery finish that instantly elevates any makeup look. "I love that it's SPF 50 and not 30 and that it's just a bit of shine," says Prevention Executive Editor Stephanie Dolgoff. "I can't wear lip products with beeswax (my mouth blows up), and almost all balms are made with it, so this has been a real lifesaver. "
- High SPF level
- Formulated without beeswax
- Contains vitamins C and E
- Not available in clear option
16) How to choose the best SPF lip balm
Choose lip balms that are SPF 15 or higher (the higher the better), says Dr. Shainhouse. If you decide on a lip balm that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the sunscreen, be sure to reapply frequently. "These ingredients sit on top of the skin, so they wipe off very easily with eating, drinking, licking, and talking," she says.
There are so many different SPF lip product formulas on the market, from classic balms to tinted glosses. If you're going out in the sun for long periods of time, avoid glossy lip balms, which can attract UV rays to the lips, says Dr. Shainhouse.
17) What ingredients should I look for in an SPF lip balm?
Your lip sunscreen should contain two types of moisturizing ingredients, known as humectants (think: hyaluronic acid , glycerin, aloe vera ) and emollients (petrolatum, coconut oil , shea butter), says New York-based board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D. Humectants draw moisture into the top layers of your lips, and emollients lock the moisture into place—without emollients, the moisture will evaporate and your lips will be left drier than they were before.
Additionally, Dr. Harth says that the best sunscreen ingredients are octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone, boasting multiple advantages: "They're invisible, stay more on the skin and lips, and won't clog pores—an advantage for people with adult acne around the mouth and on the chin," he says.
18) What to avoid when shopping for an SPF lip balm
Steer clear of menthol, camphor, and phenol as lip balm ingredients, as they can have a drying effect. Same goes for salicylic acid: "It's sometimes added as an exfoliant to help remove dry, flaky skin from your lips, but repeated use will likely lead to irritation," says Dr. King.
"If you have sensitive skin and are prone to reactions, I would avoid lip balms made with beeswax, which contains propolis (the glue made by honeybees), an increasingly common cause of allergic contact dermatitis," says Dr. Geddes-Bruce. Your lips may become red, itchy, painful, or blistered when using the lip balm.
19) How often should I reapply SPF lip balm?
Like any other form of sunscreen, you should reapply SPF lip balm at least every two hours. Experts also recommend reapplying after getting your lips wet. Choosing an SPF lip balm that you genuinely love is key to making sure you reapply often.
20) Do I really need an SPF lip balm?
Yes! Just like the rest of the skin on our faces, our lips are constantly exposed to the sun year-round, which means they can also be impacted by sun damage. With options starting at less than $3, SPF lip balm is well worth the small investment. Not only does it keep your lips feeling hydrated and smooth, but it protects the delicate skin from long and short-term sun damage—including skin cancer.
21) How we chose the best SPF lip balms
We consulted Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D. , a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles; Yoram Harth, M.D., California-based board-certified dermatologist and medical director of MDacne; Shari Marchbein, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine; Joshua Zeichner, M.D. , director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City; Hadley King, M.D., New York-based board-certified dermatologist; and Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, M.D., board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin. We also tested SPF lip balms, did our own research, and sifted through tons of online reviews to find the best SPF lip balms available.
22) Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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