The Best Lip Balms With SPF — and Why You Need One
Whether we are packing our duffels for a trip to the beach or heading out for a jog on a cloudy day, POPSUGAR editors and dermatologists alike will urge you to slather on the sunscreen (on every part of your body — and that includes your lips) before heading out. SPF protects the skin from UVA and UVB damage that comes from the sun's rays, which can lead to changes in your complexion such as spots, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer.
It's worth readdressing: Your lips need protection as well. Even though it can be hard to remember, your skin there is more delicate compared to other parts of your body. "Without SPF, you can develop skin cancers and precancers on the lip," said dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, MD. "It is more common than you think and presents as a scaly area on the lips or as constant dry lips that don't get better with other treatments." Sun exposure can also cause chapped lips, cracked skin, and general dryness in the area.
It's important to reapply — and often — as sweeping on an SPF balm won't protect you for the entire day. Mariwalla recommends doing so every two hours: "Like other sunscreen, they are self-consuming — meaning that the minute you put it on, it starts working. So the time it lasts really starts from the minute it is applied." Think SPF lip balms taste like sunscreen? That's fair, but trust us, they can taste like coconuts or fresh fruit. You don't have to worry about any of our picks not tasting great. Ahead, see our favourite SPF lip balms.
:upscale()/2019/03/21/750/n/1922153/e33d554b24048f84_netimgecLEY1.jpg)
Best Lip Balms With SPF: Hydrating and Fruity
Supergoop! Acai Fusion Lip Balm ($12)
The emollient Supergoop! Acai Fusion Lip Balm tastes fruity while protecting lips with an SPF of 30.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2019/03/21/750/n/1922153/e33d554b24048f84_netimgecLEY1.jpg)
:upscale()/2019/03/21/750/n/1922153/3b9a82b1c6e11ee4_netimgDbSMdE.jpg)
Best Lip Balms With SPF: Crazy for Coconut
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30 ($4)
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30 swipes on clear and leaves lips feeling silky soft. Plus, it tastes like coconut.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2019/03/21/750/n/1922153/3b9a82b1c6e11ee4_netimgDbSMdE.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/05/16/282/n/1922153/143fda2475d8fb61_81QwXNCuJlL.jpg)
Best Lip Balms With SPF: All Weather Protection
Burt's Bees SPF 15 All-Weather Moisturising Lip Balm ($5)
The Burt's Bees SPF 15 All-Weather Moisturising Lip Balm will protect your lips no matter what the weather brings. Hot, cold, sunny, or snowy, this product has you covered.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/05/16/282/n/1922153/143fda2475d8fb61_81QwXNCuJlL.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/05/17/983/n/1922153/bceacaaf0c32ba6a_11370310-1755014852307418.jpg)
Best Lip Balms With SPF: Dermatologist Loved
EltaMD UV Lip Balm BroadSpectrum SPF 36 ($14)
Dermatologist loved, this lip balm protects and hydrates no matter the occasion. Made with zinc oxide to protect the lips and glycerin to help lips retain moisture.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/05/17/983/n/1922153/bceacaaf0c32ba6a_11370310-1755014852307418.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/05/17/986/n/1922153/7e751b937379445b_nudescreen-lip-primer-spf-30-natural.jpg)
Best Lip Balms With SPF: SPF Prep
Nudestix Nudescreen Lip Primer SPF 30 Natural ($18)
This Nudestix lip balm is perfect for everyday wear. It primes lips for makeup or lipstick, and it keeps things in place for hours at a time.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/05/17/986/n/1922153/7e751b937379445b_nudescreen-lip-primer-spf-30-natural.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/05/17/987/n/1922153/fa10762b21c9e789_719kzyTUSgL._AC_UF1000_1000_QL80_.jpg)
Best Lip Balms With SPF: Ultra Moisturising
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm ($10)
This Jack Black lip balm is a favourite among editors for a reason. It comes in an array of different flavours (all as good as the next), it's great for sensitive skin, and it protects lips from sun damage. Plus, it has over 15,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/05/17/987/n/1922153/fa10762b21c9e789_719kzyTUSgL._AC_UF1000_1000_QL80_.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/05/17/988/n/1922153/0d87a08bb9d49cfe_71dNRUlKrML._AC_UF1000_1000_QL80_.jpg)
Best Lip Balms With SPF: A Cult Classic Plus SPF
Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($6)
Aquaphor is a cult-classic, and now your favourite hydrator comes packed with SPF. You can head out into the sunshine with your mind at ease knowing your lips will stay moisturised and protected for hours.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/05/17/988/n/1922153/0d87a08bb9d49cfe_71dNRUlKrML._AC_UF1000_1000_QL80_.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/05/17/988/n/1922153/e9f62232cb328ea7_61vQtXODgDL._AC_UF1000_1000_QL80_.jpg)
Best Lip Balms With SPF: Chic and Functional
Salt & Stone Lip Balm SPF 30 ($10)
If you're looking for a product with clean ingredients, Salt & Stone's Lip Balm SPF 30 has you covered. This is a physical SPF that will leave your lips moisturised for hours. It doesn't have a bad aftertaste, and it leaves no white cast.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/05/17/988/n/1922153/e9f62232cb328ea7_61vQtXODgDL._AC_UF1000_1000_QL80_.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/05/17/989/n/1922153/6074df3454592265_71iXntE7lgL.jpg)
Best Lip Balms With SPF: Cocoa Butter Plus SPF
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm SPF 15 ($2)
If you're looking for an affordable lip balm complete with SPF, look no further than Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm SPF 15. The product is only $2, but will keep your lips hydrated, smooth, and protected from the sun's harmful rays.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/05/17/989/n/1922153/6074df3454592265_71iXntE7lgL.jpg)
:upscale()/2023/05/17/990/n/1922153/ea47186226f9223f_s2374049-main-zoom-1.webp)
Best Lip Balms With SPF: Plumping Protection
Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty Platinum Lip Plump SPF 30 ($50)
If you're searching for a product that can do triple duty, you're going to want to check out this one. The Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty Platinum Lip Plump SPF 30 not only protects your lips from the sun, but it also temporarily plumps the lips. Plus, it has a glossy finish that's perfect for wearing out.
:extract_cover():upscale():fill(ffffff)/2023/05/17/990/n/1922153/ea47186226f9223f_s2374049-main-zoom-1.webp)