1. Supergoop! Lipscreen SPF 40
Best Overall Gloss
If you want the shiniest, glossiest lip protection without any stickiness, Supergoop! Lipscreen delivers. This clear lip gloss transforms any lip color into a UV shield while adding a gorgeous, light-reflecting finish. The formula glides on smoothly and stays comfortable for hours.
2. Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect SPF 30
Best Drugstore Pick
The #1 dermatologist-recommended lip care brand delivers serious healing power with sun protection. Aquaphor's formula repairs extremely dry, cracked lips while providing broad-spectrum SPF 30. Winner of Treeline Review's blind testing, this is the product dermatologists actually recommend to patients.
3. Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm
Best Beach Essential
Beach days call for Sun Bum. These fun, tropical-flavored lip balms bring vacation vibes while delivering solid SPF 30 protection. Available in both chemical and mineral (Hawaii-compliant) formulas, there's a Sun Bum for every preference. The hypoallergenic formula works for sensitive lips too.
4. Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF 50
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Best Tinted & Highest SPF
Australian sun care brand Ultra Violette brings serious SPF muscle with the highest protection in this roundup. The tinted formula adds a wash of color while delivering SPF 50, and the vanilla frosting flavor makes application feel like a treat. Four beautiful shades mean there's one for every skin tone.
5. Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30
Best Luxe Lip Oil
This 4-in-1 lip oil nourishes, shines, plumps, and protects in one gorgeous formula. The Chardonnay grape seed oil base delivers antioxidants while hyaluronic acid and peptides work to plump lips over time. The caramel-vanilla flavor and glass-like finish make this feel incredibly luxurious.
6. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
Best Unisex Classic
The #1 men's lip treatment that women love just as much. Jack Black's award-winning formula (Allure Best of Beauty) penetrates quickly without feeling waxy and lasts 5-6 hours. The Natural Mint & Shea Butter flavor is a cult favorite, and the sleek tube looks great on any nightstand.
7. EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36
Best Dermatologist-Grade
EltaMD is the brand dermatologists trust most, and their lip balm brings that same clinical efficacy. The hybrid formula combines zinc oxide with chemical filters for broad-spectrum protection, while Hydromanil technology delivers both immediate and long-term moisturization. Winner of Dermascope's Aestheticians' Choice Award.
8. COOLA Organic Liplux SPF 30
Best Organic & Clean Beauty
For clean beauty devotees, COOLA's organic lip balm checks every box. Over 70% certified organic ingredients (meeting COPA standards, the strictest in the US), reef-friendly formula, and 80-minute water resistance. The tinted options add a beautiful wash of color while keeping your routine clean.
Care about reef safety? We’ve covered face and body options in our reef-safe sunscreen guide.
9. Burt's Bees All-Weather SPF 15 Lip Balm
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Best Natural & Budget Mineral
The #1 dermatologist-recommended natural skin care brand delivers 100% natural origin ingredients with mineral-only protection. Burt's Bees proves you don't need to spend a fortune for quality lip care. The matte finish and fragrance-free formula work for everyone, and there's no white cast despite the zinc oxide.
10. Colorescience Sunforgettable Peptide Lip Shine SPF 35
Best Anti-Aging & Plumping
Turn back time while protecting your pout. Colorescience's peptide-powered formula boosts collagen and elastin production while delivering mineral SPF 35. The PA++++ rating means maximum UVA protection against photoaging. Four gorgeous tinted shades add color while you prevent fine lines.
11. Tatcha The Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25
Best Luxury Tinted
Japanese-inspired luxury meets sun protection. Tatcha's Kissu lip tint combines botanical lanolin and silk protein for incredible hydration while delivering buildable, beautiful color. The hybrid formula protects against photoaging without drying your lips. Three stunning shades suit a range of skin tones.
Quick Comparison: All 11 SPF Lip Balms
What to Look for in an SPF Lip Balm
Before diving into our picks, here's what makes a lip sunscreen actually effective:
SPF 30 or higher: SPF 15 offers baseline protection, but SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays. For extended sun exposure, aim higher.
Broad-spectrum protection: This means the formula protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
Water resistance: Look for 40-80 minute water resistance if you'll be swimming, sweating, or eating/drinking frequently.
Moisturizing ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and oils keep lips hydrated while protecting.
Chemical vs. mineral: Chemical filters absorb UV rays; mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) reflect them. Sensitive lips often prefer mineral formulas.
How to Apply SPF Lip Balm for Maximum Protection
Getting the most from your SPF lip balm requires proper application:
Apply generously: A thin swipe won't cut it. Apply a visible layer that covers your entire lip surface.
Reapply every 2 hours: Or more frequently if eating, drinking, swimming, or wiping your mouth.
Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure: Give chemical filters time to activate.
Don't forget the lip line: Extend application slightly beyond your lip border for complete coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About SPF Lip Balms & Lip Sunscreens
Why do lips need SPF protection?
Lips lack melanin (the pigment that provides natural sun protection) and have thinner skin than the rest of your face. This makes them three times more vulnerable to UV damage. The lower lip is especially at risk, it's 12 times more likely to develop skin cancer than the upper lip.
What SPF should lip balm have?
Aim for SPF 30 or higher for adequate protection. SPF 15 offers baseline protection and blocks about 93% of UVB rays, but SPF 30 blocks 97%. For extended outdoor activities, SPF 40-50 provides extra security.
Is SPF 15 enough for lips?
SPF 15 provides basic daily protection if you're mostly indoors. However, for beach days, outdoor activities, or extended sun exposure, dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher.
Do tinted lip balms with SPF work?
Yes! Tinted SPF lip balms provide the same sun protection as clear formulas. The added pigment doesn't interfere with UV protection, it just adds color while you protect your lips.
Can I wear SPF lip balm under lipstick?
Absolutely. Apply your SPF lip balm first, let it absorb for a minute, then apply lipstick over it. Or use a clear SPF gloss like Supergoop! Lipscreen over your lipstick for a protective top coat.
How often should I reapply SPF lip balm?
Every 2 hours during sun exposure, or more frequently if you're eating, drinking, swimming, or wiping your mouth. Lips lose SPF protection faster than other areas because of regular contact.
What's the difference between chemical and mineral lip sunscreen?
Chemical filters (avobenzone, octinoxate) absorb UV rays and convert them to heat. Mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of skin and physically reflect UV rays. Mineral is often better for sensitive lips but may leave a slight white cast.
Can lips get skin cancer?
Yes. Lips can develop squamous cell carcinoma and other skin cancers. About 10% of all skin cancers occur on the lips, and they can be particularly aggressive in this location. SPF lip protection is an important prevention tool.
Related Sun Protection Guides
Complete your sun protection routine with our other guides:
The Bottom Line
Your lips deserve the same sun protection as the rest of your face, probably more, given how vulnerable they are to UV damage. The good news is that today's SPF lip balms do double duty, moisturizing and protecting while looking and feeling great.
For the best all-around protection, Supergoop! Lipscreen SPF 40 delivers high SPF in a non-sticky gloss. On a budget? Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect SPF 30 proves drugstore picks can outperform luxury options. Want to go natural? Burt's Bees All-Weather SPF 15 offers 100% mineral protection at an unbeatable price.
Whatever your preference, make SPF lip balm part of your daily routine. Your future self will thank you.
