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Even when you diligently apply (and reapply) sunscreen, it’s totally possible to miss a nook here or a cranny there. And, odds are, the spot you miss the most is arguably one of the most crucial areas to protect: your lips. Luckily, lip balms with SPF are here to help.
“SPF is important on your lips, even in the winter,” says Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. “Lips have thin skin with very little melanin, so they have minimal innate protection from aging and damaging UV rays.”
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 assistant clinical professor of dermatology at NYU School of Medicine; and Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City
Because our lips are constantly exposed to the sun (and they’re easy to overlook when applying sunscreen), they’re not only at risk for sunburn, but they can also develop pre-cancerous scaly, non-healing patches called actinic keratosis (or actinic cheilitis, where the patches are specifically on the pink part of the lips), says Dr. Shainhouse.
Left untreated, these can progress into squamous cell skin cancers—and with lip skin being so thin, these cancers of the lip have a higher risk of becoming invasive. “Lip skin is also at risk for developing melanoma, a potentially lethal form of skin cancer,” Dr. Shainhouse adds. If you notice a new dark spot on your lip, see your dermatologist ASAP.
The best way to keep your lips safe? Slathering on SPF lip balms. And no matter which lip balm with SPF you choose, make sure you reapply it every two hours (or sooner if your lips get wet). Below, find dermatologist-approved picks to keep your lips plump and protected.
Pros
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Lightweight, silky formula
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains beeswax
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.)
Pros
- Emollient formula hydrates and moisturizes
- Contains vitamin E and and green tea
- Available in three flavors
Cons
- Lower SPF level than most balms
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?
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Pros
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Provides antioxidant protection
- Adds immediate and long-lasting hydration and moisture
Cons
- May leave slight white cast on lips
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.
4
Best SPF Lip Gloss
Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30
Pros
- Available in tinted and clear shades
- Strengthens moisture barrier
- Vanilla scent
Cons
- Some reviewers find the formula sticky
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.
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Pros
- Contains nourishing vitamin E and aloe
- Keeps lips soft and moisturized
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons
- Some reviewers report a poor taste
When you need a no-fuss balm that will keep your lips safe on those ultra-sunny, long days at the beach, look no further. Water resistant for up to 80 minutes, Coppertone’s lip sunscreen delivers the highest sun protection on our list at SPF 50, plus aloe and vitamin E for hydration.
Pros
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Leaves a sheer, natural tint
- Available in several shades
Cons
- Some reviewers thought the tint too sheer
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.
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Pros
- Impressive color payoff
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Some reviewers had a hard time dispensing product
Craving a bold lip color? This SPF 30 balm from MDSolarSciences delivers plenty of pigment while protecting your lips from 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.
Pros
- Soothes chapped lips
- Forms a wind-resistant shield
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers report a sticky texture
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 option if you prefer to go the drugstore route.
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Pros
- Non-sticky, lightweight texture
- Contains nourishing ingredients
- Available in acai and mint flavors
Cons
- Some reviewers note a sunscreen taste in addition to flavor
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.
Pros
- Nourishes dry, chapped lips
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Free of fragrance and dyes
Cons
- May require frequent reapplication
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.
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Pros
- Plush doe-foot applicator
- Yummy caramel vanilla scent
- Hydrating ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers find the scent too strong
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 oil and 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.
Pros
- Protects against windburn
- Made with cocoa and shea butters
- Water-resistant formula
Cons
- Some reviewers say it leaves a white cast
While we might reach for SPF products more in the summer, you should be applying them all year long. Not only does Burt’s Bees provide water-resistant protection from the sun, but its beeswax-based formula also protects against windburn for year-round use.
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Pros
- Affordable
- Contains shea butter
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Some reviewers dislike the taste
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.
Pros
- Smoothes and conditions dry lips
- Lightweight texture
- 70%+ certified organic ingredients
Cons
- Some reviewers report packaging issues
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.
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Pros
- Long-lasting hydration
- Water-resistant
- Made with aloe vera
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about the taste
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.
How to choose the best lip balm with SPF
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Is SPF lip balm worth it?
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.
Lauren Gruber
Associate Editor
Lauren is a Brooklyn-based journalist and Associate Editor at Hearst. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight, Shop TODAY, USA Today, Self Magazine, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
Shannen Zitz
Assistant Editor
Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.