Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (2024)

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (1)

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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.

1

SPF LIP BALM WITH RAVE REVIEWS

Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (9)

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (10)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (11)Contains nourishing ingredients
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (12)Lightweight, silky formula
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (13)Affordable
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (14)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.)

2

Best Hydrating Lip Balm with SPF

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (15)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (16)Emollient formula hydrates and moisturizes
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (17)Contains vitamin E and and green tea
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (18)Available in three flavors
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (19)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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3

Dermatologist Favorite Lip Balm with SPF

EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (20)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (21)Contains nourishing ingredients
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (22)Provides antioxidant protection
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (23)Adds immediate and long-lasting hydration and moisture
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (24)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
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (26)Available in tinted and clear shades
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (27)Strengthens moisture barrier
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (28)Vanilla scent
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (29)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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5

Best SPF 50 Lip Balm

Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 50

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (30)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (31)Contains nourishing vitamin E and aloe
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (32)Keeps lips soft and moisturized
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (33)Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (34)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.

6

Best Tinted Lip Balm with SPF

Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (35)

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (36)

Now 38% Off

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (37)Contains nourishing ingredients
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (38)Leaves a sheer, natural tint
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (39)Available in several shades
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (40)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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7

Most Pigmented SPF Lip Balm

MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (41)

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (42)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (43)Impressive color payoff
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (44)Hydrating formula
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (45)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.

8

Best Value SPF Lip Balm

Blistex Five Star Lip Protection SPF 30

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (46)

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (47)

Now 65% Off

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (48)Soothes chapped lips
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (49)Forms a wind-resistant shield
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (50)Affordable
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (51)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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9

Best White Cast-Free SPF Lip Balm

Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (52)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (53)Non-sticky, lightweight texture
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (54)Contains nourishing ingredients
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (55)Available in acai and mint flavors
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (56)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.

10

Best Drugstore Lip Balm With SPF

Aquaphor Lip Protectant Plus Sunscreen SPF 30

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (57)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (58)Nourishes dry, chapped lips
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (59)Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (60)Free of fragrance and dyes
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (61)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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11

Best SPF Lip Oil

Vacation Chardonnay Lip Oil SPF 30

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (62)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (63)Plush doe-foot applicator
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (64)Yummy caramel vanilla scent
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (65)Hydrating ingredients
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (66)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.

12

Best All-Weather SPF 15 Lip Balm

Burt's Bees All Weather SPF 15 Lip Balm

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (67)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (68)Protects against windburn
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (69)Made with cocoa and shea butters
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (70)Water-resistant formula
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (71)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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13

Best Smoothing SPF Lip Balm

Nivea Smoothness Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Lip Care

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (72)

Now 12% Off

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (73)Affordable
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (74)Contains shea butter
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (75)Hydrating formula
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (76)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.

14

Best Organic Lip Balm with SPF

Coola Organic Liplux Lip Balm and Sunscreen

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (77)

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (78)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (79)Smoothes and conditions dry lips
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (80)Lightweight texture
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (81)70%+ certified organic ingredients
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (82)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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15

Best SPF Lip Balm With Aloe

Banana Boat Sunscreen Lip Balm with Aloe Vera

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (83)

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (84)

Pros
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (85)Long-lasting hydration
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (86)Water-resistant
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (87)Made with aloe vera
Cons
  • Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (88)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

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (89)

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?

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (90)

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

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (91)

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?

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (92)

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?

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (93)

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.

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (94)

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.

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (95)

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.

Dermatologists Love These SPF Lip Balms for Keeping Your Lips Smooth and Protected (2024)
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