Any dermatologist or esthetician will tell you that the lips are one of the most overlooked areas for sun protection (or lack thereof). When you don’t protect the delicate skin on your lips, you increase the chance of serious UV damage that could result in premature signs of aging, like discoloration, dryness, lines, wrinkles, or worse. I mean, think about it; we spend so much time outside in the summer, and it doesn’t make much sense to be so diligent about wearing face and body sunscreen yet leave our lips defenseless. An easy way to avoid this and keep your lips plump and protected is to invest in SPF lip balms. The right ones will provide sun protection and much-needed moisture, antioxidants, and other skin-loving ingredients without leaving a white cast or a filmy residue behind. Keep scrolling to see 15 of my favorite SPF lip balms.
This is sold out almost everywhere, so you know it’s good. It’s a 100% invisible SPF lip balm that provides UV and environmental protection with SPF 30 and antioxidant-rich ingredients. Promising review: “I am absolutely obsessed with how smooth this goes on and love how hydrated it leaves my lips!” — Ulta customer
Everyday Humans is such an underrated SPF brand. I love all its face and body products, but this lip balm is a particular favorite. It offers 100% mineral sun protection with anti-inflammatory oat extract and hydrating blue agave. Promising review: “Super smooth application and it tastes and smells great! [It] leaves my lips soft all day, so I only get to use it once a day. Love it!” — Revolve customer
A yummy brown sugar vanilla scent makes this SPF lip balm stand out from all the others. It smells so good that I find myself applying it over and over again just to catch a whiff. This is the clear version, but it comes in two tinted shades as well. Promising review: “This is the best-smelling lip balm I’ve ever had the fortune to own. If it gets in your mouth, there’s only the slightest sour sunscreen taste. I almost didn’t even notice a taste at all.” — Sephora customer
This is my favorite fragrance-free, no-fuss SPF lip balm. It does the job without any frills. It’s not overly greasy. It doesn’t have a bad smell or taste like other fragrance-free options, and it offers SPF 50. What more can I say?
Every shade of this SPF lip balm is on point, but I love Summer Crush the most. It’s a natural-looking deep pink, and it looks so pretty on the lips. Promising review: “I’ve bought so many of these for myself and as gifts. I’m someone that doesn’t wear makeup, and the colors are subtle and add a little extra something to my face.” -— Revolve customer
Everyone’s favorite sunscreen brand, Vacation, has some of the best SPF lip balms out there. This version, which is called Strawberry Jello Salad, is ’80s-inspired like all the brand’s other products. It works like a charm, smells amazing, and is delightfully kitschy. Promising review: “I can say that it’s a great product for those looking for a lip balm with sun protection. The scent of the lip balm is nice and subtle, and it goes on smoothly without feeling greasy or heavy on the lips. I really appreciate that it’s water-resistant, so I don’t have to constantly reapply when I’m swimming or sweating.” — Amazon customer
An SPF lip gloss? Yes, it exists. This one gives the lips the dreamiest sheen with SPF 40 and antioxidant-rich grapeseed extract. It’s not too thick or sticky. Promising review: “I have tried TONS of lip sunscreens over the years. This works well and offers an SPF of 40. You can use it with any of your other lipstick or glosses or on its’ own.” – Ulta customer
Equally as soothing as it is protective, this lip balm is formulated with zinc oxide (a mineral sunscreen), glycerin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and something called Hydromanil, which provides long-lasting moisture. Promising review: “This is an affordable, nourishing, and lasting lip balm that also provides great protection from the sun. Highly recommended for those with sensitive skin and those with melanin-rich skin.” — Dermstore customer
Hardcore fans of Aquaphor will love this SPF-infused version of the brand’s iconic lip balm. It provides SPF 30, moisturizing shea butter, and skin-loving vitamins. The best part? It costs less than a morning latte. Promising review: “[It doesn’t] taste the sunscreen. Very moisturizing. [It] restored my lips. I could see this becoming a must-have for me. What I loved especially was that it isn’t too runny.” — Ulta customer
These tinted SPF lip balms are so pretty. They give the lips a sheer wash of color that makes them look vibrant and healthy, while SPF 30 ensures they’re protected all day. Promising review: “The color is lovely, it applies smoothly, it’s moisturizing, and it protects against UV rays. It’s the total package!” — Dermstore customer
The broad-spectrum SPF 30 in this formula protects lips from persistent UV rays, while the natural fruit butters moisturize, smooth, and condition dry lips. Promising review: “I was so happy to find this! I would say it has no sunscreen bitter taste that so many SPF lip products do; it may be slight to some others but barely noticeable. Light enough to go over lipstick and dark enough for a no-makeup day! LOVE!” — Ulta customer
Here’s another Supergoop product I love. This one is especially good at locking in moisture, thanks to a formula rich in shea butter. This has a bit of a sunscreen taste, so if you can’t stand that, I recommend reaching for another Supergoop lip balm. Promising review: “I have been using this for years. I use this as my everyday lip balm and for outdoor activities. I live in a hot area, and I love the packaging because I don’t have to worry about a stick melting.” — Nordstrom customer
A drugstore classic, this SPF lip balm comes in a variety of scents, although I like the banana one best. It gives me a summery, beachy vibe. Promising review: “The balm smells great and has a nice smooth texture. It applies well.” — Ulta customer
I like using this lip balm when I know I’m going to be active. For example, when I’m going to the beach or going on a morning jog. It’s long-wearing, so I don’t feel like I have to constantly reapply. And shea butter, aloe, and vitamin E help moisturize, soothe, and soften dry lips. Promising review: “Love the SPF 25! My lips are always getting so sunburnt in the summer, so I love the SPF in this, especially for the price! A beach, lake, and pool must have!” -—Target customer
Okay, this is admittedly more of a lipstick, but the formula is sheer and buildable, so I’m considering it a lip balm. It has handy pop-up packaging that makes it easy to apply on the fly. I’m partial to this clear shade, but it comes in a variety of colors. Each one hydrates, repairs, and protects the lips. Promising review: “This is my favorite. I love how it isn’t too waxy or too glossy. The tube operation with no lid is very convenient and fancy! — Amazon customer
