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The 9 Best Lip Balms with SPF for Ultimate Sun-Safe, Soft Lips

Sun protection isn’t just for your face—discover the top SPF lip balms for hydration, comfort, and healthy lips year-round.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Sun protection isn’t just for your face—discover the top SPF lip balms for hydration, comfort, and healthy lips year-round.

Your lips need sunscreen just as much as your skin—but it’s all too common to forget this crucial step in your daily routine. Because your lips lack natural melanin, they’re extra vulnerable to sunburn, dryness, and even premature aging. The solution? A high-quality lip balm with SPF that defends against UV rays while keeping your lips smooth and hydrated year-round.

Below is an expert-guided list of the best SPF lip balms, oils, and glosses available in 2024. We’ll cover what makes each product stand out, what to look for when shopping, and frequently asked questions so you can confidently choose the best for your lips.

Why SPF Lip Balm Matters

Even if you’re diligent with facial sunscreen, your lips remain exposed and susceptible to sunburn and damage. Here’s why SPF on your lips is essential:

Zero natural protection: Lips lack melanin, meaning UV rays penetrate easily and cause harm between seasons.
High risk of sunburn and cancer: The skin on your lips is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face.
Frequent exposure: Eating, drinking, and talking cause regular wear, making black balm reapplication a must.

According to dermatologists, SPF 30 or higher is the safest choice for reliable protection.

How to Choose the Best Lip Balm with SPF

To ensure your lips stay healthy, here’s what experts recommend looking for in your SPF lip balm:

SPF 30 or Higher: Look for at least SPF 30, as this provides robust sun protection. Anything higher can offer marginal added benefit, but the key is frequent reapplication, especially after eating, drinking, or swimming.
Broad-Spectrum Protection: Make sure the balm guards against both UVA and UVB rays to fight sunburn and premature aging.
Type of Sunscreen Actives: Mineral (physical) sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin, but can wear off faster and sometimes leave a white cast. Chemical filters such as avobenzone and octinoxate are less visible and stay put longer.
Hydrating Ingredients: Your lips deserve as much hydration as your skin. Choose formulas with nourishing butters (like shea), waxes (like beeswax), plant oils (like jojoba or coconut), and humectants (like hyaluronic acid).
Feel and Finish: Some balms feel matte, some glossy, and others have a hint of tint. Whether you love the bare look or a pop of color, there’s an SPF format to suit your style.

2024’s Best Lip Balms with SPF—Our Top Picks

These are the most effective, loved, and expert-approved SPF lip balms, ranging from classic stick balms to lip glosses and oils. Each entry includes SPF value, key ingredients, and notable pros and cons for every preference and occasion.

1. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

SPF: 25
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octinoxate, shea butter, green tea extract
Water-Resistant: No
Tinted: No

Pros:

Does not leave a white cast (thanks to chemical sunscreen filters)
Deeply hydrates lips and prevents chapping
Available in flavorful options like mint, lemon, and pineapple

Cons:

SPF 25 is slightly below the expert-recommended SPF 30+

Customer Review: “Moisturizing, non-sticky, just flavored enough (I love the mint) and looks great alone or over a colored product like a gloss… I’d use it even if it didn’t have SPF, but it’s a holy grail of mine because it does.”

2. Naked Sundays SPF 50 Glow & Go Lip Oil

SPF: 50
Key Ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, avobenzone, vitamin C, vitamin E
Water-Resistant: No
Tinted: Yes

Pros:

Ultra-glossy finish with a subtle tint
High SPF and strong antioxidant support for extra sun defense
Does not taste like traditional sunscreen (watermelon candy flavor)

Cons:

May require more frequent reapplication compared to thick balms

Customer Review: “It actually hydrates and colors up the lips a bit without being super sticky.”

3. Supergoop! Play Lip Balm SPF 30

SPF: 30
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, honey
Water-Resistant: No
Tinted: Some options

Pros:

Hydrates and protects
Variety of fun flavors and shades
No strong sunscreen aftertaste; smooth, lightweight feel

Cons:

Needs frequent reapplication

Why it’s worth it: Adds a twist to your lip care: choose your favorite shade or flavor for soft, protected lips.

4. Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF 50 Hydrating Lip Balm

SPF: 50
Key Ingredients: Lanolin, cocoa butter, vitamin E, peppermint
Water-Resistant: Yes
Tinted: Yes

Pros:

Extra high sun protection with SPF 50
Glossy, tinted finish and a cooling effect
Peppermint-infused for a gentle, refreshing feel

Cons:

Glossy finish may not suit matte fans

5. Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Lip Balm

SPF: 50+
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin E
Water-Resistant: Yes
Tinted: No

Pros:

Very high protection, ideal for outdoor and beach use
Luxe feel with soft, smooth finish
Water-resistant formula

Cons:

Some users find it slightly thick for daily use under makeup

6. Kiko Sun Protection Lip Balm SPF 50

SPF: 50
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Water-Resistant: Yes
Tinted: No

Pros:

Ultra moisturizing for dry, delicate lips
High level of UVA/UVB protection
Non-greasy, smooth application

Cons:

Basic, no added scent or tint

7. Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30

SPF: 30
Key Ingredients: Sea moss, aloe stem cells, and vitamin E
Water-Resistant: No
Tinted: No

Pros:

No white cast—even on deep skin tones
Delivers a glossy, hydrated look
No unpleasant SPF taste

Cons:

Pricier than many drugstore alternatives

8. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50

SPF: 50
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, iron oxides, shea butter
Water-Resistant: Yes
Tinted: Yes

Pros:

Mineral formula ideal for sensitive skin
Multi-use: gives lips a wash of color, can be used on cheeks
Stays put; great for outdoor activities

Cons:

Can feel a bit thick compared to traditional balms

9. Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm with SPF 35

SPF: 35
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, castor oil, zinc oxide
Water-Resistant: No
Tinted: No

Pros:

Very gentle, fragrance-free formula
Soothes and repairs severely dry, sensitive lips
Clean, hypoallergenic ingredients

Cons:

Not ideal for those who want color or shine

Comparison Table: The Best SPF Lip Balms at a Glance

Product	SPF	Texture/Type	Tint	Key Benefit
Jack Black Intense Therapy	25	Balm	No	No white cast, deeply hydrating
Naked Sundays Glow & Go	50	Lip oil/gloss hybrid	Yes	High SPF, glossy shine, antioxidant-rich
Supergoop! Play	30	Balm	Some options	Flavors, tints, hydration
Ultra Violette Sheen Screen	50	Balm/gloss	Yes	Glossy, cooling, high SPF
Bondi Sands Balm	50+	Balm	No	Luxe, water-resistant, nourishment
Kiko Sun Protection	50	Balm	No	Hydration, smooth, water-resistant
Cay Skin Isle Balm	30	Balm/Gloss	No	No white cast, glossy, taste-free
Colorescience Color Balm	50	Balm	Yes	Mineral, color payoff, multi-use
Doctor Rogers Restore	35	Healing balm	No	Repair & protect sensitive lips

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do lips really need SPF every day?

Yes. Just like the rest of your skin, your lips are exposed every day, even on cloudy days, so consistent SPF use is key for preventing sunburn, pigmentation, and long-term harm.

What’s the difference between chemical and mineral SPF in lip balms?

Chemical SPF absorbs UV rays and generally feels lighter with no visible cast. Mineral SPF immediately blocks UV rays physically, sometimes leaving a slight white tint, but can be a better choice for sensitive or allergic skin.

How often should I reapply SPF lip balm?

Dermatologists recommend reapplying every two hours, and even more frequently if swimming, eating, or wiping your lips.

Can I use regular sunscreen on my lips?

Technically yes, but most facial or body SPFs are not designed for the mouth area. They may taste unpleasant and not offer the comfort, hydration, and finish of a purpose-made lip balm.

What ingredients should I avoid in SPF lip balms?

Steer clear of fragrances, potentially irritating flavors, or allergens if you have sensitive lips. If you prefer mineral ingredients, check for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and avoid formulas heavy on synthetic dyes.

Expert Tips: Getting the Most Out of Your SPF Lip Balm

Apply a generous layer 15 minutes before going outdoors.
Don’t forget to reapply after eating, drinking, swimming, or kissing.
Choose a tinted or multi-purpose balm for an extra pop of color and convenience.
Always check the expiration date—sunscreen filters lose efficacy over time.

Conclusion: The Best Path to Soft, Sun-Safe Lips

A well-chosen SPF lip balm is your best defense against painful sunburn and cumulative lip damage, all while keeping your pout supple, nourished, and beautiful. With so many options—balms, oils, glosses, and tints—there’s no reason to skip this skincare essential. Whether you’re headed to the beach or just running errands, stash one in every bag and reapply often for lips that stay soft, healthy, and confidently protected.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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