TL;DR
We’re giving top honors to the mega creamy Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30. The aloe and cocoa butter base deeply nourishes and moisturizes your pout while protecting it from damaging UV rays. Plus, the fruity flavors are absolutely delicious! When we’re looking for something with a bit of color, we’re reaching for the MD Solar Science Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30. Not only does it boast SPF 30 protection, but it also deeply hydrates with a trio of plant butters and imparts beautiful, sheer pigment. And finally, when we’re planning to get sweaty, there’s no better choice than the Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 50. It provides impressive SPF 50 protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for any outdoor or water-related workouts.
Just like the skin on your face and body, the skin on your lips also needs protection from the sun. After all, your lips are susceptible to burning, sun damage, and even skin cancer. Because lip skin is thinner and more delicate, a lip burn is seriously painful (ask anyone who’s experienced one). Many people forget that they need to apply sunscreen to this sensitive area. You’re likely using a lip balm already, so why not make it one that contains SPF? With more standout formulas than ever before, you’ll forget you chose them for their protective prowess.
To find the best lip balms, we conducted extensive research, asked our editors about their favorites, and consulted with Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist, to determine what to look for in SPF for lips. We evaluated each of them based on their formula, active ingredients, shades, and level of protection. Each pick on our list contains at least SPF 15, but we aimed for ones with SPF 30 protection. Additionally, we chose formulas loaded with hydrating ingredients to make lips smooth and soft.
Best Overall
Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30
Extremely creamy
Formulated with aloe and vitamin E
Affordable
Can easily melt if it gets too hot
SPF: 30 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Super, super creamy, this balm—a favorite of Byrdie’s commerce editorial director Jessica Mahgerefteh—hydrates lips just as well as it shields them from damaging UV rays. Credit a base made with aloe vera and cocoa butter for mega-moisture. But arguably the best part is the lip-smacking fruity flavors—coconut, pineapple, banana, pomegranate, key lime, and mango—that are incentive enough to keep swiping this on. Use it alone or layer it over any lip color for added protection.
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm
Comes in multiple delicious flavors
Comes in mess-free squeeze tube
Moisturizing formula
Would love SPF protection to be a bit higher
SPF: 25 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Packed with emollients and conditioning ingredients—think shea butter, vitamin E, and avocado oil—this one is a great choice for hydrating even the most chapped lips. The soft texture quenches parched lips while providing sun protection thanks to the inclusion of SPF 25 in the formula. Bonus points for the addition of antioxidants that act as backup for the sun protection it provides. There’s a flavorless option, but we suggest one of the yummy flavors—including mint, lemon, grapefruit, and more.
Best Drugstore
Aquaphor Lip Protectant & Ointment
Preservative-free
Fast-acting for dry, chapped lips
Easy-to-apply tube
Contains petrolatum, which may be off-putting to some
SPF: 30 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: No
Your beloved tube o’ Aquaphor just got a major upgrade, thanks to a dose of broad-spectrum sun protection. Still, it delivers those same hydrating benefits, with plenty of shea butter, glycerin, and beeswax to quench a parched pout. According to Dr. Garshick, this one is a great option for those with dry or cracked lips. "The ointment maintains all the great benefits of Aquaphor with the added bonus of SPF 30 protection," she says. "It's also free of fragrance and preservatives, making it especially good for those with sensitive skin."
Best Natural
W3ll People Lip Butter SPF 15 Tinted Balm
Relies on zinc oxide as its sunscreen ingredient
Made in the USA
Vegan, plant-based formula
Stick could be a bit thicker
SPF: 30 | Shades: Natural, Afterglow, Peach | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Given the fact that we inevitably end up ingesting some of the products we put on our lips, it makes sense that you might want to go with lip balm formulated with minimal ingredients. This one fits the bill, using several different organic oils for hydrating purposes. Even the sun protection is natural, non-micronized mineral zinc, a rarity given that many lip products use chemical sunscreen ingredients. It comes in both a clear version, as well as two tinted options.
Best Multipurpose
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50
Works great on lips, cheeks, and eyes
Has an impressive SPF 50
Goes on smoothly
Could be more moisturizing
SPF: 50 | Shades: Raspberry, Violet Haze | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What’s better than a multipurpose color stick that you can swipe on lips, cheeks, and eyes? One that contains SPF, of course. This pick delivers gorgeous pigment on all those spots—it comes in two shades, Raspberry and Violet Haze—along with a hefty dose of sun protection. Not to mention that you can easily layer and mix and match the colors wherever you apply them. Although this is one of the pricier options on our list, we think its pigmented, high SPF formula justifies the spend.
Best Budget
Carmex Classic Medicated Lip Balm SPF 15
Very affordable
Works great during both the summer and winter
Comes in a pack of 3
Camphor & menthol scent may not be appealing to all
SPF: 15 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: No
Byrdie editorial director Holly Rhue recommends stocking up on this affordable option; a three-pack of this classic stick rings in at just a few bucks and offers a hydrating, cooling effect. Pick up a whole bunch and keep one in every purse, pocket, you name it. It’s the original beloved formula, which boasts cocoa butter, camphor, and menthol to help soothe chapped lips, but with added SPF 15 sun protection.
Best Hydrating
MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30
Nonsticky
Contains SPF 30
No synthetic colors, flavors, or sweeteners
Product gets stuck in the tube easily
SPF: 30 | Shades: Bare, Blush, Crystal, Ruby, Spice | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Dr. Garshick is a big fan of this hydrating balm from MDSolarSciences. “It comes in a few different shades and offers SPF 30 protection, all while also providing hydration with avocado, shea, and olive butters,” she says. “It’s also gentle, so it’s safe to use even by those with sensitive skin.” While all of its six shades are universally flattering, we’re especially loving Ruby, a gorgeous red with blue undertones. Plus, the formula is creamy, not sticky, and is 100% vegan and gluten-free.
Runner-Up, Best Hydrating
M-61 Hydraboost Lip Treatment
Soothing ingredients
Serves as nighttime treatment
Mild mint flavor
Not for sensitive skin types
SPF: 45 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This pick from M-61 is a hydration powerhouse due to the addition of a power-packed peptide, vitamin B5, aloe, and centella asiatica. Together, the ingredients create a soothing, replenishing experience for day and overnight wear. By morning, your lips will look and feel better than they did before. Doubling up on the fresh feeling customers rave about, it’s important to note that this product does contain a minty sensation, which can irritate those with sensitive skin.
Best Splurge
Clé de Peau UV Protective Lip Treatment
Feels luxurious
Contains additional protective ingredients besides sunscreen
Refillable
Contains fragrance
SPF: 30 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: No
As the name suggests, this is truly more of a lip treatment than a basic lip balm. The ingredient list is similar to that of a fancy moisturizer, boasting smoothing Japanese pearl, tone-evening theanine, plus an array of herbs and botanicals. These all work together to improve the look of lips, while sunscreen and antioxidants offer necessary protection. The natural rose scent is subtle and sophisticated, and this also pulls double duty as a great lipstick primer.
Runner-Up, Best Splurge
Tatcha The Kissu Lip Tint SPF 25
Creamy, buttery finish
Made with silk protein and botanical lanolin
Everyday shades
Not as lightweight as others
SPF: 25 | Shades: Camellia, Midnight Lily, Plum Blossom | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Indulging in a feel-good, look-good lip balm is always a good idea. That’s why we love this tinted pick from Tatcha. Containing moisturizing ingredients like silk protein and botanical lanolin, it can be catered to your liking in terms of hue. Apply one or two coats for a sheer look, or go all out for a deeper, more opaque vibe. Regardless of your style, you can rest assured your lips will be protected and hydrated.
Best Gloss
Supergoop! Lipscreen SPF 40
Works well on its own or layered over other lip products
Contains SPF 40
Nonsticky
Has a little bit of a weird taste and smell
SPF: 30 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Lip gloss fans will appreciate the sheen this protectant formula delivers. While you can use it on its own, it also looks great swiped over your go-to lip color, instantly imparting a soft shine, and, most importantly SPF 40 protection from the sun's rays. We also appreciate that it has sunflower oil and shea butter for added hydration. Additionally, Supergoop! formulations follow their “No List,” which excludes 1600+ ingredients that are either unnecessary or potentially harmful.
Best Tinted Gloss
Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30
Moisturizing formula
Glossy finish
Comes in clear and tinted versions
Has a bit of a chemical taste
SPF: 30 | Shades: Clear, Irie Rose, Bad Gyal Berry, Nude Ting | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you're looking for a glossy lip color and sun protection all in one step, this is the product for you. Featuring SPF 30 and a host of moisturizing ingredients like sea moss, aloe stem cells, and vitamin E, this formula is nourishing and protective. It comes in a clear version as well as three pigmented shades, and we love that it creates a smooth, high-shine finish on the lips. "When I want a pop of color on my lips and I know I'll be outside for a while, I apply the berry shade and keep it in my bag," says commerce writer Alyssa Kaplan. "It's smooth, creamy, and keeps my lips feeling soft and hydrated."
Works well on its own or layered over other lip products
Reef-friendly formula
Lightweight texture
Could be more long-lasting
SPF: 30 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For those who prefer a lip oil, Dr. Garshick suggests reaching for this product from sun care experts COOLA. “It combines SPF 30 protection with lip hydration, as it contains vitamin E, camellia and jojoba oils,” she says. “It leaves the lips looking healthy and plump while still being protected. It also contains an antioxidant-rich plant complex for additional protection.” Plus, the universally flattering sheer golden shade looks great on literally everyone.
Best Oil, Runner-Up
Brush On Block Lip Oil
Formulated with natural oils to treat dry lips
Shields against blue light
Glides on smooth
Color is medium coverage
SPF: 30 | Shades: Nude, Coral, Fig | Cruelty-Free: Yes
In the mood for a glossy lip oil? Look no further than this pick from Brush On Block, which is nonsticky and has a great taste. It also features rich emollients like argan, castor, and sunflower seed oils in addition to vitamin E to help replenish moisture. We also love that the shades are on the more natural, subtle side—so if you fancy a bolder hue, consider applying this lip oil on top of your favorite lipstick.
Best Sport
Banana Boat Ultra Sport Lip Balm
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Broad-spectrum protection
Affordable drugstore pick
Can feel a bit waxy
SPF: 50 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: No
Be sure to swipe this on before your next outdoor run, swim, or beach volleyball game. It’s hydrating and nongreasy, yes, but more importantly, it delivers an impressive SPF 50 to protect your pout from getting scorched during your workout. Not to mention that it’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you don’t need to worry about reapplying it if you’re swimming or sweating. Plus, unlike traditional “sport sunscreens,” this lip balm does not leave a white cast.
Best Flavored
Vacation Bananas Foster SPF 30 Lip Balm
Deliciously sweet flavor
Dermatologist-tested
Broad-spectrum protection
Scent could be too overpowering for some
SPF: 30 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Vacation is known for making sun protection products that are both super effective and smell amazing. Their protective lip balm is no exception, delivering a nice level of SPF 30, coupled with an addictingly sweet scent and flavor. (As the name suggests, it’s inspired by the classic NOLA dessert, with notes of banana, brown sugar, and vanilla.) We also love that this lightweight pick goes on clear on all skin tones. The ultra-creamy, nongreasy texture is a win, too. Plus, it comes in other nostalgic flavors, such as after dinner mint, pineapple upside down cake, and more.
Best Pigmented
Supergoop! Lipshade SPF 30 Hydrating Lipstick
Satin finish
100% mineral SPF
Not the most hydrating formula
SPF: 30 | Shades: Warm Terracotta, Fuchsia, Rose, Raisin Plum | Cruelty-Free: Yes
A pigmented lip color that doubles as a sunscreen is a valuable product to keep in your bag, and we're big fans of this one thanks to a smooth formula that features 100% mineral SPF protection. It comes in four rosy and terracotta shades that can be built up for a pop of color on the lips, and we enjoy that it has a subtle peppermint flavor. We also like the addition of natural peptides to help plump the appearance of lips. While it's not the most hydrating formula despite containing nourishing ingredients like shea and mango butter, it's easy to layer with more moisturizing lip products.
Best for Sensitive Skin
TIZO Lip Protection
Made for sensitive skin
No chemical taste
Protects with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
Melts easily, not long-lasting
SPF: 45 | Shades: N/A | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Gentle enough for sensitive skin, this lip balm from TIZO is a mineral sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It’s also photostable, meaning that this non-waxy formula won’t degrade in sunlight. The lip balm—which comes in kiwi, lime, and ginger flavors—is also free of dyes, fragrances, and preservatives, so you can feel good about applying (and reapplying) in the sun.
What to Look for in Lip Balms with SPF
- Adequate SPF protection: According to Dr. Garshick, it’s important to find a lip product that provides adequate sun protection, which, in her opinion, is SPF of at least 30. “In general, it's recommended to treat your lips with the same protection you would the rest of your skin as they can be susceptible to sun damage, leading to skin cancer and aging,” she says. “I recommend SPF 30 or higher, and also to reapply every two hours or sooner if swimming or sweating.”
- A hydrating formula: Dr. Garshick also says to look for products that are hydrating. “Because the lips are thin, they can become more susceptible to dryness, so it’s helpful for any lip balm, with or without SPF, to help hydrate the lips to boost overall moisture,” she says. “This feature can also make it more enjoyable and easy to wear SPF on your lips as it often makes it easy to apply and reapply and keeps them looking hydrated and plump.”
- Ingredients: As with all beauty products, it's always wise to consider the ingredient list, especially if you have sensitive skin. Dr. Garshick recommends avoiding any product with heavy fragrance if you have sensitive skin. “Because the lips and the skin around the lips is thin, it can make it more susceptible to irritation,” she says. “For this reason, those with sensitive skin should stick with products with minimal fragrance or other common skin allergens to prevent any reaction or sensitivity from developing.”
Why Trust Byrdie
Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.
Grace Gavilanes is a freelance writer based in Queens, NY. She writes about wellness and beauty, and her work has appeared in Well + Good, Food & Wine, and People.
She considered dozens of products for this roundup, and named the picks above the best after hours of research and consulting an expert:
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, a Board-certified dermatologist at MDCS: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Centers, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology, at Cornell University.