11 Best SPF Lip Balms That Protect Your Lips Against Sun Damage

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 06, 2024
SPF lip balms
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Looking your absolute best when your lips are chapped, cracked, or dry isn’t easy. With intense summer days and other environmental factors to take care of, we’ve explored some of the best SPF lip balms to help you decide what suits your lips the most. Your lips not only need moisture and glow but they also need protection, especially on days when you feel like soaking in the sun or exploring outdoor activities. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sam Ellis, “you can get skin cancer on your lips due to chronic sun exposure and an SPF lip balm can prevent that”. Hence, carrying a moisturizing SPF lip balm with you always ensures that your lips don’t suffer any photodamage.

Lip balms accentuate your facial appearance and make you look polished and presentable. They also help in moisture retention making your lips soft, smooth, and plump. For other lip products, you may want to apply — a sublime, hydrating lip balm that forms a flawless base. The addition of SPF is an added perk as it shields your lips against inflammation, allergies, and soreness. 

Finding a lip balm that nourishes and soothes your lips without compromising lip protection and quality could be confusing. To help you find a hydrating SPF lip balm for nourishing and protecting your lips, we have curated a list of our favorite products for you below. Scroll away to see our recommendations.

11 Best SPF Lip Balms

You can always count on Elizabeth Arden to come up with products to take care of your sensitive skin. This moisturizing lip balm with SPF 15 not only nourishes your sensitive skin but protects you from harmful infrared radiation. The soft tint easily doubles up as a sheer lipstick that adds a little color to your face. Suitable for dry skin, this all-weather lip balm helps treat chapped lips and dark lips caused due to sun exposure. 

Pros
  • Prevents chapped lips
  • Lasts upto 8 hours
  • Can be used as an overnight treatment mask
Cons
  • None
  • Best for Moisture Retention

    SUN BUM SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm

    SUN BUM SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm
  • With a luxuriously hydrating formula, this lip balm by SUN BUM offers unmatchable nourishment and broad-spectrum sun protection to your lips. Infused with active-ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, this lip balm makes your lips smooth and plump by replenishing their barrier. Designed  specially for intense outdoor activities, you can apply this 30 SPF lip balm when hitting the beach, pool, or cruising around the town. Additionally, this can be used to soothe your lips after a sunburn.

    Pros
    • Waterproof formula
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Vegan
    • Soothes inflamed lips
    • Broad-spectrum sun protection
    Cons
    • Tastes bad
  • Most Travel Friendly

    ChapStick Lip Balm - Pack of 3

    ChapStick Lip Balm - Pack of 3
  • This ultra-hydrating pack of tubes by ChapStick is an ideal addition to your lip care regimen. Made with a paraben-free formula, this pack of nourishing lip balm tubes will soothe, protect and moisturize your lips naturally. Infused with a blend of various hydrating ingredients including aloe vera, vitamin E, this lip balm helps in retaining moisture of your lips. Additionally, these tubes have the perfect size for stashing in purses, backpacks, and desk drawers for anytime care.

    Pros
    • Indulgent flavor
    • Pleasant fragrance
    • Travel-friendly
    • Long-lasting moisture
    • Provides UV protection
    Cons
    • The texture is a bit waxy
  • Best Overall

    Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm

    Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm
  • Jack Black Intense Lip Balm Therapy offers optimum sun protection while guarding against windburn and extreme temperatures. Infused with antioxidants, natural emollients, vitamin E, and green tea, this lip balm offers broad-spectrum protection. Designed to soothe and relieve dry, chapped, and irritated lips, this lip balm is a go-to for nourishing your lips. To get optimal results, it is best to apply this SPF 25 lip balm generously and evenly on your lips, 30 minutes before going out in the sun.

    Pros
    • Very hydrating
    • Heals lip burns
    • Made with natural ingredients
    • Protects your lips
    Cons
    • Sticky consistency
  • Most Organic Formula

    PALMER’S COCONUT OIL FORMULA

    PALMER’S COCONUT OIL FORMULA
  • Infused with a creamy coconut formula, shea, and cocoa butter, this lip balm by PALMER offers a deluxe lip treatment. A twin pack of moisturizing SPF 15 lip balm, it protects your lips from environmental damage too. Additionally, the extra-rich virgin oil in this product helps retain moisture on your lips for an extended time and prevents them from drying out in the sun. An ideal lip balm for daily use, it heals dry, chapped lips naturally. For best results, apply 3-4 times daily on your lips.

    Pros
    • Renews lip texture
    • Heals cracked lips
    • Formulated with high-quality ingredients
    • Provides long-lasting moisture
    Cons
    • Leaves a white cast
  • Best Tinted Formula

    REVLON KISS BALM

    REVLON KISS BALM
  • This ultra-hydrating set of Revlon SPF lip balm makes your lips instantly softer, smoother, and more kissable. Infused with natural oils, this lip balm keeps your lips nourished and hydrated. It gives a shimmery touch to your lips along with a subtle hint of color — ideal for days when you don’t feel like applying lipstick. With a juicy formula and glossy texture, the product makes your lips appear velvety and luscious. Besides, it is travel-friendly, so you can keep it in your pocket or purse to rescue your chapped lips.

    Pros
    • Natural tint
    • Doesn't make lips feather
    • Nourishes lips
    • Tastes good
    • Glides smoothly
    • Pleasant scent
    Cons
    • Doesn't stay on for long
  • Most Natural Finish

    EltaMD UV LIP BALM

    EltaMD UV LIP BALM
  • This lip balm by EltaMD is an ideal sun protector for all skin types and lifestyles. Creamy, and moisturizing, it soothes and protects dry, chapped, and cracked lips. Designed to offer UVA/UVB protection, this lip balm consists of SPF 36, which is the perfect defense against the sun for days when you spend much time outdoors. Owing to its satin finish, it gives a natural and flawless touch to your lips. Additionally, the minty scent of this lip balm can provide a soothing sensation to the lips.

    Pros
    • Super hydrating
    • Moisture retention
    • Fragrance-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Broad-spectrum protection
    Cons
    • Doesn't glide smoothly
  • Best Indulgent Fragrance

    BANANA BOAT Ultra SPF 50

    BANANA BOAT Ultra SPF 50
  • This lightweight, moisturizing lip balm by BANANA BOAT provides deep moisture that absorbs quickly. Created with a balanced formula of sun filters and humectants, this lip balm is non-greasy and easily among the best SPF 50 lip balms for strong protection against the sun's harmful rays. Offering optimal UV protection to lips, this lip balm is designed especially for sports enthusiasts and other active individuals who need sport-strength all day around. Adding on, the product is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, which makes it relatively safe for reefs.

    Pros
    • Clinically tested
    • SPF 50
    • Feels light on the lips
    • Ultra-violet protection
    • Pleasant aroma
    Cons
    • Unpleasant taste
  • Best Mineral SPF Lip Balm

    HURRAW! Tangerine Chamomile Sun Lip Balm - Pack of 3

    HURRAW! Tangerine Chamomile Sun Lip Balm - Pack of 3
  • Infused with premium ingredients like red raspberry, pomegranate, and sea buckthorn seed oil, these sun lip balms are highly emollient and creamy. This mineral SPF lip balm is designed to provide long staying power for making your lips velvety smooth. On top of that, these anti-inflammatory products provide a physical barrier against UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, these are gluten-free, travel-friendly, and contain no preservatives. Besides, you cannot get enough of how delicious this tastes on your lips owing to its fruity-floral flavor.

    Pros
    • Doesn’t melt away easily
    • Nourishes your lips
    • Not too draggy
    • Cruelty-free
    • Certified-organic
    • Vegan ingredients
    Cons
    • Gives a whitish tint
  • MDSolarSciences Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30

    MDSolarSciences Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30
  • Formulated with avocado oil and shea butter, this hydrating lip balm nourishes your lips to make them soft and supple. With a generous blend of jojoba extracts, this perfectly tinted SPF lip balm makes your lips look fuller and feel moisturized. Adding on, the formula also helps improve collagen production in your lips to make them plump and healthy. It has a beautiful sheer tint that gives a flattering shade to your lips making it a go-to product for an instant glow.

    Pros
    • Plush with emollients
    • No sticky residue
    • Doesn't melt away
    • Reef-safe sun filters
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Wears off quickly
  • Best for Cracked Lips

    Blistex MEDICATED LIP BALM - Pack of 5

    Blistex MEDICATED LIP BALM - Pack of 5
  • This medicated lip balm by Blistex prevents cracking and chapping of lips. Infused with rich emollients, this product is an ideal choice for lip care during dry summers and bitter winters. Fortified with rich emollients such as beeswax and cocoa butter along with invigorating ingredients such as menthol, this lip balm not only boosts moisture in your lips but also leaves them feeling cool and refreshed — a great benefit for hot summers!

    Pros
    • Softens your lips
    • Glides without dragging
    • Soothes lip soreness
    • Prevents lip blisters
    Cons
    • Not vegan
    • ontains mineral oil

    Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best SPF lip balms, refer to the following buying guide so that you can shop wisely.

    How to Choose the Best SPF Lip Balm?

    Here are some of the factors to consider before buying a hydrating lip balm with SPF:

    SPF: Direct sun exposure causes extreme dryness, premature aging, and pigmentation of lips. Having SPF in a lip balm protects your lips from UVA and UVB rays. With the infusion of sun filters such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, etc., the lip balm will not only protect your lips from sun damage but also ensure that its natural moisture is somewhat retained. For optimal results, always invest in a lip balm that is anywhere between SPF 30 to 50. 

    Moisturizing Ingredients: A lip balm must be rich in moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, coconut oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil, which nourish your lips to make them softer and smoother. These also help in retaining the natural moisture of the lips to give them a naturally plump and healthy appearance. You should also avoid chemical sunscreens that can make your lips itchy and sore. 

    With exacerbating dryness, flakiness, and inflammation, lip balms are an important part of any lip care regimen. They hydrate, soothe and heal chapped lips to give them a smoother, plumper effect. The constant exposure to the sun, especially during summer days can cause damage not only to your sensitive skin but also to your lips resulting in soreness, and pigmentation. Hence, having some of the best SPF lip balms to choose from relieves you of the stress of finding a lip balm for multiple lip care requirements. Ensure you go through the buying guide to find the best product for yourself. Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Is SPF good in lip balm?
    Yes, it protects your lips against sun exposure.
    How long does SPF lip balm last?
    Varies. It may last between 30-80 minutes, generally.
    Can I use lip balm every day?
    Yes. Especially when you’re going out in the sun.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, our in-house skincare specialist, recommends using SPF lip balm to protect the lips from sun damage and keep them soft, supple, and nourished. After analyzing a range of products, she has created this list of the best SPF lip balms. She recommends using ChapStick Lip Balm - Pack of 3 for those who travel often. It is infused with vitamin E and aloe vera that provides intense hydration to the lips. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More