We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen on your face every single day. In the same vein, we must be diligent in protecting our lips as well as they happen to be one of the most vulnerable spots in terms of sun damage and are just as susceptible to skin cancer as anywhere else on our bodies.
To help make it easy, we have sourced some of the most comfortable and all-encompassing lip treatments we could find. These lip balms come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors but have one important thing in common — sun protection.
The Coola brand is famous for its clean and unique beauty products and formulations and their Liplux is no exception. In addition to SPF 30, it is vitamin and antioxidant-enriched for protection and filled with conditioners to smooth and nourish. For those seeking superior protection at lower price points, the Jack Black and Vanicream lip protectants are also excellent options. Both are super emollient products that will protect your skin from extreme weather conditions and have ingredients that will soothe and protect you from dryness.
1. Burt’s Bees SPF15 Moisturizing Lip Balm
Burt’s Bees occupies the unique territory of products that are thoughtfully made but widely available. This two-pack option is formulated with beeswax and other natural ingredients, as well as zinc oxide for sun protection. It’s an SPF 15 option that’s meant as an all-weather option to moisturize during the colder months and protect during the warmer months.
Pros: All-weather option provides moisture in winter and SPF 15 protection year-round. Natural ingredients.
Cons: Some options have higher SPF levels.
2. Sun Bum Lip Balm
With its refreshing key lime flavor, this lip balm from Sun Bum is one you’ll actually want to reapply. It provides broad-spectrum SPF30 protection, and it’s formulated with aloe vera and vitamin E for extra moisture and skin protection. It’s also available in other tropical fruit flavors like mango, pineapple and coconut.
Pros: Variety of tasty tropical fruit flavors. 30 SPF protection. Aloe vera and vitamin E for healthy lips.
Cons: Not an ideal option if you’d prefer unscented.
3. EltaMD UV Lip Balm Sunscreen
If you need strong SPF protection, this option from EltaMD features SPF 36, one of the highest options on this list. There’s no added scent, and it’s designed to work for all skin types. The mineral-based protection can be helpful for those with sensitivities as well. The active ingredients are zinc oxide for sun protection and Hydromanil for moisturization.
Pros: Strong SPF 36 protection. Provides moisturizing relief.
Cons: Small size means other options may be more economical.
4. Banana Boat Aloe Vera Lip Protection Sunscreen
A long day on the beach deserves the right protection, and that’s where Banana Boat’s lip balm comes in. It provides 45 SPF of UVA/UVB protection, and the balm is formulated with vitamin E and aloe vera for moisture and relief. The sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Pros: SPF 45 and 80 minutes of water resistance makes it good for beach and pool days.
Cons: Chemical sunscreen, which may be irritating for some.
5. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
Jack Black’s Intense Therapy Lip Balm provides optimum sun protection for UVA and UVB rays with SPF 25 while guarding against windburn and extreme temperatures. The lip balm contains antioxidants, vitamin E and green tea to keep your lips soothed and relieve any dry, chapped and irritated lips. This lip balm quickly penetrates for instant relief and has anti-inflammatory properties for an additional layer of protection.
Pros: This moisturizing lip treatment comes in a ton of flavors and is free of artificial colors, parabens and is cruelty-free.
Cons: If you prefer a lip balm with a thin consistency, another option might be better.
6. Vanicream Lip Protectant SPF 30
The Vanicream Lip Protectant is a long-lasting lip balm formulated with SPF 30 (zinc and titanium oxides) to help prevent moisture loss due to extreme weather conditions. Free of common chemical irritants, this lip balm will prevent sunburn, chapped or cracked skin and lips, and protect against the drying effects of wind and cold weather. It is water-resistant and when used properly will decrease the risk of early skin aging caused by the sun.
Pros: This is a generously sized lip protectant at an affordable price point.
Cons: There may be an initial “white” cast when first applied but it disappears shortly after.
7. Supergoop! PLAY Lip Balm
Supergoop! (no relation to goop) is a great source of SPF skincare, and this convenient lip balm has broad-spectrum SPF 30 and has restorative ingredients like shea butter, honey and sunflower seed oil. The acai flavor is a unique alternative to traditional lip balm flavors.
Pros: Unique ingredients like shea butter, honey and sunflower seed oil feature natural skin benefits. Oxybenzone-free & octinoxate-free to not damage reefs.
Cons: Not everyone will necessarily like the flavor.
8. Coola Organic Liplux Lip Balm SPF 30
Coola’s Liplux Lip Balm Sunscreen is a vitamin-enriched, antioxidant formula that protects and conditions lips with natural fruit butters including raspberry and avocado. This ultra-moisturizing, but never goopy, formula has SPF 30 which will protect your lips from UV damage, is water-resistant and smells incredible with its vanilla-peppermint scent. This is one of the best year-round, full-service sunscreens.
Pros: Liplux is also infused with powerful antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Cons: This product contains a chemical sunscreen, which may be irritating to some.