Summer is full of sunshine, beach days and outdoor fun. And while we might be diligent with sunscreen on our skin, one area is often neglected: the lips! Burned lips can be painful, unattractive and exposed to serious long-term UV damage.
So what is the answer? SPF lip balm! In this guide, we will break down the top SPF lip balm you need to have in summer, to ensure that your lips remain soft, healthy and protected.
Why You Need SPF Lip Balm
The skin on your lips is thinner than the skin elsewhere on your body, making them vulnerable to UV damage. Here’s why you should definitely be using an SPF lip balm:
- Avoid sunburn and dryness
- Reduce the risk of cancer on your lips
- Keep lips soft and hydrated
- Promote protection from premature aging and or dark sports.
Regular lip balms might add hydration, but only SPF lip balms will protect against harmful rays.
What to Consider When Choosing a Quality SPF Lip Balm
Before we review the top lip balms, let’s first review what makes a SPF lip balm safe and effective.
SPF Level
Look for SPF of 15 or higher. Ideally, SPF levels should be 30 or higher if you will be in the sun for a long time.
Broad Spectrum Protection
Means this product protects from UVB and UVA rays.
Hydrating Ingredients
Look for as many of the following ingredients as you can: shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and beeswax.
Water Resistant
Very important if you want to wear your lip balm while at the beach, swimming, or sweating.
No Harmful Ingredients
Look for balms without harmful chemicals such as parabens or artificial fragrance and avoid balms with alcohol since it can dry your lips.
Now let’s get into the best SPF lip balms which dermatologists recommend and which passionate beauty lovers use:
1. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
Features:
Broad-spectrum SPF 25
Contains shea butter and vitamin E
Flavors like mint, lemon, and grapefruit
Vegan and cruelty-free
Why We Love It:
This lip balm is non-greasy, ultra-hydrating and is serious sun protection! This lip balm is suitable for men or women and lasts for hours!
2. EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36
Features:
SPF 36, high for coverage
Water resistant for 80 minutes .
Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin
Why we love it:
EltaMD is known for their dermatologist recommended sunscreens and now they have a lightweight and effective lip balm that will be a perfect option for long sun days.
3. Supergoop! PLAY Lip Shield SPF 30
Key Features:
Broad-spectrum SPF 30
Water- and sweat-resistant (80 minutes)
Contains coconut and shea butter
Why we love it:
Supergoop! is always fun and effective sun care. This lip balm is a fantastic option for long days of activity during the summer months.
4. COOLA Liplux Organic Lip Balm SPF 30
Key Features:
Organic ingredients
SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection
Raspberry seed oil and avocado butter included
Cruelty-free and reef safe
Why we love it:
COOLA is a favorite for environmentally-conscious consumers. This lip balm offers sun protection and nourishing botanicals with a sheer tint.
5. Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm
Key Features:
SPF 30 with broad-spectrum protection
Tropical flavors (banana, coconut, watermelon)
Hypoallergenic and gluten free.
Why we love it:
Fun with flavor and reasonable prices, Sun Bum has lip balms that everyone in the family will love and want to use. Kids will love the flavors and adults will love the results.
6. Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen SPF 30
Key Features:
Recommended by dermatologists
SPF 30
Heals drier, chapped lips while protecting from the sun
Why We Love It:
If your lips are already sunburned (or cracked), Aquaphor provides gentle healing and gives a protective barrier.
Tips for Preventing Sunburned Lips:
Even using a great SPF lip balm there are things you can do to better protect your lips:
Reapply every 2 hours
Like sunscreen, lip SPF wears off so it is important to reapply often, especially after you eat or swim.
Use a lip balm with a high SPF on high UV Index days
Apps like UVLens or your weather app can help you monitor UV levels.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydrated skin is more susceptible to sun damage.
Stay Away from Untinted Glossy Balms without SPF
Glossy balms can intensify the sun even without SPF.
Common Myths about SPF Lip Balm
Myth 1: You don’t need SPF if it’s cloudy.
UV rays penetrate clouds, so protection is important!
Myth 2: Regular lipstick is SPF enough.
Most lipsticks do not have any SPF, and they do not protect you from UV rays.
Myth 3: Lip SPF is only needed for fair skin tones.
All skin tones can get sunburn and suffer long-term UV damage.
Just as your skin needs sun protection, so do your lips! With so many options for SPF lip balm, there’s no reason you should be dealing with sunburned, dry, chapped lips this summer. If you’re hiking, swimming, or taking a stroll outside – whichever activity you do this summer – you will want to have a proper lip balm on hand.
Find a lip balm that suits your needs, reapply often, and enjoy the sun! Your lips will appreciate it.
FAQs
Can I use regular sunscreen on my lips?
Probably not. Regular sunscreen may be too harsh, or you may not like the taste. It’s better to use SPF lip products that are intended for lips.
Are there tinted SPF lip balms?
There are! Some brands like COOLA and Fresh have SPF lip balms that have a very subtle tint.
How do I care for sunburned lips?
You will want to use a soothing lip balm with aloe vera or good old-fashioned petroleum jelly, stay out of the sun, and drink plenty of water.
Why do I need SPF on my lips?
The skin on your lips is incredibly thin and delicate, making it very susceptible to sunburns and UV damage. The use of SPF lip balm can help to protect against sunburns, dryness of the lips and skin cancer, especially lip cancer, which usually occurs on the lower lip from sun exposure.
What is the best level of SPF to protect my lips?
Dermatologists recommend SPF 15 minimum. If you’re going to be in the sun longer than 30 minutes or just enjoying a nice day outdoors, use a 30 or higher.
How often should I apply SPF lip balm?
You also want to reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after eating, drinking, swimming, or wiping your mouth. SPF is just like sunscreen applied to your skin, it wears off.
Can I use regular sunscreen on my lips?
A: It is not recommended. Regular sunscreen may be too thick, dry, and does not taste good. SPF lip balm is specifically designed to be safe, moisturizing and comfortable for the lips.
Are SPF lipsticks or balms safe to use on children?
Yes. Remember, many of these SPF lip balms are safe for children. You want to read the labels and use a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist tested lip balm especially for children with sensitive skin.
