You Need to Protect Your Lips with SPF Daily
While most people understand the importance of applying sunscreen to their skin, often they forget one crucial area: their lips. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to skin cancers and a precancerous condition known as actinic cheilitis, often referred to as “sailor’s lips.” This condition can leave lips with rough, scaly patches. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Eileen Deignan emphasizes that continuous sun exposure can also damage the delicate skin barrier around your lips, causing signs of aging and discoloration.
To mitigate these risks, experts advocate for daily use of SPF lip balm. In our findings, dermatologists shared insights on how to select the most effective products, and we gathered a selection that has garnered praise from NBC Select editors.
Top SPF Lip Balms of 2026
Best Overall
Type: mineral | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: zinc oxide | Water resistance: no | Applicator: stick
Sun Bum’s mineral lip balm features zinc oxide, which acts as a physical barrier against UV rays. Additionally, it is formulated with sweet almond oil for hydration and does not leave a white cast on lips, making it both protective and aesthetically appealing.
Best High Coverage
Type: chemicals | SPF: 50 | Active ingredients: avobenzone, octocrylene, oxybenzone | Water resistance: yes | Applicator: stick
This setting spray boasts one of the highest SPF ratings available, combining avobenzone, octocrylene, and oxybenzone to provide exceptional sun protection. The addition of coconut oil ensures that lips remain moisturized and smooth, according to Dr. Jamie DeRosa, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Ideal for Chapped Lips
Type: chemicals | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: avobenzone | Water resistance: no | Applicator: stick
This Blistex lip balm offers SPF 30 protection while effectively hydrating lips, safeguarding them against wind and chapping, making it a great option for those seeking relief from dry, cracked lips.
Recommended for Dry Lips
Type: chemicals | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: avobenzone | Water resistance: yes | Applicator: tube
Aquaphor’s lip balm is enriched with avobenzone to provide water-resistance and rich hydration. This formula is designed to soothe dry lips effectively, ensuring they remain soft and comfortable throughout the day.
Best for Water Resistance
Type: mineral | SPF: 36 | Active ingredients: zinc oxide | Water resistance: yes | Applicator: tube
This product is highly regarded by dermatologists for its smooth application and effectiveness in blocking UV rays without leaving a noticeable white residue. It’s designed to protect and nourish lips with additional ingredients like glycerin.
Exceptional Moisturizing Properties
Type: chemicals | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Water resistance: yes | Applicator: stick
This SPF 30 lip balm contains expertly curated active ingredients to ensure both protection and hydration. Dr. DeRosa highlights its moisturizing properties, thanks to ingredients such as jojoba oil. There’s also a tinted version available for an added pop of color.
Best Flavor
Type: chemicals | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water resistance: yes | Applicator: stick
This creamy lip balm is infused with a delightful array of moisturizing ingredients. It stands out for its exceptional flavor profile that doesn’t leave a chemical aftertaste, making it a parent-approved choice for children as well.
Best Shades
Type: chemicals | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octosalate | Water resistance: Not applicable | Applicator: tube
This innovative balm offers a sheer tint while delivering effective sun protection and moisture. Reviewers rave about its high-shine finish, which closely resembles a gloss.
Best Lightweight Formula
Type: chemicals | SPF: 30 | Active ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate | Water resistance: no | Applicator: tube
Supergoop’s Play Lip Balm features avobenzone for optimal UV protection and a hydrating formula that softens lips. Available in two enticing flavors, acai and mint, it’s perfect for active lifestyles.
Best Gift Set
Type: chemicals | SPF: 45 | Active ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octosalate | Water resistance: no | Applicator: stick
This cost-effective set offers four enjoyable flavors, all with an impressive SPF of 45. Being oxybenzone-free makes it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, further enhancing its appeal.
Shopping Considerations for SPF Lip Balm
When selecting an SPF lip balm, it’s crucial to scrutinize the ingredients to ensure a product that combines sun protection with nourishing properties for your lips.
Understanding Sunscreen Ingredients
Look for lip balms with broad-spectrum SPF, indicating protection against both UVA and UVB rays. You can choose between chemical sunscreens, which absorb harmful rays, and mineral options that physically block them. Deignan recommends active ingredients such as avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone for chemical formulations. For mineral products, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are effective at preventing sunburn without leaving a chalky residue, as noted by DeRosa.
Essential Nourishing Ingredients
A high-quality SPF lip balm should also offer hydration. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, and honey can help combat dryness. Additionally, emollients such as shea butter and coconut oil soften lips, while squalane and vitamin E provide supplementary moisture and nourishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert Guidance on SPF Lip Balm
Consulting with industry professionals ensures you receive well-informed advice regarding your skincare choices. Dr. Jamie DeRosa, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and Dr. Eileen Deignan, a board-certified dermatologist, are both authorities in their fields.
Why Choose NBC Select?
As commerce editor at NBC Select and a seasoned journalist covering various topics, I garnered insights from leading experts to guide your purchasing decisions for SPF lip balm.
Bianca Alvarez contributed as a former associate reporter at NBC Select.
