Nourish and Protect Your Lips With the 18 Best Lip Balms With SPF, According to Our Editors (2024)

TL;DR

We’re giving top honors to the mega creamySun 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 theMD 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 theBanana 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.

Our Top Picks

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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 thatthe 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQ

• Is it safe to use lip balm with SPF?

  Generally, yes. There is some evidence to suggest adverse effects from certain sunscreen ingredients, like homosalate, and PABA, but other studies have found no evidence of harm. If you're concerned about any potential health risks, pick a lip balm that contains mineral sunscreen like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of a chemical sunscreen.

• Does lip balm with SPF expire?

  Like all lip balms (and beauty products), lip balms with SPF do expire. Generally, it's a good idea to toss your SPF-containing lip balm after a year and replace it with a new one.

• Is SPF lip balm necessary?

  Yes, according to dermatologists. Lips are susceptible to the same kind of damage and premature aging caused by the sun as the rest of your skin. Also, because they are thinner than the skin on other parts of the body, they can be even more vulnerable to the sun's rays.

• How often should I reapply it?

  Just like you would reapply sunscreen on the rest of your face, your lip balm with SPF should be reapplied every two hours.And if you're looking for extra protection on other areas of your face, keep in mind there are all types of makeup products with SPF you can use in addition to sunscreen.