Verwell Health / Kristin Kempa
Though you may be in the habit of wearing lip balm daily to prevent chapped lips, using a lip balm with SPF when you spend time outdoors is a simple but effective way to boost your sunscreen habits. In fact, using sun protection on your lips may even be more important than other areas.Jill Salyards, MD, board-certified dermatologist and owner of Refine Dermatology, a private practice in Knoxville, Tennessee, says that it’s equally as important to protect the lips as we do the rest of the body, especially since it’s a popular spot for skin cancer and that itsafeguards against sunburns, skin aging, and skin cancer.Everyone should wear it regardless of pigmentation or skin type, according to theAmerican Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
We tested 10 of the most popular sunscreen-enhanced lip products to find the best SPF lip balms. Our editors—of all age ranges, skin types, and experience levels with SPF makeup—evaluated them for two weeks. We paid close attention to eachSPF lip balm’s feel, hydration level, overall look, and value.Then, we had a dermatologist from ourMedical Expert Boardreview this article for accuracy.
What SPF is Best for Lips?
Sun protection factor(SPF) refers to how long UV rays would take to redden your skin when using the product as directed compared to without it, according to theSkin Cancer Foundation. SPF starts at as low as 6 and can reach as high as 100, butsomewhere in the middleis where you want to be, with SPF 15 generally being the minimum recommendation. The AAD recommends choosing SPF products withSPF 30 or higher. A sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage is also ideal as it protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Types of SPF Lip Balms
Aanand Geria, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Verona, New Jersey, suggests looking for ingredients like vitamin E and shea butter to moisturize lips as well.
Our Top PicksBest Overall:Nivea Smoothness Lip Care at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest Drugstore:Aquaphor Lip Protectant & Ointment at Amazon$5Jump to ReviewBest Moisturizing:Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest All-Day Wear:EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 at Amazon$19Jump to ReviewBest Tinted:MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30 at Amazon$25Jump to ReviewBest Gloss:Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest Lip Plumper:Sunnie Skin Plump It Lips at Sunnieskin.comJump to ReviewBest Water-Resistant :Eos SPF Coconut Lip Balm at Amazon$10Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:Nivea Smoothness Lip Care at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest Drugstore:Aquaphor Lip Protectant & Ointment at Amazon$5Jump to ReviewBest Moisturizing:Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm at Amazon$10Jump to ReviewBest All-Day Wear:EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 at Amazon$19Jump to ReviewBest Tinted:MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30 at Amazon$25Jump to ReviewBest Gloss:Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 at Amazon$16Jump to ReviewBest Lip Plumper:Sunnie Skin Plump It Lips at Sunnieskin.comJump to ReviewBest Water-Resistant :Eos SPF Coconut Lip Balm at Amazon$10Jump to Review
Best Overall:Nivea Smoothness Lip Care at Amazon$10Jump to Review
Best Overall:Nivea Smoothness Lip Care at Amazon$10
Best Overall:
Best Drugstore:Aquaphor Lip Protectant & Ointment at Amazon$5Jump to Review
Best Drugstore:Aquaphor Lip Protectant & Ointment at Amazon$5
Best Drugstore:
Best Moisturizing:Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm at Amazon$10Jump to Review
Best Moisturizing:Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm at Amazon$10
Best Moisturizing:
Best All-Day Wear:EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 at Amazon$19Jump to Review
Best All-Day Wear:EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 at Amazon$19
Best All-Day Wear:
Best Tinted:MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30 at Amazon$25Jump to Review
Best Tinted:MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30 at Amazon$25
Best Tinted:
Best Gloss:Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 at Amazon$16Jump to Review
Best Gloss:Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 at Amazon$16
Best Gloss:
Best Lip Plumper:Sunnie Skin Plump It Lips at Sunnieskin.comJump to Review
Best Lip Plumper:Sunnie Skin Plump It Lips at Sunnieskin.com
Best Lip Plumper:
Best Water-Resistant :Eos SPF Coconut Lip Balm at Amazon$10Jump to Review
Best Water-Resistant :Eos SPF Coconut Lip Balm at Amazon$10
Best Water-Resistant :
Best OverallNivea Smoothness Lip CarePHOTO: Walmart$10 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$6 at CVS
Best OverallNivea Smoothness Lip Care
Best Overall
Nivea Smoothness Lip Care
PHOTO: Walmart
$10 at Amazon$7 at Walmart$6 at CVS
ProsGreat scentVelvety consistencyOil freeConsMoisturizer doesn’t deeply penetrate
ProsGreat scentVelvety consistencyOil free
Great scent
Velvety consistency
Oil free
ConsMoisturizer doesn’t deeply penetrate
Moisturizer doesn’t deeply penetrate
Key Specs:
Active Ingredients:Shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil |Size:0.17 oz |SPF:15 |Broad Spectrum:Yes
Why We Recommend It
TheNivea Smoothness Lip Care SPF lip balmwasvelvety smooth, moisturizing, andsmelled divinethroughout our testing process, so making this our best overall SPF lip balm was easy. We found ourselves reapplying this lip balm because we couldn’t get enough of its moisturizing qualities thanks to the key ingredients:shea butter, jojoba oil, and avocado oil. Shea butter helpsretain moistureand containsantioxidantsvitamins E and A,which are effective at relieving dry skin, soothing irritation, and preventing cell damage. Thejojoba oilreduces the look of fine lines,while theavocado oilandbroad spectrum SPFformula help protect your lips from sun damage.
Keep in Mind
We found the consistency to be slightly tacky, though this doesn’t subtract from feeling comfortable on the lips. Our editors also found the taste of sunscreen to come through when eating or drinking.
Best DrugstoreAquaphor Lip Protectant & OintmentPHOTO: Amazon$5 at Amazon$6 at Iherb$6 at Ulta
Best DrugstoreAquaphor Lip Protectant & Ointment
Best Drugstore
Aquaphor Lip Protectant & Ointment
PHOTO: Amazon
$5 at Amazon$6 at Iherb$6 at Ulta
ProsPrice point is budget-friendlySoothes chapped lips with petrolatumComes in a larger size than most other optionsConsPetrolatum-based products can feel greasyMay bleed outside of the lip line
ProsPrice point is budget-friendlySoothes chapped lips with petrolatumComes in a larger size than most other options
Price point is budget-friendly
Soothes chapped lips with petrolatum
Comes in a larger size than most other options
ConsPetrolatum-based products can feel greasyMay bleed outside of the lip line
Petrolatum-based products can feel greasy
May bleed outside of the lip line
Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone |Size:0.35 fl oz |SPF:30 |Broad Spectrum:Yes
Sunscreen is meant to be reapplied frequently, so you may run out and make repeat purchases. This can be costly, but SPF lip balm doesn’t have to be expensive.Aquaphor’s Lip Repair Lip Balm with Sunscreencan be found at most drugstores, making it available at drugstore prices.It isless expensivethan our other picks and comes in a larger tube so that it will last longer. What’s more, during testing, we found that a little goes a long way andlasts for hoursbefore needing to be reapplied.
The first ingredient, however, is petrolatum—an occlusive ingredient that’s effective at trapping moisturebut is notorious for leaving a greasy residue. Also, our editor with dry skin found it a little sticky and noticed it bled outside the lip line but enjoyed the product’s hydration properties nonetheless.
Best MoisturizingJack Black Intense Therapy Lip BalmPHOTO: Amazon$10 at Amazon$18 at Walmart$19$17 at WalmartProsLayerable with other lip productsStrong staying powerWithout a shiny finish, it’s hardly detectable on the lipsConsHas a somewhat tacky consistencyContains added flavorsKey Specs:Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, octinoxate |Size:0.25 oz |SPF:25 |Broad Spectrum:YesWhy We Recommend ItAs its name suggests, theJack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balmis extremely moisturizing, thanks to theshea butter and avocado oil.Avacado oil is great atmoisturizing and repairing skinand protecting it from UV damage.During testing, we found this lip balmvery moisturizing—enough to withstand the winds in New York that would otherwise result in dry, chapped lips.This lip balm is a sound choice for someone not specifically looking for SPF makeup. Its finish is much more discreet and doesn’t show much evidence you’re wearing anything at all. Itcan be layeredunder makeup, and our editors found it best suited for protection against the elements, like a sunny, windy day at the park.Keep in MindWe found that it felt a bit tacky at times, which didn’t feel the best on our lips.
Best MoisturizingJack Black Intense Therapy Lip BalmPHOTO: Amazon$10 at Amazon$18 at Walmart$19$17 at Walmart
Best MoisturizingJack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm
Best Moisturizing
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm
$10 at Amazon$18 at Walmart$19$17 at Walmart
ProsLayerable with other lip productsStrong staying powerWithout a shiny finish, it’s hardly detectable on the lipsConsHas a somewhat tacky consistencyContains added flavors
ProsLayerable with other lip productsStrong staying powerWithout a shiny finish, it’s hardly detectable on the lips
Layerable with other lip products
Strong staying power
Without a shiny finish, it’s hardly detectable on the lips
ConsHas a somewhat tacky consistencyContains added flavors
Has a somewhat tacky consistency
Contains added flavors
Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, octinoxate |Size:0.25 oz |SPF:25 |Broad Spectrum:Yes
As its name suggests, theJack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balmis extremely moisturizing, thanks to theshea butter and avocado oil.Avacado oil is great atmoisturizing and repairing skinand protecting it from UV damage.During testing, we found this lip balmvery moisturizing—enough to withstand the winds in New York that would otherwise result in dry, chapped lips.
This lip balm is a sound choice for someone not specifically looking for SPF makeup. Its finish is much more discreet and doesn’t show much evidence you’re wearing anything at all. Itcan be layeredunder makeup, and our editors found it best suited for protection against the elements, like a sunny, windy day at the park.
We found that it felt a bit tacky at times, which didn’t feel the best on our lips.
Best All-Day WearEltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36PHOTO: EltaMD$19 at AmazonView on Eltamd.comProsHighest SPF on our listCombines chemical and mineral sunscreen filtersWater-resistant for up to 80 minutesConsIt goes on white, so you need to rub it inIt can feel heavy on the lipsKey Specs:Active Ingredients:Octinoxate, zinc oxide |Size:0.28 oz |SPF:36 |Broad Spectrum:YesWhy We Recommend ItReplication won’t be necessary withEltaMD UV SPF Lip Balm.This pick is great for all-day wear because itprotects your skinagainst harmful sun damage due to zinc oxide, a common ingredient in sun protection andis super hydrating(so much so we felt we could use it as an overnight lip mask).Glycerin, a humectant, draws in moisture from the environment to further moisturize the skin while helping wounds heal faster and protecting the skin from irritants.We didn’t need to reapply constantly for the hydrating benefits, though you may want to add another layer if you’ve been in the sun for some time. If you’re looking for maximum sun protection and moisture, you’ll like this formula.Keep in MindOur editor with combination skin found the formula to be on the heavier side and noticed a slight white cast that improved when rubbed in. If you prefer lightweight products or have oily skin, you may find it too heavy-duty.
Best All-Day WearEltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36PHOTO: EltaMD$19 at AmazonView on Eltamd.com
Best All-Day WearEltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36
Best All-Day Wear
EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36
PHOTO: EltaMD
$19 at AmazonView on Eltamd.com
ProsHighest SPF on our listCombines chemical and mineral sunscreen filtersWater-resistant for up to 80 minutesConsIt goes on white, so you need to rub it inIt can feel heavy on the lips
ProsHighest SPF on our listCombines chemical and mineral sunscreen filtersWater-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Highest SPF on our list
Combines chemical and mineral sunscreen filters
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
ConsIt goes on white, so you need to rub it inIt can feel heavy on the lips
It goes on white, so you need to rub it in
It can feel heavy on the lips
Active Ingredients:Octinoxate, zinc oxide |Size:0.28 oz |SPF:36 |Broad Spectrum:Yes
Replication won’t be necessary withEltaMD UV SPF Lip Balm.This pick is great for all-day wear because itprotects your skinagainst harmful sun damage due to zinc oxide, a common ingredient in sun protection andis super hydrating(so much so we felt we could use it as an overnight lip mask).Glycerin, a humectant, draws in moisture from the environment to further moisturize the skin while helping wounds heal faster and protecting the skin from irritants.
We didn’t need to reapply constantly for the hydrating benefits, though you may want to add another layer if you’ve been in the sun for some time. If you’re looking for maximum sun protection and moisture, you’ll like this formula.
Our editor with combination skin found the formula to be on the heavier side and noticed a slight white cast that improved when rubbed in. If you prefer lightweight products or have oily skin, you may find it too heavy-duty.
Best TintedMDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30PHOTO: Amazon$25 at Amazon$25 at TargetView on Mdsolarsciences.comProsVegan-friendly formulaComes in multiple shadesContains hyaluronic acid and antioxidantsConsNot as moisturizing as other optionsTinted shades are subtle but buildableKey Specs:Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate |Size:0.15 oz |SPF:30 |Broad Spectrum:YesWhy We Recommend ItIf you’re looking for an SPF lip balm that combines the sun protection of sunscreen, hydration of lip balm, and color payoff of lipstick, this is it. TheMDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balmis our pick for the best tinted SPF lip balm.It’s more lipstick than lip balm but is jam-packed with skincare-like ingredients to protect and nourish your lips, such asshea butter, avocado oil, andolive butter(which is great at healing skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties).It useschemical sunscreen filtersto stave off UV rays, whilehyaluronic acidimproves skin hydration. It also containsplant oilsforintense hydrationand antioxidants likevitamins C and Eto protect you from environmental damage.We found it to be comparable to a lip tint, and it didn’t have to be reapplied as often as other SPF makeup we’ve used to get the same dose of hydration.Keep in MindIt wasn’t moisturizing enough to soothe dryness so you may want to find another product to layer with it that does. We also noticed the tinted shades are more subtle and on the natural side, so it may not completely replace your favorite lipstick.
Best TintedMDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30PHOTO: Amazon$25 at Amazon$25 at TargetView on Mdsolarsciences.com
Best TintedMDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30
Best Tinted
MDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30
$25 at Amazon$25 at TargetView on Mdsolarsciences.com
ProsVegan-friendly formulaComes in multiple shadesContains hyaluronic acid and antioxidantsConsNot as moisturizing as other optionsTinted shades are subtle but buildable
ProsVegan-friendly formulaComes in multiple shadesContains hyaluronic acid and antioxidants
Vegan-friendly formula
Comes in multiple shades
Contains hyaluronic acid and antioxidants
ConsNot as moisturizing as other optionsTinted shades are subtle but buildable
Not as moisturizing as other options
Tinted shades are subtle but buildable
Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate |Size:0.15 oz |SPF:30 |Broad Spectrum:Yes
If you’re looking for an SPF lip balm that combines the sun protection of sunscreen, hydration of lip balm, and color payoff of lipstick, this is it. TheMDSolarSciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balmis our pick for the best tinted SPF lip balm.It’s more lipstick than lip balm but is jam-packed with skincare-like ingredients to protect and nourish your lips, such asshea butter, avocado oil, andolive butter(which is great at healing skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties).It useschemical sunscreen filtersto stave off UV rays, whilehyaluronic acidimproves skin hydration. It also containsplant oilsforintense hydrationand antioxidants likevitamins C and Eto protect you from environmental damage.
We found it to be comparable to a lip tint, and it didn’t have to be reapplied as often as other SPF makeup we’ve used to get the same dose of hydration.
It wasn’t moisturizing enough to soothe dryness so you may want to find another product to layer with it that does. We also noticed the tinted shades are more subtle and on the natural side, so it may not completely replace your favorite lipstick.
Best GlossCay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30PHOTO: Cayskin$16 at Amazon$16 at SephoraProsComes in a large quantityNoticeably hydrates dry lipsShea butter softens and moisturizesConsMild sunscreen flavorYour hair may get stuck to itKey Specs:Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate |Size:0.35 oz |SPF:30 |Broad Spectrum:YesWhy We Recommend ItTheCay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30is the middle ground between SPF and lip oil. That’s why we picked it for the best SPF lip gloss (slash balm). It has a glossy finish, making it more like a lip gloss than a lip balm—but we lovedthis product. It containsvitamin E, shea butter, sea moss(which is known for being packed with ingredients like zinc, potassium, and phosphorus, which are all essential minerals), and aloe (boosts collagen production)—all of whichsoothe and moisturizelips (including sensitive ones).While some lip glosses can leave your lips thirsting for more, this onequenches dry lips.We didn’t feel the urge to reapply, though you should habitually reapply SPF if you’re outdoors. It rescued our editor’s chapped lips, leaving themsoft and suppleeven after eating and drinking. We tested the clear version, but it’s also available in multiple tinted versions.Keep in MindIt had a slight stickiness to it, which may not be ideal for some people.
Best GlossCay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30PHOTO: Cayskin$16 at Amazon$16 at Sephora
Best GlossCay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30
Best Gloss
Cay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30
PHOTO: Cayskin
$16 at Amazon$16 at Sephora
ProsComes in a large quantityNoticeably hydrates dry lipsShea butter softens and moisturizesConsMild sunscreen flavorYour hair may get stuck to it
ProsComes in a large quantityNoticeably hydrates dry lipsShea butter softens and moisturizes
Comes in a large quantity
Noticeably hydrates dry lips
Shea butter softens and moisturizes
ConsMild sunscreen flavorYour hair may get stuck to it
Mild sunscreen flavor
Your hair may get stuck to it
Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate |Size:0.35 oz |SPF:30 |Broad Spectrum:Yes
TheCay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30is the middle ground between SPF and lip oil. That’s why we picked it for the best SPF lip gloss (slash balm). It has a glossy finish, making it more like a lip gloss than a lip balm—but we lovedthis product. It containsvitamin E, shea butter, sea moss(which is known for being packed with ingredients like zinc, potassium, and phosphorus, which are all essential minerals), and aloe (boosts collagen production)—all of whichsoothe and moisturizelips (including sensitive ones).
While some lip glosses can leave your lips thirsting for more, this onequenches dry lips.We didn’t feel the urge to reapply, though you should habitually reapply SPF if you’re outdoors. It rescued our editor’s chapped lips, leaving themsoft and suppleeven after eating and drinking. We tested the clear version, but it’s also available in multiple tinted versions.
It had a slight stickiness to it, which may not be ideal for some people.
Best Lip PlumperSunnie Skin Plump It LipsPHOTO: Sunnie SkinView on Sunnieskin.comProsGives lips a fuller appearanceContains ceramides and peptides for anti-aging benefitsApplicator sponge is easy to apply on the goConsSmallest size on our listSteep price tagHas a tingling sensation on skin outside of lipsKey Specs:Active Ingredients:Homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, avobenzone |Size:0.14 oz |SPF:30 |Broad Spectrum:YesWhy We Recommend ItIt contains the typical sunscreen filters you’d find in your standard SPF product, but it’s also packed withanti-aging ingredientslike ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide. These ingredients, combined, work toreduce fine wrinkles, promote collagen growth, andfight hyperpigmentation.It felt thick and tacky during testing—but in a good way. In the middle of winter, you want a thick layer ofprotection and moisture, and this product delivers. According to our editor with dry skin, this lip plumperbanished flakinessand delivered plump and gorgeous lips as promised. As to be expected with any lip plumper, we found this lip balm to be quite tingly. This could be attributed topeppermintandspearmint essential oils.Keep in MindOur editor who doesn’t usually have sensitive skin noticed some redness on areas of skin where this product bled outside of the lip line.
Best Lip PlumperSunnie Skin Plump It LipsPHOTO: Sunnie SkinView on Sunnieskin.com
Best Lip PlumperSunnie Skin Plump It Lips
Best Lip Plumper
Sunnie Skin Plump It Lips
PHOTO: Sunnie Skin
View on Sunnieskin.com
ProsGives lips a fuller appearanceContains ceramides and peptides for anti-aging benefitsApplicator sponge is easy to apply on the goConsSmallest size on our listSteep price tagHas a tingling sensation on skin outside of lips
ProsGives lips a fuller appearanceContains ceramides and peptides for anti-aging benefitsApplicator sponge is easy to apply on the go
Gives lips a fuller appearance
Contains ceramides and peptides for anti-aging benefits
Applicator sponge is easy to apply on the go
ConsSmallest size on our listSteep price tagHas a tingling sensation on skin outside of lips
Smallest size on our list
Steep price tag
Has a tingling sensation on skin outside of lips
Active Ingredients:Homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, avobenzone |Size:0.14 oz |SPF:30 |Broad Spectrum:Yes
It contains the typical sunscreen filters you’d find in your standard SPF product, but it’s also packed withanti-aging ingredientslike ceramides, peptides, and niacinamide. These ingredients, combined, work toreduce fine wrinkles, promote collagen growth, andfight hyperpigmentation.
It felt thick and tacky during testing—but in a good way. In the middle of winter, you want a thick layer ofprotection and moisture, and this product delivers. According to our editor with dry skin, this lip plumperbanished flakinessand delivered plump and gorgeous lips as promised. As to be expected with any lip plumper, we found this lip balm to be quite tingly. This could be attributed topeppermintandspearmint essential oils.
Our editor who doesn’t usually have sensitive skin noticed some redness on areas of skin where this product bled outside of the lip line.
Best Water-ResistantEos SPF Coconut Lip BalmPHOTO: Amazon$10 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on Evolutionofsmooth.comProsAll naturalHypoallergenicConsThicker consistencyKey Specs:Active Ingredients:Beeswax, sunflower oil |Size:0.14 oz |SPF:30 |Broad Spectrum:YesWhy We Recommend ItIf you’re heading to the beach or the pool, the last thing you want to do is constantly reapply your SPF lip balm whenever you get wet. Our pick for the best water-resistant SPF lip balm is theEOS SPF 30 Lip Balm. During testing, we saw that the lip balm stayed securely on our lips even after drinking liquids all day. Thestaying powermakes us confident that it’s a great choice for swimming or participating in water sports.Beeswax, one of the active ingredients in the lip balm, creates aprotectant layeron the lips. It sucks in moisture while the sunflower oil hydrates the skin.At first, this product seemed a little underwhelming, but we couldn’t ignore theinstant hydrationthat we felt. Over time, our lips appeared healthier, and at the end of the test, we noticed that consistent re-application benefited the long-term health of our lips. It has a tropical scent that isn’t overpowering.Keep in MindIt has a thicker consistency, which may feel uncomfortable for some people.
Best Water-ResistantEos SPF Coconut Lip BalmPHOTO: Amazon$10 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on Evolutionofsmooth.com
Best Water-ResistantEos SPF Coconut Lip Balm
Best Water-Resistant
Eos SPF Coconut Lip Balm
$10 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on Evolutionofsmooth.com
ProsAll naturalHypoallergenicConsThicker consistency
ProsAll naturalHypoallergenic
All natural
Hypoallergenic
ConsThicker consistency
Thicker consistency
Active Ingredients:Beeswax, sunflower oil |Size:0.14 oz |SPF:30 |Broad Spectrum:Yes
If you’re heading to the beach or the pool, the last thing you want to do is constantly reapply your SPF lip balm whenever you get wet. Our pick for the best water-resistant SPF lip balm is theEOS SPF 30 Lip Balm. During testing, we saw that the lip balm stayed securely on our lips even after drinking liquids all day. Thestaying powermakes us confident that it’s a great choice for swimming or participating in water sports.
Beeswax, one of the active ingredients in the lip balm, creates aprotectant layeron the lips. It sucks in moisture while the sunflower oil hydrates the skin.At first, this product seemed a little underwhelming, but we couldn’t ignore theinstant hydrationthat we felt. Over time, our lips appeared healthier, and at the end of the test, we noticed that consistent re-application benefited the long-term health of our lips. It has a tropical scent that isn’t overpowering.
It has a thicker consistency, which may feel uncomfortable for some people.
We Also Tested
How We Tested the SPF Lip Balms
Concluding whether we recommend a product requires long-term testing. We tested the look and feel of 27 SPF lip balms inThe Verywell Testing Laband at home over a two-week period. To put the best SPF lip balms to the test, 21 of our editors applied and assessed one or more products each. We consider our skin types, our lip’s natural conditions and struggles, and the weather conditions around us, all impacting how lip balms perform. For optimal sun protection, we narrowed down our choices to those with SPF 25 or higher and broad-spectrum coverage to align with theCDC’s recommendationsfor choosing sunscreen based on the following:
What to Look For in Lip Balms With SPF
Our Experts
We consulted the following two dermatologists during the research and writing of this article on the best lip balms with SPF:
Frequently Asked QuestionsSunscreen is safe to use on lips, though some SPF products may be better than others. Salyards says that you can use regular sunscreen on the lips, but the texture may feel weird and it may not be as long-lasting as a balm made for the lips. They also note that a lip balm with SPF is likely a better choice since it’s less likely to dry or irritate the lips.Lip balm with SPF should be at least SPF 15, but SPF 30 or higher is even better. Higher SPF indicates higher protection from UV rays. To protect against both UVA and UVB rays, choose an SPF lip balm with broad-spectrum coverage.Lip balms with SPF should be reapplied frequently—as often as you reapply sunscreen to your face and body. While the general recommendation is to reapply SPF every two hours, you may need to reapply more frequently if swimming or sweating. Even water-resistant sunscreens wear off quickly when immersed in water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sunscreen is safe to use on lips, though some SPF products may be better than others. Salyards says that you can use regular sunscreen on the lips, but the texture may feel weird and it may not be as long-lasting as a balm made for the lips. They also note that a lip balm with SPF is likely a better choice since it’s less likely to dry or irritate the lips.
Lip balm with SPF should be at least SPF 15, but SPF 30 or higher is even better. Higher SPF indicates higher protection from UV rays. To protect against both UVA and UVB rays, choose an SPF lip balm with broad-spectrum coverage.
Lip balms with SPF should be reapplied frequently—as often as you reapply sunscreen to your face and body. While the general recommendation is to reapply SPF every two hours, you may need to reapply more frequently if swimming or sweating. Even water-resistant sunscreens wear off quickly when immersed in water.
Why Trust Verywell Health
Lacey Muinosis a health and wellness writer with a speciality in skin health and sun care. After interviewing dozens of board-certified dermatologists, she has developed a deep understanding of how optimal sun protection prevents sunburns, sun damage, and skin cancer. Now, she uses an SPF lip balm every time she goes outside.
Sunscreen 101: A Complete Guide to Avoiding Sunburns
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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