Last Updated on October 27, 2026 by omgbart
SPF on your lips is one of those things that sounds obvious once someone points it out. Lip skin has no melanin, no sebaceous glands, and thins with age faster than almost anywhere else on the face. Standard lip balm does nothing to address UV exposure. An SPF lip balm does both jobs at once.
Why the best lip balms with SPF matter
For the longest time, I was a die-hard fan of the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment because, once upon a time, it offered SPF 15. But, for reasons unknown to me, the brand decided to reformulate this iconic product, turning it into nothing more than a glorified lip balm in a rainbow of colors that will either melt in your car or snap in half the moment you try to use it.
So, if you’re in the market for a luxurious lip balm that not only nourishes and soothes but also protects against both UVA and UVB, I’ve got a few picks below that are worth every penny.
Also, if you’re intrigued by the silver pouch above, check out my post on the WELLinsulated bags and why I’m such a fan (and why you should get one, too).
The Best Lip Balms with SPF
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
3% Avobenzone, 7.5% Octinoxate
Jack Black may be marketed as a men’s grooming brand, but let me tell you, they’ve nailed it when it comes to lip balm. This little tube of magic is formulated with SPF 25 and comes in a variety of mouth-watering scents (or flavors, because, yes, it’s going on your lips). My personal faves? Grapefruit & Ginger and Black Tea & Blackberry. But if those don’t excite you, there’s also Lemon & Shea Butter, Mint & Shea Butter, and Shea Butter & Vitamin E.
This balm not only heals cracked lips with its blend of plant butters and beeswax, but it also creates a protective shield with petrolatum, leaving your lips looking natural, with no shiny, sticky mess.
iS Clinical Liprotect SPF 35
10.2% Zinc Oxide, 1% Titanium Dioxide
The iS Clinical Liprotect SPF 35 might just be the perfect everyday lip sunscreen. It feels like a nourishing treatment but doubles as a sophisticated sunscreen for your lips. The solid stick formula is packed with Coconut Oil and Vitamin E to keep your lips soft and hydrated, while Elderberry Extract and Linoleic Acid offer an extra layer of protection against environmental stressors.
Plus, the all-mineral filters are completely transparent, so you don’t have to worry about any white cast. Just smooth, healthy-looking lips. And that cherry almond scent? It’s the cherry on top (literally).
One Skin OS-01 Lip SPF 15
5.5% Zinc Oxide
Huge surprise. Almost creamy, with a slight opaque iridescence that’s not glossy and not flat. Leaves lips feeling healthy, plump, conditioned. SPF is only 15+ (could be higher), but for a lip balm I actually want to reapply, that’s a fair trade-off.
Formula packs plant butters with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, cica, and ectoin, and the result is well-rounded and thoroughly impressive. Metal-tip applicator is a nice packaging touch.
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Balm SPF 20
4% Octinoxate, 3% Avobenzone
I was skeptical about trying this Elizabeth Arden lip balm in a tube, especially since I’m not a fan of the swivel stick version. But now? I’m a full-blown convert. This balm has a creamy, almost melt-into-your-lips texture that feels decadent without the weight or greasiness. Even better, there’s absolutely no scent (a relief, since the Eight Hour Cream aroma can be… polarizing).
It leaves a natural finish on your lips, and what I love most is how well it stays on. No need for constant reapplication here. I’m seriously impressed with this one, though some might find the price a bit steep.
Up to 20% off at Dermstore with code OMGBART.
Supergoop! PLAY SPF 30 Lip Balm
Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%
Supergoop built its reputation entirely on SPF formulas and the PLAY Lip Shield is the brand doing what it does best: making sun protection something you will actually use daily. The slanted tip applicator goes on smoothly, no drag, no white cast. The base is coconut oil, shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba, which gives it real conditioning performance rather than just a protective layer.
It comes in Mint, Coconut, and Strawberry. The Mint is the most wearable of the three as a daily option. It is also water-resistant for 80 minutes, which none of the other options on this list can claim, making it the strongest choice for outdoor use.
Up to 20% off at Dermstore with code OMGBART.
Bondi Sands Lip Balm with SPF 50+
Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Tinosorb S
A spontaneous pickup for this very roundup, and it’s close to perfect. It’s a true balm, almost pomade-like in texture, which is where the “almost” comes in: it can be thick and tricky to squeeze out if the tube’s been stored somewhere cool.
Everything else is a win. Semi-glossy finish, flavors that don’t taste too artificial, decent longevity on the lips, and soothing, nourishing wear alongside stellar UV protection.
Comes in five flavors, Toasted Coconut, Tropical Mango, Wild Strawberry, Sweet Vanilla, and Juicy Watermelon, and the price makes it easy to build out a full lip SPF rotation.
What did not make the cut
Also, I know you wanted to ask… I did try the Aquaphor lip balm with SPF, and let’s just say it was a hard pass (and I’m a huge fan of the Original Healing Ointment). Unfortunately, the other ones that did not make the cut were: Sun Bum both stick and balm (gross), Coola Liplux SPF Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30 (YIKES) and the EltaMD Lip Balm SPF 36 (I’m a huge fan of the UV Clear formulas for the face though).
SPF Lip Balm FAQ
What is the best SPF lip balm?
For everyday wear, my pick is the iS Clinical Liprotect SPF 35. It is all-mineral, fully transparent, and nourishing. If you want the highest protection, the Bondi Sands Lip Balm SPF 50+ is the one to get.
What SPF should a lip balm have?
Dermatologists generally recommend SPF 30 or higher for daily use. Lower SPFs still help, especially in a formula you enjoy wearing and will reapply often.
Is mineral or chemical SPF better for lips?
Both work. Mineral formulas with zinc oxide are a good choice for sensitive lips and tend to feel more like a treatment. Chemical filters usually feel lighter and leave no tint. The best one is the one you will reapply.
How often should you reapply SPF lip balm?
Every two hours in the sun, and every time you eat, drink, or swim. Lip balm wears off much faster than face sunscreen, so keep one in your pocket.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
