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If there’s one place you simply do not need sun protection, it’s your tongue. (Well, unless you take a wide open mouth-breathing beach nap, of course.) But most lip sunscreens, with their infamous and aggressive SPF flavor, would make you believe otherwise. Lucky for you, I’ve made it my life’s purpose to try practically every lip sunscreen out there in order to find the ones that don’t turn every outdoor meal into an objectively terrible experience. As someone who cares a lot about sun protection and is also in a deep love affair with food, this mission is an important one.
Ahead, six SPF-fortified lip balms that I’ve tried and loved, from brands like Supergoop, Everyday Humans, and Kinfield. The best part? None of ‘em will kill the vibe of your lunch al fresco with a bitter aftertaste.
Why Lip SPF Is Important
I know what you’re thinking…. lip SPF, really? Well, your lips are one of the most sun-vulnerable areas of your face and also one of the most overlooked. Unlike the rest of your skin, lips don’t contain melanin, the pigment that helps protect against UV damage. That means they burn faster, age quicker, and are more prone to long-term sun damage if left unprotected.
On top of that, repeated sun exposure on the lips can lead to dryness, discoloration, premature fine lines, and in more serious cases, even precancerous cells. Fun fact (or not-so-fun): the lower lip is one of the most common places dermatologists spot sun-related skin cancers.
Using an SPF lip balm daily (yes, even when it’s cloudy, freezing, or you’re “just running errands”) helps shield this delicate skin from harmful UV rays. And because lip balm wears off quickly when you eat, drink, or talk, reapplying a broad-spectrum SPF 30 formula throughout the day is key. The good news? Protecting your lips no longer means suffering through a chalky texture or a bitter aftertaste.
What Makes A Good SPF Lip Balm?
When shopping for SPF lip balms, here’s what actually matters:
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect delicate lip skin
- No bitter or chemical aftertaste (the dealbreaker)
- Hydrating ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, or aloe
- A comfortable texture that doesn’t feel gritty or sticky
Every pick below checks those boxes
Best Overall SPF Lip Balm:
Best For: Everyday wear, dry lips, and people who hate the taste of SPF
This adorably-branded, pocket-sized lip balm from Everyday Humans came across my desk last year, and I’ve used it so frequently that the label has worn off. It goes in every bag, and I even have a back-up. It feels buttery smooth and has a slight mojito flavor (yum!). It’s mineral SPF-based, so if you swipe it on too thick, things can get a little ghastly, but all you need to do is rub your lips together and the problem is solved. I’ve found that a lot of traditional SPF balms dry out my lips even more, but this actively heals parched lips with ingredients like blue agave, avocado butter, and vitamin E. I can’t emphasize enough how much I think you should buy this.
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Best Chemical SPF Lip Balm:
Best for: Gloss lovers, brunch dates, polished daytime looks
Everyone loves Supergoop—and for good reason. The brand makes using sunscreen playful and fun. I was pleasantly surprised by this minty lip balm, which swipes on like a gloss. It contains clean chemical SPF filters like avobenzone and octocrylene, plus moisturizing oils. I keep it in my bag when I’m heading to brunch or a daytime date, as it has a more elegant finish than my other go-to balms.
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Best Hybrid SPF Lip Balm:
Best for: Minimalists, sensitive skin, matte finishes
I keep my medicine cabinet fully stocked with EltaMD’s sunscreen, because few can make zinc-based SPF magic happen with zero white cast. This UV Lip Balm is no different. It glides on and sinks in quickly and has a matte look. It uses mineral and chemical UV filters: Zinc oxide and octinoxate. The only downside I’ve noticed is that when my lips are a little chapped, this can accentuate the fine lines and dry skin.
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Best Flavored SPF Lip Balm:
Best for: Flavor lovers, nostalgia vibes, budget-friendly protection
The way I describe Vacation’s Lip Desserts is that they’re like Lipsmackers with actually helpful ingredients and added SPF 30 sun protection. I can’t get enough of the sticky sweet, whimsical flavors—especially Pineapple Upside Down-Cake, which is almost like a pina colada. The flavor and scent mask the SPF taste, and each balm is formulated with soothing aloe vera and nourishing shea butter. For five bucks, you can’t beat it, my friends.
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Best SPF Lip Balm For Sensitive Lips:
Best for: Everyday wear, beach days, sensitive lips
This pocket-sized lip balm from Sun Bum is my new go-to for sun protection, and with the warm weather approaching, it’s been living in every bag I own. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and loaded with SPF 30 protection, making it a must-have for all your outdoor adventures. The smooth coconut flavor is a treat, and it glides on like butter, but be sure to apply liberally about 15 minutes before heading out into the sun, and reapply throughout the day. It’s mineral-based, so while it might feel a little thick at first, just rub your lips together, and the problem is solved. Unlike most SPF balms that dry out my lips, this one actively heals them thanks to nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, and argan oil. Plus, it’s made without parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your lips. I’ve even got a back-up on hand because I can’t get enough of it. Trust me, this is one you don’t want to miss!
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SPF Lip Balm FAQs
Do lips really need SPF?
100%. Lips have thinner skin and less melanin than the rest of your face, making them more vulnerable to sun damage and burns.
What SPF is best for lip balm?
Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher for lips, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
Why do SPF lip balms taste bad?
Many sunscreens contain chemical UV filters that leave a bitter residue. Flavoring, mineral formulas, or hybrid SPFs can help reduce that taste. Try the six on our list!
How often should you reapply SPF lip balm?
Every two hours or more often if you’re eating, drinking, or swimming.
Why You Should Trust Us
At The Quality Edit, our editors test products the same way you use them - IRL, repeatedly, and with high standards. This roundup was written by Sarah Madaus, who personally tested each SPF lip balm in real-life scenarios (yes, including outdoor meals) to ensure they deliver protection without the dreaded sunscreen aftertaste. We only recommend products we’d buy ourselves.
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