How To Prevent Chapped Lips And A Sun-Burnt Pout
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THE BEST LIP BALMS WITH SPF FOR GIVING YOUR POUT THE PROTECTION IT NEEDS IN THE SUMMER
SPF is a non-negotiable step in any daily skincare routine. We're sure you've heard your dermatologist say it a million times, but you really should be wearing SPF every single day. We know it's easy to skip the sunscreen—after all, it gets quite a bad rap for leaving behind its greasy residue and unmistakable scent that lingers even after several spritzes of perfume. But trust us: you don't want to go without it, especially as we get deeper into the hot and sunny months ahead. However, while we heavily advocate for allover sunscreen application, there's one area of the body that's just as important but doesn't always get the love it needs: your lips.
Lips are a thinner, much more sensitive part of the face, and they're extremely susceptible to sunburns (ouch!). Yet, they are one of the most neglected parts of the body when it comes to sunscreen application. Experts say that forgetting to apply SPF to the lips can lead to painful burns, sunspots, skin cancer, and premature aging—yikes. Fortunately, you need not slather your daily sunscreen all over your mouth—a tortuous and unnecessary route. Instead, just apply an SPF-packed lip balm. These simple yet effective formulas will keep your lips hydrated, soft, and protected. And as luck would have it, the protective lip balm options of today are so versatile, you'll probably forget you're even wearing one—we're talking everything from subtle splashes of color to reef-safe finds perfect for your beach bag. Ahead, we've rounded up all that and more in our list of the Top 10 SPF-packed lip balms on the web. Scroll ahead to shop the formulas that deserve a spot in your beauty bag this summer and every season after that too.
Our Method For Finding The Best Lip Balms With SPF
To find the best lip balms with SPF, we turned to our data-driven algorithm. This unique tool scours the internet in search of rave reviews, social media buzz, editorial mentions, and bestseller lists to rank and curate our Top 10 lists. What does this mean for you? An easy-to-shop edit of the very best lip balms with SPF that money can buy. From hydrating formulas that deliver plenty of protection to options that shine as much as your favorite lip gloss, scroll ahead to shop the products that made the cut.
Next up, check out our 10 Best Facial Sunscreens for more sun-safe finds. Opening image: amazon.com
April 6, 2021
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Aquaphor Lip Protectant And Sunscreen Ointment
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
WHAT IT DOES: This broad-spectrum SPF 30 lip balm works to repair and protect dry, chapped lips while providing adequate protection against UVA and UVB rays.
THINGS TO KNOW: Formulated with skin-loving vitamins and shea butter, this lip protectant will provide you with hours of moisture to keep your lips soft and healthy.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Balm
MOISTURIZING
WHAT IT DOES: With nourishing shea butter, this ultra-moisturizing formula works to seal in hydration to prevent and protect chapped, cracked, and wind-burned lips.
RAVE REVIEW: "I feel like I never want to use another lip balm again. I've been using one from Burt's Bees, and it would leave a white residue on my lips or settle into the dry areas. I'd also have to reapply it like every hour. When I use Palmer's, it doesn't do that, and my lips are moisturized for long periods of time. This is great for when I'm wearing lipstick and don't want to constantly take it off, put on lip balm, and reapply. Also, the smell is amazing! It smells like cookies."
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant
LONG-LASTING
WHAT IT DOES: Formulated with SPF 15 and healing ingredients like lanolin, beeswax, and vitamin E, this lip protectant locks in the ideal balance of moisture and sun protection.
BEAUTY HACK: Apply this lip protectant cream before bedtime. It'll give you eight hours of moisture and hydration to reveal healthy, conditioned lips by morning.
Neutrogena MoistureShine Lip Soother SPF 20
GLOSSY FINISH
WHY YOU NEED IT: Think of this formula like your favorite lip gloss, but better. It contains all the sun protection you need, soothing ingredients like cucumber, chamomile, and glycerin, and a pretty pink tint to top it all off.
COMPLETE THE LOOK: This SPF lip balm comes in four different shade options. Wear it with an illuminating moisturizer and liquid blush for a fresh-faced summer look.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm
HIGHEST SPF
WHAT IT DOES: Formulated with SPF 50 and intense, buildable color, this lip balm offers 100% mineral protection from UVA, UVB, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.
WHO IT'S FOR: With antioxidant-rich ingredients that protect against free radicals and nourishing elements like jojoba esters and squalene, this lip balm is ideal for those seeking constantly hydrated lips and a subtle splash of color.
Supergoop! Play Lip Balm SPF 30
REEF-SAFE
WHO IT'S FOR: If your summer schedule is packed full with sun-soaked activities, this SPF lip balm is a must-have. It's water-resistant, sweat-resistant, and loaded with vitamins and minerals that protect against environmental damage. Plus, the reef-safe formula means it's good for the environment, too.
RAVE REVIEW: I was a religious user of the old formula, and I love this one just as much! This makes your lips look so beautiful and soft. It’s super comfortable to wear, and the scent is very light. The protection is great. I have a dark spot on my lip that has lightened up quite a bit since using this. I’m super impressed. Highly recommend. Don’t forget to protect your lips every day!"
EltaMD UV Lip Balm
WATER-RESISTANT
WHAT IT DOES: Creamy, long-lasting, and water-resistant, this SPF lip balm from EltaMD provides instant moisture and minimizes the signs of aging lips.
RAVE REVIEW: "I’ve been searching for a quality lip sunscreen, and this fits the criteria. A little goes a long way and doesn’t leave a white residue. My lips were nourished all day, even while wearing a mask. I will continue to purchase this and wear it all year."
Sun Bum Lip Balm
WIDE SCENT SELECTION
WHY YOU NEED IT: Formulated with aloe and vitamin E, this reef-safe sunscreen provides SPF 30 protection, healing ingredients, and moisture that lasts all day long.
THINGS TO KNOW: This cult-favorite sunscreen comes in so many tropical scents—think coconut, lime, and banana. Although it's tempting, we don't recommend eating it.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
HIGHLY REVIEWED
WHAT IT DOES: Formulated with natural mint and shea butter, this emollient balm is enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants. It can take care of even the driest, most irritated lips after just a few swipes. Bye-bye, cracked lips.
THINGS TO KNOW: This no-frills lip balm won't leave behind a glossy finish or frilly scent. Thanks to its neutral formula, it'll work for every member of the fam. Stock up, folks.
Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment
WIDE SHADE RANGE
WHY YOU NEED IT: Formulated with moisture-preserving sugar, this SPF lip balm is ideal for those who prefer a sheer tint rather than a bold lip. The antioxidant-rich formula provides the prettiest wash of color and six hours of significant moisture for a soft, supple, and subtle look. This multi-tasker is a handbag mainstay—trust us.
FUN FACT: In an in-vivo test, 97% of users said their lips felt silky, velvety, and supple. That's a lot of pouts, people.
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