With more and more people becoming aware of the importance of SPF, it's no wonder that we are stocking up on the best SPF products, from facial sunscreens to body sun creams and more. However, there's one product that really isn't talked about enough, and that's an SPF lip balm.
Yep, believe it or not, but our lips need just as much protection from the sun as anywhere else on our body. As a beauty editor who prides herself on wearing SPF every single day, even I had been forgetting this important step, but luckily for me, some of my favourite brands have created a range of dreamy lip products with added sun protection.
With the new season well and truly on its way, I thought it was time to put all of the best SPF lip balms to the test and speak to an expert about how (and why) we should be using these products daily. Just keep on scrolling...
I've been putting the most popular SPF lip balms to the test.
Do You Need to Wear SPF on Your Lips?
You might be thinking, do you actually need to wear SPF on your lips? "Just like the skin around your eyes, the skin around your lips is thinner and more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your face," explains Heather Wish, skincare education manager at Paula’s Choice UK. "Proper lip care with mild but intensely nourishing ingredients is very important, alongside regular use of SPF." Yep, according to Wish, we need to be looking after our lips just as we would do with the rest of our face.
Should You Wear An SPF Lip Balm Every Day?
Just like your usual facial SPF, Wish advises wearing an SPF lip balm every day. "SPF is vital for your skin health, as it defends against the damaging effects of UV rays," she explains. "It's important to remember that UV rays penetrate through clouds and windows – so be sure to wear your SPF on your whole face and neck (lips included) whether it's overcast or raining and whether you're inside or outside.
How Often Should You Apply an SPF Lip Balm?
In terms of reapplying your SPF lip balm, this depends on your daily activities. "It depends on how long you’ll be in the sun and how long it lasts on your lips," Wish explains. "If you will be in direct sunlight, it can last for several hours but be sure to reapply once it begins to wear off."
The Best SPF Lip Balms, Tried and Tested By an Editor
- Best SPF Lip Balm Overall: Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips Lip Balm SPF50
- Best Stick Formula: Paula's Choice Lip Balm SPF50
- Best Tinted Formula: Ultra Violette Sheen Screen™ SPF50 Hydrating Lip Balm
- Best Scented Formula: Bondi Sands Sunny Kiss Caramel SPF50+ Lip Balm
1. Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips Lip Balm SPF50
Best for: All-round protection
SPF: 50
Tinted: No
First up is one of my favourite formulas from Hello Sunday. This is a clear lip balm, so it's great for wearing on its own or over your favourite lip liner or lipstick. It's also fragrance-free, so it's ideal if you have more sensitive skin.
However, what I really love about this product is just how moisturising it is. The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E and always leaves my lips feeling silky soft. It adds a very subtle sheen, is easy to apply and offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Need I say more?
Pros
- Offers high sun protection
- Moisturising formula
- Easy to apply
- Clear colour
Cons
- The applicator can get a little messy
2. Paula's Choice Lip Balm SPF 50
SPF: 50
Tinted: No
If you prefer a classic stick formula, then Paula's Choice has you covered. This is another great option for sensitive skin as it's fragrance-free and completely clear. The formula itself features shea butter and olive oil to keep your lips soft and moisturised, while SPF50 helps to protect from sun damage.
No, it's not the most glamorous of options, but its one of those products that you always want to have in your handbag.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- SPF50
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Doesn't add a glossy sheen to the lips
3. Ultra Violette Sheen Screen™ SPF50 Hydrating Lip Balm
SPF: 50
Tinted: Yes
If you do fancy a hint of colour on the lips, this Ultra Violette option comes in six fun shades. I opted for "Bejewelled", a soft pink hue, and would say it's a great everyday option for a natural finish.
Packed with lanolin, shea and cacao seed butter, I personally found this formula super hydrating and thought it gave my lips a nice, glossy finish. It also came with the most refreshing, minty aroma. Yep, this might just be my new summer essential.
Pros
- Comes in six shades
- Moisturising formula
- SPF50
Cons
- A little more expensive
4. Bondi Sands Sunny Kiss Caramel SPF50+ Lip Balm
SPF: 50+
Tinted: No
I'm a big fan of scented lip balms, and this one from Bondi Sands is simply delicious. It features a rich, caramel scent and feels like a sweet treat every time I go to apply it. Not only that, but it cares for the skin too, with broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
One thing I will say is that I personally found this lip balm a little hard to get out of the tube, as it has a slightly thicker consistency than others in this roundup, but because of it, it felt extra hydrating on the lips.
Pros
- Smells delicious
- Broad-spectrum protection
Cons
- Thicker consistency
- Not everyone will love the sweet scent
5. Supergoop! Lipshades 100% Mineral SPF
SPF: 30
Tinted: Yes
This tinted option from Supergoop feels more like a lipstick than a lip balm, and I'm not complaining. With three shades on offer, you can complete your makeup look and protect your skin all in one go.
I tried the shade "Lucky Me" and loved the statement look that it created. You do have to be a bit more careful when applying this, as it's definitely bolder than the other options in this roundup, but the finished result is worth it.
The formula itself protects against UVA and UVB damage (although sadly it is only SPF30), and features lots of moisturising ingredients such as peptides, shea butter and mango butter.
Pros
- Looks more like a lipstick
- Broad-spectrum protection
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Can be tricky to apply
- Would love to see more shades
6. Raybalm® Original Everyday Moisturising Lip Balm with SPF50+
SPF: 50+
Tinted: No
If you want an effective lip balm with SPF but you don't want to spend a fortune, let me introduce you to this affordable option from Raybalm®. It may not feel quite as luxurious as other options on the market, but this stuff is seriously hydrating and protects your lips from UVA and UVB rays.
Packed with shea butter, castor oil, orange peel extract and jojoba oil, it has a subtle citrusy scent and leaves your lips with a dewy (but not sticky) finish.
Pros
- Affordable
- Subtle citrus scent
- Broad-spectrum protection
- Moisturising
Cons
- Doesn't feel as luxurious as other products in this roundup
Shop More SPF Lip Balms
A gorgeous everyday option from Lanolips.
Natural spearmint makes this lip balm feel so refreshing.
SPF50 and soothing shea butter makes this lip balm an all-round winner.
This lightweight formula protects against UVA, UVB and blue light.
Another classic stick formula that makes applying your SPF lip balm so easy.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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