If you skip your lips when applying SPF, you’re not alone. Most of us forget about the skin on our lips because it looks different and is made of thinner skin.
It can be shocking when they get sunburnt and dry after a day in the sun, but slathering on lip care without sunblock only attracts the sun and can make things worse. That’s why getting your hands on a tube of the best SPF lip balm is so important.
Adding one of these handy little tubes to our skincare kits makes a world of a difference in our sun care. Not only do they contain anywhere from SPF 15 to 45, but they also moisturize the lips, sometimes through water and sweat.
Taste is a big deal when it comes to the best SPF lip balms, too. Some come with delicious flavors to mask that sunscreen scent; others are unscented for sensitive skin.
Keep reading to see the 9 best SPF lip balms for men below.
Key Takeaways
For this quest, I began by thumbing through dozens of products, customer reviews, and even my own bathroom cabinet (and my husband’s) until I narrowed it down to the 9 finalists you see here.
Overall, the best lip balm with SPF is O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair because it’s affordable, effective, hydrating, and tastes great. If you’re looking for a solid mineral and organic lip balm, then try Badger Sunscreen Lip Balm.
Our Top Picks
Why it’s great: Though there are plenty of options out there, none seemed to perform quite as well as O’Keeffe. Coming in a one, two, or three-pack, this lip balm is highly effective at offering sun protection while smelling and tasting great. This can be a hard feat for an SPF lip balm.
It uses 7 moisturizing ingredients to truly hydrate, including soothing aloe to nourish as it protects. But perhaps its shining feature is that it seems to last forever on the lips, even through humidity, sweat, and water.
Who is this for? It’s one of the best SPF lip balms you can get. It’s perfect for the guy looking for something effective and smooth that also has a subtle matte finish. Plus, it’s great for water activities.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If a mineral sunscreen is more your jam, then this one isn’t for you.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 35 | Active ingredient: Avobenzone, dimethicone, octinoxate, octocrylene | Water-resistant: 80 minutes | Applicator: Stick
Why it’s great: This is one of those “can’t live without” balms. I think that once you find your flavor (there are five, including natural mint and grapefruit), you might be in the same boat.
Besides the taste, the consistency is thick and luxurious without feeling cakey, thanks to shea butter and avocado. A tip applicator is going to help you with control when applying, anyway. And the finish is semi-matte, which is nice and subtle for dudes.
Who is this for? A solid all-year-round choice if you want your SPF lip balm to have a yummy flavor.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This formula does have a tendency to feel a little sticky. If that’s an ick for you, then keep on reading.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 25 | Active ingredient: Petrolatum, Avobenzone, Octinoxate | Water-resistant: No | Applicator: Tip
Why it’s great: For those who are already huge fans of Aquaphor, it’s great to know that they offer an SPF lip balm. Packed with vitamin E, b5, and shea butter, it’s just as velvety and thick as the regular variety, only now it offers adequate sun protection for extremely dry, chapped lips.
The overall look is shimmery because it’s so similar to Vaseline and can even be applied to other areas of the body suffering from dryness that also need SPF coverage. And unlike other forms of Aquaphor, the tip applicator is totally mess-free.
Who is this for? If you suffer from exceptionally dry, chapped lips, then this is a great option. It’s thick and highly effective.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Though it’s effective and moisturizing, I do wish this lip balm was also water-resistant.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Active ingredient: Petrolatum, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocylene, Oxybenzone | Water-resistant: No | Applicator: Tip
Why it’s great: It might be a little pricey, but this is one of the best lip balms with SPF. That’s because it withstands humidity and sweat like a pro, all while providing superior hydration and effective sun protection.
The consistency is creamy yet its effect is rather sheer on the lips. And because it uses a combo of mineral and chemical sunscreen, the formulation is more elegant on the lips.
Who is this for? A long-lasting, superior sunscreen lip balm for guys who spend a lot of time outdoors or like to choose a product that dermatologists recommend.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This can leave a tiny bit of a white cast on the lips. Make sure to rub it in really well.
Type: Mineral/Chemical | SPF: 36 | Active ingredient: Zinc oxide, Octinoxate | Water-resistant: 80 minutes | Applicator: Tip
Why it’s great: For many people, mineral sunscreen is a must. Not only is this SPF lip balm formulated with zinc oxide, but it’s also organic, with an extremely minimal ingredient list. That, plus the fact that it’s unscented, makes it great for sensitive skin.
Its mineral nature means it’s also gentle on the reefs, too. As for performance, it goes on smoothly and moisturizes the lips while blocking out those harmful rays.
Who is this for? Because it’s unscented, it’s an excellent choice for those who have sensitive skin and those who value natural and organic over chemical.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I do wish it had a higher SPF, but, hey, it’s better than nothing.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 15 | Active ingredient: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: 40 minutes | Applicator: Stick
Why it’s great: If you’re looking for an SPF lip balm that lasts forever on the lips, this is it. Swipe it on, and you don’t have to reapply for hours.
It also has that smooth, buttery feeling that many of us crave on our kissers, thanks to vitamin E, shea butter, and sunflower extract. It gives a nice, thick layer of coverage but doesn’t feel sticky or greasy at all. A well-priced, easy two-pack for everyday use.
Who is this for? For guys who put soft, supple lips as a top priority and don’t mind a lack of flavor.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Okay, I know it’s not a snack, but this one doesn’t taste super pleasant. If you’re a frequent lip-licker, then I’d go for something else.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 30 | Active ingredient: Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Octisalate | Water-resistant: No | Applicator: Stick
Why it’s great: Much like their sunscreens, Sun Bum mineral lip balm is lightweight, silky, and works like a charm. This affordable little guy slips right into your pocket, delivering chemical-free and reef-safe sun protection you can feel good about.
People seem to love that it’s nourishing and hydrating but also unscented, which is great for skin that’s easily agitated. Consumers also noted that it doesn’t taste weird, which is no easy feat for an SPF lip balm. I think you’ll love that it seems to stay on the lips forever.
Who is this for? Great for guys who prefer a matte look in their SPF lip balm instead of a glossy look.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Like most mineral sunblock, you might see a slight white cast on the lips after applying.
Type: Mineral | SPF: 30 | Active ingredient: Zinc oxide | Water-resistant: No | Applicator: Stick
Why it’s great: Need something effective to slather on before a run or water sports? A high SPF and 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance will give you peace of mind as you go about your day and play. This lip balm glides on clear, tastes good and smells great, which is a plus if you spend all day in the sun.
Who is this for? This is an easy choice if you’re an active, outdoorsy person who wants sun protection without having to constantly reapply.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: We’ve been over this before. I’m aware that these aren’t fun little snack tubes, but this one also doesn’t have the most pleasant taste.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 50 | Active ingredient: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene | Water-resistant: 80 minutes | Applicator: Stick
Why it’s great: Like drinking a piña colada, these lip balms are ultra smooth and tasty. It glides onto the lips super smoothly with flavors like dreamsicle, mango, and tropical, which seem good enough to eat. The texture is buttery and smooth and never waxy or sticky, like some lip products are. Plus it’s the perfect size for your pocket or bag.
Who is this for? If you can’t stand the taste of sunscreen, then you’ll like these fruity options. Just don’t lick it all off.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The consistency is somewhat thin and causes frequent reapplication.
Type: Chemical | SPF: 45 | Active ingredient: Petrolatum, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Homosalate | Water-resistant: No | Applicator: Stick
Buying Considerations for the Best SPF Lip Balms
Type
There are two types of SPF: chemical and mineral. Chemical is the most common type, containing ingredients like octinoxate and homosalate. Although certainly effective and definitely easier to rub in than mineral sunscreen, their toxicity for the human body has been called into question.
Minerals (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide), on the other hand, are known to be safe and better for both your body and the environment, including the precious coral reef. However, mineral sunscreens can leave a white cast behind and don’t seem to rub in as well.
Applicator
There may be more, but we’re covering the two types of applicators commonly found with the best SPF lip balm: stick and tip. Sticks are your typical chapstick variety, and though they’re probably the most popular, they have their caveats. In extreme heat, they can melt faster and get mashed down on the lips.
Tip applicators give you a little more control, but the lip balm inside can also melt and get quite liquid-y. I wouldn’t say the applicator is a deal-breaker when it comes to the best SPF lip balm, but that’s for you to decide.
SPF
When it comes to the best lip balm with SPF, the number matters. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of at least 30 to garner adequate protection. Many of the lip balms on this list contain an SPF higher than that, which is great, especially if you’re outside.
However, if you’re spending most of your day inside, an SPF of say, 15, is adequate. Remember, SPF 15 filters out 93% of the sun’s rays, and an SPF of 30 filters out 97%.
How We Chose
Many SPF lip balms claim to hydrate and protect your lips from the sun. But sometimes, these claims aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. So, wherever possible, I chose lip balms from reputable brands that have effective, well-known ingredients.
I always sift through hundreds of customer reviews before landing on my top picks by choosing products consumers rate highly and typically buy again.
Company reputation: Does the brand deliver high-quality products in a timely manner? I prioritize companies that ensure customers are always satisfied.
Customer reviews: Do people feel like the product does what it says at a good value? If there are too many negative reviews, then I cross a product off my list.
Transparency: Are the ingredients listed clearly? Health and wellness are important to us, and the ability to make your own informed decisions is paramount.
Why Trust Us?
Rachel Cascella is a skincare nut who loves to test different grooming and beauty products. Sunscreen is a particular passion and something she’s researched heavily over the years. Already, she has written about the best natural sunscreens for sensitive skin.
SPF lip balms fall under this passion umbrella, if you will. Rachel cares about truly hydrating ingredients and understands the importance of quality ingredients and true moisturization, which she has demonstrated in her article about the best lip balms for men.
With a commitment to providing reliable and well-researched recommendations, Rachel ensures that every product listed has been meticulously tested and reviewed, offering you trusted advice for making informed choices.
Final Verdict
The best SPF lip balms should be smooth, easy to apply, and have a taste and smell that you like. My top pick is O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair because it offers adequate SPF, lasts forever, and soothes and moisturizes the lips.
FAQ
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Most experts agree that SPF 30 is the best minimum SPF for lips.
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SPF lip balms are very effective at moisturizing the lips and protecting them against sun damage.
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