The best lip sunscreen of 2025
- Anjana Rajbhandary
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
Lip sunscreens for beautifully protected lips
It's safe to say that we all know to use sunscreen to protect the skin on our face and body from the harmful rays of the sun. Similarly, you need sunscreen in your lip balm because the skin on your lips can also burn, become sun-damaged, and develop skin cancer.
The skin on your lips is thinner and more delicate. You may be using a lip balm to hydrate your lips, so why not find one that also offers sun protection? One top choice is Supergoop's PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30 because it's affordable, hydrating, and offers broad-spectrum protection.
What to know before you buy a lip sunscreen
SPF
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a minimum SPF of 30 for sun protection on your lips. If you’re fair-skinned or prone to burning easily, opt for an SPF 50. Anything over SPF 50 can give you a false sense of security that you can stay out in the sun longer, but that isn’t true.
Key ingredients
Lip balms with mineral sunscreens utilize natural minerals, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, to reflect the sun’s rays. Those with chemical sunscreens use chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone to absorb the sun’s rays to protect themselves. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid chemical sunscreens.
Skin type
If you have dry skin, opt for a lip sunscreen that contains glycerin, lanolin, and oils. Those with sensitive skin should opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas that don’t contain petroleum to avoid irritation. Individuals with oily or acne-prone skin can opt for lip balm in a gel formula.
So, which one do you think is the best lip sunscreen of 2025?
Our pick for the best lip sunscreen of 2025
Our take: The reliable sunscreen brand Supergoop offers an affordable lip sunscreen with shea butter, keeping your lips hydrated for hours. No wonder this keeps showing up as one of the best lip sunscreens of 25 in many lists.
What we like: Made with sunflower seed oil to retain moisture and vitamin E to protect from environmental stressors. It's cruelty-free, vegan, and reef-safe. It's available in mint and acai flavors.
What we dislike: It isn't available in tinted or flavorless options.
Best planet-friendly lip sunscreen
Our take: A hydrating lip balm that can heal dry, chapped lips and offer sun protection.
What we like: Available in three tints, this EWG-verified, plastic-free mineral sunscreen is also unscented.
What we dislike: The paper packaging can rip if not correctly handled.
Honorable mention lip sunscreen
Our take: A creamy lip sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect, nourish, and soften your lips with natural ingredients.
What we like: This mineral lip sunscreen is available in six colors and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It's also available in a three-pack. It's safe to use if you're pregnant and nursing.
What we dislike: It can be pricey for a lip balm at $18, and it has caused some irritation to those with sensitive skin.
Lip sunscreen features
Broad-spectrum protection
Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer. UVA rays cause signs of aging, and UVB rays cause sunburns. It’s best to find a broad-spectrum lip sunscreen that can protect both your lips and skin.
Water- and sweat-resistant
If you plan to be physically active or swim, choose a lip balm that’s water- and sweat-resistant, so you don’t have to reapply as often. If you’re out longer, make sure to reapply every 2 hours.
Tint
Tinted lip sunscreens offer a subtle color, and many brands make them in a range of matte or shimmery shades. Untinted ones generally apply clear and may have a matte or shiny finish.
Flavor
Many lip balms come in a variety of fruit or dessert flavors, which may irritate your skin or cause allergies. If you enjoy flavored lip balm, look for products that contain natural ingredients.
Ingredients to look for
Beeswax and plant-based waxes are often used ingredients in lip balms as they help heal and soften the lips. Some other frequently used natural ingredients include honey, coconut oil, and peppermint, which offer hydrating and soothing benefits.
Ingredients to avoid
Make sure your chosen lip balm doesn’t have alcohol or synthetic fragrances, as they can irritate your lips. It’s also best to avoid BHA, as studies have shown that it can have carcinogenic effects.
Lip sunscreen cost
Affordable lip sunscreens typically cost $8 or less, although they may not be sweat-resistant. Mid-range options range from $9 to $20 and offer a variety of colors and flavors. High-end brands typically cost $20 and above due to their brand name and premium packaging.
Lip sunscreen FAQ
Is it safe to wear sunscreen on my lips?
A. Yes, it is. Dermatologists recommend using a lip sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to protect your lips from the sun.
Does lip sunscreen work?
A. Yes, it does. Lip sunscreen can protect you from sunburn and skin cancer. You may have to reapply it more often if you're outside.
How do I prevent sunburned lips?
A. Apply lip sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply as needed. It's likely to rub off after eating, drinking, or swimming, meaning you'll need to reapply.
*This article was originally published on Best Reviews in 2021; some products have been updated and/or replaced from the original list.
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