9 of the best SPF lip balms to keep your lips hydrated and protected this summer
Lips are often the last place you think of applying sun protection, but here’s why you need to switch out your regular lip balm in place of an SPF lip balm, especially during the sunnier months
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Slathering on your two-finger lengths of your favourite daily SPF is (hopefully) a daily occurrence in your skincare routine, but how diligent are you are applying an SPF lip balm? Potentially not as frequently?
But there is a very good reason why you should take those few extra seconds to slick over an SPF lip balm, as Ava Chandler-Matthews, co-founder of supercool SPF brand, Ultra Violette, explains: “The skin on your lips is very thin and delicate, which means it is even more susceptible to sunburn and ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, which can often show up more around your lip area.”
Not only that, but getting sunburnt lips is very much a thing. “It’s extremely painful, and the UV impact can leave your lips drier and even become more prone to cold sores,” says Chandler-Matthews.
It’s also a product you should be using if you have lip fillers, says advanced nurse practitioner Emma Wedgwood. “While there is currently no clinical data directly linking UV exposure to faster dermal filler degradation, we also know that when hyaluronic acid, the primary ingredient in most dermal fillers, is chronically exposed to UV it may enhance the enzymatic breakdown,” she says. “So, while we don’t yet have definitive human trials comparing filler degradation in UV-exposed versus protected skin, the theory is grounded in solid biological mechanisms.”
Wedgwood continues: “It’s also worth noting that dermal fillers are produced under strict temperature-controlled conditions, with manufacturers advising storage between 2°C and 25°C. Extreme heat or UV exposure could theoretically affect the stability or longevity of filler once injected. I advise patients to avoid excessive heat or direct sun exposure immediately after treatment to maintain results and always recommend high-SPF, broad-spectrum sun protection post-treatment, not only for filler longevity but for maintaining healthy, resilient skin.” So it’s probably best not to book your lip filler appointment for the day before you whizz off on a tropical holiday.
Now you know why an SPF lip balm is so important, here are some of the GTG team’s favourites.
Hello Sunday The One For Your Lips Tinted Lip Balm SPF 50, £10
A firm favourite of mine, this feels silky smooth and hydrating with zero stickiness. It comes in two wearable and sheer shades, a soft rose or a more neutral nude-brown. I always opt for the shade, The Rose One. There is also a completely sheer lip balm SPF if you prefer to keep things simple.
Buy NowE45 Protecting Lip Balm SPF 30, £6.39
This is another one that I keep in my handbag and my children’s school bags. It’s formulated with sensitive and eczema-prone skin in mind. My eldest daughter has bad eczema, which flares up in the summer, but this keeps her lips protected and soothed. Fragrance-free, it contains beeswax and shea butter to nourish, and a broad-spectrum SPF 30. Plus it’s a great price point so when it inevitably gets lost, it’s not the end of the world.
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Nourishing Lip Balm SPF 30, £17 for members, £25 for non-members
One of the few SPF lip balms that comes in a solid format so be applied straight from the bullet (lipstick style), rather than being squeezed out. This makes it very easy to use when you’re out and about. One to keep in your handbag throughout summer.
Buy NowUltrasun Lip Protection & Care SPF 50, £8
Editorial director Victoria loves this one: “You know you’re getting great sun protection factor with Ultrasun, and this lip balm comes in both SPF 50 and SPF 30. Both contain super hydrating ingredients so feels like a regular lip balm that just happens to have broad-spectrum SPF protection. I even tap it on the skin around my mouth with every application, because why not?!”
Buy NowRaybalm Lip Screen SPF 50, £5.99
Another brilliant bargain buy, this vegan SPF lip balm glides on and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy at all. It has quite a pleasing, but light, citrus scent and comes with an angled applicator so a quick squeeze and you can glide it straight on. The whole GTG team has tried it and loved it.
Buy NowUltra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 50, £17
GTG content coordinator Isla is rarely without this: “I’m more of a lip gloss girl than a balm girl, so this tinted SPF lip balm ticks all the boxes for me. It’s available in six shades, ranging from an almost clear, soft pinks, corals through to deep plum and brown. All of them contain some subtle shimmer, and the angled applicator makes it speedy and easy to apply. The shades are quite sheer so you can slather it on with little thought and no mirror is required.”
Buy NowSun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30, £3.83
I keep this water-resistant SPF lip balm in my suntan lotion bag, and it comes on every holiday we go on as a family (I buy a new one every year, of course). With its coconut scent, it’s a firm favourite with everyone and it’s really moisturising, so much so that I have used it tops of ears, down noses or any smaller areas that need a quick SPF top-up.
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If a slightly more glossy finish is your preference then this is a brilliant option. It delivers all the hydration of a lip balm, has UVA and UVB sun protection and the consistency of a nourishing oil. Plus, it leaves a very subtle golden glow to the lips too – perfect for summer days and nights.
Buy NowMalin + Goetz SPF 30 Lip Balm, £16
With its creamy consistency and slightly minty formula (it tingles slightly on application), this is a lovely SPF lip balm for all seasons, not just summer. However, as it is water resistant it is a great option for throwing into your suitcase for a trip to the sunshine.
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