When it comes to sun protection, most of us are diligent about applying sunscreen to our face and body—but what about our lips? Often overlooked, lips are just as vulnerable to sun damage and even skin cancer. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sam Ellis explores why protecting your lips is crucial and shares her top dermatologist-approved lip sunscreens that combine effective sun defense with comfort and wearability.

Why Protect Your Lips from the Sun?

Your lips are delicate, sensitive skin that can develop skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, which is linked to chronic UV exposure. Skin cancers on the lips can be more dangerous than those elsewhere on the body. Besides cancer prevention, sun protection also helps combat early signs of aging, especially the vertical lip lines called “smoker’s lines” or “barcode lines,” common among many older individuals regardless of smoking history. These lines often worsen due to UV damage thinning the skin around your mouth.

Therefore, incorporating a reliable lip sunscreen into your daily regimen can protect both your health and your youthful appearance.

What to Look for in a Lip Sunscreen

Dr. Ellis highlights key criteria for an ideal lip sunscreen:

• SPF 30 or higher: To ensure robust protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays.
• No chemical sunscreen taste: Many lip SPFs can taste unpleasant; select ones that are palatable.
• Non-white or chalky residue: They should blend seamlessly without leaving a visible mask.
• Long-lasting and easy to reapply: Essential for all-day wear and convenience.
• Affordable: Because lip products tend to get lost or used up quickly.

With these standards in mind, Dr. Ellis tested over 50 lip SPF products to narrow down the best of the best.

Top Dermatologist-Recommended Lip Sunscreens

1. EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36

EltaMD offers a hybrid sunscreen combining both mineral (7% zinc oxide) and chemical filters (octinoxate), providing broad-spectrum coverage. This balm comes out white but can be sheerly applied with some practice, delivering a subtle mint scent.

It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for outdoor activities like swimming or beach days. While it’s not the easiest for a quick swipe, it’s a reliable option when you need solid protection.

2. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25

Though slightly below the preferred SPF 30, Jack Black’s lip balm is a longtime favorite. It contains chemical UV filters octinoxate and avobenzone, covering UVA and UVB rays effectively.

This petrolatum-based balm feels nourishing thanks to lanolin, shea butter, and avocado oil, doubling as both a treatment and sunscreen. Its mint flavor is refreshing, but other scent options are also available. It’s crystal clear upon application, non-sticky, and very affordable—under $10—making it an excellent daily option.

3. O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair SPF 35

O’Keeffe’s might surprise you as it relies solely on organic UV filters without zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which often impart unpleasant taste. Yet, this lip balm has a neutral flavor and a smooth, hydrating texture that feels like a treatment balm with shea butter and beeswax.

It melts slightly in hot conditions but performs wonderfully for high-exertion activities like hiking or skiing, where reapplication is frequent. At around $3.50 a tube and available in multi-packs, it’s budget-friendly and easy to replace—perfect for everyday use.

Final Thoughts

Sunscreen isn’t just for your face and body—your lips need love and protection too! Because of the risk of skin cancer and premature aging, daily application of an effective lip sunscreen is essential. Dr. Ellis’s top recommendations like EltaMD UV Lip Balm, Jack Black Intense Therapy, and O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair strike the perfect balance between protection, comfort, and price.

Next time you grab your sunscreen, make sure you reach for a dermatologist-approved lip SPF product to truly shield your smile from the sun’s harmful rays. Your lips (and future self) will thank you!

Note: If you’re on any medications that increase your skin’s sun sensitivity, your dermatologist may specifically recommend one of these lip SPF products to protect your lips during treatment.