Key ingredients: zinc oxide (15%), green algae extract, passionflower extract, camellia leaf extract | Shades: 1 | Sunscreen type: mineral
Best Gloss: Innbeauty Sun Balm Mineral SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Lip Balm
Why it’s worth it: A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down, and Innbeauty’s Sun Balm SPF 30 makes the sunscreen glide on even sweeter. Available in three juicy, glossy shades, this balm-gloss hybrid shields lips from UV rays with a mineral-powered formula that feels comfortable, not sticky, so you’ll actually want to reapply throughout the day. Squalane and jojoba oil condition your pout, while mango and shea butter add a plump dose of moisture, leaving lips pillowy-soft.
Key ingredients: zinc oxide (13%), jojoba oil, mango butter, shea butter, squalane | Shades: 3 | Sunscreen type: mineral
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it important to wear lip balm with SPF?
Like any area of exposed, sun-vulnerable skin on your face or body, it’s essential to give your lips broad-spectrum UV protection during the daytime. While lip balms are hardly the flashiest products in your beauty lineup, these sunscreen-enhanced lip products give the otherwise basic balm a meaningful boost and, often, a lovely wash of color, too.
According to Robert Finney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at The Dermatology Specialists in New York City, lips are often neglected regarding sun protection. “This is concerning because it has been shown that if you get skin cancer on the lip, it can behave more aggressively than other areas of the body,” he explains.
What type of SPF lip balm should I get?
To shop mineral- or chemical-based, that is the question. Like any sun protection product you purchase, finding the right lip sunscreen is based on preference and skin type. If you have sensitive skin, experts recommend an unscented, mineral-based formula to minimize the risk of irritation. ICYMI: Chemical sunscreen uses UV filters that soak into the skin for inside-out protection, while mineral actives sit on the surface of your skin, physically defending against UV rays, explains New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD.
Of course, ideally, these lip care products go above and beyond SPF protection. Many formulas are spiked with moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E, and cooling aloe, so you can pick one that will satisfy all of your hydration, plumping, and soothing needs. As for aesthetics, you’ll find a variety of options with hints of tint, glossy shine, and satin finishes. These lip treatments make UV protection look—and feel—good. But, above all else, you need an SPF lip balm with a minimum of 30 SPF. Anything lower won’t get the job done.
Meet the experts
- Papri Sarkar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston, Massachusetts
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist is based in New York City
- Robert Finney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
