As someone who’s truly lipstick-obsessed, it surprises even me when I occasionally leave the house without a swipe of my favorite red matte or a shiny gloss. One of the rare exceptions is the gym. Sure, bare lips make sense when I’m focused on my reps (unless I am trying to serve glam while lifting, which, yes, please), but even then, there’s one non-negotiable I never leave the house without: SPF.
“Most people remember their sunscreen, but forget their lips, and that’s a big miss,” says Shereen Teymour, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. “The skin on your lips is thinner, more delicate, and lacks melanin, which makes it especially vulnerable to UV damage.” Turns out, skipping SPF lip protection isn’t just about risking a little dryness or a flaky pout. Long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to actinic cheilitis—a form of sun damage most commonly found on the lower lip. “It starts subtly: persistent dryness, scaling, and discoloration. But over time, it can progress to precancerous changes and ultimately, to squamous cell carcinoma,” she adds. In addition to these serious medical risks, UV exposure can also lead to the development of fine lines, volume loss, and hyperpigmentation. (I have one tiny dark spot on my lower lip, so I am making an appointment with a derm immediately.)
My holy grail for lip protection right now is the BeautyStat C Lip Serum SPF 30 (in Neutral Peach). It’s basically skincare, sunscreen, and a subtle lip tint all rolled into one sleek little tube. The formula is loaded with pure, stable vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), peptides, and glucosamine, which means it also hydrates, brightens, and plumps my lips while protecting them. Loves it.
Even with my new favorite lip serum, I wondered whether my regular lipsticks could serve as a sort of shield against the sun. Turns out they do, but not 100 percent. “Opaque, pigmented lipsticks can physically block some UV rays, especially darker or matte formulas,” says Teymour. “Think of them as a physical barrier, like clothing for your lips. But they’re not a substitute for actual SPF. They help, but they’re not built for broad-spectrum protection unless specifically labeled.”
As for lip gloss, we’ve got some alarming news! Your favorite clear or shiny lip gloss might be acting like a mini magnifying glass, intensifying UV rays and causing even more damage. “It’s kind of like putting baby oil on your lips,” Teymour explains. “If you love gloss, layer it over a base of SPF lip balm so you get the glow and the protection.”
When it comes to finding the best SPF lip balms, she recommends looking for water-resistant, broad-spectrum formulas with an SPF of 30 or higher for daily use, and to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re eating or drinking. “In reality, if you’re out in the sun for hours and haven’t reapplied since morning, your lips are basically unprotected,” Teymour stresses. “Keep a travel-sized SPF balm in your bag or pocket. It’s an easy step that goes a long way.”
Other SPF Favorites to Try this Summer and Beyond
This broad-spectrum SPF 50 helps prevent fine lines and pigmentation, while lanolin, cocoa butter, and vitamin E drench your lips in moisture. Get ready for soft, smooth, plumped-up lips, plus sun protection you’ll actually want to reapply.
Now here’s a way to get a glossy lip that doubles as SPF: Vacation’s Chardonnay SPF 30 Lip Oil is juicy, shiny, nonsticky, and smells like a beachside dessert. (It’s inspired by their Grand Cru ’86 scent.) Wear it solo, over your favorite lip color, or even as an overnight mask.
Hello Sunday’s Mineral Lip Balm smells like strawberries, goes on smooth, and packs in protection with SPF 50. It gives your lips a sheer, buildable tint while ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and shea butter keep them soft, hydrated, and happy.
This tinted sunscreen from Iris Romeo is packed with skin-boosting ingredients like time-release vitamin C for brightening, niacinamide to smooth and even tone, and non-nano zinc oxide for reef-safe protection. It’s minimalist makeup and maximalist sun care in one step!
I've been reaching for this SPF moisturizer from Naturium almost daily because it's the perfect blend of sun protection and skin-loving glow. It delivers a dewy finish and is packed with niacinamide and vitamin C to brighten and even out your complexion over time.
Ranavat’s new mineral sunscreen feels absolutely luxe. It delivers high protection and skin benefits, thanks to saffron for brightening, squalane for moisture, and an adaptogenic herb complex that supports your skin barrier. I love my sun protection with a side of Ayurvedic skincare magic.
If you like sunscreen sticks, this new one from Dr. Jart+ is one you’ll want to keep in your bag at all times. It goes on clear but helps blur pores, hydrates skin, and protects from UV rays with SPF 40. Skip your usual primer and wear this under your makeup instead.
Prequel’s Sun Barrier SPF 50 combines zinc oxide with chemical boosters for broad-spectrum protection and barrier support. It’s lightweight, calming (thanks to bisabolol and antioxidants), and blends in like a dream.
This feather-light, tinted mineral powder gives you a soft-focus, matte finish and broad-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB, and even blue light. Plus, it's packed with antioxidants, like green tea and buriti oil to keep your skin happy and hydrated.
