13 Trustworthy Lip Balms With SPF That Will Protect Your Pout

As the dog days of summer approach, remember that it’s easy to fall short on safe sun practices including wearing lip balm with SPF—even when you know better. The reality is that no body part is safe from the sun, and one of the most important and overlooked areas for protection from harmful UV rays is the lips. That’s why a sunscreen-laced balm is a must-have for any makeup bag, says New York dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross.

“Lips have no ability to produce a protective suntan, unlike other skin areas, so they’re prone to burning,” he explains, adding that oily balms and glosses attract more sun to the skin and increase radiation to boot. Over time, exposure can lead to a loss in volume, discoloration, the formation of fine lines—and worse. “Skin cancers on the lower lip are particularly dangerous because they can spread internally into the chest via the lymphatics vessels,” says Gross.

Jane Iredale LipDrink Lip Balm

Another tinted option that tops our list is Jane Iredale’s moisturizing balm. It is available in six perfect-for-summer pigments, and it is known for its natural-looking sheen that will enhance any look. As for ingredient composition, LipDrink earns bonus points for its conditioning and protective blend of 1.75% titanium dioxide, green tea extract, and vitamins.