You probably already know the importance of applying sunscreen daily to protect your skin.But many people overlook how important it is to protect their lips, too.
In addition to skin cancer, exposure to harmful rays can cause a precancerous condition called actinic cheilitis, colloquially known as “sailor’s lip,” that causes rough, scaly patches, says board-certified dermatologist Dr.Eileen Deignan.
Chronic sun exposure can also damage the skin barrier around the lips and make your lips look aged and discolored, she says.Given these potential risks, experts I spoke to recommend using an SPF lip balm daily.To help guide you on your search, I spoke to dermatologists about how to shop for one and rounded up options that NBC Select editors use and love.Selected.Our top picksBest overallSun Bum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm (2-pack)$undefined$7.98AmazonLearn moreBest for chapped lipsBlistex Five Star Lip Protection$undefined$5.36AmazonLearn moreBest tintedCay Skin Isle Lip Balm SPF 30 with Sea Moss and Aloe Stem Cells$undefined$16.00AmazonLearn moreBest for dry lipsAquaphor Lip Protectant and Sunscreen$undefined$5.84AmazonLearn moreBest water-resistantElta MD UV Lip Balm with SPF 36$undefined$21.00AmazonLearn moreBest lightweightSupergoop Play Lip Balm$undefined$12.00SupergoopLearn moreSee 3 MoreRelatedselectedselectedThe 100 best face sunscreens tested and ranked, according to NBC Select editorsWant more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.The best SPF lip balms of 2026Best overallSun Bum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm (2-pack)$7.98AmazonWhat to knowType: mineral | SPF: 30 | Active ingredient: zinc oxide | Water-resistant: no | Applicator: stickSun Bum’s mineral lip balm is made with zinc oxide, an ingredient that physically blocks the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin, says Deignan.
It also has sweet almond oil to hydrate and won’t leave a white cast on lips, according to the brand.Best high coverage...