Best lip balms with SPF to moisturise and protect 2020

After a long day soaking up the sun rays, your lips may feel dry, rough and can start to crack and there’s a scientific reason for that.

Your lips are a highly delicate area where the skin can be around 82 per cent thinner than that of your face. They also don’t have sebaceous or sweat glands that can form a hydrolipidic barrier to maintain moisture and lack melanin - the pigment that protects your skin from the sun. This makes your lips very sensitive to UV rays and one of the most susceptible areas to burning. But despite this, very few of us apply SPF.

In fact, according to a report by lip care label EOS, just half of us think about applying a protective factor to our lips. But, just like you need sun care on your precious skin, come rain or shine, you also need to shield your lips from the elements to prevent serious and long term consequences.

Dr. Firas Al Niami top dermatologist and Group Medical Director of the UK’s leading skincare clinic Sk:n says “Some parts of the body are more prone to skin cancers, such as the lips - simply because the skin is thin and they get long term exposure to sun, so it is important to apply an SPF to protect them from UV rays. The sun also completely dries your skin out, so moisturising after exposure will give your skin the hydration it needs to repair itself.”

To future proof your lips from harmful environmental aggressors and the premature ageing that goes alongside it, you can reinforce your natural defences with a sun safe balm. These hard-working salves can transform chapped and dry pouts with moisturising ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil and fight against burns, blisters and flaking caused by sun exposure at the same time.

Alongside regular application, drink plenty of water, fill your diet with iron, vitamin B and fatty acids and try to avoid licking your lips as this can cause further dryness.

See our pick of the best SPF lip balms to apply this summer and beyond.

Crafting her very own Ultra Medical Grade lanolin, Lanolips’ founder Kirsten Carriol launched these balms to offer unrivalled moisture to your dry and chapped lips. Rich in the conditioning ingredient, it glides right on with a subtle tint that enhances your natural colour in four must-have shades in varying pink or red hues. The nourishing formula that is part balm and part gloss without feeling sticky or greasy but leaving behind a lovely shine with SPF30.

£8.99 | Cult Beauty

From French pharmacy label La Roche-Posay, this stick packs a powerful protective punch with SPF50. You can apply all over your face but you should pay particular attention to your lips as the sensitive area can easily burn. The formula offers a high broad spectrum shield from the damaging effects of the sun but is combined with the brand’s Thermal Spring Water to soothe and hydrate. It can even be used on sensitive skin as there is no fragrance and the range is hypoallergenic.

£8.25 | LookFantastic

Carmex has long been a go-to for those suffering with dry or cracked lips where the super hydrating formula of menthol, camphor and beeswax work wonders to protect and nourish. The classic composition has been revamped in the form of a vanilla flavouring that smells and tastes very unique but melts into your lips with the brand’s signature tingle. It is also packed with Vitamin E and has SPF15.

£3.49 | Feel Unique

For when your lips need a touch of TLC, Kiehl’s Butterstick should be your port of call. The moisturising product is made up of a winning blend of the likes of lemon butter and coconut oil that get to work to hydrate your lips. It melts on application with a quick absorption to make your lips feel smoother and softer in an instant with a lovely sheen. You can opt for a range of subtle tints as well as a clear variation.

£19.50 | Kiehl’s

Rain or shine, this Burt’s Bees All-Weather lip balm has got you covered no matter what without the need for constant reapplying. It contains zinc oxide that acts as broad spectrum protection, while also being water resistant. The moisturising formula is free from nasties like parabens and SLS as well as petrolatum.

£4.99 | Feel Unique

Ensure your lips are getting the protection that they need with this miracle formula from Clinique. The balm offers broad spectrum protection with a high factor and can be applied to all sensitive areas like your lips, ears, eyelids and nose as well as scars, moles and tattoos without feeling greasy. It is highly moisturising and doesn’t clog your pores.

£19 | Clinique

US import Sun Bum specialise in lotions and creams to protect your skin while you soak up the sun rays. This balm belongs in your beach bag with its soothing formulation of Aloe with Vitamin E that work in tandem to moisturise and nourish. The coconut flavour is also a lovely treat.

£4.79 | Boots

There is a reason why Fresh’s lip balms are hailed as some of the best. They have a deeply nourishing formula with infusion of oils and sugars that will keep your lips feeling hydrated, moisturised and soft. Choose between the extensive range of colours to add a hint of colour that builds as you apply.

£19.50 | Fresh

Transform dry and cracking to supple and smooth lips with the help of Blistex that leaves them so soft and moisturised. The highly effective formula gives them instant hydration and the TLC that they need with a slight tingling sensation when applied.

£2.69 | Superdrug

Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour range is renowned for its deeply nourishing formulations and the godsend lip balm is no different. The formula treats your lips to essential vitamins, nutrients and minerals to leave them plump, soft and supple. There is also a broad spectrum SPF 20 that shields against both UVA and UVB rays. You’ll want to purchase a few to keep around the house.

£20 | Feel Unique

We’ve long believed that Nivea’s range of lip balms are up there with the best of the best and the purse-friendly price tag? Well, that’s just an added bonus. The balm is formulated with naturally derived ingredients including beeswax and jojoba oil to shield your lips from the harmful effects of the sun with a broad-spectrum protection, while treating them to an instant hit of hydration. The texture feels thick and like it is actually working without requiring constant re-application.

£2.99 | Superdrug

Lanolips’ Tinted Balm will become your go-to. You will want one by your bed, in your handbag, in your beach bag and on your desk for that instant glossy look and intensely hydrated feel.