The 9 Best Lip Balms With SPF That Won’t Leave Behind a Bitter

We all know we need to wear sunscreen on our faces, but our lips are often an afterthought. That is, until they get burned. Sunburned lips are painful, peeling, and just plain awful. The problem is that so many lip balms with SPF taste like you’ve accidentally licked a bottle of sunscreen.

That bitter, chemical taste is enough to make you skip lip protection altogether. But you don’t have to choose between protecting your lips and enjoying your lunch. I’ve been on a mission to find the best lip balms with SPF that actually feel good, look good, and don’t taste disgusting.

After trying dozens of chalky, waxy, and just plain nasty formulas, I found the ones that are actually worth buying. These are the lip sunscreens I keep in my bag, car, and desk drawer for reliable protection that I don’t dread reapplying.

 

 

The Best SPF Lip Balms Without a Bitter Taste

Supergoop Play Lip Balm SPF 30 with Mint

The Supergoop Play Lip Balm costs $12 and has quickly become a favorite. It gives my lips a really nice glossy finish, almost like a lip gloss but without being goopy. It’s perfect for when I want a more polished look for brunch or just running errands.

The minty flavor is refreshing and completely masks any hint of sunscreen taste. It feels genuinely moisturizing and applies so smoothly. This is my go-to for daytime outings when I want reliable sun protection that also looks great.

The Downside: If you really layer it on thick, it can feel a little bit sticky, but a normal swipe is totally fine.

 

 

Everyday Humans Sun Glide SPF 30 Lip Balm

For $12, this balm is a lifesaver for chronically dry lips. I was shocked by how buttery and smooth it feels. The mojito flavor is subtle and pleasant, which is a huge win for masking that SPF aftertaste.

It genuinely feels like it’s healing my parched lips while protecting them. This is one of those balms I bought once and now I can’t be without it. There’s always one rolling around in the bottom of my bag.

The Downside: It has a mineral base, so if you don’t rub it in all the way, it can look a little white and ghostly.

 

 

EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36

At $21, this one is a bit of a splurge, but it’s perfect for minimalists. The EltaMD UV Lip Balm glides on clear with a natural, matte finish. If you hate the feeling of anything on your lips, this is the one for you.

It uses a mix of mineral and chemical filters for great protection, but I’ve never noticed a white cast or a bitter taste. It absorbs quickly and is a fantastic choice for anyone with sensitive skin who just wants no-fuss protection.

The Downside: Because it’s matte, it can sometimes accentuate lines if your lips are already super chapped.

 

 

Vacation Pineapple Upside Down-Cake Lip Balm SPF 30

You can’t beat the price on this one—it’s just $5. The flavor is the star here. It’s a sticky-sweet pineapple that completely hides any sunscreen taste and feels super fun and nostalgic.

It’s like an upgraded version of the Lipsmackers I used as a kid, but with actual SPF 30 protection. It’s surprisingly hydrating and just makes applying sunscreen feel like a treat.

The Downside: The scent is pretty strong, so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, this might be a bit much for you.

 

 

Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick + Sunscreen SPF 30

A two-pack of this everyday staple is about $6. This is my workhorse lip balm. There’s no flavor, no scent, and absolutely no bitter chemical taste. It just works.

It gives you that classic, soothing Aquaphor hydration without a super shiny finish. I also love that it doesn’t melt into a puddle in my car on a hot day. It’s just a reliable, broad-spectrum balm that I recommend to everyone.

The Downside: The packaging is a little bulky and not the most attractive tube out there.

 

 

Prequel Lip Visor Sunscreen SPF 30

This lip sunscreen from Prequel will set you back $20. I’m a big fan of the squeeze tube applicator—it feels more hygienic than a stick, and it’s easy to get the right amount out.

It has a light minty scent but zero chemical taste, and it applies completely clear. Reapplication is a breeze, which is key for getting proper sun protection throughout the day. This has become a staple in my daily routine.

The Downside: The mint flavor is pleasant to me, but I know it’s not for everyone.

 

 

MD Solar Sciences Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30

This one costs $23 and feels so luxe. It glides on beautifully, thanks to ingredients like shea butter and jojoba, and leaves my lips feeling soft and moisturized. There is absolutely none of that dreaded SPF taste.

The packaging feels a little nostalgic, and the formula is genuinely more hydrating than a lot of other chemical-based balms I’ve tried. It’s great when you want a hint of color along with your sun protection.

The Downside: The shades are very sheer, so you might need a few swipes to build up any real color.

 

 

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm

For just $4, this Sun Bum mineral balm is a fantastic deal. When I’m actually at the beach or spending a lot of time outdoors, this is the one I grab. The coconut flavor is delicious and doesn’t taste artificial.

It’s a vegan, clean formula that nourishes with natural oils, and it glides on like butter once it warms up a bit. It feels like it’s actually healing my lips, not just sitting on top of them.

The Downside: It can feel a little thick and waxy right out of the tube and needs to be rubbed in to sink in properly.

 

 

Blistex Five Star Lip Protection SPF 30

You can usually find this for around $2.50, which is an unbeatable price. This is the perfect balm for people who are constantly reapplying (and losing) their lip balm. There’s no weird chemical flavor, just reliable protection.

It gets the job done without any bells and whistles. It’s not particularly shiny or flavored, it just protects your lips from the sun without tasting bad or drying them out. It’s ideal for stocking up.

The Downside: It’s not the most hydrating formula on this list, and you’ll likely need to reapply it more often.

Finding a lip balm with SPF you’ll actually wear is the most important thing. That awful bitter taste is a real barrier, but these options prove you don’t have to suffer through it for the sake of sun protection.

Whether you want a glossy finish, a sheer tint, or just a no-frills balm that works, there’s a great-tasting option out there. Your lips will thank you for it, especially after a long day in the sun.