Provides a cushiony feel with a smooth mint flavor that makes reapplying pleasant and works well under or over lipstick.
Sunscreen for lips is non-negotiable, but that bitter aftertaste can ruin your coffee and your day. We tested standout SPF lip balms that protect without tasting awful, so you can reapply confidently. Here are the best options for different needs and preferences.
If you have ever swiped on an SPF lip balm and instantly regretted it, you are not alone. Many formulas leave a bitter, plasticky, or perfumey aftertaste that lingers, which makes reapplying feel like a chore. The good news is you do not have to choose between daily sun protection and a pleasant experience. This guide focuses on SPF lip balms that either taste neutral or use light, well-done flavor to gently mask sunscreen notes, without going candy-sweet or cloying.
Below, you will find quick picks if you want a fast answer, followed by in-depth reviews that explain who each balm is best for, how they feel, what they are made of, and what to watch out for. We also include practical tips to avoid that dreaded bitter taste and to keep your lips comfortable in real life, from long outdoor days to coffee runs.
Quick picks
- Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 — Best overall for everyday comfort and flavor
- Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30 — Best fragrance-free option for sensitive lips
- COOLA Classic Liplux Organic Lip Balm SPF 30 — Best clean-leaning, glossy feel with light flavor
- EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 — Best for outdoor sports and high, reliable protection
- All Good SPF 20 Lip Balm — Best mineral-only pick with low taste and simple ingredients
In-depth reviews
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 review
Who it is for: If you want a balm that feels cushiony, wears well under or over lipstick, and has a flavor that actually makes reapplication pleasant, this is the most universally liked option. The Natural Mint & Shea Butter version is the crowd favorite because the mint is smooth rather than medicinal, and it helps neutralize any sunscreen notes.
How it feels and works: This is a rich, occlusive squeeze-tube balm that softens on contact and creates a thin, protective layer that stays put. The finish is slightly glossy but not sticky. It uses broad-spectrum chemical UV filters and emollients like shea butter and avocado oil to keep lips comfortable for hours. The mint cools lightly, and the taste reads as fresh rather than sharp.
Key ingredients and filters: Broad-spectrum filters include avobenzone alongside other UVB filters. The base includes shea butter and plant oils for slip and conditioning. There is lanolin in some variants, which is great for moisture but can be a no-go if you are sensitive to it.
Taste profile: Light mint that masks any bitterness very effectively. No perfumey aftertaste. The flavor dissipates within a few minutes, leaving a neutral experience.
Drawbacks: It contains chemical UV filters, including those some shoppers prefer to avoid. Not rated water resistant. If you dislike any mint tingle on very chapped lips, consider Aquaphor instead.
Compare it to: Compared with COOLA Classic Liplux, Jack Black feels more cushiony and protective with a milder, more natural-tasting mint. Versus Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect, Jack Black offers a nicer flavor, while Aquaphor wins for fragrance-free sensitivity needs.
Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30 review
Who it is for: Sensitive lips, fragrance-averse users, and anyone who wants reliable SPF with almost no taste. If most flavored balms irritate you, this is the safe bet that still feels comfortable.
How it feels and works: Aquaphor’s base is classic: petrolatum for occlusion, plus conditioners like shea butter and glycerin. It forms a breathable barrier that soothes chapping quickly and prevents moisture loss. The finish is satin with a hint of shine, and the texture is smooth rather than waxy.
Key ingredients and filters: Broad-spectrum chemical filters, typically a mix that includes avobenzone for UVA coverage. It is fragrance free and flavor free, which greatly reduces the chance of a lingering taste. No menthol or tingling agents.
Taste profile: Essentially neutral. You might detect a very faint sunscreen note right after application, but the occlusive base keeps it from migrating onto the tongue. After a minute, it is nearly tasteless.
Drawbacks: No water resistance rating and no tint. If you want a higher SPF for intense outdoor time, EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36 is a better pick. If you enjoy a pleasant flavor to mask any hint of sunscreen, Jack Black Intense Therapy does that well.
Compare it to: Compared with All Good SPF 20, Aquaphor feels smoother and less waxy, and it has a more comfortable glide. Against COOLA Liplux, it is less glossy but gentler for true sensitivity.
COOLA Classic Liplux Organic Lip Balm SPF 30 review
Who it is for: If you want a clean-leaning formula with a glossy, lip-balm-meets-lip-gloss feel, Liplux delivers. Choose the Original version for very light flavor, or pick one of the subtle flavors if you prefer a hint of vanilla or mint to mask sunscreen taste.
How it feels and works: This twist-up stick offers a smooth, glide-on texture that adds a soft sheen without feeling heavy. It layers beautifully with lip color and does not pill. The plant oil blend gives comfortable slip, and SPF 30 is solid for daily protection.
Key ingredients and filters: Broad-spectrum chemical filters for UVA and UVB protection, combined with botanical oils and butters. Many versions include antioxidant-rich oils. Flavored options use natural flavor or essential oils in low amounts.
Taste profile: Flavor-light and not bitter. The taste is clean, disappears quickly, and does not clash with coffee or water. If you choose a flavored version, the flavor is soft rather than syrupy.
Drawbacks: Not water resistant. Some flavored versions contain fragrance or essential oil, which can be a problem for very sensitive lips. It is also pricier per ounce than drugstore picks.
Compare it to: Compared with Jack Black Intense Therapy, Liplux is lighter and glossier with an even softer taste profile. Versus All Good SPF 20, it has a more elegant texture but uses chemical filters rather than mineral-only zinc oxide.
EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 review
Who it is for: Runners, hikers, beachgoers, and anyone who wants higher SPF plus a formula that grips through sweat. This is the workhorse pick when you need dependable protection that does not melt away easily.
How it feels and works: The texture is creamier and thicker than a basic stick, with a protective film that adheres well. It is more balm than gloss. It combines zinc oxide with additional UVB protection, and it is commonly noted for solid water and sweat resistance.
Key ingredients and filters: Broad-spectrum coverage that includes zinc oxide. The base includes moisturizing agents like glycerin to offset the drier feel that often comes with sport-grade formulas.
Taste profile: Very mild and neutral. There can be the slightest mineral note at first, but it settles quickly and does not leave a bitter aftertaste.
Drawbacks: Thicker texture with potential for a faint white cast on deeper lip tones if you apply heavily. It is also more expensive than most drugstore picks.
Compare it to: Compared with Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect, EltaMD has a sturdier, more outdoor-proof wear and higher SPF, but Aquaphor feels softer for desk days. Versus COOLA Liplux, EltaMD trades gloss for staying power.
All Good SPF 20 Lip Balm review
Who it is for: If you want mineral-only sun protection and the simplest ingredient list possible, All Good is a smart pick. It is especially helpful where chemical filters are restricted or for those who prefer zinc oxide on principle.
How it feels and works: This is a firmer, wax-forward stick that softens with a couple of passes. It creates a protective layer that resists melting in heat. The finish is more satin than glossy, and it is low slip, which many people prefer for staying power.
Key ingredients and filters: Non-nano zinc oxide provides mineral-only broad-spectrum protection. The base often includes beeswax and plant oils like coconut or sunflower to condition lips.
Taste profile: Minimal. The unscented version is almost flavorless. If you choose Coconut, the flavor is soft and natural, not sugary. There is no bitter chemical aftertaste because the UV filter is zinc oxide.
Drawbacks: SPF 20 is lower than our other picks, so reapply frequently if you are outside. There can be a subtle white cast on deeper lip tones or when applied thickly. The texture is less plush than COOLA or Jack Black.
Compare it to: Compared with EltaMD UV Lip Balm, All Good is simpler and mineral-only but not as creamy. Versus Jack Black Intense Therapy, it has virtually no taste but also less cushion and shine.
How to choose
Start with your sensitivity level. If flavorings, fragrance, or tingling agents irritate your lips, go straight to Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect for a nearly tasteless, fragrance-free experience. If you tolerate a light flavor and want something pleasant, Jack Black Intense Therapy is the best everyday choice.
Match SPF and wear to your day. For desk days and errands, SPF 25 to 30 is plenty. Choose Jack Black or COOLA Liplux. For long outdoor time, grab EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36 for higher SPF and better grip through sweat.
Decide on filters. If you prefer mineral-only protection, All Good SPF 20 is your match, with the tradeoff of a firmer feel and lower SPF. If you are fine with chemical filters, Jack Black, Aquaphor, and COOLA offer smoother textures and higher SPFs.
Consider finish and layering. If you wear lip color, a thin, even layer of COOLA Liplux gives a smooth base under lipstick or liner. For a cushiony, balm-first finish, Jack Black adds soft shine. For a satin, barely-there look, choose All Good.
Travel and local rules. Some destinations restrict specific chemical filters. If you want to play it safe for trips to reef-sensitive areas, mineral-only All Good is the simplest choice.
Apply and reapply so you barely taste it
Prep first: A quick swipe of a non-SPF lip conditioner at night keeps flakes at bay. Smooth lips hold SPF more evenly, which reduces migration onto your tongue.
Use a thin first layer: Apply a small amount and press lips together to distribute. Wait 30 seconds, then add a second light layer if you need more cushion. Building thin layers keeps product from pooling at the inner lip line, which is the main source of taste.
Blot strategically: If you are sensitive to taste, lightly blot the inner third of your lips with a tissue after application. You will keep protection on the exposed lip surface while removing product where it touches saliva.
Pair with color the right way: If you are wearing lipstick, start with your SPF balm, let it set for a minute, then apply color. Press lips onto a tissue once to remove excess from the inner rim. Add a final dab of SPF on the center of the lower lip for comfort.
Mind your drinks: Hot drinks can dissolve and move product. After coffee or tea, reapply with a thin layer and blot the inner lip again.
Final thoughts
If you want the safest bet that feels good and tastes good, start with Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25. If you need fragrance-free and nearly tasteless, choose Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30. For a clean-leaning, glossy option, COOLA Classic Liplux Organic Lip Balm SPF 30 is easy to love. If you are headed outdoors for hours, EltaMD UV Lip Balm Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 is the workhorse. Prefer mineral-only simplicity with minimal taste? All Good SPF 20 Lip Balm gets the job done. Reapply generously, blot the inner lip, and you will forget you are even wearing sunscreen.
See also
If you are streamlining your morning routine, pairing your lip protection with a sheer base can save time. Our guide to the Best Tinted Moisturizers With SPF highlights formulas that layer well with balm, and the Best Concealers for Dry Skin That Don’t Crease roundup can help you avoid cakiness around dehydration lines.
To finish your look without fuss, check out transfer-smart picks in Best Eyeliners for Hooded Eyes That Don’t Transfer. If your hair needs lightweight nourishment, our Best Hair Oils for Fine Hair That Don’t Grease guide can help, and for polished lips that stay put, see Best Lipsticks for Older Women That Don’t Feather.
FAQ
Why do some SPF lip balms taste bitter or plasticky?
Two main reasons. First, certain UV filters can taste bitter if the balm migrates to the inner lip where it touches saliva. Second, heavy fragrance or strong flavorings can linger and amplify off-notes. Balms with a more occlusive base and mild or no flavor, like Aquaphor, tend to stay put and taste neutral.
Are mineral-only SPF lip balms better tasting?
Often, yes, because zinc oxide does not have the same bitter taste some chemical filters do. However, mineral balms can be waxier and may leave a slight white cast. If you want minimal taste with a smoother feel, Jack Black or COOLA use light flavor to mask any off-notes without going sweet.
What SPF do I need on my lips for daily use?
For most people, SPF 25 to 30 is a good daily target. If you will be outdoors for hours or near water and snow, go higher and reapply often. EltaMD’s SPF 36 offers a sturdier, outdoor-ready option.
How can I keep my SPF lip balm from getting into my mouth?
Apply a thin layer, press lips together to distribute, then blot the inner third of your lips with a tissue. This leaves protection on the part of your lips that sees the sun, while removing excess where taste happens. Avoid licking your lips and reapply after hot drinks.
Can I wear these SPF balms under lipstick without changing the taste?
Yes. Let the balm set for about a minute, then apply your lipstick. A quick blot will prevent movement and minimize taste. COOLA’s glossy, slip-friendly texture is great under color, while Jack Black adds cushion over dry matte formulas.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.