★★★★★ 5
The best lip sunscreen I've tried by FAR
Size: 2-Pack (0.15 Ounce each), Size: 2-Pack (0.15 Ounce each)
Background:
I have VERY dry lips that sunburn, desiccate, and wrinkle easily (see before pic). I use prescription tretinoin so I'm skin sensitized and hyper conscious of sun exposure. I've tried lip sunscreens from what feels like every single brand, including EltaMD (3/5, looks ok, not moisturizing enough), Sun Bum (1/5, super drying, gross flavor, oily) Aquaphor (4/5, looks good, pretty moisturizing, my #2), Blistex (2/5, waxy, drying), and a million other random Amazon and gas station brands.
First impression:
I actually didn't read the ingredients list before purchasing since I was buying a bunch of new brands to try. But as soon as I put it on I was blown away at how immediately SOFT, hydrated, plumped, and moisturized my lips felt...and that is not something I ever say about my lips. Then I checked out the ingredients and it made sense. The top ingredient in the base is argan oil which is very emollient and moisturizing, then bisabolol which is a very soothing natural extract from chamomile, and this also has beeswax, sweet almond oil, shea butter and vitamin e for more moisture and antioxidant benefits. This is a really impressive formula from a $3 tube of sunscreen, let alone the fact it has SPF 30. There's a tiny amount of white cast if I look closely (from the zinc, see after pic) but it's not really noticeable and overall it looks really flattering on my lips (Fitzpatrick III, light-medium skin and medium pigmented lips). The alternative is a balm with chemical filters which (in my experience) all taste disgusting. If you have dark skin or very pigmented lips I would still give it a shot since it's pretty affordable and quite sheer, but you might prefer it over a lip stain. This has zero flavor or scent when I eat or lick my lips.
Sun protection test:
I have worn this outside while gardening in October/early November and haven't experienced any burning or sun sensitization on my lips. I haven't worn it during summer months when the sun is most intense, but the fact that the formula is flavorless and super moisturizing really incentivizes me to reapply often which is the most important factor when it comes to sunscreen (especially lip sunscreen which moves around more!), so I don't anticipate having issues with maintaining solar protection.
5/5 great product!
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Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2023
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