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Aesop Protective Lip Balm SPF30
Aesop

Aesop Protective Lip Balm SPF30

SPF 30Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh·3 UV filters·100% recommend (1 review)
See all ingredients

Works for

Sun protection
SPF 30 · 3 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 30Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filtersNo white castNano filters

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.

This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Zinc Oxide
Tinosorb S
Uvinul A Plus
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant~4.4–6.5%
Tinosorb SBis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineUVBUVA Photo-stable Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).~0.95–1.45%
Uvinul A PlusDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateUVA1 Photo-stable Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet~1.1–1.6%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Tocopherol
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (tocopherol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

TocopherolKey activeEffect: HighPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~2.3–3.5%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Tocopherol
Works well

This product can help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.

TocopherolEffect: LowPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~2.3–3.5%
Moisturizing
Side benefit the brand mentions · Ricinus communis seed oil, Jojoba esters + 5 more
Works
What the product description says
“The Aesop Protective Lip Balm with SPF 30 provides intensive nourishment for dry, chapped lips.”
Source: Mankind

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: copernicia cerifera wax, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

Ricinus communis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency~25–38%
Jojoba estersKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function~6.9–10.4%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~3.1–4.7%
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~2.4–3.6%
Copernicia cerifera waxKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency~1.5–2.3%
Hydrogenated castor oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency~0.5–1.2%
TocopherolEffect: LowPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~2.3–3.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
10 strong irritants: Citrus tangerina peel oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil + 8 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus tangerina peel oilEssential oil that can be irritating. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.45–1.05%est.
Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Cananga odorata flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
Benzyl salicylateA fragrance. Is a likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.45%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Ricinus communis seed oilA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistencyMedium~25–38%est.
Jojoba estersAn emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier functionMedium~6.9–10.4%est.
Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearateUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~4.8–7.1%est.
Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~2.4–3.6%est.
Glyceryl behenateUsed to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~2–3.1%est.
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoateUvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yetMedium~1.1–1.6%est.
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazineTinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).Medium~0.95–1.45%est.
Hydrogenated castor oilA plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistencyMedium~0.5–1.2%est.
Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

User reviews

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What reviewers noticed
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Ricinus communis seed oil~25–38%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency

More about Ricinus communis seed oil
Jojoba esters~6.9–10.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function

More about Jojoba esters
Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate~4.8–7.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate
Euphorbia cerifera wax~4.9–7.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Euphorbia cerifera wax
Zinc oxide~4.4–6.5%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant

More about Zinc oxide
Helianthus annuus seed oil~3.1–4.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Tocopherol~2.3–3.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~2.4–3.6%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil
Glyceryl behenate~2–3.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and help soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl behenate
Copernicia cerifera wax~1.5–2.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency

More about Copernicia cerifera wax
Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~1.1–1.6%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet

More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate
Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine~0.95–1.45%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Tinosorb S. One of the most effective broad spectrum sunscreen ingredients. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays. It is photostable. Approved by the US FDA in 2026 (listed as bemotrizinol on US labels).

More about Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine
Citrus tangerina peel oil~0.45–1.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Essential oil that can be irritating. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus tangerina peel oil
Hydrogenated castor oil~0.5–1.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
CleansingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help soften the skin. It might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but solid research is lacking. Is often used in lip products to create the needed product consistency

More about Hydrogenated castor oil
Glyceryl isostearate~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Glyceryl isostearate
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil
Cananga odorata flower oil~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Can be irritating

More about Cananga odorata flower oil
Limonene~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Linalool~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Benzyl benzoate~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate
Geraniol~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Benzyl salicylate~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Is a likely irritant

More about Benzyl salicylate
Citral~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Citronellol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Ingredient list view

Ricinus communis seed oil, Jojoba esters, Pentaerythrityl tetraisostearate, Euphorbia cerifera wax, Zinc oxide, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Tocopherol, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Glyceryl behenate, Copernicia cerifera wax, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Citrus tangerina peel oil, Hydrogenated castor oil, Glyceryl isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Cananga odorata flower oil, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl benzoate, Geraniol, Benzyl salicylate, Citral, Citronellol

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🇬🇧 Cultbeauty (UK)5.5 g
≈ $22.81
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🇬🇧 Lookfantastic (UK)5.5 g
≈ $22.81
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🇬🇧 Mankind (UK)5.5 g
≈ $22.81
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
AesopProtective Lip Balm SPF30YOUR PRODUCTMatter CompanySubstance Baby Suncare Stick SPF 30LavozonOctocrylene-Free Sun Stick - SPF 50Laboratoires de BiarritzSport Lip Balm SPF30 Organic
Match—37%35%34%
Price—$6.40—$12.43
Shared key ingredients—4 of 95 of 95 of 9
Key difference—Butyrospermum Parkii ButterButyrospermum Parkii ButterLinoleic Acid
Irritancy High Low Low Low
SPFSPF 30SPF 30SPF 50SPF 30
Drying alcohol—— Contains drying alcohol —
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Product summary

The ingredient list suggests that "Aesop - Protective Lip Balm SPF30" can provide reliable sun protection. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).

Sunscreen filters

This is a "mixed" sunscreen in the sense that it uses both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") sun filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: tinosorb s and uvinul a plus. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.

Irritation risk

There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Aesop" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails for 64.50A$ in Australia, from 13.00£ up to 26.04£ in the United Kingdom and from 13.00$ up to 32.70$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Final report on the safety assessment of Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Glyceryl Ricinoleate SE, Ricinoleic Acid, Potassium Ricinoleate, Sodium Ricinoleate, Zinc Ricinoleate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Ethyl Ricinoleate, Glycol Ricinoleate, Isopropyl Ricinoleate, Methyl Ricinoleate, and Octyldodecyl Ricinoleatencbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Castor Oil: Properties, Uses, and Optimization of Processing Parameters in Commercial Productionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Effect of ricinoleic acid in acute and subchronic experimental models of inflammationncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Safety Assessment of Pentaerythrityl Tetraesters as Used in Cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    A review of inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxideonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. 6
    Risk assessment of zinc oxide, a cosmetic ingredient used as a UV filter of sunscreensncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Aesop Protective Lip Balm SPF30
AesopProtective Lip Balm SPF30
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.