Why We Don't Have an SPF Lip Balm

We get this question all the time—“Do you have a lip balm with SPF?” And honestly, we really wish we had an SPF lip balm to offer you already.

SPF Lip Balm Regulations in Canada

But here’s something most people don’t realize: in Canada, lip balms with SPF aren’t just regular lip balms with a bit of zinc oxide or chemical sunscreen mixed in. They’re actually considered drugs, and there’s a whole approval process you have to go through before you can legally sell one.

What’s Involved in Making SPF Lip Balm

• Lab testing to make sure the SPF protection actually works—not just in theory, but in real life
• Broad-spectrum testing to confirm it protects from both UVA and UVB rays
• Stability testing to check that it still works properly over time (like after being stored in a hot car or beach bag)
• Testing to make sure the sunscreen ingredients are spread out evenly, so that every swipe gives the same amount of protection—not just the first one or only part of the stick

That whole process can take 6 to 12 months and costs thousands of dollars before we even make a single product to sell.

Why Testing Matters

Honestly, we think that’s a good thing. Because if you’re trusting something to protect your skin from the sun, it should actually do that—and there should be solid testing to back it up.

What About Natural Ingredients?

Sometimes people also ask if the ingredients we already use—like cocoa butter, coconut oil, or beeswax—might offer some natural sun protection on their own. It’s a great question! And while some of those ingredients might have a tiny bit of UV resistance, they’re not recognized as approved sunscreen ingredients in Canada, and they haven’t been tested or approved to make SPF claims. So even though they do lovely things for your lips, we don’t treat them like sun protection—and we won’t tell you they are unless we’ve got the science to prove it.

What Is a DIN?

When a product has gone through all the right steps and been approved, you’ll usually see something called a DIN (Drug Identification Number) printed right on the label. That little number means it’s passed Health Canada’s requirements and is allowed to make SPF claims.

Selling SPF Lip Balm in the U.S.

And if we ever decide to sell an SPF lip balm in the U.S., we’d have to meet FDA regulations too, which come with their own set of testing, labeling, and manufacturing requirements.

We’re Not Rushing It

So while we don’t have an SPF lip balm right now, it’s not because we don’t want to make one—it’s because we want to do it properly, and that takes time, resources, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes work. But when we’re ready, you’ll be the first to know.

In the Meantime…

Our regular lip balms are still here to keep your lips soft, happy, and hydrated—made with the same care and attention we’d bring to any future SPF product, too.

And while they might not have sun protection, they do come in scents that bring all the sunny vibes. (We’re looking at you, Cherry Limeade!)

Thanks so much for your curiosity, your questions, and for supporting our small Canadian business.