10 Best Sunscreens for Men to Apply Every Day
These SPFs will protect your skin from sunburn and fight signs of aging.
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Of all of the ways men groom in the morning, sunscreen is the one step you don't want to skip. There's a myriad myths floating around about sunscreen: You might think that if it's overcast or you'll be spending the day inside you're safe from UV exposure, but that's a serious miscalculation. UV rays can penetrate the glass in your home or office, and a cloudy sky won't save you from harmful rays. Beyond the serious and obvious risk of skin cancer associated with exposure to UV, there's also the concern for visible skin aging, which is exacerbated by sun exposure.
The Good Housekeeping Institute has massive amounts of experience with testing sunscreens for face and body to find the best ones, vetted by real consumers. After all, the most effective sunscreen isn't necessarily the one with the highest SPF or most skincare claims — it's the one that makes you want to put it on every day and form good habits to protect your skin. Reviewing data from our last round of sunscreen testing, which included more than 250 consumer testers, and researching sunscreen specifically created with the grooming habits of men in mind, we've pulled together a list of the best sunscreens for men.
Our top picks:
Best Overall Face and Body Sunscreen for Men
Rodan + Fields Essentials Face + Body Sunscreen SPF 50
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Best Value Face and Body Sunscreen for Men
Hawaiian Tropic Matte Effect Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
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Best Sunscreen for Men with Dark Skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body & Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
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For more on how we vet sunscreens, and what to look for when shopping for sunscreen, read on after our reviews.
Rodan + Fields Essentials Face + Body Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros
- For face and body
- Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
- Applies and absorbs easily
Cons
- Pricey
This SPF was the winner of our latest round of sunscreen testing. Testers and online reviewers alike raved about the application and skin-feel, with one reviewer saying it was "not greasy, more like a moisturizer." We loved how this chemical SPF has a water-resistance of up to 80 minutes, making it a great companion for a beach day. Though the bottle is more expensive than some other options, the price per ounce of product is comparable to many drugstore sunscreens.
| Use | Face and Body |
Hawaiian Tropic Matte Effect Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Pros
- Matte finish
- Gentle on skin
- Doesn't leave a white cast
Cons
- May not be as hydrating as some other sunscreens
The oily look of freshly-applied sunscreen or moisturizer can be a bit of a turnoff for some men, and that's why we love this SPF from Hawaiian Tropic. It's gentle on skin, doesn't leave a white cast and gives a fresh matte finish that looks like you've put nothing on. That being said, the mattifying effect comes at the cost of not feeling particularly hydrating, so you'll want to use a hydrating moisturizer underneath.
| Use | Face and Body |
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body & Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
Pros
- No white cast after application
- Can use on face and body
Cons
- Scent may be irritating to some
It can be hard to tell from just looking at the bottle whether a sunscreen will leave a white cast on the skin after application, making finding the right sunscreen for dark skin tough work. Luckily, our extensive tester community helps us understand what works best for a myriad of skin tones. GH Beauty Lab testers who described themselves as Latinx, Black and Asian gave this SPF high marks for not leaving a white film after application.
We were impressed by the high SPF rating for this sunscreen and its use for both skin and body, though one tester pointed out that the scent made them tear up, so it may not be the best choice for those with sensitivities.
| Use | Face and Body |
Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF50 Body Sunscreen
Pros
- Not irritating per GH testers
- Smooth, luxurious texture
Cons
- Has a chemical scent when applying
Sunscreen can be irritating, especially for men who shave often and might have a resultantly compromised skin barrier. This sunscreen from Everyday Humans was rated highly by consumer testers for not irritating the skin or eyes, making it a great choice for men with sensitive skin. It also contains skincare ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that contribute to its highly-rated texture. That being said, two testers noticed a light, short-lived chemical scent when applying, so those sensitive to fragrances may be turned off.
| Use | Face and Body |
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros
- Moisturizies while providing sun protection
- Pleasant texture on skin
Cons
For men who prefer efficiency, using a moisturizer with SPF can hasten the morning routine. This moisturizer-sunscreen hybrid from Olay is a Good Housekeeping Seal star, and a top performer in the category. In-Lab Corneometer studies showed this moisturizer raised skin hydration by 31%, which is greater than any other SPF 30 product tested by the Lab. Testers have also remarked on this sunscreen's appealing texture and how smooth it made their skin feel.
| Use | Face |
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Face Gel-Lotion SPF 30
Pros
- Didn't cause breakouts in Lab testing
- Left skin not feeling greasy
Cons
- May leave a white cast
Breakouts can make you nervous about applying product to your skin, since you don't want to clog your pores any further. Bare Republic's Mineral Sunscreen Face Gel-Lotion keeps you protected without aggravating acne. This sunscreen was a top performer in recent testing for not making skin greasy and not contributing to new breakouts, according to GH testers. The formula outperformed others in leaving skin matte without causing irritation, making it a great pick for acne-prone skin types. However, it may leave a white cast, making it unideal for some skin tones.
| Use | Face |
Hampton Sun SPF 50 Continuous Mist Sunscreen
Pros
- Effective spray applicator
- Doesn't transfer to fabric
Cons
- Can feel tacky
A spray-on sunscreen can be tricky — the packaging has to effectively dispense sunscreen without making a mess, and getting the air pressure just right to do so can be tough. Hampton Sun has achieved this delicate balance with this sunscreen, receiving top marks in our latest round of testing for ease of application. Consumer testers also noted how it doesn't impart a white film or transfer to fabric. But, some testers found it left their skin feeling sticky, and that the scent can be overbearing, with one describing it as similar to baby powder.
| Use | Body |
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+
Pros
- Didn't leave testers' skin feeling dry
- Rinses off easily
Cons
- Can feel greasy
Shiseido's luxurious SPF uses chemical protection to reduce the harm caused by UVA and UVB rays. "The silky feel when the product was applied! It felt luxurious and more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen!" said one GH tester. The formula tied for the highest spot in terms of not making skin feel dry as well as for efficiently rinsing off at the end of the day. We also were impressed with the high marks it received for not leaving a white cast. Testers noted that the formula can feel greasy or slippery, so men with oily skin may want to go for a more mattifying option
| Use | Face and Body |
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Pros
- Stick form provides mess-free, convenient sun protection
- Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
- Suitable for face and body
Cons
- May stain fabrics
Reapplying sunscreen can feel like a chore, not to mention the nightmare of the bottle exploding in your gym bag, leaving you with stained clothing and a big mess. We love the convenience of this stick form of sunscreen by Neutrogena, which makes sun protection as simple as a few swipes. We appreciate that this formula can be used on both face and body, and that it is water-resistant up to 80 minutes. Though the Lab didn't test this particular formula with our tester panel, we were impressed with the high SPF stick format and 80 minute water resistance. It should be noted that this formula may stain some fabrics.
| Use | Face and Body |
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Pros
- Made with natural ingredients
- Left skin feeling good, not too oily or dry
Cons
- Thick formula takes some getting used to
A top performer in the GH Beauty Lab's latest round of sunscreen testing, Babo Botanicals' mineral SPF received high marks for application, rinse off and fabric transfer. Testers enjoyed the formula, consisting of natural ingredients, remarking on how easy it was to apply, though some noted the viscous texture takes some getting used to.
| Use | Face and Body |
How we chose the best sunscreens for men
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab regularly tests face and body sunscreens, as well as moisturizers with SPF, as new formulas are introduced to the market. Testing can include both in-Lab studies using a Corneometer to measure skin hydration levels in test subjects, as well as consumer feedback testing, wherein the Institute works with hundreds of consumers to try products and provide feedback on items like texture, ease of application, packaging and more.
To pick the best sunscreens for men, we accumulated lists of previous winners from testing and researched additional sunscreens which are being marketed toward men. We consulted previous consumer-tester feedback and online reviews of products to select the best sunscreen in different formats and for various skin types.
What to look for when shopping for sunscreen
Here are some factors to consider as you pick a sunscreen that works for your needs:
✔️ SPF: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad spectrum sunscreen (meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of at least 30. That being said, a study conducted by the GH Beauty Lab found that women on average apply only about one-third of the amount of sunscreen necessary to confer the SPF level on the product label. As a result, we recommend higher SPF sunscreens, though a lower SPF can be used to achieve satisfactory protection — just remember you'll need to apply more and more frequently.
✔️ Active ingredients: There are three types of sunscreen: chemical, mineral and ones that use both of these types of active ingredients to achieve the desired protection. The Beauty Lab previously spoke to Michael Somenek, M.D., a plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C., who explained that chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, whereupon they can be released by the body, circumventing sunburns. Chemical sunscreens tend to have better water resistance but require more frequent reapplication. Mineral sunscreens (typically formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) act as a physical barrier to the sun, wherein the minerals reflect rays away from the skin. This, however can leave users with a white cast, and can also lead to a product with a thicker, harder-to-apply texture. Ultimately, which is better comes down to your preference in formula and which will make you more likely to continue wearing and applying sunscreen.
✔️ Formula type: Sunscreens are available in cream, lotion, spray and stick formats. The GH Beauty Lab tends to favor creams and lotions, since they can last longer and give you a better tactile indicator of your coverage. That being said, sprays and sticks can also help you avoid sun damage; just be sure to use them liberally and frequently.
✔️ Water-resistance: Per FDA guidelines, sunscreens can either be rated to have a water resistance of 40 or 80 minutes, based on manufacturer testing. If you plan on partaking in any swimming or aquatic activities, choose a sunscreen with an 80 minute resistance to avoid interrupting your beach day with constant reapplications.
✔️ Your skin type: Beyond the sunscreen's active ingredients, the other parts of its composition can be indicative of if it will work for you or not. Some sunscreens can be drying, so they're manufactured with hydrating ingredients to offset this side effect. If you have dry skin, look for sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid or other humectants. If you have oily skin, you may want to opt for options that claim to be mattifying, as these will often include silicone-based components like dimethicone that can help to absorb excess oil.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nikolas Greenwald is the lab assistant at the Good Housekeeping Institute, working across labs to manage data, develop new protocols and analyze testing results. With a B.S. in chemical engineering and experience working in cosmetics retail, he merges his knowledge of chemistry with his insight into consumer needs to make recommendations. For this story, he worked with the GH Beauty Lab scientists who have decades of combined experience testing and evaluating skincare products, including sunscreen.
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