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Sunscreen isn't just for beach or pool days. Dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen every day, year-round to protect your skin from sun damage. It's arguably the most important part of any skincare routine, and one that most men skip. Not only does wearing SPF decrease your risk of developing skin cancer, but it also also helps prevent premature skin aging, helping you look younger for longer.
"Wearing a good broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection is critical is protecting your skin against free radical damage caused by sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancers and worsened aging of the skin (wrinkles, increased laxity or sagginess and uneven discoloration)," says Dr. Morgana Colombo, MD, board certified dermatologist, and co-founder of Skintap.
Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one you want to wear every day, which brings us to our recommendations. Through our own meticulous testing and dermatologist recommendations, we've found the best facial sunscreens to keep you safe this summer and all year long.
Best Invisible Facial Sunscreen
Peter Thomas Roth Max Clear Invisible Priming Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
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Best Lightweight Facial Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60
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Read More: Best Sunscreens for Men
Best Invisible Facial Sunscreen
Peter Thomas Roth Max Clear Invisible Priming Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Invisible finish
- Water resistant
Cons
This clear sunscreen is our top pick for darker skin tones. The invisible formula instantly blends into the skin and dries down to a matte finish, blurring your pores at the same time. Ingredients including vitamin E, shea butter, and bisabolol helps improve the look of uneven texture and tone.
- Active Ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 15% homosalate 5% octisalate, 10% octocrylene
- Protection level: SPF 45
Read More: Best Sunscreens for Darker Skin Tones
Best Lightweight Facial Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60
Pros
- Weightless texture with a matte finish
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
Don't be afraid to load up on this ultra-thin sunscreen. Formulated with advanced UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants help decrease the risk of skin cancer and help fight free radicals caused by the sun, this lightweight sunscreen packs a heavy punch in terms of protection and skin benefits.
- Active Ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 10% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 7% octocrylene
- Protection level: SPF 60
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Best Facial Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen
Pros
- Calms and protects acne-prone skin
- Leaves no residue
Cons
For this Amazon bestseller, Zinc Oxide is its key ingredient, which works as a physical barrier to deflect harmful UVA and UVB rays from your skin. Plus, we love how sweat-resistant it is, and that it leaves no residue.
- Active Ingredients: 9.0% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate
- Protection level: SPF 46
Read more: Best Moisturizers with SPF
Best Hydrating Facial Sunscreen
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Face Sunscreen Lotion
Now 42% Off
Pros
- Contains moisturizing prebiotic oat
- Provides all-day hydration
Cons
Dry skin will love this hydrating, non-greasy sunscreen. The lightweight hydration it provides helps to soothe sensitive skin while also controlling breakouts.
- Active Ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 13.5% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 10% octocrylene
- Protection level: SPF 60
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Best Facial Sunscreen For On-the-Go
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Stick
Now 23% Off
Pros
- Natural Vanilla Coconut scent
- No chemical sunscreen actives
Cons
You probably know that you're supposed to reapply sunscreen every two hours, but how many people actually do it? This mineral sunscreen stick makes it easy to reapply any time, anywhere. The reef-safe formula contains no chemical sunscreen filters, which is great for sensitive skin types.
- Active Ingredients: 2.9% titanium dioxide, 7.8% zinc oxide
- Protection level: SPF 50
Read More: Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens
Best Mineral Facial Sunscreen
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen
Pros
- Dries with a non-greasy finish
- Won't sting the eyes
Cons
Mineral sunscreens are a great option for those with sensitive skin because the ingredients are less irritating than traditional chemical sunscreen ingredients. This one provides good coverage and is also water-resistant.
- Active Ingredients: 21.6% zinc oxide
- Protection level: SPF 50
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Pros
- Weightless texture
- No sunscreen scent
Cons
Invisible sunscreen protection has never looked or felt so good. This innovative, antioxidant-rich sunscreen has a unique oil-free formula that quickly and easily blends into the skin while providing broad spectrum SPF 40 protection.
- Active Ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 8% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 4% octocrylene
- Protection level: SPF 40
Best Facal Sunscreen For Acne-prone Skin
Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30
Pros
- Absorbs surface oil on the skin
- Ideal for those with allergies or skin sensitivities
Cons
Oily skin types, rejoice. Not only does this lightweight sunscreen protect your skin from sun damage, but it also works to soak up excess oil, leaving behind a matte finish. In addition to the top tier sunscreen filters, this product also boasts glycerin, tocopheryl acetate (a form of vitamin E), and hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine (a ceramide) to moisturize.
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7%
- Protection level: SPF 30
Read more: Best Sunscreens for Acne-prone Skin
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How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top grooming products for men. Experts including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce and Senior Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan have tried dozens of facial sunscreens and evaluated them for their protection, texture, and finish. We also considered top-reviewed facial sunscreens that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens
"Physical or mineral sunscreens are the same, just different terms and typically are made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and basically create a barrier over the skin that blocks the sun from hitting the skin," says Dr. Colombo. "They reflect sun rays when they hit the skin. They differ from chemical sunscreens which absorb sun rays, convert them to heat, and then release heat from the skin.
Both chemical and mineral sunscreens are effective, and it's really up to your personal preference to decide which one is best for you. Some people prefer mineral over chemical sunscreen because it’s less likely to cause skin irritation, but people with darker skin tones may find that mineral sunscreen doesn't blend into the skin and give their face an overall purple or grayish tone.
