Tester- and Expert-Approved: 10 Best Sunscreens for Men (2024)

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:

For more on how we vet sunscreens, and what to look for when shopping for sunscreen, read on after our reviews.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.