Best Sunscreen for Men [2023]

If you’re like most men, sunscreen isn’t even a consideration unless you plan to spend the day outside. But regardless of whether you’re planning to spend ten minutes or ten hours outdoors, sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine. We all know sunscreen helps prevent cancer and sunburn, but it also helps keep fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of damage at bay—and if something as simple as applying a little sunblock can help you look five or ten years younger, why wouldn’t you?

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing the best sunscreen, taking into consideration factors such as skin type, level of sun protection, and ease of application. From mineral-based sunscreens to sprays and lotions, we've got you covered. Whether you're looking for an everyday sunscreen or a heavy-duty product for active days in the sun, this guide will help you make an informed decision and keep your skin protected all year long.

With a dizzying array of suncare products on the market, choosing a sunscreen isn’t easy. When you’re serious about skincare, you know better than to grab whatever’s cheapest at the drugstore on your way to the beach—you’ll probably want to research a few options so you can find a quality product to use every day. Here’s what you should look for on your quest:

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

A sunscreen’s sun protection factor is, according to the FDA, a measure of “how much solar energy is required to produce sunburn on protected skin relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin.” For everyday use, SPF 15 is fine. If you’re a guy who spends a lot of time outdoors, opt for SPF 50 or above. And don’t forget a hat.

Recommended reading: Best Men's Moisturizer with SPF

Broad Spectrum

The term “broad spectrum” refers to the types of ultraviolet rays your sunscreen protects against. Broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA rays, which cause aging, and UVB rays, which cause burning. Both can cause skin cancer, which is why it’s critical to choose a broad–spectrum sunscreen.

Active Ingredients

In the United States, there are only a handful of active ingredients approved by the FDA for sun protection. They fall into two categories: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreen allows the sun’s radiation to penetrate the skin but convert it to heat energy. Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, physically block the rays from penetrating the skin.

Chemical sunscreens:

• Avobenzone
• Octisalate
• Oxybenzone
• Homosalate

Mineral sunscreens:

• Titanium Dioxide
• Zinc Oxide

Water and Sweat Resistance

If you’re a sweaty guy, you should absolutely be on the lookout for the “sweat resistant” designation on your suncare products. Ditto if you’ll be swimming or battling the elements. Moisture-proof sunscreens not only stay put on your skin for better protection, they prevent the product from running into your eyes and stinging or burning.

Nourishing Ingredients

If you’re going to use a skincare product every day, choose one that has a solid list of nourishing ingredients. There’s no reason your sunscreen can’t double as a moisturizer or anti-aging product. Some common nourishing ingredients to look for are:

• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Aloe
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Niacinamide
• Botanical Extracts

Texture

One of the more difficult parts of shopping for sunscreen is finding a texture you like. Some sunscreens are goopy and oily while others are drying. It’s always worth reading customer reviews to get a sense of its texture. Generally speaking, skincare-conscious guys tend to prefer lightweight sunscreens.

Reef Safe

Unfortunately, some sunscreen ingredients have been shown to cause damage to coral reefs and marine life. If you plan to spend time in the water, look for sunscreen that’s reef safe. It will often have a Protect Land and Sea Certification on the label.

Every dude’s skin is different, and it’s crucial to choose a sunscreen that suits your skin’s unique needs. No matter what you’re dealing with, here’s what to look for in sunscreen.

Oily

• Oil-free: With oily skin, it’s crucial to use an oil-free sunscreen so you can avoid that greasy feel.
• Mineral Sunscreen: Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide tend to be better for oily skin.
• Silica: If you suffer from oily skin, opt for a sunscreen that contains silica. Silica has absorbent properties, which can help with excess oil.

Dry

• Moisturizing Ingredients: Look for sunscreen specifically formulated for dry skin. It should contain moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter and aloe.
• Hyaluronic Acid: In the absence of moisture, your skin is more prone to aging. HA helps your skin stretch and flex and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
• Niacinamide: Niacinamide helps your skin retain moisture by strengthening its natural moisture barrier.

Sensitive

• Mineral Sunscreen: Mineral sunscreens tend to work better for sensitive skin because the sunscreen isn’t absorbed.
• Aloe: Aloe is a soothing ingredient that works to mitigate irritation caused by the sun. It can also counteract irritating ingredients in sunscreen!
• Fragrance Free: Fragrance can be especially irritating to the skin, so opt for fragrance-free sunscreen.

Acne-Prone

• Non-comedogenic: Non-comedogenic means it won’t clog pores. If you suffer from acne, check the label of all of your products for this buzzword.
• Oil-Free: If you suffer from acne, it’s likely that your skin is overproducing sebum. Opt for an oil-free product.
• Lightweight: Lightweight skincare products tend to work better on acne-prone skin.

Apply Every Day

No matter what time of year it is, make sure you apply sunscreen every day. Even if you spend only a few minutes outside most days, the cumulative effect of sun exposure is enough to damage your skin.

Apply Everywhere

Regardless of what you have planned for the day, it’s best to apply sunscreen anywhere that isn’t covered by your clothes—your neck, arms, and legs are just as prone to sun damage as your face.

Apply a Generous Amount

Most of us underestimate how much sunscreen we need. Follow the NIH’s Two-Finger Rule if you’re unsure:

With the rule of nines, the body's surface area is divided into 11 areas, each representing roughly 9% of the total (box). Sunscreen can be applied to each of these areas at a dose of 2 mg/cm2 if two strips of sunscreen are squeezed out on to both the index and middle fingers from the palmar crease to the fingertips.

Give It 15 Minutes

Be sure to apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure so you can give the product time to absorb into the skin. This is especially important if you’re using a chemical sunscreen.

Reapply Often

Sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours—and if you’re in the water or perspiring, you should probably err on the side of caution and reapply more frequently.

Don’t Rely Solely on Sunscreen

Sunscreen is magical stuff. But you’ll need more than just sunscreen for comprehensive protection against the sun’s harmful rays. For long days in the sun, cover up with a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. And if you spend a lot of time in the car, you might consider investing in UV-protective window tint.

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of staying on top of sun care—your life may depend on it. No matter which sunscreen you choose, you’re taking an important step by researching your options and committing to quality products. Derm for Dudes is here to help with any questions about products or ingredients—drop us a line and we’ll help how we can! As you build your skincare regimen, be sure to check out our product reviews for top-of-the-line, dude-approved products.