The 10 Best Sunscreens for Men in 2026, Tested by a Grooming Editor

La Roche-Posay Anthelios is Dr. Witkowski’s personal favorite and go-to sunscreen, not just for himself, but for his family. “It is the first one I apply for days with extended exposure to the sun. It is also the sunscreen I apply on my four-year-old child’s skin for a day at the beach or a long bike ride,” he says. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients: ceramides to strengthen the barrier, niacinamide to calm and even skin tone, and glycerin to lock in moisture.

The application is lightweight and fast-absorbing, and its formula offers broad-spectrum, antioxidant-rich protection, including Senna alata to fight oxidative stress and signs of aging. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes, gentle on sensitive skin, and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, according to Dr. Witkowski.

Many sunscreens cause acne by containing heavy oils or silicones that trap sweat, bacteria, and sebum on the skin, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. However, Anthelios SPF 60 is non-comedogenic and oil-free, and includes prebiotic thermal spring water, making it an ideal choice for acne-prone skin.

The similar skin-friendly EltaMD UV Clear is over twice the cost. It absorbs in seconds without a trace when thoroughly rubbed in. However, if you use it after applying a thicker moisturizer, it can leave a cast, especially on darker tones. Given how moisturizing the sunscreen is, though, I’d recommend combining it with something more lightweight. Still, at this price, Anthelios is a no-brainer for the top spot.

Read More: Best Acne Sunscreen

Sensitive skin is no excuse for circumventing regular sunscreen use, as there are plenty of options that won’t aggravate skin. Best among them: Elta MD UV Clear. This dermatologist-recommended SPF packs a gentle and effective formula that uses zinc oxide to physically block UVA and UVB rays, along with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to calm acne- or rosacea-prone skin.

Dr. Witkowski explains that the 5 percent niacinamide here helps to improve skin tone and discoloration, soothe inflammation, boost the skin barrier, reduce hyperpigmentation, and regulate oil production, all of which result in fewer breakouts and better shine. It’s why this sunscreen has become popular among dermatologists, and Dr. Witkowski notes he’s used it himself, approving of the experience.

But you don’t need to have sensitive, acne-prone, or oily skin to enjoy it. It offers a silky smooth, oil-free feel with zero lingering white cast, while leaving skin feeling as hydrated as the best moisturizers. The only downside is that it’s not water- or sweat-resistant. I’ve worn this on long jogs, and it does start to rub off or run around the two- or three-mile mark. Similarly, you’ll only get about 20 minutes out of each application when dunking around in water.

Read More: EltaMD UV Clear Review

For those with darker skin tones, finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast and isn’t over $50 can be tough. However, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost sunscreen is a rare exception. This lightweight, non-greasy formula leaves an invisible sheen on skin and is absorbed almost immediately. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which makes this great for the beach.

Dermatologist Dr. Robert Finney, MD, also recommends the Hydro Boost sunscreen for patients with sensitive skin, since it contains hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin hydrated, but still not greasy or sticky. I’ve found that it does have a slight chemical smell. It’s not overpowering, but could be off-putting for some.

Read More: Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin Tones

This Supergoop daily sunscreen has amassed a cult-like following in the last few years, and, unlike most cults, the devotion is well placed. It checks every box you’re looking for in an SPF: water-resistant, broad-spectrum, non-greasy, hydrating, and quick-absorbing. I’ve worn this to the beach, office, and gym, and it’s held up through it all. It has a pleasant, neutral smell that makes it ideal for wearing with your day-to-day cologne, as it won’t clash or impede the fragrance.

The clear, silk texture is what many love about this product; however, it can leave a slight white cast, especially on darker skin tones. There is also a subtle, greasy residue, which isn’t a deal breaker, but could prove annoying for those with oily skin. Still, it offers reliable, long-lasting protection and leaves skin feeling moisturized.

Read More: Best SPF Moisturizers for Winter

GOAT surfer Kelly Slater created this high-performance mineral sunscreen, so it’s unsurprisingly built to keep up with serious activity. Though it goes on thick, it quickly blends in and delivers strong, reliable protection, even during long runs, hikes, and swims. Designed for athletes, it’s water-resistant for 80 minutes and sweatproof for 40, yet it never drips into my eyes, no matter how much I’m sweating. I’ve worn it at the beach, and it holds up well against water.

Fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive skin, it also leaves little to no white cast. Just be sure not to apply too much (this stuff is expansive) and rub it in thoroughly. On top of performance, it’s a win for the planet: packaged in 100 percent recycled plastic and free from reef-damaging ingredients, like oxybenzone and octinoxate. For active use, water sports, and eco-conscious skincare, this is the top option available—mineral or chemical.

Read More: Best Sunscreens for Working Out

Look, I understand that I’ve been about as subtle as the plot of Avatar when it comes to wearing sunscreen every day, but just like James Cameron’s portrayal of the environmental impact of colonialism, my message is also important.

However, if you’re overwhelmed by the prospect of wearing a daily moisturizer and sunscreen, there is an easy solution: combine them into one product with an SPF moisturizer. And there is no better option available than Marlowe No. 128 Facial Lotion.

Courtesy of one of the best skincare brands for men, the No. 128 Facial Lotion offers the best of both essentials with SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection and hydration for days with ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera. It absorbs just as quickly as the best moisturizers too, sinking into skin in seconds, leaving a smooth, renewed feeling.

While it is water-resistant for 80 minutes, I wouldn’t recommend wearing it for a swim, as it will run a bit. But I’ve worn it before mainland workouts, and it performs well. Ideally, though, this is best for day-to-day activities like commuting to work or taking a stroll to the market.

Read More: Marlowe. No. 128 Face Lotion Review

This sunscreen was formulated in collaboration with dermatologists, so it’s no surprise Dr. Witkowski backs it. It has a lightweight, clear, and silky texture similar to Supergoop, but leaves no residue. It’s also loaded with niacinamide to help visibly even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots caused by sun exposure. Not to mention, it provides broad-spectrum protection, making it a powerful daily defense against sun damage.

Dr. Witkowski also digs the SPF 60, one of the highest on this list, which blocks up to 98.5 percent of rays, another critical factor in preventing sunburn and long-term skin damage. Non-comedogenic and gentle on the skin, it also won’t clog pores and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Not to mention, the formula is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, phthalates, and dyes, so it’s safe for sensitive skin.

For the more targeted application, look to sunscreen sticks in lieu of lotions, and the Oars and Alps Go Stick delivers on every front. I reach for it whenever I’m short on time. It swipes on smoothly, sinks in within seconds, and leaves no residue. The finish is so clear, I wondered if it was applying the first time I used it.

It skips added fragrance and harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, so it never irritates my sensitive skin. I toss it in my travel bag because it won’t spill, and it causes no issues going through TSA. A blend of jojoba and sunflower oils locks in moisture, while alpine caribou moss and vitamin E calm and nourish my skin.

Although it promises 80 minutes of sweat and water resistance, I reapply around the one-hour mark during workouts or when in water. Still, it’s an ideal pick for fast-paced mornings, frequent flights, or both. Dr. Witkowski adds that it’s his go-to after shaving before heading outside when he’s short on time since it’s so gentle.

Malin and Goetz SPF 30 will shield your skin from sunburn and premature aging with powerful broad-spectrum protection. It uses mineral sunscreen classics zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block harmful rays, while a blend of shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid keeps skin deeply hydrated.

The lightweight gel-cream glides on effortlessly and absorbs fast, thanks to the brand’s innovative MicroSperse technology, a cold-processed method that gives the SPF 30 sunscreen its smooth glide, fast absorption, and lightweight, residue-free finish. Plus, it’s reef-safe and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

I have talked a lot about the dangers of sun exposure, and these are very real, but I hit the beach for the same reason as everybody else: to get tan. Thankfully, protection against UV rays doesn’t negate your ability to get bronzed; you just need the right sunscreen. And Vacation’s Orange Gelee SPF 30 Spray is that product.

The spray is super convenient and easy to apply, especially in harder-to-reach areas like the back and shoulders. It sprays on clear and supports tanning without risking sun damage by combining a lightweight, hydrating formula with ingredients that help amplify your skin’s natural glow.

It protects against sunburn with broad-spectrum SPF 30 while allowing gradual bronzing under controlled sun exposure. Most sunscreens either have no scent or a mild chemical smell, but Dr. Witkowski rides for Vacation’s fragrance. “I have personally used this sunscreen on a vacation and enjoyed the scent that features notes of bergamot, clove, saffron, patchouli, and sandalwood,” he says.