Did you know the sun’s rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days? Many men think sunblock is just for the beach, but that’s not true. Everyday sun exposure adds up, leading to wrinkles and other skin problems down the road. Finding the right sunblock can feel tricky, though. Do you want something that feels greasy? Or maybe one that leaves a white cast on your skin? These common annoyances make many guys skip sun protection altogether.
This guide will clear up the confusion. We will break down what you really need to look for in a men’s sunblock. Forget the complicated labels and confusing terms. We will show you how to find formulas that work for your skin type and lifestyle. By the end of this post, you will know exactly how to pick a sunblock you will actually *want* to wear every single day.
Top Mens Sunblock Recommendations
- One, 2.5 fl oz bottle, Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+, your new sun care essential for sunny days that demand more than just a regular sunscreen. Designed to keep your skin protected no matter how intense your activities get
- Face sunscreen resists wear off from water, rubbing, sweating or wiping, & is designed to be sweat-resistant & water-resistant up to 80 minutes. Whether you're running or swimming this sunscreen for face is your reliable partner in sun protection
- With Helioplex technology, this SPF face lotion offers superior broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays, and is a octinoxate and oxybenzone free sunscreen, making it Hawaii Act 104 Compliant
- Neutrogena sunscreen from dermatologist recommended sun care brand is oil-free & won’t clog pore or cause breakouts. It's perfect for those who need a face sunscreen that keeps their skin looking & feeling fresh, with no greasy feel
- A convenient 2.5 fl. oz. travel size sunscreen bottle, it's easy to throw in your bag for all your spontaneous adventures, making it a must-have travel sunscreen. Add this facial sunscreen to your daily skin care routine
- SPF 70 broad spectrum sunscreen lotion delivers high UVA/UVB protection for daily use; water resistant for up to 80 minutes to help guard skin during outdoor activities. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply as directed.
- Lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic Dry-Touch formula absorbs quickly for most users, leaving an ultra-light feel. Finish may vary; some may notice a slight sheen or visible white cast, especially on medium to dark skin tones.
- Oxybenzone-free, Hawaii Act 104 compliant, PABA-free body sunscreen; powered by Helioplex technology to provide stable protection against aging UVA and burning UVB rays while helping defend skin from environmental stressors.
- Convenient 3 fl oz travel size is TSA compliant and easy to pack in carry-ons, gym bags, or backpacks; a portable sunscreen lotion for on-the-go protection at the beach, park, or commute without weighing down your routine.
- Trusted by dermatologists, this formula includes antioxidant Vitamin E for added defense. For best results, reapply at least every 2 hours and after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating; a minority may experience irritation—patch test if unsure.
- PRO-RETINOL AND HYALURONIC ACID: Men's face lotion with SPF 30 sunscreen enriched with Pro-Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid
- PROVEN RESULTS: Helps visibly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles with regular use of this face lotion for men
- FACE MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 30: Face sunscreen lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen helps protect skin from early signs of aging caused by the sun(1)
- 24-HOUR MOISTURE(1): Light and fast-absorbing facial lotion provides 24-hour hydration(1), restoring lost moisture for softer and smoother skin feel
- DERMATOLOGICALLY TESTED: Beard-friendly face moisturizer for men is dermatologically tested on men with sensitive skin, and formulated without phthalates and silicones
- Sunscreen lotion: Broad spectrum SPF 70 shields skin from UVA/UVB rays; water resistant for up to 80 minutes, ideal for swimming, sports, and beach days. Protects against sunburn and premature aging for all skin types.
- Body sunscreen: Lightweight, oil-free, and fast absorbing formula offers comfortable daily wear; suitable for face and body use. Designed for active lifestyles and easy reapplication during outdoor activities.
- Hawaii Act 104 compliant sunscreen: oxybenzone and octinoxate free; safe for ocean environments and beach vacations for reliable sun care.
- Kids sunscreen: PABA-free and gentle for sensitive skin; provides effective sun protection for children and families. Perfect for pool days, playgrounds, and outdoor adventures with long-lasting defense.
- Sunscreen spf 70: Dermatologist recommended sun care for the whole family; when used with other sun protection measures, reduces the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Apply before sun exposure for maximum protection and healthy skin.
- What It Does: The light, non-greasy sunscreen with SPF45 hydrates, moisturizes and protects your skin against harmful UVA/B rays. Created with natural ingredients, this SPF moisturizer is easy to rub into your skin without leaving a white residue and won't clog your pores. Perfect for being outside at the beach, playing sports, or for any extended time outdoors. Now available in easy to dispense tube packaging.
- Who It’s For: Men of any age with any skin type. Men with normal, oily, sensitive, dry, or combo types skin will benefit from this natural men’s face and body SPF moisturizer.
- How it Works: Natural zinc oxide SPF45 protects skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Sunflower oil helps soothe, strengthen and replenish skin. Green Tea provides robust anti-aging antioxidants to reverse signs of aging. Vitamin E fights free radicals to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Key Ingredients: Natural & Organic ingredients, including zinc, sunflower oil and green tea.
- Who We Are: Brickell creates skincare and grooming products for men using natural & organic ingredients. Our products are sold in over 100 countries and have appeared in GQ, Men's Health, Men's Journal, and other popular men’s magazines.
- PROTECTS, NOURISHES, DEFENDS: MARLOWE. SPF 50 mens face lotion is a water and sweat resistant face moisturizer that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This face lotion for men is lightweight and easy to rub in. Use daily
- EXPERIENCE THE MARLOWE. DIFFERENCE: Our non-comedogenic, oil-free mens face lotion with SPF 50 sunscreen is crafted with aloe vera and shea butter to lock in in moisture and help soothe skin without a greasy after-feel. Water and sweat resistant for 80 mins
- HYDRATING SKIN CARE FOR MEN: This travel size face moisturizer locks in hydration, providing natural moisturizing benefits to cleansed facial skin. Formulated with Vitamin A Acetate to help fight free radicals, it absorbs fast and is perfect for all skin tones with no white cast
- Purposeful, Clean Products: MARLOWE. products are vegan and contain a blend of natural and synthetic fragrances. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, gluten, SLS & SLES. Never tested on animals. Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients
- The MARLOWE. Man: Men need skin care too, but it doesn't have to be complicated. We believe that life is complicated enough. Looking good and feeling amazing shouldn’t have to be. MARLOWE. engineers products that work as hard as you do
- Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen for Men - Protect your skin with SPF 50 broad spectrum body sunscreen for men, blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays. Ideal for face and body, this men's sunscreen lotion is water-resistant for 80 minutes—perfect for outdoor sports, workouts, and daily sun protection.
- Non-Greasy Moisturizer & Anti-Aging Skincare - Our lightweight, non-greasy formula doubles as a daily moisturizer and anti-aging skincare product. Hydrate and protect your skin without white residue. Designed for men’s skin, it absorbs quickly, leaving a smooth, matte finish—great for all skin types.
- Masculine Scent Options & Unscented Available - Choose from SLAM Lotion’s signature masculine scents—GentleMan (bergamot, cedar, patchouli), MysteryMan (sandalwood, tonka bean, sage), or go fragrance-free with our Unscented formula. Perfect for men seeking a fresh, rugged scent or no scent at all.
- Skin-Friendly Ingredients - Formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, this Hawaii act 104 compliant sunscreen lotion is gentle on skin and safe for the environment. Ideal for everyday wear, it supports healthy skin while protecting against sun damage and premature aging.
- Travel-Friendly 3 fl oz Travel Size for On-the-Go Protection - Compact and TSA-approved, this 3 fl oz sunscreen and moisturizer combo is perfect for travel, gym bags, and outdoor adventures. Keep your skin protected wherever you go with SLAM Lotion—the ultimate daily SPF 50 sunscreen for active men
- Pack of One, 3-fluid ounce Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin Stabilized with Helioplex technology, this oxybenzone-free facial sunscreen offers superior Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection
- Lightweight, Matte Sunscreen Lotion. Neutrogena's daily face SPF, recommended by dermatologists, features a water-light texture that leaves a weightless, matte finish, allowing skin to breathe without causing breakouts
- Ideal Sunscreen for Oily Skin and Acne-Prone Skin, this lightweight, oil-free, and fragrance-free face sunscreen is perfect for on-the-go protection. Its convenient travel-size bottle fits easily in your purse or backpack
- Water-Resistant Sunscreen: This liquid sunscreen for face is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, ensuring your skin stays protected during outdoor activities like hiking, biking, boating, gardening, or walking
- Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 50, Formulated to prevent sunburns without causing breakouts, Neutrogena sunscreen decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging when used as directed with other sun protection measures
The Essential Buying Guide for Men’s Sunblock
Protecting your skin from the sun is super important. Sunblock keeps your skin safe from harmful UV rays. This guide helps you pick the best sunblock for men.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, look for specific things on the bottle. These details tell you how well the sunblock works.
SPF Rating
- SPF means Sun Protection Factor. A higher number means more protection.
- For everyday use, an SPF of 30 is usually good.
- If you spend a lot of time outdoors or have very fair skin, choose SPF 50 or higher.
Broad Spectrum Protection
Make sure the label says “Broad Spectrum.” This means the sunblock protects you from two types of rays:
- UVA rays: These cause aging and deep skin damage.
- UVB rays: These cause sunburns.
Water Resistance
If you swim or sweat a lot, you need water-resistant sunblock. Look for labels that say it lasts for 40 minutes or 80 minutes in the water. You still need to reapply it often!
Important Ingredients and Materials
Sunblocks use different ingredients to block the sun. They fall into two main groups: chemical and mineral.
Mineral (Physical) Blockers
These ingredients sit on top of your skin and physically block the sun’s rays. They work right away when you put them on.
- Zinc Oxide: Very effective and gentle on sensitive skin.
- Titanium Dioxide: Also very safe and works well against UVA rays.
Chemical Blockers
These ingredients absorb the UV rays and turn them into heat, which then leaves your skin. They need about 15 minutes to start working.
- Common ingredients include Avobenzone, Octinoxate, and Oxybenzone.
Formulation Matters
Men often prefer sunblocks that feel light. Look for formulas that are:
- Oil-free: Good for guys with oily skin, as they won’t cause breakouts.
- Non-comedogenic: This means the product won’t clog your pores.
- Lightweight lotions or sprays: These feel less heavy than thick creams.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your sunblock depends on how well it works and how it feels on your skin.
Quality Boosters
- Antioxidants: Ingredients like Vitamin E help fight damage from the sun and pollution. This improves the overall protection.
- Quick absorption: A high-quality sunblock sinks into the skin fast without leaving a greasy shine.
Quality Reducers (Things to Avoid)
- Heavy, greasy feel: If the sunblock feels too thick, you might not use enough, or you might avoid wearing it altogether.
- White cast: Mineral sunblocks sometimes leave a white film. Look for “tinted” or “sheer” formulas if this bothers you.
- Old expiration date: Sunblock stops working well after it expires. Always check the date!
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the sunblock changes what kind you should buy.
Daily Use (Commuting, Office Work)
You need something simple for daily protection. A lightweight lotion you can put on your face under your moisturizer works best. Since you are mostly indoors, SPF 30 is usually fine.
Sports and Outdoor Activities
When you are running, hiking, or playing sports, you need serious staying power. Choose a high SPF (50+) and a water-resistant formula. Sprays are popular for quick application on the body, but you must rub lotions in well for the face.
Post-Shave or Sensitive Skin
If your skin gets easily irritated, avoid heavy perfumes and alcohol in the formula. Mineral sunblocks (Zinc Oxide) are the best choice because they are less likely to cause redness or stinging.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Men’s Sunblock
Q: How much sunblock should I use?
A: Use a nickel-sized dollop for your face alone. For your whole body, use about a shot glass full.
Q: Do I really need to wear sunblock every day?
A: Yes! UV rays come through clouds and windows. Daily use keeps your skin healthy long-term.
Q: What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunblock?
A: Mineral sunblocks sit on top of the skin and block rays. Chemical sunblocks soak into the skin and absorb rays.
Q: Does dark skin need sunblock?
A: Absolutely. While darker skin has more natural protection, everyone can still get sun damage and skin cancer.
Q: How often must I reapply sunblock?
A: Reapply at least every two hours. Reapply immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.
Q: Can I use my wife’s or girlfriend’s sunblock?
A: Yes, if the ingredients are the same. Men’s sunblocks are often formulated to be less greasy and may have scents guys prefer.
Q: What does “broad spectrum” mean?
A: It means the sunblock protects you from both burning rays (UVB) and aging rays (UVA).
Q: Are sunblock sprays better than lotions?
A: Sprays are fast for the body, but lotions give you better, more even coverage, especially on the face.
Q: Does SPF 100 protect me twice as much as SPF 50?
A: No. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPFs block slightly more, but the difference gets small fast.
Q: Will sunblock stain my clothes?
A: Mineral sunblocks are less likely to stain than some chemical ones. Let any sunblock dry completely before dressing to prevent marks.