You’ve got your new swimsuit. You’ve got your new beach bag. You even have a good book and a pair of sunglasses. The only thing missing for a great trip to the beach—outside of a cold beer—is proper sunscreen. We’re all for the classics from Coppertone and Hawaiian Tropic in a pinch, but the best sunscreens for men aren’t ones you’ll find on most big box store shelves. Whether you want spray, waterproof or to stick with a brand you already know you love, these are the 10 best sunscreens for men.
Cremo SPF 20 Face Lotion
If you don’t have experience with them yet, Cremo makes some seriously great men’s products that can be considered artisanal in every aspect but price. Cremo SPF 20 Face Lotion is light, non-greasy and purposely unscented. It’s great as a face lotion, aftershave, moisturizer, anti-aging cream and a sunscreen because of its SPF 20 properties. Best of all, this one stop shop for men’s lotion needs is packaged in a 2oz container so it’s the only thing you’ll need to pack if you plan on traveling.
$6
Sun Bum Premium Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30
If the name didn’t already give it away, the biggest difference between this Sun Bum option and the other options on the list is that it’s a stick. Much like your favorite deodorant, it protects and prevents, but in the case of this particular product it’s a sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for adults and children that’s hypoallergenic, made with vegan ingredients and designed to be water resistant for almost an hour and a half. It also happens to smell like banana, which is a bonus in our book.
$9
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Clear Spray Sunscreen
If you spend enough time in the sun or at the beach you’re eventually going to have to reapply your sunscreen. It’s inevitable if you don’t want to leave looking like a lobster. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Clear Spray Sunscreen makes that process easier. Spray sunscreen isn’t normally all that effective compared to rub-in alternatives, but this version from Alba Botanica really works. It’s also made with 100% vegetarian ingredients, water resistant over an hour and is rated SPF 50 to protect against sunburn, skin cancer and signs of aging.
$10
Thinksport SPF 50+ Sunscreen
With top ratings from the Environmental Working Group, dermatologists and professional athletes, Thinksport SPF 50+ Sunscreen will protect you from all those harsh rays while still being formulated to be non-toxic and easy to apply. It’s also rated for up to 80 minutes of water resistance, so this is another sunscreen you can wear to the beach or while sweating heavily without having to worry about reapplying it every twenty minutes.
$11
Badger SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen
In case the imagery on the tube didn’t give it away—surfing badger!—this is one of the simplest, most natural sunscreens out there. 100% certified natural with 98% organic ingredients, Badger SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen is non-GMO, non-NANO, bio-degradable, BPA & phalate-free and even safe for coral reefs and other ecosystems. When it comes to your skin and not just the lasting effect of the tube, it’s made with just five ingredients and no added scent to make sure it will protect, not irritate, for at least 80 minutes of swimming and activity.
$14
Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50
One of the biggest problems with sunscreen is the fact that you’re either not protected from the elements or you’re completely covered with a thick white sludge that will look terrible as soon as your stubble appears. That’s not the case with Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen because it’s specially formulated to go on easy and be absorbed quickly while still being made without the nasty stuff and giving you SPF 50 protection. Supergoop! has a scent best described somewhere between licorice and freshly built gym that we find oddly pleasant, but the smell also fades quickly if fragrances aren’t your thing.
$19
Jack Black Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45
Everyone’s favorite higher end men’s skincare that’s still available at the local big box store, every Jack Black product is built to protect and improve without feeling like you’re covering yourself in unnecessary chemicals or spending too much money on a grooming regimen. Jack Black Sun Guard Sunscreen is a vitamin-enriched, oil-free broad spectrum sunscreen that’s rated at SPD 45 along with being water and sweat resistant for almost an hour and a half. This is the best sunscreen for active guys.
$21
EltaMD UV Daily Facial Sunscreen
One of the Internet’s most respected options—and also one of Amazon’s Best Selling Facial Sunscreens—EltaMD is a brand that’s been at the front of innovation in the world of sunscreen, skin care and wound healing products for more than 25 years. Their products are widely used and recommended by doctors and medical professionals because they just work. With the potent sun protection, moisturization, increased skin smoothness and easy application, the EltaMD UV Daily Facial Sunscreen is the perfect indication of what the brand has spent more than two decades working on. If your dermatologist trusts EltaMD, you should, too.
$27
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face Sunscreen Ultra-Light Fluid
With recommendations from over 25,000 dermatologists worldwide, it’s safe to say La Roche-Posay knows what they’re doing when it comes to making a quality skincare product. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face Sunscreen Ultra-Light Fluid is one of the best all-in-one mens sunscreens out there because its built to give you SPF 60 and free radical protection while also improving the overall quality of your skin if used on a daily basis. And because it’s free from oil, parabens and fragrances it’s generally safe for use even for those of you with allergies and sensitive skin.
$30
Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+
Despite the fact that none of their products ever come cheap, Kiehl’s makes some of our favorite grooming products out there. SPF 50+ protection with advanced UVA/UVB technology along with antioxidant Vitamin E to prevent free-radical damage. Lightweight, smooth, non-greasy feel and application with 80 minute water resistance. Kiehl’s Super Fluid UV Defense Sunscreen is also a little more liquidy than other alternatives which makes it easier to apply and properly rub in. Just don’t let your friends borrow it because they will end up stealing it.
$38
