The 10 Best Sunscreens for Men in 2025, Tested by a Grooming Editor

Skin Cancer Foundation reports that over 9,500 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, with two people dying from the disease every hour. It’s by far the most common type of cancer, as more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all the other cancers combined, and overexposure to UV rays is the most common cause. So much for the sun solving your seasonal depression.

Dr. Y. Claire Chang, MD, says that the sun is dangerous to the skin because its ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages skin cell DNA and creates harmful molecules known as ROS (reactive oxygen species), both of which increase the risk of skin cancer. The sun also breaks down collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm, leading to wrinkles and fine lines. Sun exposure can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes, regardless of temperature or activity, which is why you need sunscreen for working out as much as you need SPF for winter.

But you can exhale, this is all easily preventable with one simple habit: applying sunscreen. Of course, not all SPF products are created equal, so there are a few things to keep in mind before committing to your own personal savior.

What to Consider

Broad-Spectrum Protection

The best sunscreens offer broad-spectrum coverage, which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Morgana Colombo, MD, says that wearing a solid broad-spectrum sunscreen is critical to protecting your skin against free radical damage caused by sun exposure, which can lead to skin cancers and worsened aging of the skin, like wrinkles and dark spots.

SPF Level

If you’ve ever worn sunscreen (and lord help me if you haven’t), then you’re probably familiar with the term SPF. But what you might not know is that it stands for Sun Protection Factor, and refers to the amount of protection it provides against UV rays. Every dermatologist I’ve spoken to recommends using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, as this will protect your skin from 97 percent of the sun’s rays. Anything less and you’ll still be vulnerable to skin damage. For extra credit, SPF 50 will protect against 98 percent of rays, SPF 60 protects against 98.5 percent, and SPF 70 protects against 99 percent. Anything above that is largely overkill. Dr. Chang also recommends reapplying every two to three hours you’re exposed to the sun, even if you’re inside but near a window.

Water Resistance

If you plan to be in or around a pool or ocean, your sunscreen will need to be water-resistant, but that’s the only reason to prioritize these options. Dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, says that the best sunscreens should be water-resistant, regardless of activity. Of course, you’ll need this when entering any body of water, but these products will also last longer on your skin when you’re working out or sweating.

Chemical or Mineral

There are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Neither is necessarily better, as dermatologist and melanoma research advisor Dr. Alexander Witkowski, MD, PhD, explains, the difference between them is how they protect skin from UV rays and the ingredients used. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, convert them into heat, and release it. They rely on ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone, typically offer a more lightweight, clearer finish, and are ideal for oily skin. However, they may irritate sensitive skin and contain ingredients linked to environmental harm, like coral reef damage.

On the other hand, mineral sunscreens sit on the skin’s surface, creating a physical barrier to reflect UV rays. They typically contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and are better suited for sensitive or acne-prone skin. The downside is they tend to be thicker and more prone to leaving a white cast, but they cause less irritation, work immediately (sunscreen can take up to 30 minutes), and are more environmentally friendly.

How We Selected

As someone who comes from a long line of pasty Irishmen, I’ve been testing sunscreen for most of my life. But for this story, I consulted with a panel of dermatologists to determine what sunscreens are best for all lifestyles and skin types, Irish ancestry or not. I asked them what products they use and recommend to patients, along with ingredients they prioritize in SPFs, to narrow my search. This resulted in over 50 sunscreens that I’ve spent the last year testing, evaluating each one’s feel, value, longevity, and effectiveness at sun protection. After 12 months of research, these ten sunscreens performed best.

” data-next-head/>