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JUST BECAUSE you’re not sweating every time you step out of the house doesn’t mean you can pack away the
sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen everyday is important regardless of the season or temperature, but is especially important come summertime. Sunscreen does more than protect you from getting a sunburn—it can help prevent premature skin aging such as wrinkles and age spots so you can stay looking your best as the years go on.
If you want to save time on your skincare routine while still staying protected from the sun, we recommend investing in the best moisturizers with SPF for your face. These two-in-one moisturizer hybrids do exactly what it says: hydrate your skin while protecting it from aging UV rays. The best moisturizers with SPF should have at least a 30 SPF broad spectrum protection, the standard set by the American Academy of Dermatology. The best moisturizers with SPF must also have hydrating ingredients, like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. To find the absolute greatest spf moisturizers, our intrepid team of Grooming Editors and dermatologists tried over 50 top-reviewed moisturizers, and evaluated how well they absorbed in our skin, if they provided ample sun protection (no sunburns!), and if they left white residue (learn how Men’s Health tests grooming products).
Best Overall
Elta MD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46
$37 at Amazon
$37 at Amazon
Read more
Best Gel Moisturizer with SPF
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 50
$15 at Amazon$15 at AmazonRead more
Best Mineral Moisturizer with SPF
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35
$38 at Dermstore$38 at DermstoreRead more
Best Moisturizer with SPF For Acne-Prone Skin
Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 30
$12 at Amazon$12 at AmazonRead more
Best Moisturizer with SPF For Darker Skin Tones
Mele Face Moisturizer SPF 30 With Niacinamide And Vitamin E
$23 at Walmart$23 at WalmartRead more
Best Moisturizer with SPF For Fair Skin Tones
Thankyou Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
$22 at Amazon$22 at AmazonRead more
Best Drugstore Moisturizer with SPF
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
$12 at Amazon$12 at AmazonRead more
Best Everyday SPF Moisturizer
Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream Sunscreen SPF 30
$38 at Kiehl’s$38 at Kiehl’sRead more
Best Hydrating Moisturizer with SPF
Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer SPF 45
$55 at Amazon$55 at AmazonRead more
Best Summer SPF Moisturizer
Dr. Jart Every Day Sun Day Sun Fluid
$42 at Sephora$42 at SephoraRead more
What to Look for:
Before you reach for any old moisturizer that says SPF on the label, be warned that not all of them are created equal.
Broad spectrum protection: “As a starting place, look for one labeled broad spectrum protection as this indicates that your skin will be protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which contribute to skin cancer and skin aging,” says Noelle S. Sherber, dermatologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at George Washinton University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C.
At least SPF 30: Second, there are lots of moisturizers out there that say they contain SPF but it’s low—like 15 or 18. That’s not good. “The American Academy of Dermatology advises using an SPF30 or higher,” says Dr. Sherber. And for men, she says, the third most important thing is texture. If it’s gluey, sticky, filmy, or leaves a white cast, you’re probably not going to use it. “The effectiveness of sunscreen drops significantly if it isn’t applied in a generous quantity,” she says, so the best sunscreen for you is one you will actually wear—and want to wear.
Moisturizing ingredients: When it comes to moisturizers with sunscreen, don’t get bogged down in semantics. It can be hard to find a moisturizer with enough SPF to adequately protect you. In that case, recommends Sacramento, CA-based dermatologist Jacqueline Calkin, M.D., “find a sunscreen that has enough [moisturizing ingredients] for your skin.” It doesn’t matter so much if the product is supposed to be a moisturizer first; as long as it has enough moisturizing ingredients and sun protection, you can use it every day.
So how do you find those products that fit perfectly in the middle of the moisturizing/sun protection Venn diagram? This list of the top recs from dermatologists is the perfect place to start.
Best Facial Sunscreens | Best Body Lotions for Men | Best Anti-Aging Creams for Men | Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin
Best Overall
Elta MD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46
Best Overall
Elta MD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46
$37 at Amazon$39 at Walmart$41 at Dermstore
Credit: Courtesy of retailer
Pros
Goes on completely clearGood for sensitive skin
Cons
Expensive
Dermatologists overwhelmingly recommend this broad spectrum sunscreen because in addition to providing broad spectrum UV protection, It’s also packed with skin-healthy ingredients like niacinamide. Our testers also loved its oil-free formula, so it won’t clog your pores and cause breakouts, safe for sensitive skin, and rubs in well (even if you have a beard). Our testers with darker skin tones also found that Eta MD’s UV Clear lives up to is name, since it leaves no white cast behind after application.
Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology, has been recommending this moisturizer since 2017 for all his male patients. “It’s great for rosacea or acne-prone skin, because it contains ingredients that promote healthy-appearing skin,”he says.
Read more: Best Men’s Moisturizers for Dry Skin
| Active ingredients | Zinc oxide, Octinoxate |
|---|---|
| SPF | 46 |
| Reef safe | No |
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 50
Best Gel Moisturizer with SPF
Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 50
Now 45% Off$15 at Amazon$16 at Walmart$30 at Ulta Beauty
Pros
Hydrates all dayInvisible on most skin tones
Cons
Chemical smell may be too strong for some people
Greensboro, NC-based dermatologist Christina Haverstock, M.D. has been recommending this fragrance-free gel moisturizer to her male patients since 2018 because “it’s a hyaluronic acid-based gel so it literally disappears” into the skin while still moisturizing. And even with a high SPF factor, the sunscreen is barely noticeable and doesn’t leave any filmy or sticky feeling.
Dermatologist Robert Finney, MD, also recommends the Hydro Boost sunscreen for patients with sensitive skin. Our editors tested this for two weeks and found that it has a non-greasy consistency, though it does have a chemically smell, which isn’t the most pleasant fragrance.
Read more: Best Anti-Aging Products for Men
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene |
| Reef safe | Yes |
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35
Best Mineral Moisturizer with SPF
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35
$38 at Dermstore$31 at Walmart$34 at Skinstore
Pros
Infused with age-defying ingredients that add moisture Applies evenly and absorbs quickly
Cons
ExpensiveNot water resistant
Those with sensitive skin sometimes have trouble finding a sunscreen that doesn’t sting their face and eyes. That’s why our grooming testers with sensitive mugs preferred testing mineral spf moisturizers to prevent any chemical skin reactions.
This one is made with green tea and caffeine, and our editors were surprised to find how calming and soothing it was on their sensitive skin. We also loved that it gives the highest level of UVA protection, along with UVB coverage to protect you from damaging rays. After a day at the beach, our testers reported no sun burn while using this SPF moisturizer along with a sun hat.
Read more: Best Mineral Sunscreens
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Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 30
Best Moisturizer with SPF For Acne-Prone Skin
Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 30
$12 at Amazon$16 at Ulta Beauty$12 at harmonfacevalues.com
Pros
Absorbs excess oilMatte finish
Cons
Not great for dry skin
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, using an oil-free moisturizer is essential. This moisturizer with sunscreen, however, goes the extra step. Our testers with acne-prone skin found that this actualys help absorb excess oil, so you get the hydration and sun protection you need every day without worrying about your face looking shiny—or worse, that it’s going to make you break out.
“I used to avoid SPF since all the sunscreens I’ve tried broke me out,” said one tester. “However this one didn’t, and also kept my skin moisturized. I’m using this for life.”
Read more: Best Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin
| Active ingredients | Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
| Reef safe? | No |
Mele Face Moisturizer SPF 30 With Niacinamide And Vitamin E
Best Moisturizer with SPF For Darker Skin Tones
Mele Face Moisturizer SPF 30 With Niacinamide And Vitamin E
$23 at Walmart
Pros
Created by dermatologists of color who know what melanin-rich skin needsHydrates and protects against UV damage
Cons
Not waterproof
The problem with so many sunscreens is that they leave a white cast on your skin, especially on dark skin tones. That’s why our editors swiped dozens of self-reportedly “clear” moisturizers and found that a lot of them left us with a white residue.
Not so with this lightweight, hydrating sunscreen that’s specifically designed for darker skin tone. Our editors found that it did not leave any cast of film whatsoever. It’s also packed with niacinamide and vitamin E for UV protection and anti-aging benefits.
Read more: Best Sunscreens for Darker Skin Tones
| Active ingredients | Avobenzone, octinoxate |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
| Reef safe? | No |
Thankyou Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
Best Moisturizer with SPF For Fair Skin Tones
Thankyou Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
$22 at Amazon
Pros
High SPF protection from UVA/UVB raysNo stickiness
Cons
Not waterproof
Our editors with fairer skin tones found that this Korean moisturizer didn’t leave any white film whatsoever. The secret behind its success?
“This South Korean sunscreen is one of the most vanishingly light yet intensely hydrating sunscreens I’ve found,” says Dr. Sherber, who’s been recommending this to patients since 2019. “It offers serious sun protection while doubling as a refreshing non-oily moisturizer. As an added bonus, it doesn’t sting post-shaving and doesn’t look chalky in facial hair or stubble.”
| Active ingredients | Octocrylene, Homosalate |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
| Reef safe? | No |
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AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Best Drugstore Moisturizer with SPF
AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Now 40% Off$12 at Amazon$14 at Walmart
Pros
AffordableCeramides help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier
Cons
Chemicall-y smell
A lot of the spf moisturizers we’ve tested that actually worked well were quite expensive. So our testers tried a few drugstore sunscreens to find one that’s easy on our skin and budget.
This affordable moisturizer with sunscreen is a go-to for Leah Spring, D.O., a dermatologist in Virginia Beach, VA because it “absorbs easily and is great for sensitive skin.” And even though it won’t break the bank, “it probably should be priced higher than what it is for the quality of the product,” she says, and has been using this sunscreen since 2018.
| Active ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, Octinoxate, Zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
| Reef safe? | No |
Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream Sunscreen SPF 30
Best Everyday SPF Moisturizer
Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream Sunscreen SPF 30
$38 at Kiehl’s
Pros
Ultra hydrating Absorbs easily
Cons
Expensive
Michigan-based dermatologist Mariana Atanasovski, M.D. recommends this moisturizer for men particularly because it’s non greasy and has a fresh scent while protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.
Deputy Editor, Christian Gollayan has been using this facial cream since 2018, and it has been his-go to sunscreen and moisturizer all year. “It’s thick, creamy, and hydrating, but doesn’t leave me with a sticky or filmy residue,” he says. “Plus, it doesn’t leave a white cast and doesn’t break me out, so I take this with me wherever I go.”
Read more: Best Night Creams for Men
| Active ingredients | Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
| Reef safe? | No |
Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer SPF 45
Best Hydrating Moisturizer with SPF
Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer SPF 45
$55 at Amazon$34 at Walmart$55 at Bloomingdale’s
Pros
Deeply hydrates to help prevent moisture loss during sun exposure
Cons
Expensive
New York City-based dermatologist Estee Williams, M.D. recommends this moisturizer for men because “the hyaluronic acid provides light hydration that is suitable for oily skin, plus it offers substantial sun protection.”
This comes especially in clutch during summer, where our testers found this offered ample hydration without clogging up their pores. Plus, it only left a faint white cast that was noticeable.
| Active ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, Octisalate, Homosalate |
|---|---|
| SPF | 45 |
| Reef safe? | No |
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Dr. Jart Every Day Sun Day Sun Fluid
Best Summer SPF Moisturizer
Dr. Jart Every Day Sun Day Sun Fluid
$42 at Sephora
Pros
Goes on smoothlyUltra lightweight
Cons
Expensive
It doesn’t get more lightweight than this sunscreen fluid, which is so watery you can barely feel it on your skin. Our testers found that it absorbed their skin easily, and was hardly noticeable after wearing it all day.
We loved its high grade protection (SPF 50!), but were even more impressed to find that it has hydrating ingredients like vitamin e, which kept our mugs moisturized and calm. In short, it’s the perfect summer SPF moisturizer.
| Active ingredients | Octocrylene, zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
| Reef safe? | No |
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Also great
Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30
$23 at Amazon$17 at Walmart$23 at Ulta Beauty
This sun-protecting moisturizer “is great because it’s non-comedogenic (won’t cause acne breakouts), has anti-inflammatory components such as niacinamide and it has prebiotics to help restore the good bacteria that are important for proper functioning of the skin barrier,” says Riverdale, NY-based dermatologist Shira Wieder, MD.
Final Verdict
We wanted to find an spf moisturizer that had at least an SPF 30, is lightweight, fast absorbing, and didn’t leave a white cast. After testing more than 50 sunscreens, our editors and dermatologists found EltaMD’s UV Clear Sunscreen offered the best combo of protection, hydration, and finish.
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Why Trust Us?
For the past five years, Men’s Health has dedicated itself to discovering and recommending the best grooming products for men via hands-on testing and in-depth research. Men’s Health grooming has been featured on national news outlets like The TODAY Show and Good Morning America, showcasing the latest new grooming products for men and presenting why we love the brands we select.
Aside from constantly updating and adding to our ever-growing grooming section, Men’s Health also dedicates an annual Grooming Awards package where we break down the best new products for men—ranging everywhere from skincare to shaving. Our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, who consulted on this story, has been testing moisturizer spfs for the past decade, so he absolutely knows what he’s talking about.
Do You Need to Use Sunscreen Over Your SPF Moisutrizer?
For the most part, the doctors we spoke to said using an SPF Moisturizer alone provided enough coverage, so long as you reapply it every 90 minutes (which is when most sunscreens tend to degrade in sun protection). But if you’re planning to spend an extended time outdoors (say hiking or sailing), some experts recommend applying sunscreen on top of your moisturizer as an extra layer of protection.
What To Look For
If you’re not sure which moisturizer is right for you, start by identifying your skin type. For oily skin, you want to look for a moisturizer that’s oil-free and has a matte finish to prevent breakouts and avoid that greasy look. If you have more dry skin, you want to look for a moisturizer with SPF that has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide to add moisture to the skin while also protecting it against sun damage. Ultimately, the best moisturizer with SPF is the one you actually enjoy using every day, so don’t be afraid to try a few different formulas with varying textures to determine what texture and finish you prefer.
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How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men’s Health’s Grooming editors and writers on the top face moisturizers with SPF for men. Experts including our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, and our Deputy Editor of Commerce, Christian Gollayan, tried dozens of face moisturizers with SPF and evaluated their ingredients, feel, consistency, and effectiveness. We also considered top-reviewed face moisturizers with SPF that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.