The 10 Best SPF Moisturisers for Men for Everyday Use

If we could send a mass email to every man in the world, it would say – in all-caps – that you need to be wearing sun protection whenever you’re exposed to the sun. No exceptions.

Whether it’s the dog days of summer or the dead of winter, leaving your skin unprotected from UV rays can result in premature signs of ageing, skin discolouration, and even cancer.

But if you don’t have the energy to add another product to your (hopefully established) skincare routine, there is an easy solution. Simply swap your daily moisturiser with one of the best SPF moisturisers for men.

Best SPF Moisturisers for Men

The British Skin Foundation reports that there are at least 100,000 new cases of skin cancer every year, with men in particular being affected. Cancer Research UK reported that since 1973, death rates from melanoma have increased by 219% in men, compared with a 76% rise among women. And while cancer is the main concern of sun damage, it's also the leading cause of skin ageing. In fact, the World Health Organisation attributes nearly 90% of all visible ageing to sun exposure.

A simple way to protect your skin, however, can be found on your basin. SPF moisturisers bring powerful sun-protection factor (SPF), as well as anti-ageing properties, to your daily regimen. But like two-in-one shampoos and conditioners, many SPF moisturisers fail to properly execute one or both of their proposed duties. So, before you reach for the first moisturiser you see slapped with an SPF on the label, keep a few things in mind to ensure a quality product.

What to Consider

Broad Spectrum Protection

Before buying any SPF product, make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection. This means that the cream protects against UVB and UVA rays, both of which can contribute to skin damage and cancer, but are slightly different.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UVB rays 'penetrate and damage the outermost layers of your skin – overexposure causes suntan, sunburn and, in severe cases, blistering'. Whereas UVA rays, 'while slightly less intense than UVB, penetrate your skin more deeply. Exposure causes genetic damage to cells on the innermost part of your top layer of skin, where most skin cancers occur.'

Exposure to both will also impact the appearance of skin. 'Exposure to UVA and UVB rays will make the skin less elastic over time,' says Dr Paul Banwell, former head and founder of The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit in East Grinstead, one of the largest skin cancer units in the UK, and current head of the Pantheon Clinic. 'The skin can become leathery, wrinkled or thinner. It can also lead to dark spots. The sun can dry out skin and deplete levels of essential fatty acids, leaving it looking dry and flaky.'

SPF Level

SPF, aka Sun Protection Factor, measures how well the product shields your skin from UV radiation. Dr Banwell says to look for SPF 30 at the very least, but ideally go higher. 'Personally, I would use SPF 50,' he says. 'I also recommend using shade, protective clothing, a hat and staying out of the midday sun.' It’s also essential to reapply your SPF moisturiser every two or three hours you’re in the sun for best results.

Key Ingredients

For sun protection, there are two primary ingredient types to consider: mineral or chemical. Both offer unique benefits, so it comes down to what you’re after.

• Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide: Mineral filters that offer broad UV protection without irritating sensitive or acne-prone skin.
• Avobenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, and homosalate: More common chemical options for skin that is not easily aggravated. These will provide more lightweight coverage, shielding against UVA and UVB rays.

Though if you do choose an SPF that contain these chemical ingredients, Dr Banwell says to be aware of their potentially harmful effects. 'Oxybenzone is an ingredient to avoid as it is easily absorbed by the skin and enters the bloodstream. It can disrupt your hormones as well as causing terrible harm to the environment,' he says.

'I would also avoid octinoxate, which is harmful to coral reefs and can cause skin allergies, as well as avobenzone, which can cause high levels of irritation,' he says. 'You also need to avoid retinyl palmitate, which does not mix well with the sun. When mixed with the sun, it can be potentially cancerous.'

SPF moisturisers are meant to do more than just protect against UV rays, of course. Ideally, you’ll also want one that hydrates and, well, moisturises skin.

• Niacinamide: A moisturising agent that helps balance oil, calm redness, and improve texture.
• Hyaluronic acid: A moisturising agent that hydrates without heaviness or grease.
• Ceramide-3: Boosts moisture retention.
• Shea butter: Softens skin.
• Aloe vera: Soothes skin and reduces inflammation.

How We Selected

As editors who are always looking to cut back on our skincare regimen, we wear SPF moisturisers most days. This gave us a strong baseline of experience before recruiting a panel of dermatologists for added tips. We asked them which SPF moisturisers they use, what they recommend, and which ingredients to prioritise, especially when it comes to different skin types, tones, and lifestyles.

Based on this input, we compiled a list of over 50 SPFs and evaluated each product on how it felt on the skin, how long it lasted, whether it left a residue, how well it protected against sun exposure, and how well it moisturised. After months of careful testing and comparison, these SPF moisturisers stood out among the best.