11 Dermatologist

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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).

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

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

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UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46

$37.05

amazon.com

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

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Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 50

$15.88

amazon.com

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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Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35

$38.00

dermstore.com

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

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Oil Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen SPF 30

$11.97

amazon.com

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

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Face Moisturizer SPF 30 With Niacinamide And Vitamin E

$22.63

walmart.com

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."

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Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++

$19.95

amazon.com

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.

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AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

$18.38

amazon.com

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

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Ultra Facial Cream Sunscreen SPF 30

$38.00

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.

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Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer SPF 45

$55.00

amazon.com

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.

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Every Day Sun Day Sun Fluid

$42.00

Sephora

If you're looking for a great lightweight option, we love the thin texture of this sunscreen. Plus, it's formulated with antioxidants that defends against pollution—a leading cause of lines and age spots—to keep your skin looking healthy.

Our Deputy Editor Christian Gollayan has been using this

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Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40

$50.00

dermstore.com

A few pumps of this multi-tasker gives you nearly an entire skincare routine in just one step. The lightweight yet moisturizing formula is packed with antioxidants, niacinamide, and plant stem cell extracts to not only strengthen and protect your skin but give you anti-aging benefits, too. And even though it has mineral SPF 30 from zinc, it won't leave your face looking like a ghost or feeling heavy.

Read more: Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens

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GetMR The Daily 3-in-1 Face Lotion

$45.00

getmr.com

As a sunscreen, this stuff is top-notch—easy to rub in and disappears into your skin in seconds. But there's also niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help strengthen and hydrate skin all day long.

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Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 30

$40.00

geologie.com

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.

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Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer SPF 30

$21.99

amazon.com

If you don't like any sort of sheen or shine to your face, this moisturizing sunscreen is for you. The oil-free formula has a matte finish, which erases any shine you have, and keeps oiliness at bay. It's the ideal combination for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin.

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Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 30

$52.00

amazon.com

This daily moisturizer is so moisturizing and lightweight that even Texas-based dermatologist Samantha Carter, M.D.'s dad is a fan (and he's super picky).

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Complete UV365 Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

$25.18

amazon.com

San Diego-based dermatologist Jessica Riley, D.O.'s male patients love this lightweight, barely-detectable sunscreen because the formulation has micronized zinc, so it spreads effortlessly, and you can wear it from the beach or to the office (or Zoom).

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Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50

$60.00

amazon.com

This moisturizer with sunscreen "is very lightweight yet hydrating and goes on smooth, so it doesn't need time to absorb," says New York City-based dermatologist Ritu Saini, M.D. "It also has powerhouse antioxidants like Vitamin C, green tea and pomegranate which is an added bonus for defense."

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Mineral Creme SPF 50

$30.00

dermstore.com

Peter Chien, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City, recommends this hydrating sunscreen to his patients with darker skin tones because it rubs in easily and the tint doesn't leave a white cast on skin. Plus, it has "niacinamide, which is a high impact thing you can do for anti-aging," he says.

Read more: Best Reef Safe Sunscreen

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Hydrating Mineral Suncreen Sheer Face Tint SPF 30

$16.99

ulta.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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