For professionals who prioritize sun protection but don’t want to go to work with a shiny face or obvious white streaks, we’ve got several outstanding options that are all work-appropriate—plus a recommendation for when you’re out of the office, enjoying some outdoor time, and need stellar sun protection. Here are our recommendations.

Best Face Sunscreens for Men of 2026

• Best Face Sunscreen for Men Overall: Caldera + Lab The Face SPF
• Best Face Moisturizer with SPF for Men: Clinique for Men SPF
• Best Face Sunscreen for Men with Acne: EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum
• Best Value Face Sunscreen for Men: Harry’s Daily Face Lotion with SPF
• Best Face Sunscreen for Men with Dry Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30

Best Face Sunscreens for Men Comparison Table

Sunscreens	Active ingredients	SPF	Best for	Type	Moisturizer
Caldera + Lab The Face SPF	Zinc oxide 18.23%	30	All skin types	Mineral	No
Clinique for Men SPF	Avobenzone 3.0%, octisalate 5.0%,  octocrylene 7.0%	21	All skin types	Chemical	Yes
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum	Octinoxate 7.5%, zinc oxide 9.0%	46	Acne- and rosacea-prone skin	Chemical and mineral	No
Harry’s Daily Face Lotion with SPF	Zinc oxide	15	All skin types including sensitive skin	Mineral	Yes
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30	Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 5%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7%	30	All skin types including sensitive skin	Chemical	Yes

Caldera + Lab The Face SPF
Active ingredients	Zinc oxide 18.23%
SPF	30
Best for	All skin types
Type	Mineral
Moisturizer	No
Clinique for Men SPF
Active ingredients	Avobenzone 3.0%, octisalate 5.0%,  octocrylene 7.0%
SPF	21
Best for	All skin types
Type	Chemical
Moisturizer	Yes
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum
Active ingredients	Octinoxate 7.5%, zinc oxide 9.0%
SPF	46
Best for	Acne- and rosacea-prone skin
Type	Chemical and mineral
Moisturizer	No
Harry’s Daily Face Lotion with SPF
Active ingredients	Zinc oxide
SPF	15
Best for	All skin types including sensitive skin
Type	Mineral
Moisturizer	Yes
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30
Active ingredients	Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 5%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7%
SPF	30
Best for	All skin types including sensitive skin
Type	Chemical
Moisturizer	Yes

Best Face Sunscreen for Men Overall: Caldera + Lab The Face SPF

Our Thoughts on Caldera + Lab The Face SPF

This lightweight mineral sunscreen has a fragrance-free formula that’s meant to absorb easily into skin without leaving a white cast, as sometimes happens with zinc-containing products. The company’s website also notes that this face sunscreen is “beard-friendly” and suitable for all skin tones. It offers some hydration, but the company website specifically notes that you should apply a moisturizer first for added hydration. Otherwise, to use this sunscreen, you apply it 15 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every two hours. 

Andrew, our tester, tried this sunscreen and said, “It spreads well for a sunscreen and absorbs in a short amount of time. I’m able to cover my whole face thoroughly in a minute or less.” Andrew added that he’s used it with other products as well and said it was easy to layer this sunscreen over the other products. He rated this product’s application a 4 out of 5.

“Initially, I thought the texture seemed thick, but when I started to spread it on my face, it felt much lighter,” said Andrew, adding, “It feels less heavy than a standard sunscreen and doesn’t feel oily at all. It’s very breathable and unlike most sunscreens.” He rated the texture and feel a 4.5 out of 5, saying this sunscreen dries quickly and feels pretty natural on his skin.

Our tester said after the sunscreen soaked into his skin. “It left a matte, natural finish,” he said, noting that he hardly noticed he was wearing it. But when it came to actual sun protection, Andrew added, “I did notice my skin was slightly red after a full day in the sun. However, I do have fair skin, and I did not reapply while golfing.” He rated the performance a 4 out of 5, but we want to note that the product is meant to be reapplied every two hours. 

This is our best overall face sunscreen for men because it’s beard-friendly, easy to apply, and—maybe best of all—doesn’t even feel like sunscreen after it’s applied. No one wants to walk into work with a sticky, shiny face, and this product’s natural-looking finish and feel make it an ideal daily sunscreen.

Specs

• SPF: 30
• Active ingredients: Zinc oxide 18.23%
• Cost per ounce: $23.53

Best Face Moisturizer with SPF for Men: Clinique for Men SPF

Our Thoughts on Clinique for Men SPF

Clinique For Men Broad Spectrum SPF 21 Moisturizer is an oil-free moisturizer that also offers sun protection with SPF 21. This sunscreen is fragrance-free and designed to absorb quickly while providing lightweight hydration. Usage instructions are to apply it daily each morning after cleansing your skin, shaving, and exfoliating, if those are part of your skincare routine.

A member of our testing team, Taylor, used this product and said, “The product spread evenly, and there wasn’t a noticeable tackiness or thick residue.” He added that the texture was similar to a medium-weight lotion and didn’t feel overly greasy but did leave a slight sheen on his skin. Taylor rated the application a 4 out of 5, and the texture and feel a 4 out of 5 as well, noting, “I didn’t notice it on my face at all.”

Taylor said, “I felt like it had a moisturizing feel, but even in the hot sun, my face did not get greasy. I wore this product all day outside, in the sun, with no issues.” He rated the performance a 5 out of 5.

We liked how quickly this product absorbed and how well it worked, and we think it’d be a good choice for professionals who want to streamline their morning routine by using a combination sunscreen and face moisturizer. 

Specs

• SPF: 21
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, octisalate 5.0%, octocrylene 7.0%
• Cost per ounce: $12.35

Best Face Sunscreen for Men with Acne: EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum

Our Thoughts on EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum

This fragrance-free, oil-free face sunscreen is designed for sensitive skin, as well as skin prone to rosacea and acne. It’s both a chemical and mineral sunscreen and does contain zinc, but is designed to absorb into skin without leaving a white cast. 

The product also includes niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, to “help reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration on your skin,” according to the company website. Also of note: The product description says this product is best suited for fair, light, medium-light, or medium skin tones. To use, apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours. 

Logan, a member of our testing team, said, “This sunscreen spreads evenly, and I don’t need much product for full coverage. It absorbs within 15 minutes but does leave my face a little white.” 

He also noted that the finish was slightly shiny and rated the application a 4.5 out of 5.

“I can definitely tell this is a sunscreen, because it’s thicker than a regular moisturizer,” said Logan. But he said this lotion didn’t cause any irritation and wasn’t greasy. “It’s breathable,” he added, rating the texture and feel a 4 out of 5.

According to Logan, this product worked very well for outdoor activities, but he explained, “I don’t use it day-to-day or when I have meetings.” This is because of the shiny finish and white cast, but he still rated the overall performance a 5 out of 5. Logan said this sunscreen is comfortable on his skin, doesn’t break down with sweat, and protects him from getting sunburned without causing any skin irritation.

We’d recommend it for people who may already have a dedicated “work-appropriate” sunscreen, like a tinted moisturizer with SPF, but who want more of a standalone sunscreen for weekend activities. 

Specs

• SPF: 46
• Active ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, zinc oxide 9.0%
• Cost per ounce: $27.06

Best Value Face Sunscreen for Men: Harry’s Daily Face Lotion with SPF

Our Thoughts on Harry’s Daily Face Lotion with SPF

The company website says this face moisturizer with mineral-based sunscreen is “designed specifically for men” and is suitable for all skin types. It’s also formulated to be lightweight and non-greasy, and to absorb quickly. Harry’s Daily Face Lotion with SPF has a light scent described as “subtle mint,” but the product is still deemed suitable for sensitive skin. Use it daily in the morning. 

This is a combination moisturizer and sunscreen, so a separate moisturizer isn’t necessarily needed.

Logan tested this product as well and said, “This sunscreen spreads evenly and easily. I also don’t need much to spread it across my whole face—just about a pea-sized amount for my face and another pea-sized amount for my neck.” He rated the application a 4.5 out of 5, noting, “The only issue I had is that it can leave my stubble a little white, but with some more rubbing in, it faded.”

“A lot of sunscreen is greasy, which I don’t like,” said Logan, noting, “This is more a moisturizer with SPF added, so the texture is a lightweight lotion that dries nicely, and it doesn’t leave me looking shiny.” He said he appreciated that the product is tailored to men who want something that absorbs smoothly, without a shiny or dewy finish. He rated the overall texture and feel a 5 out of 5.

Logan also rated this product’s performance a 5 out of 5, explaining, “I definitely notice a difference from other sunscreens. This product doesn’t start to drip down my face when I sweat, which I tend to experience with a standard sunscreen.” 

He said he also feels like his skin is protected when he’s wearing this face lotion with SPF, noting, “One weekend I forgot to apply sunscreen on my body, but I did put this lotion on in the morning. My face did not burn, whereas my shoulders and upper body got a little red.”

This is an ideal pre-work skincare step because it feels more like a lotion than a traditional sunscreen, doesn’t leave any white residue, and our tester said it stayed put throughout the day—even during his midday gym session.

Specs

• SPF: 15
• Active ingredients: Zinc oxide
• Cost per ounce: $5.29

Best Face Sunscreen for Men with Dry Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30

Our Thoughts on Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30

This combination moisturizer and sunscreen is formulated to absorb quickly and hydrate skin while keeping it “shine-free for 24 hours,” and the company website says it also “visibly minimizes pores over time.” To use, you first cleanse your face and then massage a small amount of the facial cream onto your skin. It’s meant to be used daily.

Logan tested this face cream as well, saying, “This product spreads really easily, and it does not require much. I use only a little drop on my finger and spread it across my whole face.” He also reported that the cream was “really lightweight” and didn’t feel greasy or sticky. Logan said the product had a natural finish, without any shine or white residue, rating the application a 4.5 out of 5.

This cream dried down completely during testing, said Logan, noting, “I didn’t feel it on my skin throughout the day.” He said it felt comfortable, with no irritation or heaviness, noting, “It sits nicely.” Logan rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5.

This is an ideal daily-use face sunscreen, said Logan, adding, “I think I would opt for something a bit thicker for beach volleyball or another long sport in the sun. But for my daily dog walking, it works great.” He rated the performance a 4 out of 5.

We’d recommend this combination face cream and sunscreen as a daily-use product for professionals who want easy-to-apply sun protection with a natural finish and hydrating feel. This would be an ideal addition to a morning routine given its quick absorption and lack of white residue.

Specs

• SPF: 30
• Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 5%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7%
• Cost per ounce: $22.94

Why the Right Sunscreen Matters to Professionals

The right sunscreen should go beyond simple sun protection. It should also feel good on your skin, be non-irritating, and absorb fully without leaving any greasiness or white residue. Sometimes it’s hard to find all of those qualities in one product, which can make face sunscreen a challenging item to work into your morning routine. But we found options that are perfect for work, that feel breathable and look natural while still protecting your skin. Here are some other special circumstances to consider when shopping for a men’s face sunscreen:

• If your mornings leave little room for extra steps: Try Clinique For Men Broad Spectrum SPF 21 Moisturizer, which is a combination moisturizer and sunscreen that’s easy to apply and absorbs rapidly. It does the work of two separate products, allowing for a more streamlined morning routine. 

• If you are on camera or presenting: You might like our best overall selection, Caldera + Lab The Face SPF. Even though it’s a dedicated sunscreen, not a combination moisturizer and sunscreen, it absorbs very well, and our tester said it didn’t even feel like sunscreen—or look like it, as it had a natural-looking finish with no white cast or shininess. It’s also designed to be “beard-friendly,” which makes it ideal for men with facial hair who don’t want it turning white with sunscreen application.

• If you are building a routine on a budget: We recommend Harry’s Daily Face Lotion with SPF, which is $5.29 per ounce—a fraction of the cost of our most expensive option, which runs $27.06 per ounce. The price is all the more impressive when you take into account that this is a hybrid moisturizer and sunscreen, eliminating the need to buy a separate moisturizer. It only offers SPF 15, so we’d recommend a stronger SPF for beach and dedicated outdoor days, but the natural, non-greasy finish is ideal for the workplace. (And it’s inexpensive enough to buy a few and keep them stashed in your gym bag and desk drawer for easy reapplication if necessary.) 

How We Tested and Selected the Best Men’s Face Sunscreen

Here’s how we chose the products in our lineup.

Texture and Feel

We looked at each product’s consistency and examined the texture of each sunscreen, as well as how it felt when applied to the face. 

Formula 

We included both chemical and mineral sunscreens in our lineup, as some people may prefer one over the other. Mineral sunscreens often include zinc, for example, which can leave a white cast on skin.

Application and Coverage

Some sunscreens are easy to apply and spread smoothly, but others may feel thick or pasty. We asked our testers to note how easy the application process was and whether they felt the sunscreen provided good sun protection.

Skin Compatibility 

Most of the face sunscreens we tested are designed for a broad array of skin types, including sensitive skin, so we asked our testers to share whether they experienced any burning or irritation during testing.

Value

Price isn’t always the most important factor when choosing a face sunscreen, but we know it matters to many people. Here’s a look at the price breakdown for each product, including the cost per ounce.

Sunscreens	Price	Size	Cost per ounce
Caldera + Lab The Face SPF	$40	1.7 fl oz	$23.53
Clinique for Men SPF	$42	3.4 fl oz	$12.35
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum	$46	1.7 fl oz	$27.06
Harry’s Daily Face Lotion with SPF	$9	1.7 fl oz	$5.29
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30	$39	1.7 fl oz	$22.94

Caldera + Lab The Face SPF
Price	$40
Size	1.7 fl oz
Cost per ounce	$23.53
Clinique for Men SPF
Price	$42
Size	3.4 fl oz
Cost per ounce	$12.35
EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum
Price	$46
Size	1.7 fl oz
Cost per ounce	$27.06
Harry’s Daily Face Lotion with SPF
Price	$9
Size	1.7 fl oz
Cost per ounce	$5.29
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30
Price	$39
Size	1.7 fl oz
Cost per ounce	$22.94

How to Find the Best Face Sunscreen for Men 

Here are some things to consider when shopping for a face sunscreen for men.

Your Skin Type

Everyone’s skin type is different, so take that into account when looking for a face sunscreen. If, for example, you prefer an oil-free formula because that works well for your skin, make sure to check ingredient lists for that and any other ingredients you do or don’t want in a face moisturizer.

SPF Level

SPF levels ranged from 15 to 46 in this lineup, with the SPF number relating to the degree of sun protection. If you prefer stronger protection, choose a product with a higher SPF—but note that how you apply it is also very important. You need to use a sufficient amount of sunscreen to get the level of sun protection indicated on the packaging, and make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding when to reapply. 

Sunscreen Type

Generally speaking, sunscreens are either chemical- or mineral-based, or a combination, so the active ingredients differ depending on what type of sunscreen it is. Some people have a strong preference for which type they use, so be sure to choose whichever type works best for your skin type and personal preferences.

Finish

Some sunscreens offer a more natural-looking finish, while others might look a little shinier. Consider which you prefer, and choose a face sunscreen that matches your preference.

What to Avoid in Sunscreen

Here are some things you may not want in a men’s face sunscreen. We also recommend speaking with a healthcare professional to find the best product for your skin type.

• Added fragrance: We recommend looking for fragrance-free skincare products because sometimes added scents can irritate skin.
  
• Sunscreens that aren’t broad-spectrum: Ideally, you want a face sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection.
  
• Confusing cost for quality: Yes, sometimes skincare products—including sunscreen—can be very expensive. But that doesn’t mean that product is any better than a lower-cost option.

Fortune’s Final Thoughts

Our best overall selection, Caldera + Lab The Face SPF, is an excellent choice for most people thanks to its natural look and feel and SPF 30. It felt lightweight and breathable, unlike many sunscreens, which really impressed us. 

We also want to highlight EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum, which is designed for acne- and rosacea-prone skin. This is ideal for people who already have a daily sunscreen that’s suitable for work, but who need something protective—and appropriate for their skin type—when they’re out of the office and enjoying some outdoor time. There’s a faint white cast, but the higher SPF makes it worth it.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need sunscreen if you work indoors?

Most people have access to sunlight even if they work indoors—for example, they may sit near a window or take walks outside during breaks—so with that in mind, wearing sunscreen even if you work indoors is generally still considered a good idea.

Can I use body sunscreen on my face?

Yes, you can use sunscreen formulated for the body on your face as well, but keep in mind that the texture may feel thicker or heavier, and a body sunscreen may not include specific ingredients that some face sunscreens might include to help prevent clogged pores and other skin issues.

How do I keep face sunscreen from making my skin greasy or shiny?

Look for formulas advertised as having a matte or natural finish, for starters. You also want to make sure you’re using an appropriate amount of sunscreen, meaning enough to ensure proper coverage but not an excessive amount. You can also try different products to see which works best for your skin type. For example, oil-free formulas could be beneficial, and you may want to try different consistencies—such as a gel instead of a lotion—and see if that yields different results.