11 best SPF moisturisers for men 2024 uk, tried and tested to keep skin from sun damage
USING an SPF regularly could knock years off your age – literally – as skin damage caused by UV rays is one of the main causes of premature ageing.
Wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dry skin can all be down to sun exposure, so it’s worth considering the best SPF moisturisers for men as a weapon in your skincare arsenal. And we’re not just talking about during the summer – wearing moisturiser with SPF on your face year-round should be a habitual part of your daily skincare routine.
Ideally, look for moisturisers containing broad spectrum SPF – which means they protect the skin against both UVA and UVB rays – with an SPF of at least 30.
You will probably need to reapply your product during the day so consider how quickly it absorbs, how it feels and how it looks on your skin. Physical sunscreens can leave a white cast and take longer to sink in than chemical sunscreens, but at the end of the day, it comes down to individual preference.
Many SPF moisturisers will be suitable for all skin types, but if your skin is sensitive, there are products available tailored to your skin, so don’t run the risk of skipping the sun protection.
There’s so much choice out there so knowing where to start can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve tried out some of the best SPF moisturisers for men available in the UK this summer – read on to see what we thought.
Best SPF moisturiser for men at a glance:
- Best overall: Ultrasun SPF 50+ Anti-Pollution Face Fluid
- Best SPF 50: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50
- Best daily moisturiser: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
- Best value SPF: Grüum skyda Daily Defence Lotion
- Best mineral SPF: Malin + Goetz SPF 30 High Protection Sunscreen
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50, £17.60
Pros: Absorbs easily, leaves no white cast, reduces redness
Cons: None
Rating: 4.5/5
Don’t you love it when premium products have affordable price tags? In testing, I loved CORSX for doing everything I’d hoped it would.
It provides SPF 50 to prevent skin damage, it absorbs easily into your skin and it smells great in the process. Plus it’ll help you out if you’ve already picked up a bit of sunburn because it contains aloe to help soothe your skin. What more could you ask for?!
Type of sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 50 Water-resistant: No Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Aloe Vegan: Yes
Review by Joel Watson
Clinique For Men Super Energizer SPF 40 Anti-Fatigue
Clinique for Men Super Energizer SPF 40, £44.10
Pros: High SPF protection, gives a healthy glow, absorbs easily
Cons: Not water-resistant, not vegan
Rating: 3.5/5
Want to keep your skin protected and look less tired in the summer months? I think Super Energizer from Clinique fits the bill.
I don’t suffer from a particularly tired-looking face so it was tricky to test its anti-fantigue properties, but I did like the healthy glow it gave me afterwards. It absorbs very easily and leaves only a light sheen on the skin, which could be responsible for the anti-fatigue effect.
It’s sweat-proof so you can wear it on the run and in my testing it absorbed incredibly well and smelled great.
The only downside is that it leaves a slightly sticky feeling on your skin, but that’s the price you’ve got to pay sometimes to look good on a hangover.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 40 Water-resistant: No; Size: 48ml Star ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and trehalose; Vegan: No
Review by Joel Watson
READ MORE:
- Best SPF 50 sun creams
- Best sun cream for sensitive skin
- Best SPF for acne-prone skin
- Best sunscreens for kids
- Best sun creams for prickly heat
Coola Dew Good SPF 30 Serum
Coola Dew Good SPF Illuminating Serum, £45
Pros: Skincare-rich benefits, quick absorption, glowy, easy-to-use pump dispenser
Cons: Expensive, not suitable for a matte look
Rating: 4.5/5
Coola’s Dew Good SPF 30 Serum is designed with skincare in mind and feels thick like a moisturiser. The serum absorbed into my skin in a few minutes leaving no white cast. It gives the glass skin effect without looking oily. Plus, it creates a great light reflection on the skin and really illuminates traditionally shadowed areas, like under the eyes, cheekbone hollows and nose creases.
It feels really hydrating and is different to a traditional sunscreen that just sits on top of your skin. Suitable for combination and drier skin types, this serum sunscreen is perfect for a summery glow.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical serum SPF factor: SPF 30 Size: 35ml Star ingredients: BlueScreen
Digital De-Stress technology, probiotic technology, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, glycerin, leaf cell extract Vegan: Yes
Review by Aaron Dowler
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Hydrating Tinted Face Lotion
Bondi Sands Spf 50+ Fragrance-Free Hydrating Tinted Face Lotion, £8.99
Pros: Well-priced, fragrance-free, good for sensitive skin, barely-there coverage
Cons: Doesn’t feel overly nourishing, no skincare benefits beyond SPF
Rating: 3/5
Thick in texture, Bondi Sand’s SPF 50+ Hydrated Tinted Face Lotion is a very simple, basic SPF that feels like a traditional sunscreen. It takes a while to absorb – I’d recommend leaving it to dry for 10 minutes after applying in case of pilling – and it dries down more matte than other SPFs. It provides sheer coverage and is not like a tinted moisturiser, although there’s no white cast.
Ideal for sensitive and drier skin types, it’s hydrating but you may need to add a lighter moisturiser underneath for all-day wear.
Type of sunscreen: Tinted chemical sunscreen SPF factor: SPF 50+ Size: 75ml Star ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice Vegan: No (contains beeswax)
Review by Aaron Dowler
Bondi Sans Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50+
Bondi Sands Face Sunscreen Mist SPF 50+, £7
Pros: Sheer mist, easy to top up through the day, no white cast
Cons: Easy to overspray and get in hair, runs out quickly if used as sole protection
Rating: 4/5
This sheer sunscreen is a mist and is perfect if you hate feeling sticky. It dries down slightly dewy and has a medium-fast absorption. Once applied, it’s fairly invisible on the skin and feels very hydrating, leaving no white cast.
While it’s hydrating, you do need additional product underneath it as it won’t be moisturising enough on its own. Perfect for sensitive skin that’s prone to burning. It’s perfect for topping up throughout the day and also can be used to refresh the skin after a few hours.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: SPF 50+ Size: 79ml Star ingredients: Hibiscus sabdariffa flower, glycerin Vegan: Yes
Review by Aaron Dowler
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30, £55
Pros: Hydrating finish, suitable for all weather conditions, lightweight
Cons: Only factor 30
Kiehl’s original Ultra Facial Cream is a cult best-seller in the cosmetics world, and this version of the product ups the ante by giving it SPF value.
With SPF 30, this moisturiser claims to offer 24 hours of hydration, making skin feel and appear softer.
I can testify to that claim — read our Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Review — I found that my skin felt healthy from dawn til dusk, and the addition of SPF has done nothing to detract from that.
It’s perfect for all weather conditions and skin types, but especially for those with very dry skin. As well as being lightweight, the skin doesn’t appear oily or greasy after use.
It has an unctuous texture that I can only describe as heavenly, and it doesn’t take long to absorb, which is extremely useful in hot weather. It’s also great for use in cold weather thanks to the inclusion of Antarcticine, a glycoprotein known for its extreme resistance to cold conditions.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 30 Size: 50 / 100ml Star ingredients: Glacial gyroprotein, fountain plant Vegan: No
Review by Kieran Ahuja
Ultrasun SPF 50+ Anti-Pollution Face Fluid
Ultrasun SPF 50+ Anti-Pollution Face Fluid, £22.40
Pros: Very moisturising, provides high SPF protection, prevents pollution damage
Cons: Thin texture, the dispenser can get messy
If you’re really serious about packing sun protection into your daily routine, you can’t do it much more effectively than with this Face Fluid from Ultrasun.
The Swiss brand probably has the most clout in this list when it comes to sun protection, and for good reason: it has been at it for three decades, cementing itself as an expert.
It’s easily the most medical-looking product in this list and isn’t marketed as a moisturiser, but rather a “daily moisturising, brightening and anti-pollution defence fluid” that can take the place of your regular moisturiser in your day-to-day skincare regimen.
Using this, I decided it really is a jack-of-all-trades: it’s water resistant, making it great for summer holidays on the beach or by the pool, and also contains a special ingredient called Glycofilm Pollustop, which forms a barrier against pollution, making it great for day-to-day city life.
It has a bit of a thinner consistency than other creams in this list meaning it’s tempting to use a bit more of it to feel covered, and the squeezy dispenser can get a bit messy after repeated use, but if you want to be sure your face is getting the protection it needs, you can’t go wrong with this.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 40 Size: 40ml Star ingredients: Glycofilm® pollustop®, SulforaWhite Vegan: Yes
Review by Kieran Ahuja
Grüum skyda Daily Defence Lotion
Grüum skyda Daily Defence Lotion, £9.60
Pros: Affordable, high SPF protection, silky texture
Cons: Only 50ml size
In terms of value for money, this has to be the best SPF moisturiser on this list. For just £9.60, it provides SPF50, is dermatologist-approved, and contains ingredients to battle pollution and free radicals as well as the sun’s rays.
Its silky texture is one of the nicest I encountered in testing apart from the Kiehl’s and Malin and Goetz (which are significantly more expensive), and it’s also good for those with sensitive skin.
The Grüum site says to use this product after moisturising, but I found it moisturising enough to use by itself. I also tested out the slightly heavier SPF50 Face Sunscreen and was just as impressed.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 50 Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Vitamin E Vegan: Yes
Review by Kieran Ahuja
Facetheory Amil-C Whip M5 SPF 30
Facetheory Amil-C Whip M5 SPF 30, £20
Pros: Contains acne-fighting ingredients, reduces redness, can choose scented or unscented
Cons: Only factor 30
Sheffield-based Facetheory is quickly becoming one of my favourite skincare brands, and this product is one of the reasons why.
Thanks to its dense, velvety texture, a little goes a long way — I’ve been using it for a month and have barely made a dent in the 50ml glass jar.
Its SPF clocks in at 30, which is the minimum most dermatologists recommend, but it glides onto the skin just like a normal moisturiser (if not with a slightly heavier texture).
And as well as fighting off the sun’s more malevolent qualities and moisturising the skin, niacinamide and vitamin C help reduce pore size, even skin tone and reduce redness.
I also love that you have the option to get it in unscented guise, or with a zingy grapefruit scent.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 30 Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin C Vegan: Yes
Review by Kieran Ahuja
LifeJacket Daily Protection Moisturiser
LifeJacket Daily Protection Face Moisturiser SPF 30, £16
Pros: Good value for money, non-sticky and comfortable
Cons: None
At £16 for 100ml, this moisturiser by LifeJacket is one of the more wallet-friendly in this list, and it strikes a nice middle ground between the no-nonsense vibe of Ultrasun’s Face Fluid and more boutique products from other brands. Its packaging is nice and sleek, but it’s also designed to protect you rather than pamper you.
One of the things I liked most about this sunscreen was that it gave exact instructions about how much to apply — at least 5ml of product per application — which meant there was none wasted. It also feels non-sticky, non-greasy and lightweight.
On the brand website, the LifeJacket moisturiser holds an average rating of 5 stars, with reviewers saying that it is effective in every situation from holidays in the Caribbean to mountain adventures.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical SPF factor: 30 Size: 100ml Star ingredients: Glycerin Vegan: No
Review by Kieran Ahuja
Malin + Goetz SPF 30 High Protection Sunscreen
Malin + Goetz SPF 30 High Protection Sunscreen, £33
Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin, absorbs quickly, water-resistant
Cons: Only factor 30
Like the product from Ultrasun, this sunscreen from Malin + Goetz isn’t a moisturiser, but rather a sunscreen with enough moisturising properties to be classed as a 2-in-1 product.
It’s a mineral sunscreen, which can often be better suited for people with sensitive skin who find that chemical sunscreens cause irritation, as it uses titanium dioxide for a physical sun barrier rather than a chemical component.
When you squeeze it out it is a slightly disarming shade of yellow, but it absorbs extremely quickly without leaving any white residue. It’s also water resistant, and I found it offered great protection even on days when I was out in the sun all day.
Type of sunscreen: Mineral SPF factor: 30 Size: 50ml Star ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, vitamin E Vegan: Yes
Review by Kieran Ahuja
Will wearing SPF prevent ageing?
The sun is perhaps the biggest culprit when it comes to premature skin ageing, with research showing up to 80% of that ageing being down to UV damage.
This presents itself in the form of wrinkles, dark spots (hyperpigmentation), collagen breakdown and even skin cancer, so it’s vital to protect yourself – which is where broad spectrum SPF comes in.
Applying sunscreen will protect you and prevent further damage, though you must make sure you apply enough of it and reapply it regularly. Chemical peels and laser treatments can improve the look of damaged skin, as can skincare containing active ingredients. Retinol promotes cell turnover, revealing new skin and helping fade dark spots, while vitamin C brightens your skin and promotes collagen production; hyaluronic acid adds moisture and niacinamide helps lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Where can I buy spf moisturisers for men?
SPF moisturisers for men are available online at most high-street retailers and independent grooming stockists. Here are some of our favourite places to buy SPF for men.
How much does a men’s spf moisturiser cost?
The average price for men’s SPF moisturisers in our article is around the £25 mark but you can find several budget options for £10 or less, like the Grüum skyda Daily Defence Lotion. Plus, there are several ongoing deals and sales available so you can find plenty of discounts on your favourite sunscreens. The most expensive option in our piece is the Coola Dew Good Serum which is an investment at £45, but has incredible long-term skin benefits.
Do SPF moisturisers work?
Realistically, the best way to ensure you are getting the maximum level of hydration possible, while still getting sufficient sun protection, is to apply moisturiser followed by sun cream.
However, many people loathe buying both moisturiser and sunscreen – either for financial reasons or because it feels like too many products to apply every morning.
For that reason, SPF moisturiser is a great compromise. While it won’t offer the same level of protection as applying moisturiser and suncream separately, as long as you buy a product with a high enough protection factor (at least 30) and apply enough of it (apply liberally to the face and neck), you will still be protected from the sun.
However, if it is especially hot and sunny, you should still apply sunscreen at regular intervals.
What is the best moisturiser with SPF?
Of all the products we tested, our standout favourite was the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise — we were already big fans of the non-SPF version, and the addition of SPF is only an improvement.
However, we’re also extremely aware that £55 is a lot to spend (even if it is a 2-in-1 product), so we’d also recommend the Grüum skyda Daily Defence Lotion or the LifeJacket Daily Protection Face Moisturiser, which both do a great job at a good price.
And if you’re looking for something with the best sun protection possible, you can’t do much better than the Ultrasun Facial Fluid.
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