The best sun creams for total SPF protection
Protect yourself from the sun’s rays with our pick of the best sun creams for men
The sun can make or break your summer. Too much of it and you can be left frazzled and crisp, too little of it and, well, is it really even summer? We all know that sun protection is a necessity for keeping your skin healthy and keeping your time in the heat all the more enjoyable. But there are a few (literally) burning facts that need to be absorbed before applying. Be sure to take note before browsing our pick of the best sun creams.
How long does sun cream last?
Although there isn't always an exact expiration date on your sun cream bottle, it definitely doesn't last forever. It all depends on the conditions it's stored in: if you keep it away from direct sunlight and high-temperature surfaces, it'll keep well for three years.
When should I apply sun cream?
Ideally, you should apply sun cream to the skin before exposing yourself to the sun, giving yourself 20 minutes so it can be fully absorbed. When applied, its duration depends on the SPF. An SPF 30 product, for instance, prevents skin reddening for 30 times longer than without, so if it normally takes ten minutes for you to burn, you're looking at roughly five hours. That's not to say you need to time your top-ups, though; each skin type responds differently, so it's never a bad idea to add more if you feel yourself burning.
Can I wear sun cream and still get a tan?
Although sun cream is essential for safety, most of us embark on time in the sun with the intention of catching a (safe) bit of colour. Lowering your SPF might seem like the best way to go, but we will say this: don't wear sun cream with a protection lower than 15. Products with SPF 5 offer basically no protection whatsoever and safety must come first. If you're spending long enough in the sun, some version of a tan is practically ensured. But to enhance your post-sunbathing chances, be sure to check out our after sun guide. And if you've already been caught out in the sun, pay attention to the GQ Doctor's advice on how to treat sunburn. And if you're that hell-bent on browning your skin, there's always fake tan.
What sun cream is safe for coral reefs?
Sun cream shouldn't just be safe for your skin. If you're wearing it on the beach or in the sea, it should be safe for coral reefs too. Products that include oxybenzone and octinoxate can cause coral bleaching, so it's good to steer clear of them – especially as there are products out there that are safe for both you and nature. The ingredients are listed on the bottle, so if you see any including petrolatum (AKA: mineral oil), titanium dioxide and the aforementioned "o" chemicals, opt for another product.
So which should I buy?
As for the sun creams, we’ve compiled a list of the best products you can buy right now so you can catch the necessary rays without turning crimson. From SPF lip balm to La Mer Protecting Fluid, say goodbye to gingerly putting on collared tops and seeking the shade. Over to the GQ edit.
1/28Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF 50+
This non-comedogenic, lightweight and gel-textured sunscreen has been specifically formulated for those who suffer from oily skin. Offering a high level of UV protection, it also shields against pollution. To be used in tandem with (and under) your regular moisturiser, it absorbs quickly into the skin, is shine free (having been tested in humid conditions), fragrance free and even helps hold back the earliest signs of ageing. It's most effective for those with normal to oily skin. £40 for 60ml. kiehls.co.uk
2/28Clarins Sun Care Water Mist SPF 50+
A leader in French botanical-based skincare, Clarins – using an armoury of 250+ plant extracts within its efficacious skincare formulas – will never use a chemical ingredient if there is a natural alternative. This pursuit of greener beauty also extends to its popular line of sun-protectors. A recent addition to the range, its aqueous-textured mist, offers a very high SPF50+ (UVA and UVB) protection, without leaving any residue. Primarily for the body, but can be used in the hair, its major selling point is that it’s easy and convenient thanks to an innovative misting action that allows the solution to absorb into skin more rapidly. A botanical-blend of senna extract, which offers natural shielding from sun damage, pea extract that protects elastin fibres and aloe vera to help moisturise, it is super lightweight and dry to the touch (much like a dry oil). Suitable for all skin types, it sprays on evenly and delivers a sensory experience. Reapply at regular intervals. £18.70 for 150ml. At johnlewis.com and boots.com
3/28Activated Sun Protector SPF 30
Formulated for all types of skin, the star of this UVA and UVB protective sunscreen from Kiehl's is vitamin E from plant sources, which helps the skin retain its moisture for additional comfort while wearing, somewhat negating the need to use it in conjunction with a moisturiser. It comes in both SPF 30 and 50, leaves the skin free from any white residue and is totally water-resistant, too. £24 for 150ml. kiehls.com
4/28Chanel UV Essentiel Gel Creme SPF50
Chanel’s anti-UV shield for the face is packed with skin-benefiting antioxidant goodness. Offering very high SPF50 UVA and UVB protection, it’s unique selling point is that it also shields from the excessive exposure to tech-driven blue light and pollution. Featuring natural and powerful active ingredients that help prevent the early signs of ageing, pigmentation, wrinkles and dehydration, it is ideally suited for mature skin, but not exclusively. It uses a powerful trip of ingredients: life plant, cultivated in Madagascar, which protects skin from external stresses and desert yeast extract, which deactivates the stress receptors that are over-stimulated by exterior pollutants in order to regulate the damaging effects of pollution on the skin and SPF50 filters. An innovative gel-creme texture (the lightness of a gel and the comfort of a cream) that boosts radiance and luminosity, it also acts like a hydrator, stimulating the skin’s natural defences to reinforce its barrier function and in turn helping skin reach optimum moisture levels. Also great for combatting the premature appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. £46 for 30ml. At boots.com
5/28Paula's Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF50
Having struggled with acne and eczema for most of her adult life, and finding little out-there to satisfy her, Paula Begoun (the Paula in Paula’s Choice) created a skincare line that was smart, safe and results-driven. The brand’s non-greasy, broad spectrum sunscreen, with a high protection factor of SPF50, is a multi-tasking favourite because it’s suitable to use on both the body and the face, which is a unique proposition in the field of sun-care. The other point of difference is its water-resistant technology, making it the ideal choice for men who lead an active, sporty lifestyle. Suitable for all skin-types and with a weightless, matte finish, it is easily applied, rapidly absorbed and has a skin-smoothing, silky texture. Using avobenzone, a synthetic broad spectrum sunscreen ingredient and homosolate, which primarily provides UVB protection and is non-sensitising, vitamin E, plays a supporting role in helping defend skin from stress caused by UV exposure. Packed with antioxidants, it also has anti-ageing (specifically the diminishing of brown spots caused by sun damage) benefits. £21 for 148ml At paulaschoice.co.uk
6/28Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF30
Founded by a skin therapist in 1986, Dermalogica is an inspirational authority in professional-grade, science-based, grooming know-how. Best known for its targeted treatments, the latest addition to this Californian brand’s SPF-focused repertoire, has been designed to blend easily across all skin-tones. A weightless, ultra-sheer, physical sunscreen for the face, it can be used by any skin-type, but is particularly beneficial to those who suffer with sensitivity or are prone to breakouts. Defending against UVA, UVB and blue light damage, with a mid-range SPF30 protection factor, it soothes rather than irritates due to not using any chemical sunscreens, artificial colours or fragrance. An ultra sheer zinc oxide is used for protection, blended with a bio-active mushroom complex, to calm the skin and reduces UV-induced redness and dryness. Antioxidant green tea is added to the mix, to help fight free-radical skin damage. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly. £49 for 50ml. At selfridges.com
7/28Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Protective Body Lotion Moderate Sun
Institut Esthederm’s intelligent Adaptasun body lotions optimise skin-cell protection and prevent photo-ageing thanks to a patented Global Cellular Protection Technology. Unlike other SPF-based sun-care products, this milky-textured solution for the body (there is also a hybrid for the face) is about adapting to the sun rather than over-protecting yourself from it, by activating our in-built natural pigmentation process. Available in either a moderate-sun or strong-sun concentration (as opposed to being rated by SPF), it stimulates, enhances and intensifies the tanning process. The moderate sun formula, for skin that is tolerant to sun, tans easily and rarely gets sunburned, is a bestseller. Giving a longer-lasting, richer tan (acts a bit like a sun accelerator/extender) it also helps prevent dark spots and photo-ageing. Protecting the skin’s DNA and preventing cell damage, it also serves as a highly effective and nourishing body hydrator. £44.50 for 200ml. At lookfantastic.com
8/28Anthony Day Cream SPF 30
This everyday moisturiser by Anthony is the perfect protective measure for those with particularly sun-sensitive skin. Fast absorbing and lightweight, natural AHAs, panthenol and wheat protein protect and hydrate the skin, while orange and lemon extracts give it a refreshing scent of a summer's day. The SPF 30 provides broad spectrum protection, bolstered further by vitamins A, C and E, which offer antioxidant protection from other environmental aggressors. £34 for 90ml. At lookfantastic.com
9/28Dr Barbara Sturm Sun Drops SPF 50
This is quite the innovation from skincare maven Dr Barbara Sturm. The acclaimed aesthetics doc describes these drops as a “liquid sun umbrella” and we’re particularly taken by them as a measure which can be used undiluted when sun protection is most urgent or mixed into your moisturiser of choice in order to lend it some punchy SPF 50 protection. Thanks to the addition of cassia extract, vitamin E and beta-glucan, all of which provide additional protection from the sun while regenerating damaged cells, it’s a product that can elevate those already in your summer skincare routine to new heights. £110 for 30ml. At cultbeauty.co.uk
10/28Lab Series Skincare For Men Day Rescue Defense Lotion SPF 35
Lab Series’ much-lauded Day Rescue Defense Lotion doesn’t just protect against those most important skin-damaging UVA and UVB rays on a summer day, but also from all the grooming hazards warmer climes can bring, including skin dehydration. That’s thanks to its Hydra-Endure Technology, containing plant extracts known to endure harsh weather conditions – particularly sunny, dry climates. It’s a powerful promise for something so weightless on application, but it sure delivers. £31 for 50ml. At boots.com
11/28Aesop Protective Body Lotion SPF 50+
This top-to-toe, broad-spectrum lotion has been formulated to provide up to four hours of water resistance, so is particularly good for those who like to dip in and out of the sea. With an invigorating fragrance of spearmint, lavender and lemon it boasts an effective list of botanical ingredients, such as vitamin E (to promote skin strength), panthenol and tocopherol, as well as avocado, sweet almond and jojoba oils for a silky texture. Combine with Aesop’s Protective Lip Balm SPF 30 for maximum protection. £30 for 150ml. aesop.com and cultbeauty.co.uk
12/28La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Invisible Fresh Mist Spray SPF 50+
La Roche-Posay is a great brand for very sensitive skin and their mist spray works well when temperatures begin to climb and you need additional coverage. Thanks to its anti-shine, matte finish, it's perfect for poolside top-ups to add some protection on the cream you applied that morning. Hypoallergenic, water resistant and paraben-free, simply spray directly onto your face and worry not about any white marks or shine. £14 for 75ml. At boots.com
13/28Jaxon Lane Rain Or Shine Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
This stellar sunscreen from a Korean brand new to Mr Porter is a lightweight and non-greasy formula that drys clear and offers a high level of protection. As the name would suggest, the vitamin-packed shield that protects you from both UVA and UVB exposure is as effective on an overcast day as it is when soaking up the sun. Suitable for all skin types, it contains vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and a cocktail of green tea, liquorice root and ginseng to help nourish and calm, and is free from oxybenzone, parabens, sulphates and phthalates. £26 for 60ml. At mrporter.com
14/28Clarins Sun Care Gel-to-Oil UVA/UVB 30
Both water and sweat resistant, and with a unique selling point of not leaving white streaks on wet skin, this gel texture formula with SPF 30 is suitable for all skin types and is a great all-rounder. Non-greasy and offering maximum hydration, it contains four very active ingredients: senna, derived from the leaf of a bush from North America; plane tree, from the bark of a Grecian tree that fights against photo-ageing; baobab; and pea extract, which helps protects elastin fibres from breakdown. £22 for 150ml. At boots.com
15/28Bioderma Cicabio SPF 50+
Part of a greater range of products under the Cicabio umbrella that offer high-quality epidermal repair, this sunscreen soothes, repairs and protects skin that has already been damaged by solar exposure. Water resistant and offering a high level of broad-spectrum UV defence, it is also a saviour for men who suffer from hyperpigmentation and is ideal for use after dermatological procedures and in cases of irritation and redness. With no artificial colours or fragrances it contains anti-bacterial zinc, hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration and an ingredient called antalgicine, which relieves discomfort and itchiness. £10 for 30ml. At lookfantastic.com
16/28Darphin Soleil Plaisir SPF 30
This anti-ageing suncare for face is a brilliantly lightweight cream, which helps prevent skin damage and dark spots caused by sun exposure. Its extra-luxurious blend of texturising hyaluronic acid, precious karanja oil and Brazilian algae make it even more appealing, contributing to the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and an all-round more youthful glow to go with your tan. £35 for 125ml. darphin.co.uk
17/28Skinnies SPF 30 Sungel
Sick and tired of sticky white suncream? Developed by New Zealand parents Olly and Martha Van Arts, Skinnies is the eco, noncomedogenic (meaning it doesn’t block your pores) and nonallergenic sunscreen that will answer all your SPF prayers, with a ridiculously easy-to-apply gel formula and maximum, immediate UV protection. Packed with vitamin E for skin hydration, the waterless gel is so effective that Skinnies has become the No1 brand down under. Thanks to the lack of water, a little Skinnies goes a seriously long way, so you’ll be well stocked all staycation. £24.95 for 100ml. skinnies.online
18/28Perricone MD No Makeup Concealer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 (medium)
If you're a man who's taken to applying the occasional bit of make-up to conceal a blemish (of which many men's skin types will be more prone to when the sun is shining), it's important to remember that skin products intended to sit on top of the skin rather than absorb into it won't protect from harmful rays. Perricone MD's particularly male-friendly concealer incorporates a broad-spectrum SPF 20 among its ingredients and is elevated further still with anti-ageing and hydrating additions such as vitamin C ester and neuropeptides. £29 for 9g. At mrporter.com
19/28Soleil Toujours Organic Set+Protect Micro Mist SPF 30
Coming in the form of a fine mist, this Soleil Toujours formula is a protective measure that will feel less like a chore to apply than a refreshing spritz to revive you from your sunbathed stupor. The SPF 30 does a good job of shielding the skin from harmful UV rays, while its EcoSunComplex cocktail is antioxidant packed thanks to the inclusion of red algae, bisabolol and vitamins C and E, all the better to relieve your skin from any other irritation afforded by the sun. £34 for 59ml. At mrporter.com
20/28Shiseido Expert Sun Ageing Protection Lotion SPF 30
Any hang-ups you have about asking for someone to do your back then cannon-balling straight into a swimming pool are redundant with this Shiseido lotion. Thanks to its WetForce technology, it only gets stronger and forms an even more protective veil when it comes into contact with water or perspiration. Better still, its completely invisible on all skin tones, so no white streaks and no stickiness either. £35 for 100ml. At lookfantastic.com
21/28This Works In Transit Skin Defence
One you should always have handy on your travels, This Works' SPF 30 daily moisturiser is enriched with the label's Bio Boost combination of reparative antioxidant plant oils, plus moisture-friendly hyaluronic acid and calming vitamin E. All that in a lightweight, non-greasy daily lotion that combats sun damage with UVA and UVB protection? This works, indeed. £15.65 for 40ml. At amazon.co.uk
22/28Piz Buin Mountain Sun Cream SPF 30
If you prefer to spend your summer trecking mountains than basking in the sun in the garden, park or beach holiday, Piz Buin will be more effective than any corked hat and cargo pant combo in keeping you protected. This sun cream offers intense protection from both wind and UVA/UVB rays and is specially designed to protect against conditions at high-altitude. It also boasts edelweiss, which enables it to survive the intense sunlight and extreme cold and wind common to alpine environments. An all-rounder for adventure-enthusiasts, then. £7.49. At Amazon. amazon.co.uk
23/28Bioderma Pigmentbio Daily Care SPF 50+
Thanks to Bidoerma's Lumireveal technology, the Pigmentbio Daily Care SPF 50+ helps to biologically reduce production of melanin while boosting cell renewal for a lightening effect. The filters in this are very strong, protect against wide spectrum UVA and UVB rays to limit visible signs of premature ageing, while a cocktail of vitamins boost the brightening action and protect the skin's barrier. Regardless of your sun exposure, the pearly texture guarantees your glow. £25.08. At amazon.co.uk
24/28Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF 30
For men who are partial to applying make-up to enhance their complexions, Elemis' Daily Defence Shield works as an effective primer beforehand. SPF 30 mixed with coconut and jojoba oils means not only protection from UV rays, but aggressors such as visible light, pollution and computer screens, too. Compared to standard sun creams, its extremely silky on the skin, making it a joy to apply. £46. At mankind.co.uk
25/28Sisley-Paris Sunleya GE Age Minimizing Global Sun Care SPF 50+
This age-defying sun shield helps prevent wrinkles, dark spots and dehydration. Incorporating cutting-edge and extremely advanced sun filters against UVA and UVB damage, as well as glycerin (of plant origin) and shea butter, it is both water resistant and rapidly absorbed. Its anti-glycation and anti-solar elastosis active ingredients, antioxidants and cellular DNA protection make it one of the most technologically advanced sun care products on the market. £180 for 50ml. At Space NK. spacenk.com
26/28La Mer SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid
Who better to trust with your delicate skin than La Mer? This product ensures comfort, hydration and long-lasting protection against summer heat in a characteristically lightweight, silky formula. It'll cost you a little more than anything you might pick up at the departures lounge, but it is La Mer. £85 for 200ml. At Selfridges. selfridges.com
27/28Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
Lips are easily forgotten and just as easily burnt. This balm’s antioxidants and moisturising properties deliver immediate relief and will protect against sun on the warmest of summer days, but also windburn, an oft-forgotten point of damage for the skin. The cherry on the cake is the natural mint in the formula, which will freshen your breath as well. £7.25 for 7g. At amazon.co.uk
28/28Ultrasun Anti-Ageing Ultra Sensitive Facial Sun Cream SPF 50+
You can never be too careful and this cream by Ultrasun means business when it comes to keeping you protected. The SPF 50 is long-lasting and formulated with anti-ageing enzymes such as ectoin, a natural substance proven to prevent premature photo-ageing caused by sun exposure, plus GSP-T, which protects skin cells from oxidative stress. £24 for 50ml. At John Lewis. johnlewis.com
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