The best SPF moisturisers for men to keep skin nourished and protected

Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion

• Skin type: Suitable for all
• Powered by: Tri-ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E
• SPF Protection: SPF 50

CeraVe’s cult Facial Moisturising Lotion has been reformulated and now offers a more empowered and improved SPF50 UV protection. Created by a team of dermatologists, it harnesses a blend of humectants, emollients and three specific ceramides, a formula that efficiently helps restore the all-important barrier without overpowering fragile complexions. Fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy tested and noncomedogenic, it effectively protects from the damage caused by photo-ageing without blocking the pores. A lightweight texture, it also contains anti-ageing wonder ingredient hyaluronic acid, plus glycerin, vitamin E and niacinamide.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

• Skin type: Suitable for all, particularly mature
• Powered by: Ginkgo biloba, chlorella, micronised sunscreen, padina pavonica
• SPF protection: Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Fusing active ingredients with cutting-edge science, this reformulation of Elemis’ iconic and cult moisturiser has been created with an added SPF 30 built in. Lightweight and non-greasy in texture, this ultra-protective anti-wrinkle day cream has been clinically-proven to significantly reduce lines in just 14 days. Helping restore suppleness, firmness and elasticity, it also treats and corrects uneven skin texture to encourage a more youthful-looking complexion. Ginkgo biloba counteracts free radical activity, protecting the skin from everyday stresses and shielding collagen from being broken down by oxidation and chlorella. Rich in peptides, amino acids and enzymes, it also helps slow down the deterioration of elastin and collagen, while padina pavonica, (a Mediterranean algae) visibly improves the appearance of fine lines.

Purifide by Acnecide Daily Moisturiser SPF 30

• Skin type: Acne prone and sensitive
• Powered by: Ceramides, glycerin, panthenol (Vitamin B5), vitamin E
• SPF Protection: SPF 30 UVA/UVB

In my experience, SPF protection and oily skin types don’t make the best of friends. Acne and blemish-prone skin types in particular can have very bad reactions to the often greasy-textured formulations, which can block the pores and exacerbate the problem. This balancing daily moisturiser, from the makers of Acnecide, confronts this issue head-on. I gave this to a buddy who has suffered with acne most of his adult life and has always found SPF-infused products a particular challenge. After using it for a fortnight, his feedback was that it was both lightweight and non-greasy and that the UVA/UVB sunscreen was barely visible; he has actually switched to it as his regular moisturiser moving forward.

Origins GinZing Daily SPF30 Moisturiser

• Skin type: Suitable for all, particularly dull and lacklustre
• Powered by: Caffeine (from coffee beans), white panax ginseng, organic ginger, fermented gold ginseng, vitamin E
• SPF Protection: SPF 30

New to Origins’ coffee-infused GinZing collection, this non-oily, lightweight daily moisturiser brings the brightness back to dull skin whilst protecting it from oxidative and UV damage. Using potent key energy actives from Origins Vital-Synthesis Technology to help encourage skin’s natural energy, it somehow sparks a visibly noticeable radiance from within. This is the kind of moisturiser you need to help with a hangover; it’s light, refreshing and intensely hydrating. Another plus is that it has aromatherapy benefits; an essential oil blend of lemon, orange, spearmint and a splash of sparkling grapefruit, to help awaken the senses. Vegan-friendly, it features a plant-derived antioxidant blend of ingredients to help minimise the damaging effects of blue light and both indoor and outdoor pollution. A safe bet to prevent skin from future damage.

• Skin type: Suitable for all, including sensitive
• Powered by: Caffeine, chestnut extract, vitamin C and E
• SPF protection: SPF 19

Created for the man on the go, this facial recovery accelerator awakens and uplifts dull, fatigued skin, promoting a re-energised and revitalised appearance. Part of Kiehls' bestselling Facial Fuel line of high-performance skincare specifically dedicated to men, the unique formula helps improve a sleep-deprived or over-worked complexion. Enhanced with antioxidant vitamin C and moisturising vitamin E, it helps skin resist environmental aggressors with anti-pollution protection. Stimulating caffeine, a highly invigorating ingredient, enhances the appearance of damaged or dry skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. Antioxidant-rich chestnut extract actively improves the barrier function to help restore skin lipids.

• Skin type: All skin types, especially oily
• Powered by: Green tea extract, pro-vitamin B panthenol, tocopherol
• SPF protection: SPF 25

It’s safe to say that Aesop, founded in Australia, knows a thing or two about skincare — and is passionate about the importance of sun protection. Its Protective Facial Lotion with an SPF of 25, then, is a winner. Rapidly absorbed into the skin, it's light and satisfyingly non-sticky in texture (a common and unwelcome side effect when SPF is combined with a moisturising formula) and provides broad-spectrum defence from both UVA and UVB rays. Featuring green tea extract, pro-vitamin B panthenol and vitamin E-rich tocopherol among its most active ingredients, it rejuvenates and protects, leaving a matte finish: particularly good for those who suffer from oily skin.

• Skin type: All skin types
• Powered by: Vitamin C and E, as well as caffeine, carnitine, creatine
• SPF protection: SPF 40

Clinique’s latest and most advanced fatigue-fighting moisturiser actively awakens, corrects and then defends your skin against the earliest signs of premature ageing. Its quickly absorbed cooling gel texture is oil-free and sweat and humidity-resistant, benefiting from a powerful SPF 40 sun protection filter to block UVA and UVB, as well as shielding against damage caused by blue light and infrared radiation. Enriched with antioxidants vitamin C and E as well as a youth-boosting blend of caffeine, carnitine (an amino acid that supplies energy) and creatine to help bring even the most tired-looking and lacklustre skin back to life, it additionally benefits from a patented moisture barrier complex, anchored with hyaluronic acid, that delivers round-the-clock rehydration.

• Skin type: Balanced, oily, dry, combination
• Powered by: Stabilised vitamin C, lipid-boosting tech and ultra-sheer UV filters
• SPF protection: SPF 50 PA++++

This lauded doctor brand has upgraded its hybrid SPF-moisturiser collection with 4 new targeted daily-use (re)formulations; each addressing a different (common) skin concern. Having tried them all, without question, the Brightening formula (formerly known as Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30) delivered the most transformative benefits-slash-results, with higher SPF protection (SPF 50++++), longer-lasting hydration and a 10x more potent shot of stabilised vitamin C than its predecessor.

Essentially, it’s a one-stop shop for anyone suffering from a dull or lacklustre complexion who needs powerful protection from the sun. Vegan and suitable for balanced, dry, oily or combination skin types, I found it to be super hydrating and delivered on its promise to effectively boost my skin’s radiance after only one use. My complexion also looked more even-toned after using it for one week; it helps visibly fade all types of dark spots with consistent use after one month. Further enriched with lipid-boosting tech to provide intense moisture through ceramides, it's a 3-in-1 multitasking powerhouse.