I Ran 10 Miles Wearing This $38 Mineral Sunscreen—It Never Let Up (2025)

Leave it to the GOAT surfer to develop the GOAT exercise SPF. This mineral sunscreen—developed by former pro surfer Kelly Slater—dispenses thick, but absorbs into skin quickly, offering intense protection. I recently used this on a ten-mile run, which I took during Dr. Vasile’s ill-advised midday, peak sun exposure at noon. It never let up.

Waterproof for 80 minutes and sweatproof for 40, it never ran into my (quite sweaty) eyes. I’ve used it before hopping in the pool as well, and it delivers on that 80-minute promise. Not surprising, as Dr. Vasile says, this water-resistant SPF is formulated specifically for active guys. But it’s also so much more. Peak Performance is fragrance-free, so it’s safe for sensitive skin. While it is a mineral sunscreen, it barely leaves a cast.

If you don’t overuse (dispense no more than a dime-sized amount) and take a few extra seconds to rub it into skin, there is virtually no residue. It’s also the most eco-friendly option on this list. Packaged in 100 percent recycled plastic, and formulated without any common sunscreen ingredients known to harm coral reefs, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. It’s the best mineral sunscreen, best sunscreen for surfing and watersports, and, by far, the best SPF for the environment.

Read More: Best Sunscreens for Men

The most annoying drawback of wearing sunscreen is that it can result in acne for those sensitive because these products can clog pores and lead to breakouts. This is due to comedogenic ingredients, like isopropyl myristate and isocetyl stearate, as well as natural oils like coconut oil or cocoa butter, that trap oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria on the skin, blocking pores. Neutrogena avoids this common negative with its oil-free formula, free of comedogenic ingredients.

This all results in a non-greasy, lightweight cream that effortlessly blends into skin. Not to mention, its 70 SPF level is the highest on this list, so you won’t find stronger protection against UV rays. It’s also armed with three percent avobenzone, which absorbs UV rays and converts them into less harmful heat. Dr. Vasile adds that given its oil-free formula that doesn’t clog pores, it’s also ideal for those who sweat the most. This is all on top of the fact that at $10, it’s the best value on this list.

La Roche-Posay is our go-to skincare brand for dry or sensitive skin, so it’s only natural that our testers with easily irritated skin looked to the brand for UV protection. And this SPF did not disappoint. Dermatologist, Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, says that the brand’s Anthelios UV Pro-Sport is also great for workout planning, as it’s non-greasy, so it won’t feel shiny after application. Plus, it’s water and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes.

Dr. Vasile adds that it contains La Roche-Posay’s Cell-Ox Shield, a blend of powerful antioxidants and broad-spectrum protectors that help fight skin damage-causing free radicals as it protects against UV rays. Not to mention, the formula includes a hefty dose of glycerin for extra hydration.

For activities that Skinnies is best applied, there is one that comes to mind for Dr. Vasile: running. She says it’s perfect for excessive sweating, as it absorbs easily and dries fully in under two minutes, so there is no risk of smudging or eye irritation. While dermatologists still recommend applying every two hours, this sunscreen is water-resistant for four hours, by far the longest timetable on this list.

For this reason, I constantly reach for Skinnies when I’m heading out for a long run or taking an aimless hike because if I get caught up in the adventure of it and forget to reapply, my skin will still be protected. It’s also unscented for sensitive skin, and a little bit goes a long way when applying. This is especially welcomed as Skinnies is on the more expensive side at $50. Sure, 50 bucks feels like a lot to throw at an SPF, but given how long this stuff lasts, it’s well worth the investment.

Dr. Vasile calls this a great all-in-one product for those who prefer a simple regimen, pointing to the hydrating ingredients in its formula that help soothe and protect the skin. Hard to disagree, as this is the most moisturizing sunscreen we encountered during our testing. Men’s Health Deputy Editor of Commerce, Christian Gollayan, uses this SPF religiously and confirms it doesn’t cause breakouts or leave any white cast.

Fueled by a trio of anti-aging ingredients—white tea to neutralize free radical damage, peptides to repair damaged skin, and squalane to hydrate—this SPF doubles as a skin firming powerhouse. That being said, when it comes to exercise, it’s best to utilize Dynamic Skin Recovery for light exercise, like walks, short jogs, or low-impact hiking. With the attention given to moisturizing and anti-aging agents, the SPF doesn’t hold up during more rigorous workouts and heavy sweating.

Read More: Best SPF Moisturizers

There are a few reasons to switch to a sunscreen stick, rather than lotion or moisturizer. They offer a more convenient, targeted application with less residue than creamier options. Oars and Alps Go Stick is the best version of these boons, and then some. It’s my go-to sunscreen whenever I’m in a rush (which is often) as the SPF quickly glides across the skin, absorbing in seconds. It’s unscented and free of any harsh parabens, phthalates, or sulfates, so it never irritates my sensitive skin.

If you’re especially annoyed by residue or white casing, this SPF is the clearest option on this list. In fact, the first few times I used it, I was nervous it wasn’t dispensing at all. This stick is also active in my grooming travel routine, as it’s impossible to spill and TSA-approved. The ingredient quartet of jojoba oil, sunflower oil, to moisturize, alpine caribou moss, and vitamin E feels soothing and moisturizing on the skin. However, while it does list 80 minutes of protection, I found it was closer to an hour when exercising. Still, a great option for busy folks, frequent travelers, or both.

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