Sunscreens are undergoing a remarkable evolution. In addition to the sophistication of UV-protection technology, the industry has become an area where brands are competing with each other with proprietary technologies such as perspiration resistance, lightness of feel, and the addition of skin care functions. On the other hand, UV-protection ingredients are affected by the passage of time and the storage environment, so products that have been opened for a long time may not fully demonstrate their original performance. Therefore, it is a rational choice to review sunscreens at the time when new products are released every spring. In this issue, we will introduce five carefully selected products recommended for men from among the new products introduced in 2026 that are both functional and comfortable to use.
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What month should you start applying sunscreen?UV protection is a good idea to start in March! What and spring has the same amount of UV rays as September.
In early spring, temperatures are mild and it is easy to become less cautious about UV rays. However, ultraviolet radiation has been increasing since the winter solstice and enters a clear upward phase in March. In particular, the intensity of ultraviolet B waves increases around the spring equinox, and daytime exposure levels move toward early summer levels. Furthermore, the cumulative exposure increases due to the extension of daylight hours. The gap between body temperature and the UV environment is a blind spot that delays countermeasures. Ultraviolet rays affect not only blemishes, but also collagen and elastin in the dermis, and are considered a major factor in the progression of photoaging. It has been reported that approximately 80% of skin aging is caused by ultraviolet ra ys, and approximately 70~80% of the annual amount of ultraviolet rays is concentrated from April to September. Despite this, awareness of countermeasures against UV rays increases mainly in mid-summer, and people tend to be unprotected during the months of April to June. Therefore, in order to maintain youthful skin, it is reasonable to start continuous UV care in the spring, before UV rays reach their peak.
How long can I use sunscreen?Use within 1 year after opening
When you start applying sunscreen in the spring, the first thing to check is the expiration date. If the product was opened last summer, it is basically fine, but if it was opened more than a year ago, caution should be exercised. Sunscreen ingredients degrade over time. UV absorbers are organic compounds that gradually decompose under the influence of light, heat, and oxygen. As degradation progresses, the original UV absorbing capacity decreases, and the protective effect as indicated can no longer be expected. In addition, lipid oxidation can occur in formulations that contain a large amount of oil. The formation of lipid peroxides due to oxidation may increase the risk of irritation and inflammation. Even if there is no significant change in appearance, functional deterioration may be in progress. This means that the skin may continue to be exposed to creams with no guaranteed efficacy and inflammation risk. Since UV protection is a care that is predicated on protective performance, it is reasonable to use up the product within a year after opening.
Why are new sunscreens released in spring?Because manufacturers also want you to start UV protection in March
Actually, new sunscreens are released in early spring (February~March), not summer. This is based on the commercial design of the market, which is to launch products before the peak of demand. Brands have been conducting research and development since the previous year, and new products with improved UV-protection technology and user-friendliness are launched in early spring. By presenting choices before the market starts to move, the strategy is to capture demand for the entire season.
”Curél
” subtitle=”2026 Latest Recommended Sunscreen for Men 1″]“Skin Repair UV Serum” is a “ceramide care + UV barrier” concept for dry sensitive skin that easily gets sunburned. Skin Repair UV Serum is a “ceramide care + UV barrier” sunscreen for dry, sensitive skin that easily gets sunburned. It uses a non-chemical formulation that does not use UV absorbers and is designed mainly with UV scatterers. Curél is under the Kao umbrella, and Kao’s strength lies in its encapsulation technology that forms a uniform coating film with no gaps at the micro level. This is also reflected in Curel, which is equipped with the proprietary “Serum Capsule” technology that encapsulates microscopic UV-protecting ingredients to spread UV-protecting ingredients evenly and form a uniform coating film. It provides both UV protection and ceramide care to support the barrier function. It is designed to be easy to use even on skin prone to irritation due to dryness. The fact that it can be removed with a facial cleanser is also a nice feature.
Find Curél’s ” Skin Repair UV Serum “.
”ORBIS
” subtitle=”2026 Latest Sunscreen Recommendations for Men 2″]One of the strengths of the POLA ORBIS Group’s technology is its Auto-Defense Technology, which automatically enhances the function of the coating on the skin when triggered by UV rays. This technology is also incorporated in this product, which is designed to evolve into a wrapping film that is resistant to rubbing, perspiration, and water as the film structure becomes denser and thicker when exposed to ultraviolet rays. This improves the durability of UV protection and promotes the penetration of beauty ingredients into the stratum corneum, thereby enhancing defensive power. In addition, it contains the proprietary ingredient “D.N.A. Defense Enhancer,” which was inspired by the findings of the POLA Chemical Industries Research Institute. This formulation works on the stratum corneum during application to regulate the skin environment while providing moisture, leading to a translucent and bright impression. The texture has also been improved to provide a higher quality and fresher feel. In addition, the active ingredient niacinamide has been added. The new product is characterized by its ability to both improve wrinkles and whiten skin with a single ingredient. It is expected to improve existing wrinkles by promoting collagen production in dermal fibroblasts and to prevent spots and freckles by inhibiting melanin production. The multifunctional design pursues both UV protection and anti-aging care at the same time.
Find ORBIS “Wrinkle Bright UV Protector N”
”SEKKISEI
” subtitle=”2026 Latest Recommendations for Men’s Sunscreen 3″]“”Skin Care UV Essence Gel N/Milk N”” is also updated for 2026. It now features a “water-holding shield ingredient” that reacts with sweat and water to strengthen the coating film. By holding in moisture, the UV protective film is stabilized and designed to maintain a high level of protection even under strong UV rays. While being a super waterproof formula, it is also conveniently removable with ordinary face wash or body soap. On the cosmetic side, the product contains three types of wheatgrass-derived ingredients: Japanese wheatgrass extract, wheatgrass fermented extract, and wheatgrass water, and newly added ume vinegar extract, which contains organic acids such as citric acid. The ingredients derived from Japanese and Chinese plants moisturize the stratum corneum and lead to the impression of clear skin. Gel and milk types are available, so choose according to your preference.
Look for Seikkisei “Skin Care UV Essence Gel N/Milk N.”
”ETVOS
” subtitle=”2026 Latest Sunscreen Recommendations for Men 4″]ETVOS’s “Mineral UV Aqua Serum 50+ Clear Glow” is UV absorber-free, yet has the highest level of protection in Japan at SPF50+/PA＋＋＋＋ and feels as comfortable as if it were covered in a moisture pack. The texture, which took about four years of development, is designed mainly with light liquid oil instead of solid fat or paste oil to achieve a light texture with minimal stickiness. The UV scattering agent is dispersed in oil in a slurry formulation, resulting in a smooth, crease-free application. In addition, the formula contains moisture-holding polymers and 77% serum ingredients to provide both an immediate moisture feeling and a long-lasting moisturizing effect during the day. In addition to ultraviolet rays, the product is designed to protect the skin from four types of light, including blue light, near-infrared rays, and long UVA rays, and contains azelaic acid derivatives and glycylglycine to prevent the appearance of pores while balancing moisture and sebum. ETVOS is a Japanese skincare brand with a reputation for hypoallergenic and highly functional formulations.
Find ETVOS “Mineral UV Aqua Serum 50+ Clear Glow”
”BYUR
” subtitle=”2026 Latest 5 recommended sunscreens for men”]BYUR’s “Ceramfit Face to Body UV Protector 01″ to go on sale nationwide on April 30 Face to Body UV Protector 01” is also getting a lot of attention. This fresh UV protector is used between skincare and makeup, and is recommended for men. Designed to be used generously on the face and body, the texture makes it easy to make UV care a daily habit. In addition to UV rays, it also blocks near-infrared rays and blue light. It also prevents pollen, dust, and PM2.5 from adhering to the skin, protecting it from environmental stresses as if it were a single invisible film. Containing 83% skincare ingredients, it also protects the skin from oxidized sebum, which is a concern during the day. BYUR is a pore management natural cosmetic brand born in Korea.
Click here for more details on BYUR’s ” Serum Fit Face to Body UV Protector 01 “.
