Horace Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 50+ Review: High Protection, No Grease, No White Cast

A late spring, but finally time to test!

Back in April, Horace sent me their new Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 50+, along with their Soothing After-Sun Lotion. I was genuinely excited to try them, especially since I’m a big fan of Horace’s minimalist, no-nonsense approach to skincare for men. But I have to be honest — the UK weather didn’t exactly cooperate. April was grey, chilly, and quite frankly, not ideal for testing a sunscreen. Fast forward to the last two weeks, and we’ve finally been blessed with a proper dose of sunshine here in Bristol. And with that came the perfect opportunity to put these products to the test — during dog walks, afternoons in the garden, and even a family day out by the coast.

First impressions: clean packaging, big promises

As expected with Horace, the packaging is simple, stylish, and fuss-free. It feels premium without being flashy — exactly the kind of product I like having in my bathroom or travel bag. This is a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen that you can use on both face and body. It’s designed to protect the skin from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays and is sweat- and water-resistant, making it great for warmer days or outdoor activities.

Texture-wise, it’s light, almost like a cream-lotion hybrid, and it absorbs quickly. There’s no white residue at all — and that’s a big deal, especially for men who don’t want to look ghostly in photos. It also smells really nice — clean, fresh, and subtle. No overpowering scent, and certainly none of that classic “beachy” sunscreen smell that lingers all day.

What is SPF and why does it matter?

If you’re anything like me, you might have spent your 20s and 30s thinking sunscreen was just for holidays. But SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is something every man should take seriously — especially as we hit our 40s and 50s. So what does SPF 50+ actually mean? It refers to how well a product protects your skin from UVB rays, the ones responsible for sunburn. SPF 50+ filters out about 98% of UVB rays, which means it significantly lowers the risk of burning, premature aging, and skin damage. In simple terms: it keeps your skin looking healthier for longer, and more importantly, it helps prevent long-term issues like sunspots, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Even in the UK, where the sun isn’t always blazing, UV rays are still present — so using sunscreen daily makes a real difference.

My experience after two weeks of sun

After finally getting some proper sunshine, I’ve been using this sunscreen daily — and here’s how it’s gone:

• First, the application is effortless. It spreads easily, absorbs fast, and doesn’t leave any weird texture behind.

• I’ve used it both on my face and arms, and I’ve had zero irritation. It sits well under my moisturiser or on its own.

• During longer walks and warmer days, it held up really well, even when I started to sweat a bit.

• And it genuinely feels like a skincare product rather than a layer of sticky protection. I love that.

One of the best things? No white cast, no greasy shine, and no clogged pores. I could apply it and forget about it — exactly what you want in a daily SPF.

Don’t forget after-sun care: Horace’s Soothing After-Sun Lotion

Now, let’s talk about the unsung hero of summer skincare — the after-sun. Horace’s Soothing After-Sun Lotion is designed to calm and hydrate the skin after exposure to the sun. And while most men don’t think twice about what to use after sun, I can tell you — this makes a difference. It’s light, not sticky, and contains ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin, which help cool down any redness or tightness. I’ve used it every evening after being outdoors, and it leaves the skin feeling soft and soothed. Just apply it to clean, dry skin after showering — especially on the face, shoulders, and arms — and let it do its thing. Even if you didn’t get burnt, your skin still benefits from rehydration after a day in the sun. I’d go as far as saying that having an after-sun lotion like this is just as important as the sunscreen itself.

✅ Pros:

• Smells amazing – fresh, clean, and subtle

• No white residue – works perfectly on all skin tones

• Non-greasy and lightweight

• High-quality product with premium ingredients

• Water- and sweat-resistant – ideal for active days

❌ Cons:

• SPF 50+ might be too much for some who want a faster tan – it protects very well, but slows down tanning

• Not the cheapest sunscreen out there – but for the quality, I genuinely think it’s worth the price

Final thoughts

Horace’s Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 50+ is now firmly part of my summer skincare routine. It ticks every box: high protection, beautiful scent, no residue, and easy application. It feels like a product made for men like me — men who want effective skincare that fits seamlessly into everyday life. Pair it with the Soothing After-Sun Lotion, and you’ve got the perfect duo for sunny days — one protects, the other repairs.

So if you’re heading out this summer, whether it’s the park, the garden, or a proper beach holiday, don’t forget to take care of your skin before and after sun exposure. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

Jerome

Jerome is a 50-year-old lifestyle blogger and the founder of Dapper & Groomed. He shares honest, personal reviews on skincare and grooming products for men, drawing from his own daily routines and experience with aging skin. Based in the UK, he helps men look and feel their best at any age.