grooming guide
Every Guy Should be Using One of These Face Moisturizers
We round up the best men's moisturizers for every skin type, whether you're prone to dryness, oiliness, acne, or all of the above
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We’re currently living in a renaissance of men’s skincare. For decades, guys were grabbing whatever products that their dad used – or stealing products from their partner’s/sister’s/mom’s side of the bathroom. Now, dudes are coming around to high-quality grooming products. Besides better-looking gents everywhere, this surge in men’s skincare has also brought about some of the best men’s moisturizers ever.
It’s important to note that the best men’s moisturizers aren’t exclusively for dry, aging skin. Men of all ages and all skin types – whether dry, regular or oily – can benefit from a great moisturizer. For guys with dry skin, a good moisturizer will reduce flakiness, cracks and age-accelerating creases for taut youthfulness. And although it might sound counterintuitive, oily skin is actually skin that’s over-compensating for dryness and crying out for some moisture. In short, moisturizers repair, rejuvenate and protect your skin from daily stressors, ensuring that you look and feel as good as possible.
The best moisturizers also keep your face protected (read: hydrated) on hikes, while working out, on a camping trip or at an outdoor tailgate or music festival. The best men’s face creams are packed with nourishing ingredients that keep your skin energized, while many are also sweat-proof and have SPF protection from the sun. Even if you’re not headed outdoors, you should always slather on some moisturizer before you face the day.
In This Article
The Best Men’s Moisturizers
How to Use Face Moisturizer
Men’s Moisturizer Buying Guide
The Best Men’s Moisturizers
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best men’s moisturizers to pick up right now, with options for every skin type and budget.
Best Overall: Lumin Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizing Balm
Editor’s Pick: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Best for Dry Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Best for Oily Skin: Baxter of California Oil Free Face Moisturizer
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Ursa Major Natural Face Moisturizer
Best for Redness: Clinique Redness Solution Cream
Best Night Moisturizer: Jaxon Lane Relax And Repair Moisturizer
Best With SPF: Harry’s Face Lotion
Best for the Outdoors: Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer
Best Scent: Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream
Best Luxe Pick: Sisley Sisleÿum For Men Revitalizer Gel
1. Lumin Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizing Balm
BEST overall
Lumin was founded just a couple of years ago in 2018 as a men’s skincare subscription service. In the short time since then, Lumin has made quite a splash with effective products designed with the help of experts from Japan and Seoul.
Instead of adding an array of specific vitamins, Lumin uses just a few powerful ingredients for the heavy lifting — perfect for guys who want an effective, no-fuss way to turbocharge their morning routine. Meadowfoam seed oil fortifies the skin barrier and balances oil production, while apple extract delivers a large dose of age-defying vitamin C. The moisturizer will work with most skin types, but it’s especially effective with dry skin.
Buy Lumin Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizing Balm $26.10
2. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
editor’s pick
This dermatologist-acclaimed Toleriane moisturizer from La Roche-Posay is a secret weapon among well-groomed French people — and a boon for anyone with sensitive skin. Thanks to a lightweight yet powerful formula led by La Roche-Posay’s Prebiotic Thermal Water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3, the moisturizer not only repairs but nourishes the skin barrier. The Toleriane Double Repair has been our go-to for years now, and it out-moisturizes far more expensive products with a comfortable, fast-absorbing formula (we even use it as an aftershave replacement while traveling).
Buy La Roche-Posay Moisturizer $21.99
3. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
BEST FOR DRY SKIN
If you’ve got a serious case of dry skin, pick up Kiehl’s beloved Ultra Facial Cream. Its standout ingredients are glacial glycoprotein and olive-derived squalane, which lend deep, repairing moisture that lasts throughout the day. Plus, despite its power, Kiehl’s cream is actually soft and non-greasy, so you can enjoy that matte, well-moisturized feel right after leaving the bathroom.
Buy Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream $24
4. Baxter of California Oil Free Face Moisturizer
BEST FOR OILY SKIN
If you’re prone to oily, greasy skin, check out this moisturizer from Baxter of California. It’s one of the most lightweight face moisturizers around, ensuring a smooth, matte finish after application. This will allow your skin to relax and stop overproducing oil. The primary moisturizing and soothing ingredients are fairly common – aloe vera and chamomile extracts – but Baxter also uses green tea extract to target dehydrating free radicals.
Buy Baxter of California Moisturizer $31.00
5. Ursa Major Natural Face Moisturizer
BEST FOR ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Many moisturizers (especially cheap ones) fail when it comes to acne-prone skin. But this Ursa Major moisturizer actually combats acne by creating a healthier skin barrier and reducing acne symptoms like redness and shine. Using aloe, kendi oil, birch sap, and carrot, the moisturizer soothes, tones, and rejuvenates — all without clogging pores. It also dries quickly and leaves a matte finish, which feels great after dealing with oily, pimply skin.
Buy Ursa Major Natural Face Moisturizer $38.00
6. Clinique Redness Solution Cream
BEST FOR REDNESS
Like acne, redness is a specific concern that many moisturizers don’t address. If you notice red skin that doesn’t go away (or you have rosacea), try this Redness Solution cream from Clinique. It uses a probiotic called lactobacillus to balance skin bacteria and reduce irritation. But don’t worry: the formula is very gentle, and the soothing powers are likely something you’ll look forward to.
Buy Clinique Redness Solution Cream $56
7. Jaxon Lane Relax And Repair Moisturizer
BEST NIGHT MOISTURIZER
Night moisturizers are slightly different than your typical daily moisturizer. They’re usually thicker and more slow-absorbing, and are meant to be used right before bed for steady hydration through the night. We like this one from Jaxon Lane because, unlike some night moisturizers, it’s non-greasy and leaves a matte finish. Use it as your last skincare step at night for line repair and balanced moisturizing as you sleep. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.
Buy Jaxon Lane Relax And Repair Moisturizer $36
8. Harry’s Face Lotion
BEST WITH SPF
Shaving startup Harry’s gained a following with high-quality shaving gear. Their skincare line has followed suit. Because Harry’s only makes men’s, you can buy assured that you’re getting products designed for the specific needs of men’s skin instead of relabelled women’s products.
Their face lotion is one of our favorites because it’s unbelievably lightweight and easy on all skin types. The non-greasy formula uses shea butter as the primary moisturizing ingredient, plus a dash of mint for refreshing your skin and SPF 15 for all-day protection against the sun.
9. Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer
BEST FOR THE OUTDOORS
Another great SPF-equipped face moisturizer for men is this Jack Black Double-Duty lotion. It uses a broad spectrum SPF 20 for sun protection (so use it in the morning), reducing the lines and cracks that form over years of UV exposure. The moisturizer also features blue algae extract with vitamin E, sea parsley, and bacteria-fighting rosemary.
As for the brand, it’s hard to get more trustworthy than Jack Black. While most men’s skincare brands are young startups, Jack Black has been at it since 2000. Their Double-Duty moisturizer is very lightweight (despite its powers) making it usable for all skin types.
Buy Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer $30
10. Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream
BEST SCENT
Men’s skincare might be bigger than ever, but ultra-premium products are still few and far between. That’s why we get excited to find a high-end face cream such as this one from Aesop. The Aussie brand is one of the few that do men’s skincare just as well as women’s, and this Mandarin facial cream is a prime example.
As the name suggests, the heart of Aesop’s moisturizer is a blend of citruses: mandarin, lemon, and tangerine rind. These invigorate the skin and moisturize while adding a subtle, masculine scent. The cream itself is thick and nourishing, adding plenty of protective and moisturizing benefits. It’s a refreshing way to start the day, and best for normal or combination skin types.
Buy Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream $53
11. ELVY Lab Regimen
BEST moisturizing routine
If you need more than a moisturizer replacement, consider this all-in-one skincare routine from ELVY Lab. The four-step kit includes a cleanser, a brightening serum, a moisturizer, and an eye cream — all designed with men’s skin issues in mind (think, rougher skin, razor burns, ingrown hairs, etc.). In our testing, the premium products were lightweight yet effective, even in the dead of winter when our skin typically feels extra dry and looks, well, not its best.
12. Sisley Sisleÿum For Men Revitalizer Gel
BEST LUXE PICK
Sisley asks a high price for this Sisleÿum moisturizing gel, and (maybe surprisingly) it really is worth it. The French brand uses 18 natural, extremely potent active ingredients, so you only need to use a tiny amount. But this potency also means that it’s not for everyone: if you’re dealing with mild dryness, go with another one of our picks. But, if you really want to combat age lines, wrinkles, or serious imbalances, we highly suggest investing in Sisley’s gel.
Buy Sisley Sisleÿum Revitalizer Gel $325
How to Use Face Moisturizer
For most people, moisturizing twice a day (morning and night) is best. You’ll want to apply moisturizer to slightly damp, clean skin, so do it right after using a good cleanser. Moisturizer is especially effective after a hot shower and a face wash, as your pores will be more open and able to absorb the product. If you’re also shaving, you’ll want to use your moisturizer after shaving and applying aftershave (moisturizer can also be used as a substitute for aftershave if you run out).
How To Choose the Best Men’s Moisturizer For You
If you’re looking to get started with moisturizing (or unhappy with your current moisturizer), figuring out where to start is tough. Below are some things we kept in mind while searching for the best men’s moisturizers — and key considerations for any shoppers.
Skin Type: Most men’s moisturizers are formulated to work with as many skin types as possible. However, moisturizers will still tend slightly towards either oily or dry skin. Note how your skin feels without any products (dry, oily or somewhere in-between), and then choose a suitable moisturizer.
Ingredients: A few key ingredients we look for in moisturizers are vitamin E for protection, aloe (or something similar) for soothing, Vitamin C for anti-aging and natural moisturizing extracts or essential oils.
SPF: Using a moisturizer with SPF is always a good idea, protecting your skin against harmful UV rays. Obviously, if you only plan on using your moisturizer at night, this isn’t necessary.
Brand: Although advertising does play a large role in the initial success of a brand, the best men’s moisturizers separate themselves by a devoted following of pleased customers. Now that men’s moisturizers have been a large market for a while, we’ve been able to select a few brands that have proven themselves worthy of your mug.
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