A good face moisturizer nourishes and can multitask with ease, targeting hyperpigmentation, acne and more. As a lifestyle editor and skincare enthusiast, I regularly research, test and write about beauty products (and I have an overflowing skincare drawer to prove it). In search of the top moisturizers for men, I drew on input from dermatologists and our beauty team. After extensive research, I selected the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer as the best facial moisturizer for men overall, which uses the brand’s mineral-rich prebiotic Thermal Spring Water, niacinamide and glycerin to balance and hydrate. I also recommend Murad’s Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for an option with sun protection.
As with all skincare products, consider your skin type when selecting a moisturizer. “For men with oily skin, hydration without heaviness is key, and I would recommend a lightweight lotion or gel moisturizer,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robyn Gmyrek. “For dry skin, I recommend a cream formulation that is thicker in consistency and more occlusive to seal in moisture.” The climate where you live and the current season can also affect which formula you choose. Below, the best face moisturizers for men that round out your fall skincare routine.
Our Top Recommendations
- Best Face Moisturizer Overall For Men: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
- Best Value Face Moisturizer For Men: Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion
- Best SPF Moisturizer For Men: Murad Essential-C Day Moisture
- Best Moisturizer For Men With Oily Skin: Lab Series Clear LS Emulsion
- Best Moisturizer For Men With Dry Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
- Best Night Cream For Men: Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream
- Best Moisturizer For Combination Skin: Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream
Best Face Moisturizer Overall For Men
A Lightweight And Oil-Free Top Pick
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | Texture: Cream | Price per fluid ounce: $7
What you’ll love:
- Non-comedogenic (it won’t clog pores)
- Mineral-packed formula
- Fragrance-free
Keep in mind:
- May not be rich enough for extremely dry skin
This lightweight cream formula hydrates and nourishes the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. One of the hero ingredients is the brand’s prebiotic Thermal Spring Water, which is rich in minerals and skin-protecting antioxidants. This pick is also recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz, who is a fan for a number of reasons. “Besides being oil- and fragrance-free, it has a powerhouse blend of hydrating and soothing ingredients, including niacinamide, ceramides and glycerin. It also contains a prebiotic blend to support a healthy skin barrier.”
Best Value Face Moisturizer For Men
Fast-Absorbing And Provides Long-Lasting Moisture
Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Size: 3 fluid ounces | Texture: Lotion | Price per fluid ounce: $4.82
What you’ll love:
- Wallet-friendly price tag
- Lightweight, non-sticky feel
- Fragrance-free
Keep in mind:
- May not be thick enough for extremely dry skin types
This popular product has an affordable price tag and high-impact ingredients like hyaluronic acid to moisturize and boost the health of your complexion, regardless of skin type. It sinks into the skin quickly without leaving any stickiness or greasy feeling. Like my best overall pick, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane, the formula is oil- and fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested. Pro tip: If you have very sensitive skin you should start with a patch test before applying to the rest of the face.
Best SPF Moisturizer For Men
Protects Against Harmful Rays And Free Radical Damage
Key ingredients: Vitamin C, SPF, retinyl palmitate | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Texture: Lotion | Price per fluid ounce: $40.58
What you’ll love:
- Offers SPF 30 protection
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
- Has a brightening effect
Keep in mind:
- Has a noticeable fragrance
Dermatologists including Gmyrek recommend using a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher during the day for broad-spectrum protection against sun damage. This formula shields against UVA/UVB rays and helps protect from free radical damage, while retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) stimulates the growth of new skin cells and vitamin C brightens. Reviewers say it has a pleasant texture, absorbs well and doesn’t have a white cast.
Best Moisturizer For Men With Oily Skin
Mattifies The Complexion And Gently Exfoliates
Lab Series Clear LS Emulsion
Key ingredients: Glycerin, salicylic acid, sodium hyaluronate | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Texture: Lotion | Price per fluid ounce: $36.47
What you’ll love:
- Gentle exfoliating formula
- Has a matte finish
- Non-comedogenic
Keep in mind:
- Contains fragrance
- On the expensive side
Ideal for those with acne-prone or oily skin, this lightweight moisturizer contains salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates and sloughs dull away dead skin cells. The addition of glycerin, sodium hyaluronate (a type of hyaluronic acid), and saw palmetto fruit extract keeps skin nourished and hydrated. Another benefit? This formula keeps shine at bay and can reduce the appearance of post-blemish marks over time.
Best Moisturizer For Men With Dry Skin
Softens, Smooths And Hydrates
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Key ingredients: Squalane, glacial glycoprotein, pro-ceramides | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Texture: Cream | Price per fluid ounce: $22.94
What you’ll love:
- Fragrance-free
- Has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association
- Ultra-hydrating
Keep in mind:
- May be too rich for oily skin
For a thicker moisturizer that’s an excellent option for those living in dry or cold climates, I recommend Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. Squalane and pro-ceramides help replenish the skin barrier, and glacial glycoprotein (a naturally occurring compound) provides long-lasting hydration. “My boyfriend has combination skin but appreciates how the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream keeps it hydrated without causing breakouts,” says former home and kitchen editor Kelly O’Sullivan. “He also has a beard, and some lotions tend to leave residue at the edges where his beard meets his cheeks. This formula blends in seamlessly and never flakes or leaves behind a white cast on his beard hair. Also, a little goes a very long way.” This formula is fragrance-free and has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
Best Night Cream For Men
Rich Texture And Plant-Based Ingredients
Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream
Key ingredients: Sea buckthorn, calendula, black currant, glycerin | Size: 1.6 fluid ounces | Texture: Cream | Price per fluid ounce: $33.75
What you’ll love:
- Nourishing plant-based formula
- Free of chemicals and synthetic fragrance
- Soothing natural scent
Keep in mind:
- Long list of ingredients could potentially trigger sensitive skin
The potent, plant-based ingredients in this formula work to deeply moisturize and plump skin, whether you use this as a night cream or a daytime hydrator. Antioxidant-rich black currant targets firmness and elasticity, while glycerin, aloe vera and sunflower work in tandem to hydrate. Reviewers like the natural, refreshing scent and creamy texture.
Best Moisturizer For Combination Skin
A Light, Citrus-Infused Cream
Aesop Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream
Key ingredients: Glycerin, mandarin rind, lemon rind, tangerine rind | Size: 2.1 fluid ounces | Texture: Cream | Price per fluid ounce: $26.19
What you’ll love:
- Formula absorbs quickly into skin
- Non-greasy finish
- Light, refreshing scent
Keep in mind:
- May not be rich enough for dry skin types
This lightweight cream is ideal for normal to combination skin, and contains an array of botanical oils that leave skin feeling soft and revitalized. This is the only skincare product my husband has repurchased several times; he appreciates how quickly it absorbs and that there’s no greasy residue or shine after applying. He has combination skin, and this moisturizer keeps him hydrated in the winter but doesn’t feel too heavy in the warmer months. Even if you have a sensitive nose, the scent is light, refreshing and citrus-forward.
To narrow down our picks for the best face moisturizers for men, I worked with Sung to tap into our team’s deep market knowledge and extensive testing experience, highlighting products and brands that offer nourishing, effective formulas.
“Men should be looking for the same factors as women when it comes to face moisturizers,” says dermatologist Dr. Omer Ibrahim. “While studies have shown some differences between men’s and women’s skin, like sebum production and skin thickness, men are not immune to aging or other skin issues like dryness, irritation or transepidermal water loss.” Here’s what to keep in mind.
Knowing your skin type and concerns is the first step in selecting the right moisturizer. You can get away with a lightweight formula if you have normal to oily skin or live in a warmer climate. However, if your complexion is drier or you live somewhere cold and windy, you might need a heavier moisturizer. “Men with oily or acne-prone skin should focus on using oil-free, gel-based moisturizers labeled ‘non-comedogenic’ that won’t clog pores,” says Gmyrek. “A lightweight texture, such as lotion or gel, ensures the skin remains hydrated without feeling greasy.” If you’re unsure of your skin type, consult a dermatologist before developing a long-term skincare plan or purchasing a new product.
Prioritize ingredients that can replenish your skin’s moisture levels and ward off dryness and irritation. “When choosing a face moisturizer, look for one with a good mix of humectants (for hydration), emollients (to strengthen the skin barrier) and occlusives to prevent transepidermal water loss,” says Ibrahim. “The formula should feel comfortable on the skin and keep you from feeling tight or dry.”
“My go-to ingredient is hyaluronic acid, a hydrating superstar that helps your skin pull in and retain water,” says Mraz. “I also like niacinamide to soothe the skin and minimize irritation and redness, as well as ceramides and peptides which support collagen synthesis and strengthen the skin barrier.” She says the skin barrier plays a critical role in regulating the skin’s hydration, helping to keep moisture locked in and environmental irritants out. Our experts agree that you should avoid common irritants like fragrances, heavy oils (like coconut oil), parabens and alcohol.
Your skin type and climate can help dictate the best consistency or formula. Lightweight lotions (like Cetaphil’s Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion) and gel moisturizers are great for oily skin, while thicker creams, such as Ursa Major’s Golden Hour Recovery Cream, are better for dry skin and cold climates. To help you decide which option is best for you, we outlined three standard textures commonly found in facial moisturizers.
Moisturizers come in bottles with pumps, squeezable tubes and tubs. Lightweight formulas typically come bottles—the pump makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of product so none of it is wasted. Tubes are also user-friendly, though you may need to be more mindful about squeezing too much out at once. Thicker creams tend to come in tubs; the open-face design makes it easy to dab a small amount into your hands. (Just make sure your hands are clean before dipping your fingers into the tub.)
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