11 Best Face Moisturizers for Men to Suit Their Hydration Needs

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Mar 26, 2024
Best Face Moisturizers for Men
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While skincare is often completely overlooked as a self-care practice by most men, investing in a moisturizer is a good place to start for those who wish to do better! Many dudes probably think that they are simply creamy substances that kind of hydrate the skin, but the best face moisturizers for men are so much more than that! 

A study published in the National Library of Medicine revealed that moisturizers provide an array of benefits for the skin — they help reduce itchiness, calm redness, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce wrinkles. Indulging in a good face moisturizer can elevate your grooming routine, helping you achieve flawless skin that can make heads turn. 

However, given the number of grooming products available on the market, choosing one that suits your skin type and doesn’t cause any reaction can be a daunting task; after all, many moisturizers making rounds on the internet are laden with harsh chemicals that can do more harm than good. Hence, our team of experts decided to embark on a journey to find the best men’s face moisturizers that are packed with skin-friendly ingredients and effectively tackle dryness. Several products have been meticulously tried and tested by our team, and the best ones have made it to our list. Scroll away to explore!

11 Best Face Moisturizers for Men

This facial moisturizer is a revolutionary product that boasts powerful ingredients like aloe vera, plant extracts, and glycerin to help salvage dry and damaged skin. This lightweight moisturizer glides smoothly on the skin, instantly providing the hydration it needs to stay healthy. Unlike other moisturizers that you need to slather oodles of, you don’t need a lot of this to replenish your skin. Just a small quantity is enough to quench your parched skin!

A happy customer wrote, “Very good moisturizer, skin still feels great at the end of the day. You only need a tiny bit, very lightweight.” With this product, you can say goodbye to itchiness, flakiness, and dryness — all in one go!

Key Ingredients: Aloe juice, algae extract, tea-oil camellia extract, willow bark extract, purple passionflower fruit extract, and glycerin

Skin Type: Dry, combination, and normal skin

Product Benefits: Hydrates, restores, and soothes the skin

Scent: Aloe and citrus

Size: 6 fl. oz.

Pros
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-greasy
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Soothes the skin
Cons
  • Might not be suitable for people with sensitive skin

Quick Tip

Apply a thin layer of moisturizer on clean skin, making sure to avoid the eye area. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test on your elbow first.

  • Best Fast-absorbing Formula

    Clinique For Men Anti-age Moisturizer

    Clinique For Men Anti-age Moisturizer
  • This product from Clinique provides all-day hydration without leaving any unwanted shine on your face. Plus, the infusion of humble ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, cucumber fruit extract, and whey protein, makes it one of the best face moisturizers for men to alleviate dryness and restore skin structure.

    What we loved about the product is how it absorbs quickly and effectively tackles dullness to reveal brighter and more even-toned skin. Our experts suggest using it twice a day, as a part of your morning and night skincare routine to get the best results. 

    Key Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, whey protein, cucumber fruit extract, barley extract, water, and squalene

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Product Benefits: Hydrating and anti-aging benefits

    Scent: Unscented

    Size: 3.4 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Combats fine lines and wrinkles
    • Revitalizes the skin
    • Works as a great night moisturizer
    • Great value for the price
    • Intense hydrating effects
  • Best Matte Finish

    Rugged & Dapper Age + Damage Defense Men’s Facial Moisturizer

    Rugged & Dapper Age + Damage Defense Men’s Facial Moisturizer
  • Crafted with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, shea butter, botanical hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and plant oils, this is a remarkable facial moisturizer to add to your daily routine today and quench the thirst of your dry skin without making it look greasy. 

    This is truly a “Defense moisturizer” as the goodness of vitamins and humectants in the formulation not only replenish the skin but also defend the skin against uneven skin tone and premature signs of aging. This matte-finish moisturizer absorbs quickly and completely, leaving no white cast behind, making it a go-to product to use whenever you are on the run. 

    Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, glycerin, green tea, jojoba oil, and shea butter

    Skin Type: Oily, dry, normal, and combination

    Product Benefits: Hydrates and defends the skin against the signs of aging

    Scent: Unscented

    Size: 4 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Matte finish
    • Fragrance-free
    • Fast-absorbing formula
    • Doubles up as an aftershave
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    Cons
    • Faulty pump
    • Might not suit sensitive skin
  • Lumin Daily Face Moisturizer

    Lumin Daily Face Moisturizer
  • This specialized face moisturizer goes beyond moisturizing your skin. It protects the skin from environmental aggressors, brightens dull skin, balances sebum production, and boosts skin barrier strength. Wonder how? Well, it’s enriched with niacinamide, meadowfoam seed oil, and ginger root extract — all of which when combined make for a potent formulation that revitalizes the skin without harming it. 

    Our analysis of the product revealed that just a dab of this product hydrates the skin instantly without making the skin feel sticky. A review from a happy customer sums it all up, “This feels perfect. Apply a small amount on your face every morning and you feel nice and moisturized. Smells good too.”

    Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, meadowfoam seed oil, and ginger root extract 

    Skin Type: Dry and normal 

    Product Benefits: Hydrating and brightening effects

    Scent: No information available

    Size: 1. 7 oz.

    Pros
    • Gentle ingredients
    • Soothing effects on skin
    • Free from parabens and phthalates
    • Cruelty-free
    • Makes skin even-toned
    Cons
    • The strong scent might not be appealing to all

    Quick Tip:

    Clean your face, then press the pump to get the perfect amount of this face moisturizer. Massage it evenly on your face in circular motions. Use it twice a day for best results.

  • Most Suitable for All Skin Types

    Brickell Men's Products Daily Essential Face Moisturizer

    Brickell Men's Products Daily Essential Face Moisturizer
  • If you’ve been dreading using a face moisturizer for the fear that it would leave greasiness behind, this product will put that worry to rest. Brickell Men’s Products face moisturizer offers a plethora of benefits. First, being enriched with aloe vera and jojoba, this face moisturizer helps strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, treat acne, calm the symptoms of eczema, and restore the skin (studies by the Indian Journal of Dermatology and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences).

    It is also packed with DMAE (dimethylethanolamine) which is beneficial in fighting signs of aging and reducing sagginess (animal study published in NCBI). Last but not least, it has a non-greasy formulation, making it an apt choice for all skin types, especially those with oily skin. 

    Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, jojoba extract, and DMAE (dimethylethanolamine)

    Skin Type: All skin types 

    Product Benefits: Protects, renews, and hydrates

    Scent: A refreshing blend of peppermint, lemongrass, and eucalyptus essential oils

    Size: 4 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Anti-aging benefits
    • Oil-free formula
    • Lightweight formula
    • Heals the skin
    • Cruelty-free
    • Gluten-free
    Cons
    • Slightly overpriced
  • Best Oil-free Formula

    Lather & Wood Shaving Co Face Moisturizer for Men

    Lather & Wood Shaving Co Face Moisturizer for Men
  • Comprising an oil-free and fragrance-free formula, this is a top men's face moisturizer, specially designed for those who don’t like indulging in scented products. It goes on smoothly over the skin without leaving an oily sheen behind. Crafted with premium-quality ingredients, it boosts skin health by providing antioxidant benefits and preventing moisture loss. 

    Plus, it truly offers value for the price as it can be used as an eye cream, too. There’s more to love about this product — it boasts natural ingredients that repair the skin and fortify skin cells for immediate nourishment. 

    Key Ingredients: Natural peptides, organic jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and multiple botanical antioxidants

    Skin Type: Dry and oily skin

    Product Benefits: Hydration 

    Scent: Unscented

    Size: 3.5 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Non-greasy
    • Calms the under-eyes
    • Provides long-term hydration
    • Makes skin smooth and soft
    • A little goes a long way
    Cons
    • The pump doesn’t work properly
  • Best for Sun Protection

    Cardon Daily SPF + Moisturizer

    Cardon Daily SPF + Moisturizer
  • For men who love minimalistic skincare, this moisturizer from Cardon is truly a blessing! It offers 2-in-1 benefits — replenishing the skin and shielding it from the harmful sun rays. When talking about the best men's face moisturizer with SPF, there’s no way we can skip the famous K-beauty brand Cardon. 

    This antioxidant-rich formula helps calm inflammation, soothe the skin, prevent acne breakouts, brighten the skin, and protect the skin from UV damage. This award-winning product contains SPF 30 to provide proper skin protection from the sun. Our experts truly loved its lightweight formula that doesn’t leave a white cast behind. Plus, they raved about the subtle fresh lingering scent that truly reinvigorates the senses. 

    Key Ingredients: Turmeric, cactus extract, turmeric extract, avobenzone, homosalate, and octyl salicylate

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Product Benefits: Firming, sun protecting, and moisturizing

    Scent: Fresh marine

    Size: 1.2 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Smells amazing
    • Doesn’t feel heavy on the skin
    • Soothes the skin
    • Travel-friendly
    • Can be used as a daily moisturizer
    • Great for mature skin
    Cons
    • Less quantity
    • Expensive
  • Best for Soothing Under Eye Area

    Oars + Alps Face Moisturizer and Eye Cream

    Oars + Alps Face Moisturizer and Eye Cream
  • Among the best moisturizers for men, we have the Oars + Alps Face Moisturizer and Eye Cream on our list; this product is all you need to balance your skin and repair it from within. This multi-tasking product not only hydrates but also protects the skin from free radicals while also soothing the under-eye area. 

    It is ultra-lightweight, fragrance-free, and composed of clean ingredients, making it the best face moisturizer for men with sensitive skin. For men who spend a lot of time outdoors, this is a great pick as it harnesses powerful ingredients to guard the skin against environmental stressors such as pollution.

    Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Product Benefits: Anti-aging and hydrating

    Scent: Unscented

    Size: 2.5 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Restores skin balance
    • Fast-absorbing formula
    • Can be used as a night cream
    • Doesn’t contain alcohol
    • Non-greasy
    Cons
    • Overpowering scent
  • Best Multi-functional Product

    Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

    Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer
  • Just like other Malin + Goetz products, this one too, is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients that provide nourishment to the skin without loading your skin with too many ingredients. It is a terrific product infused with fatty acids and vitamin E to soothe the skin and keep it hydrated all day long. After testing this product, our experts concluded that it provides intense hydration to the skin without making the skin feel sticky. 

    Moreover, this best-selling product not only cares for your skin but animals too — it is cruelty-free and vegan. If that’s not enough to love this product, there’s more — it’s made without sulfates, PEGs, parabens, and mineral oils, making it an ideal pick for those looking for a clean formulation. 

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, chamomile fatty acids, sodium hyaluronate, and panthenol

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Product Benefits: Hydration and soothing benefits 

    Scent: No information available

    Size: 8.5 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Gluten-free
    • Made with PCR-recycled plastic
    • Can be used as a makeup primer
    • Doubles up as an aftershave balm
    • Absorbs like a dream
    • Doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrance
    Cons
    • Might feel a bit heavy
  • Best Soothing Formula

    HommeFace Face Moisturizer

    HommeFace Face Moisturizer
  • As recorded by our product experts, everyone who tried this face moisturizer from HommeFace couldn’t help but applaud the amazing hydrating benefits the product delivers. After all, it contains potent humectants and emollients like shea butter, plant extracts, and oils, all of which work synergistically to draw water into the skin and replenish even the most thirsty skin. 

    Plus, it contains hyaluronic acid, a known skincare ingredient to fight the signs of aging and keep the skin looking young (a study published in the National Library of Medicine). Still, looking for more reasons to add it to your cart? It’s vegan and cruelty-free, which adds to the reasons why you should love it! 

    Key Ingredients: Collagen, shea butter, basil oil, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, and witch hazel extract

    Skin Type: All skin types

    Product Benefits: Hydration and moisturization

    Scent: Herbaceous

    Size: 5.07 fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Protects skin from sun damage
    • Shrinks enlarged pores
    • Suitable for oily skin
    • Smooths skin texture
    • Offers a silky finish
    • Glides on easily
    Cons
    • Has a strong scent
    • Too many ingredients
  • Best Nourishing Effect

    Bulldog Age Defense Moisturizer

    Bulldog Age Defense Moisturizer
  • Last but not least, we have in our list of the best face moisturizers for men this truly exceptional product that’s a blend of natural ingredients to boost skin’s health – Bulldog Age Defense Moisturizer. During the testing of this product, we found that it delivers 24-hour hydration without leaving any sticky residue behind. With a powerful composition, this moisturizer works well in leaving the skin nourished, balanced, restored, and firm. Plus, it has a nice, earthy smell that’s not overpowering at all. 

    Key Ingredients: Caprylic/capric triglyceride, glycerin, and winged kelp (algae) extract

    Skin Type: All skin types, but particularly suited for mature skin

    Product Benefits: Hydrating and nourishment

    Scent: Age-defying 

    Size: 3.3. fl. oz.

    Pros
    • Non-greasy finish
    • Pleasant smell
    • Doesn’t contain synthetic fragrance
    • Ideal for everyday use
    • Artificial-color free
    Cons
    • Packaging could be better
    • Too liquidy

    Why Should Men Use a Face Moisturizer?

    The importance of incorporating CTMS (cleanser, toner, moisturizer, sunscreen) into the daily skincare routine is huge, with great emphasis on AM and PM hydration. Besides, skincare today isn’t restricted to women, and men have started pampering their skin like they should. Hence, the reasons why men should moisturize daily are plenty. Below are some benefits of using a face moisturizer for men:

    1. For Dryness Relief: First and foremost, moisturizing the skin soothes dryness. It’s important to keep our skin hydrated to keep the skin barrier protected and prevent environmental aggressors from harming it 

    2. For Antioxidant And Sun Protection: Some moisturizers like the ones listed above contain added ingredients like antioxidants, plant extracts, oils, etc. that help protect the skin from environmental damage. Plus, a few moisturizers also come with an SPF formula that helps your skin stay healthy and soft even when you are out under the sun. 

    3. To Maintain Skin Balance: Daily use of lightweight and oil-free moisturizers can help combat pimples. Contrary to popular belief, moisturizers don’t cause breakouts (though, you must buy one that’s non-comedogenic and oil-free). Non-greasy and non-comedogenic moisturizers help control sebum production, thereby preventing the occurrence of acne breakouts. 

    4. To Make Skin Younger: Moisturizers seal in the nourishment from skincare products. Using the best face moisturizer for men can help them absorb active ingredients from other products in a much better way, revealing younger-looking and smoother skin. 

    What to Look for When Buying the Best Face Moisturizer for Men?

    Getting your hands on the best men’s face moisturizer can seem overwhelming at first, but it won’t once you know the necessary points to keep in mind before buying one. Below is a guide to help you make an informed decision:

    1. Know Your Skin Type: 

    It is very important to invest in a moisturizer that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, go for moisturizers packed with emollients and humectants like shea butter, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, panthenol, cica, vitamin E, caprylic triglyceride, urea, glycerin, etc. Those with oily skin should stick to lightweight formulas that won’t leave any unwanted shine behind. Hypoallergenic products are the best pick for those with skin sensitivities. 

    2. Identify Your Skin Concern:

    As mentioned above, moisturizers can have the power to do more than just hydrate. If acne is your concern, pick a lightweight and non-greasy moisturizer packed with anti-acne ingredients. For those dealing with constant acne breakouts, we would suggest using the Cardon Daily SPF + Moisturizer. Likewise, those dealing with fine lines and other signs of aging should look for a moisturizer with anti-aging benefits. The Brickell Men's Products Daily Essential Face Moisturizer and the Clinique For Men Anti-age Moisturizer have the best age-defying ingredients. In a nutshell, go through the label to understand if the particular product would address your skin concern or not and make the purchase accordingly. 

    3. Consider a Product with SPF:

    Buying a moisturizer with a SPF formula has a lot of benefits. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s advisable to invest in a moisturizer that will defend your skin against UV rays. For instance, getting your hands on the Cardon Daily SPF + Moisturizer will make sure that you don’t need any sunscreen. It will not only moisturize your skin but also keep the signs of aging at bay by protecting your skin from sun damage.

    Conclusion

    The best face moisturizers for men are the ones that boast clean formulation and skin-nourishing ingredients to help you reveal healthier and smoother skin. All the products listed in this article have gone through rigorous testing, and they all have amazing properties that assist in making skin healthier than before. Brickell Men's Products Daily Essential Face Moisturizer is the best overall as it suits all skin types. If you want a versatile moisturizer that can also work as an after-shave lotion and a makeup primer, then Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer would be your best pick. Make sure to go through our buying guide before making the purchase, and once you get a product, use it religiously to keep your skin soft and nourished.

    FAQ's

    Can men with oily and acne-prone skin use a face moisturizer?
    Yes, of course, they can. They just need to ensure that they use a lightweight, non-comedogenic, and oil-free formula.
    Can men use face moisturizers after shaving?
    Yes, there are a few moisturizers that are specifically made to be used post-shaving and those can be used by men.
    Can men use the same face moisturizer as women?
    The skin of a man and a woman is different, hence, it’s best to use moisturizers that are for men or unisex.
    Are there any tips to keep in mind before using face moisturizer?
    Make sure to use a face moisturizer that suits your skin type and if you are going out in the sun, it’s best to use a moisturizer with SPF.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, our skincare expert, believes that men, just like women, must indulge in face moisturizers to maintain their skin’s health. To bring forth this list of the best face moisturizers for men, she devoured ratings and reviews of numerous brands on the internet and then took the help of her team members to test the products. After a lot of testing, she picked these products that are packed with powerful ingredients to hydrate your skin without making it greasy or oily. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More