In this post, we’ll talk about face moisturizers for men and spill the beans on our top recommendations for men with different skin types.
Let’s talk skin care. For many guys, it can be an overwhelming task––there are so many products out there, and it seems everyone has a different skin care routine.
A good place to start is by choosing a moisturizer for your skin type. If you had to use only one skin care product, you’d want to use a moisturizer.
Moisturizing is an essential part of any men’s skin care routine, and it works wonders for your skin if you do it consistently. As a rule of thumb, you want to moisturize in the morning and at night (usually soon before bed).
Moisturizing is easy and doesn’t take much time, making it a great starting point for beginners.
However, there are a ton of moisturizers out there, so it can be hard to know what works and what doesn’t. That’s why we’ve done the research and handpicked 11 of the best face moisturizers for men.
Whether you have skin as dry as the Sahara or as oily as a gas station, we’ve got a moisturizer that will work well with your skin type.
Table of Contents
Quick Take
Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best face moisturizers for men you can buy right now:
Read on for more info and the complete list…
The Best Daily Face Moisturizers for Men
If you don’t have particularly troublesome skin and are just looking for a good all-around daily moisturizer, then these selections are for you.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15
Cetaphil is one of the most recognizable moisturizers on this list. In fact, you may have used it before since it’s available at most supermarkets and drugstores.
It’s a versatile moisturizer that works for all skin types and provides protection from UVA/UVB rays. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, hypoallergenic, and fragrance free, so even if you have sensitive skin, you can use this without worrying about getting irritated skin or clogged pores.
It’s also fairly cheap––you can get a 4 fl oz bottle for about $17. For a standard daily moisturizer, you can’t go wrong with Cetaphil.
Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20
Jack Black (no, not that Jack Black) is one of the most popular men’s grooming brands and for good reason. The brand’s classic aesthetic and high-quality products have made it a favorite among men who take their skin seriously.
Their Double-Duty Face Moisturizer is one of their flagship products, and it’s an excellent choice for a daily moisturizer.
It’s made from certified organic ingredients such as blue algae extract, which is rich in Vitamin E, and other vitamins and minerals that soothe and hydrate the skin. And with an SPF of 20, it’ll do a solid job of protecting your skin from the sun.
Geologie Vital Morning Face Cream
Another morning product, this face cream by Geologie offers a powerful combination of hydration and sun protection.
What sets Geologie apart is their customization. They personalize each formula for your skin needs by getting some quick information from you on the types of issues you usually experience (like acne or dryness).
That means their ingredients will change based on what you need, which is pretty cool.
Application is simple. One pump of the cream gets applied to your forehead and cheeks, and you rub it in evenly––that’s it.
If you’ve found most moisturizers don’t do the trick, then Geologie’s personalized approach is worth a look. Aside from the Morning Face Cream, Geologie offers a range of skin care products, allowing you to build an entirely customized skin care routine.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The Ordinary is one of the biggest skin care brands around right now, and when you look at their products, it’s easy to see why. They offer affordable skin care with high-quality ingredients, and their Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is no exception.
According to The Ordinary, Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) are elements like amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, hyaluronic acid (HA) and other compounds that are naturally present in the skin, protecting and hydrating it.
This moisturizer is rich in those compounds and acts as a supplement to what your body is already producing.
And you don’t have to worry about unnatural chemicals––The Ordinary’s products are clinically formulated, but they don’t have any of the irritants that are commonly found in cheap moisturizers.
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men
Kiehl’s moisturizers often show up on lists of the best face moisturizers for men, and it’s easy to see why. Their tried-and-true formulas have become go-to choices for many men, and one of their most well-received products is their Facial Fuel moisturizer.
This moisturizer features antioxidant-rich chestnut extract that helps neutralize free radicals and a jolt of caffeine that energizes the skin. It won’t replace your morning mug, but it will give you an extra kick. If you tend to be lethargic and sluggish in the morning, this moisturizer might be right for you.
The Best Face Moisturizers with SPF for Men
Many moisturizers have sun protection built into their formulas, and while they might not completely replace sunscreen, they’re nice to include in your daily routine if you get regular UV exposure.
Lab Series BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 35
One of the most unique products on this list, the Lab Series BB Tinted Moisturizer has a lot packed into it.
BB (beauty balm) creams are sort of a hybrid of skin care and makeup––they moisturize the skin while also enhancing and evening your skin tone. Even if you don’t wear makeup, you can benefit from the cream, especially if you tend to have more pimples, spots, and other blemishes.
In addition, this moisturizer has a formidable SPF of 35, making it one of the most protective moisturizers on this list. To use, simply apply to your cleansed face and neck every morning. It’s great for all skin types, so you can use it even if you have sensitive or oily skin.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
If you find yourself out in the sun a lot, you might want to pick up a bottle of this CeraVe moisturizer. While many moisturizers offer UVA/UVB protection, CeraVe’s AM moisturizer actually has Broad Spectrum sunscreen in the formula, offering an SPF of 30.
Designed for morning application, CeraVe AM supplies healthy amounts of hydration without leaving any residue. Its formula includes ceramides to restore skin health and hyaluronic acid to help the skin retain moisture. It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores and it’s easy on the skin.
This moisturizer is a great choice if you’re often in the sun early on in the day (as this is specifically made for the morning). And even though it has sunscreen built in, it may not outright replace sunscreen.
In addition, CeraVe recommends that you pair it with a water resistant sunscreen if you’ll be in the water (or if you sweat a lot).
The Best Face Moisturizers for Men with Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin can be hard to deal with if you’re not using the right products. Here are our picks for moisturizers for sensitive skin.
Bulldog Sensitive Moisturizer
If you have sensitive skin, you’ve probably experienced your fair share of skin issues before. With Bulldog’s Sensitive Moisturizer, you can hydrate your skin without irritating it or causing breakouts.
This fragrance free moisturizer uses natural ingredients like baobab oil, oat oil, and willow herb to hydrate the skin without causing irritation or leaving behind residue.
It’s formulated for everyday use, so if you’ve struggled to find a good daily moisturizer for your sensitive skin, this might be the one.
Ghost Democracy Lightweight Daily Face Moisturizer
If you’re looking for the best natural face moisturizer for men, this Ghost Democracy moisturizer might take the cake. It’s advertised as suitable for all skin types, but its gentle, natural ingredients make it a clear winner for sensitive skin.
This moisturizer uniquely includes probiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome and reduce inflammation. Other clean ingredients like Vitamin B3, oat seed extract, and Vitamin B5 make for an easy-going moisturizer that will leave your skin soft and supple.
Equally as important is what’s not in this moisturizer. It’s free from sulfates, silicones, drying alcohols, fragrances, phthalates, parabens, dyes, and much more.
These ingredients tend to be present in lower-quality moisturizers, and they can often do more harm than good, so you can be confident that Ghost Democracy’s moisturizer will treat your skin right.
The Best Anti-Aging Face Moisturizers for Men
Many moisturizers include anti-aging ingredients, so if you’re beleaguered by wrinkles and lines, consider making one of these moisturizers part of your daily skin care routine.
Matte for Men Fixx Advanced Repair Moisturizer
While no moisturizer can reverse aging, some can come pretty close. One of those is Matte for Men’s Fixx Advanced Repair Moisturizer, which packs a hefty anti-aging punch.
It’ll help boost collagen production and bolster your skin’s strength (while, of course, hydrating it). Matte for Men says that the product’s tetrapeptide formula improves skin cell activity, stimulating hydration and reducing inflammation at the same time.
Fixx Advanced is non-greasy, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free, so it’ll even work with sensitive skin. Use it nightly for best results.
Tiege Hanley AM Facial Moisturizer with SPF 20
Unlike many of the brands on this list, Tiege Hanley formulates their products specifically for men. Their AM Facial Moisturizer is designed to help men combat aging while also protecting their skin from the sun’s rays.
Applied every morning, this moisturizer provides oil-free hydration that won’t irritate your skin. With natural ingredients like calendula extract and rosemary leaf oil, it will help your skin retain moisture while warding away UV rays that accelerate the aging process.
Conclusion
If you don’t currently have a moisturizer, you owe it to your skin to pick one up. Hopefully, this list has helped you find a good face moisturizer for you.
Which face moisturizer do you use? Comment below!
More skin care articles please!