<p>While hydration is crucial, the best moisturizers for men should also contain ingredients to help strengthen and protect the skin. Ohio-based dermatologist <a href=” target=”_blank”>Dr. Sarah Stierman</a> recommends multi-tasking moisturizers that contain “niacinamide which is an anti-inflammatory B vitamin that can help stave off blemishes in oiler skin, hyaluronic acid which draws water and holds moisture against the skin, and ceramides which are lipids that help with barrier repair and soothing the skin—very important when you’re shaving regularly.” </p><p>Don’t fall into the trap of thinking sun protection isn’t as important as we enter the colder months—it absolutely is. So be sure to look for a broad-spectrum <a href=” moisturizer</a> to protect against those still very damaging rays of the sun. </p><p>To find the best moisturizers for men, we enlisted a panel of board-certified dermatologists, as well as our grooming editors and contributors to test and evaluate more than 100 moisturizers for men. We looked for moisturizers that worked for a variety of skin concerns, and across a variety of price points, to find one that works for your unique skin. Below are nine options for every type of skin, whether dry, oily or somewhere in between. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What to Consider</h2><h3 class=”body-h3″>Skin Type</h3><p>“In general, men should keep their regimen as simple as possible,” suggests <a href=” Jarrod Paul Frank</a>, a Manhattan-based dermatologist. But not one size fits all. Knowing what kind of skin you have is the first step in determining that regimen and your moisturizing needs. How can you tell your skin type? Sensitive skin reddens easily and stings or burns when you apply most products. </p><p>For the other types, the condition of your T Zone (across your forehead and a straight line down your chin) will help you identify which category you fit in. At the end of the day, examine the area. A matte surface means dry skin, a greasy or shiny zone translates to oily, and if your face is just slightly slick, you have normal or combination skin.</p><h3 class=”body-h3″> Ingredients </h3><p>“Moisturizers in general have three types of ingredients: occlusives, humectants and emollients,” says <a href=” Joshua Zeichner</a>, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC. “Occlusives form a protective layer over the skin to prevent loss of hydration, while humectants are like sponges that grab onto water and plump the skin, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Emollients, such as natural oils, are ingredients that soften the outer skin layer and smooth rough cells.” Which ingredients you zero in on will depend heavily on your skin type. </p><p>For dry skin, you’ll want to focus on rich, oil-based moisturizers (as long as you’re not prone to acne) that include glycerin or hyaluronic acid to help pull moisture onto the skin. On the other hand, oily skin types should avoid any heavy or oil-based products and look for ingredients like niacinamide or squalane. The trick for normal or combination skin is to create balance with products that both hydrate and soften skin. If you have sensitive skin, what ingredients you avoid are equally important to what you use. Try to skip over any products featuring alcohol, fragrances, dyes or preservatives (aka parabens). </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Selected</h2><p>For the past two years, we consulted with Men’s Health’s grooming editors and writers on the top face moisturizers for men. Experts including our Grooming Commerce Editor, Sean Zucker and our Deputy Editor of Commerce, Christian Gollayan, tried dozens of face moisturizers and evaluated their ingredients, feel, consistency and effectiveness. We also considered top-reviewed face moisturizers on e-commerce websites that we trust. </p><ul></ul>”/>
North Carolina-based dermatologist Dr. Alex Zeitany has been using this fragrance-free, lightweight moisturizer since 2015, and recommends it to their patients for its super-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
“Hyaluronic acid can hold over 1000 times its weight in water,” which gives this gel a barely-there feeling while still being a potent moisturizer, she says. Our testers have also used Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer during long treks outside with cooler temps, and found that it kept their mugs feeling hydrated and never tight, the way other drugstore moisturizers tend to do.
Out testers with darker skin tones also noted that Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost gel hydrated their faces better than any other drugstore moisturizer they’ve tried. Put simply, this moisturizer received a positive approval rating across the board.
Testing Notes: Like many men, we tend to shy away from moisturizers that leave our skin feeling goopy or greasy, which is why this watery gel rose to the top of the list in our testing process. The consistency is smooth and silky and while not completely transparent, is definitely more of a gel consistency than a cream.
It glides onto skin easily and has a slight cooling sensation but also sinks into your skin quickly without leaving any sort of shine or residue whatsoever. The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, one of the most important ingredients in a moisturizer because it is a humectant—meaning it draws moisture from the air—and we found that even with a formula as lightweight as this, our skin still felt healthy and hydrated hours later.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid |
Best Moisturizer With SPF
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen
Pros
- Contains 46 SPF
- Can be used as both a moisturizer and sunscreen
- Lightweight
Cons
- More expensive than other SPF options
It’s a common misconception that you don’t need to protect your skin against the sun during the cooler months of the year, but it’s just as important. Moisturizers with SPF provide sunscreen protection as well as hydration, making them a time-saving skincare product for the fall and winter. Our testers have consistently given EltaMD’s face sunscreen top marks for its broad spectrum protection, gentle-yet-ultra-hydrating ingredient and the fact that it absorbs super easily without leaving much of a white cast.
Massachusetts-based dermatologist Dr. Kathleen Joyce has been recommending this to her male patients since 2017. “It contains niacinamide which can help with redness and acne and provides a good sunscreen in a very lightweight base,” she says.
Testing Notes: In our experience, most moisturizers with SPF are heavy on the moisturizer part but light on the sun protection in that many don’t offer the dermatologist-recommended SPF 30. This sunscreen flips the script in that it is designed as a sunscreen first, but contains enough moisturizing and skin-benefiting ingredients that it can easily double as a moisturizer.
We tested it both ways—on top of another moisturizer and by itself—and found that its moisturizing factors absolutely were enough to warrant skipping another moisturizer, provided you don’t have super dry skin. As a time-saving, double-duty product, this is top of the list.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Zinc oxide, niacinamide |
Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Fragrance free for those sensitive
- Gentle on skin
Cons
- One tester reported it felt overly thick on oily skin
This moisturizer from La Roche-Posay received top marks from our testers with sensitive skin thanks to its soothing, hydrating features and avoidance of irritating ingredients like added fragrance or exfoliating scrubs.
It’s also a go-to moisturizer for Dr. Jeremy Brauer, a dermatologist and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser in New York City. “This product contains a mix of prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin,” says Brauer. “It’s gentle enough for almost all skin types and has a thicker consistency, making it great for men’s skin.”
Testing notes: We found that many moisturizers designed for sensitive skin can go a little overboard on this thickness because they’re trying to pack as much moisturization into the formula as possible. Out of all the versions we tested, this is the one we could tolerate wearing both during the day and at night because even though it’s thick, it doesn’t feel heavy on our skin and offers a ton of hydration for how lightweight the formula is.
We also found that the formula really does heal as well as hydrate. Within a few days, we noticed some rough patches on our faces smoothing away. Of course, the fragrance-free factor is perfect for sensitive or easily irritated skin, but also for anyone who just doesn’t like fragrance in their products.
Read more: Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin
| Skin Type | Sensitive to normal |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, glycerin, ceramides |
Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin
Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream
Testers with oily skin loved Versed’s hybrid moisturizer, which has a gel-like consistency that’s as hydrating as some of our favorite anti-aging creams we’ve tried. That makes it ideal for most men, which tend to have thicker, oilier skin than women. Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, has been using this moisturizer for the past three years and recommends it to his male patients.
“It’s easy to incorporate into my routine and the formula feels nice on the skin,” says Hartman, who’s based in Birmingham, Alabama. “I have oily and acne-prone skin, so I must really watch what I use and stay away from oils and heavy creams.”
Our testers who used Dew Point for more than three months reported fewer breakouts and an overall dewier (pun intended) complexion.
Testing Notes: Rich moisturizers are great if you have dry skin, but oily skin is a different story. For oily skin, we found that lightweight, oil-free gels are the way to go and this gel is the best we found at imparting hydration to our skin without weighing it down or adding grease or shine. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and aloe leaf juice, both of which are ultra-hydrating, and feels cool and light as you rub it into your skin (it disappears within seconds, as well).
| Skin Type | Oily to normal |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, squalene, aloe leaf juice |
Best Moisturizer for Combination Skin
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Useful for dry skin without being greasy
- Hydrates without feeling oily
Cons
- The bottle doesn’t last as long as others on this list
Finding the right moisturizer for combination skin can be a bit tricky since combination is complex. To find a product that pleases both the dry and oily parts of your face, we enlisted the help of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aanand Geria, for his expertise.
“Choose a moisturizer that includes glycerin and hyaluronic acid,” he says. “These two ingredients will hydrate your skin while minimizing oil production and shine.”
Dr. Geria recommends Clinique’s gel-based formula that’s both oil-free and hydrating, in addition to being super lightweight. Plus, it’s long-lasting. Our editors loved that it delivers eight hours of hydration that kept their mugs happy all day and night.
“This option is a lightweight gel-lotion that is perfect for combination skin,” says Dr. Geria, who has been using this moisturizer since 2021, and recommends it to his male patients. “It contains hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which pulls moisturizer out of the air, pushing it into the skin.”
Testing Notes: Since combination skin can be both dry and oily (yes, really), the most important thing in a moisturizer for that skin type is that it strikes the right balance between moisturizing and a lightweight, non-greasy formula—this gel-cream moisturizer hit that balance perfectly.
It contains super hydrators hyaluronic acid and glycerin but the oil-free formula never made us feel or look shiny or greasy. We found that, while it’s ideal for combination skin, it’s also a perfect cold-weather moisturizer for pretty much any skin type since it doesn’t weigh heavily on your face, but still gives your skin all the moisture it needs.
Read more: Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin
| Skin Type | Combination |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin and hyaluronic acid |
Best Every Day Moisturizer
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Long lasting
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- One of the more expensive options on this list
You can’t go wrong with a classic, which is why we always come back to this standby from Kiehl’s. It’s creamy but not heavy and suitable for all skin types, even oily skin. It hydrates your skin all day, even in cold weather, but still won’t leave your mug feeling gunky.
Deputy Editor Christian Gollayan has been using Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream since 2018, and it has been his go-to moisturizer for traveling. “It moisturizes my skin without breaking out, and it’s ultra hydrating without clogging my pores,” he says. “That’s why it’s a great travel moisturizer since it hydrates without irritating in almost any climate I’ve been in.”
Testing notes: In terms of generally all-around perfect everyday moisturizers, this one gets top billing because it just does it all. The cream formula strikes the balance between being lightweight but still super moisturizing and while it looks heavier than many others on this list, we found that it doesn’t feel that way when you’re actually wearing it.
We also found that it’s ideal for colder weather because it’s rich enough to protect your skin from the drying cold air, but not occlusive or greasy like some other heavy moisturizers. And while we feel that it’s suitable for all skin types and for pretty much any climate, if you have especially oily skin, you may want to use only a tiny bit (a little goes a long way with this one).
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Squalane |
Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
Cetaphil Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer
Pros
- Barely $10
- Contains salicylic acid to fight acne
Cons
- One tester found it slightly drying
Moisturizing is still important even if you have oily, acne-prone skin. If your skin is too dry, it could actually produce more oil to overcompensate for the lack of moisture. This lightweight moisturizer is specifically designed for acne-prone skin and even contains salicylic acid to help control and prevent breakouts.
Our younger testers who were more prone to break out preferred Cetaphil’s moisturizer to even pricier creams, given its gentle formula that hydrates skin, while still providing acne-fighting ingredients.
Testing Notes: In our testing, we found there are a few things that are important in a moisturizer for acne-prone skin. It should be an oil-free formula that won’t add additional oil to an already oil-prone face; it should be lightweight so the skin can breathe and noncomedogenic so it doesn’t clog pores; it should have proven acne-fighting ingredients to help heal and control breakouts.
This moisturizer checks all those boxes and then some (it also helps exfoliate and soothe skin). In just a few weeks of using it, we saw clearer skin with less frequent breakouts, especially when using it with other acne-fighting products like cleansers and spot treatments.
| Skin Type | Acne-prone |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Salicylic acid |
Best Moisturizer for Flaky Skin
Avène Revitalizing Nourishing Cream
Pros
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Over $40
Not only are there skin-nourishing lipids and antioxidants in this protective formula, but the hero is Avene’s thermal spring water from France which has been shown to soothe and calm even the most sensitive skin. It’s ideal if you have very dry, flaky skin or red, inflamed skin.
Testing Notes: We found that this moisturizer kept dry skin hydrated even during the coldest mornings when those flakes tend to build up. It was super gentle on sensitive skin and left our faces glowing through the wind chill. Not to mention, a little bit of this cream went a long way, helping offset its smallish container.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Red fruit extract, glycerin |
Best Eye Moisturizer
Atwater Eye Armor Eye Moisturizer
Pros
- Contains caffeine to reduce puffiness
- A little goes a long way
- Great size for travel
Cons
- Small container relative to the price
Whether you’re battling the signs of aging or a lack of sleep, a solid eye cream can offer invaluable help—and we found Atwater’s Eye Moisturizer to be the best option available. It’s packed with caffeine, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, to help constrict blood vessels and lessen puffiness and dark circles.
The cream also features a slew of peptides and amino acids that work to stimulate collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is on top of a heavy dose of glycerin to further moisturize under the eye.
Testing Notes: Now, over 30 bucks for half an ounce of cream admittedly seems like a lot of money for a little product, but we found this cream to last long enough that it’s well worth the investment. One tiny drip of this cream on the index finger is enough to cover the area under your eyes completely.
Plus, this smaller container size is super convenient for travel, easily fitting in any bag or dopp kit, which is especially useful when the fact that you’re jet-lagged or run down from a flight starts to materialize under your eyes.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | glycerin, caffeine |
How Often Should Men Use Moisturizers?
Full stop: men should moisturize their skin every day, regardless of skin type. “Even oily and acne-prone skin needs the added benefits of a moisturizing product to help regulate sebum production,” says Dr. Hartman. “If you have dry or combination skin, you might find that you should use a moisturizer twice per day–once in your AM routine and once at night.”
How to Choose a Daily Face Moisturizer
One of the reasons lots of guys skip the all-important moisturizing step is that they don’t like how they feel. Men, including us, tend to avoid things that leave their skin feeling greasy, oily or filmy—which can make finding a moisturizer tricky. Luckily, moisturizers come in all types, even gel. “Gel moisturizers have a high water content, which is why they can be spread fairly quickly and leave little to no tacky finish,” says New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Estee Williams.
Typically, what kind of moisturizer you choose depends on your skin type (reminder: gels are great for oilier skin, while thicker creams are perfect for dry skin), but the most important thing when choosing a moisturizer is finding one you like using every day. If it just sits in your medicine cabinet, it’s not going to do your face any good.
How to Incorporate a Moisturizer Into Your Skincare Routine
A moisturizer should always be the last or second-to-last step in our routine. They’re designed to not only impart hydration to your skin but also lock in the moisture that it already has, as well as the ingredients in any other products you’ve used.
An easy way to remember it is this: no matter how many products you’re using, you want to layer them from thinnest to thickest textures. After cleansing, apply any serums or other thinner products before sealing them all in with your moisturizer. In the morning, you’ll want to top the moisturizer with sunscreen, but at night you can just end with your moisturizer.
Meet the Experts
- Sarah Stierman, M.D, a board-certified dermatologist based in Perrysburg, Ohio.
- Alex Zeitany, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
- Jeremy Brauer, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York.
- Kathleen Joyce, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
- Corey L. Hartman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL
- Aanand Geria, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Rutherford, New Jersey.
- Jarrod Paul Frank, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York, New York.
- Joshua Zeichner, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, New York.
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