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Byrdie / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
We have been on a mission to research men’s skin in order to find the most suitable moisturizers. The goal: To keep skin hydrated and shine-free all at the same time.
While men typically have higher levels of sebum (aka oil) in their skin, this doesn’t automatically mean that all males should reach for a cream that targets an oily complexion. “The key to finding the perfect moisturizer is to base your choice off of your skin type,” Dr. Dennis Gross, a board-certified dermatologist, explains.
Before you decide on which moisturizer is right for you, evaluating what your main area of concern is, whether it be dry skin, oil control, sun protection, or anti-aging, will narrow down your options and enable you to make the correct decision.
Dr. Gross gave us his professional insight into how he helps his clients: “For my patients with oily or acneic complexions, I recommend oil-free moisturizers with a lighter, water-based texture. Avoid moisturizers with oils, as this can clog pores and lead to breakouts. If your skin is dry, look for a moisturizer that incorporates ingredients like ceramides to strengthen your moisture barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss.”
We conducted hours of research to find the best face moisturizers for men on the market, evaluating them based on their active ingredients and how well they hydrated the skin. With expert recommendations from dermatologists and our editors and after considering dozens of formulas, we landed on these top-rated picks.
Best Overall
Ursa Major Fortifying Face Balm
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Amazon
Works on all skin types
Lightweight
Skin feels refreshed
May not hydrate very dry skin
With a roster of natural, non-comedogenic ingredients and the added bonus of being a fragrance-free formula, Ursa Major sits firmly at the top of our list.
It’s got a universally beneficial blend of soothing aloe, oil-balancing birch sap and witch hazel, carrot seed oil, prickly pear extract, as well as fatty acid- and antioxidant-rich kendi seed oil. We also love that the formula is 100% vegan, formulated without parabens and sulfates, and how lightweight it felt on our skin after applying, delivering sufficient moisture without irritation.
Who It's For
This formula is a cornucopia of skin-enriching ingredients all blended into one bottle and works on all skin types, even the most volatile, sensitive, oily, dry, and acne-prone skin types.
Active Ingredients: Aloe vera, willow bark extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.5 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
Bulldog Original Moisturiser
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Amazon
Contains antioxidants
Won't irritate sensitive skin
Balancing formula
Not ideal for acne-prone skin
Bulldog’s low-cost moisturizer has a nourishing recipe that includes aloe to calm and cool, green tea extract to tone and stimulate skin, as well as vitamin-E- and antioxidant-rich camelina oil.
While it might have a bullish name, Bulldog is a big skin softie that soothed our skin and gave us adequate hydration throughout the day.
Who It's For
Go ahead and press purchase if you’re looking for a great post-shave soother that lacks any synthetic fragrances (making it much gentler on delicate or sensitive skin).
Active Ingredients: Green tea extract and vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.3 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel with Hyaluronic Acid
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Ulta
Read Full Review: This Dermatologist-Approved Drugstore Staple Harnesses the Hydrating Power of Hyaluronic Acid
Lightweight gel texture
Hydrates
Layers well with other products
Not cruelty-free
Nothing thrills us more than making a new discovery at the drugstore. Once we took a quick glance at the ingredient list on this moisturizer from Neutrogena, we knew our skin was in for a treat. Loaded with hyaluronic acid, the gel-like texture means it maintains a non-greasy feel without sacrificing on hydration.
Who It's For
While those with drier skin may prefer something richer at night, we were all in agreement that this oil-free and non-comedogenic cream makes the ideal everyday moisturizer for any skin type — and it wears light atop oily and combination skin.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No
Editor’s Pick
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
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Sephora
Read Full Review: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Erased My Dry Patches
Thick, hydrating consistency
Non-irritating formula
Lightweight
Jar is slightly smaller
A savior for dry skin (but equally good on all skin types), this squalane- and glycerin-powered hydrator supercharges the skin’s moisture barrier and keeps it hydrated, even in the most parched climates. (Kiehl’s promises a full 24 hours of hydration if you need it, but we always recommend a twice-daily application of moisturizers to prevent skin from ever becoming too dry.)
Who It's For
This cream makes a great bathroom shelf staple for all skin types (dry skin especially!)—it's really the ideal addition to any skincare regime. We loved the gender-neutral packaging and the shine-free relief it gave us post-shave.
Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 1. /1.7 / 4.2 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Splurge
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Face Cream
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Nordstorm
Moisturizing formula
Plumps skin
Helps visually fill in fine lines
Some many find it slightly heavy to use during the day
The ingredient list of this powerhouse cream shows it has brought together all our favorite hydrators—shea butter, glycerin, purslane extract, olive oil, avocado oil, vitamin E, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, plankton extract, panthenol, squalane, sunflower seed oil, lecithin, phyto lipids, and more to develop a rich cream that might just be their best creation yet.
While it can be used for both day and night, when we paired it with a good night’s sleep, it really worked its magic and had our skin feeling soft and plumped upon waking.
Who It's For
The name Dr. Barbara Sturm is synonymous with luxurious skincare and formulas that deliver effective results. While we don’t expect any moisturizer to reverse the hands of time, we love discovering a product that can give us a helping hand in keeping our fine lines and wrinkles at bay for just a little longer.
Active Ingredients: Plankton extract, shea butter | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best With SPF
Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
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Ulta
SPF 40
Formulated to protect against blue light
Leaves a slight glow
Not ideal for very oily skin
This broad-spectrum SPF moisturizer doesn’t just protect skin outdoors. It also uses SPF and cerium to shield the skin from the blue light cast by our constant screen usage and blue-green algae to shield skin from skin-aging toxins, so all things considered, it’s also an obvious pick for anyone prioritizing anti-aging products.
Who It's For
We like to always keep one of these on hand for days when we know we will be outdoors for hours, whether it be playing sports or attending an event.
Active Ingredients: 2.5% avobenzone, 8% homosalate, 5% octisalate | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: 40 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Face Sunscreen
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
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Amazon
SPF 30
Won't leave a white cast
Contains antioxidants
Can leave skin a little shiny
As overexposure to the sun is cited as one of the main causes of aging, this facial sunscreen from Dr. Dennis Gross acts as more of a preventive measure to ensure the overall long-term health of your skin.
Although it’s technically just a face-friendly sunscreen, we found it nourishing enough to be worn on its own. It absorbs quickly without leaving a chalky cast and sits invisibly on the skin while simultaneously offering a complexion boost.
Who It's For
An essential step in any skincare routine, you can apply this lightweight sunscreen along with any non-SPF moisturizer to achieve the necessary daily protection against UVA and UVB rays. We loved this product for everyday wear, as it utilizes a totally mineral and non-chemical shield (a powerfully protective zinc oxide 16%).
Active Ingredients: 16% zinc oxide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Overnight Moisturizer
ELEMIS Oxygenating Night Cream
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Amazon
Contains antioxidants
Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
A little goes a long way
This product isn’t fragrance-free and the light scent may not be to everyone’s taste, however that wasn’t a deal breaker for us and it didn’t result in any irritation
The standout star of the Elemis lineup—the secret sauce in this overnight cream is algae. It utilizes brown and red algae to minimize the impact and damage of UVA/UVB rays, as well as to boost firmness and retain moisture in the skin.
Our complexion definitely felt more plumped and taut the morning after applying this, and it took away that tired and dull appearance by fortifying the dermis. It left our skin prepped and strengthened to deal with the day ahead.
Who It's For
If you are looking to prevent the onset of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and roughness, using it every night will aid in keeping your skin in peak condition.
Active Ingredients: Red algae, padina pavonica | Skin Type: Dry, mature | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Ceylon Facial Moisturizer
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Ceylon
Exfoliates
Hydrates without aggravating acne-prone skin
Makes skin look radiant
This is a scentless product, which makes it great for those with sensitive skin, but maybe not so much for those who prefer a perfumed cream
Ceylon’s formula utilizes glycolic and lactic acids to dissolve dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores while also boosting luminosity for a more radiant complexion. It’s loaded with texture-smoothing and oil-mitigating niacinamide, as well as ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid.
The non-comedogenic formula kept our pores clear, in addition to giving us an overall less shiny and breakout-free facial zone.
Who It's For
Here’s a hydrator that works well for all skin types but deserves special attention from those with acne-prone skin in particular.
Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, AHAs | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1.4 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Oily Skin
Baxter of California Oil Free Face Moisturizer
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Amazon
Soothes sensitive skin
Hydrates
Good value
May not be suitable for those with acne-prone skin
If you have oily skin, then your priority when picking a moisturizer is to find one without oil. Baxter’s oil-free formula is our pick as it soothes skin with aloe vera and chamomile without overloading it with potential pore-clogging ingredients.
It makes a terrific post-shave cooling agent and won’t result in excessive shine later on in the day. It employs green tea extract to stimulate circulation in the skin and neutralize dangerous free radicals. Extra points for being a fragrance-free formula, making it ideal for all skin types—not just the oily guys.
Who It's For
We’ll say it again: This product is worth trying if you have oily skin and are looking for a great post-shave moisturizer.
Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dry Skin
Buttah Skin CocoShea Revitalizing Cream
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Amazon
Nourishing formula
Contains antioxidants
Works for dry and oily skin
Jar could be sturdier
If tackling dry skin is your main concern, this cream from Buttah Skin is loaded with both cocoa and shea butter to deliver outstanding hydration. It combines the two nourishing butters with moisture-boosting hyaluronic acid and nourishing sunflower seed oil.
We love how the antioxidant-rich formula absorbed nicely into our skin, delivering deep-down nourishment that kept our complexion hydrated all day.
Who It's For
This is the formula for those with dry skin. We found it works especially well in winter when our dry skin is in desperate need of some seasonal resuscitation.
Active Ingredients: Cocoa and shea butter | Skin Type: Combination | Size: 2 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion
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Amazon
Simple formula
Absorbs quickly
Lightweight
Might not be rich enough for very dry skin types
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist who doesn’t recommend Cetaphil among the universally best brands for any skincare regimen—especially for those with sensitive skin. Its low-cost, fragrance-free formula runs rings around its expensive competition and won’t lead to irritation.
It also includes hyaluronic acid for extreme moisture absorption and retention, making it a terrific option for all skin types. We found it’s lightweight enough to wear under makeup or in the height of summer as it didn’t drip away down our face in the heat or clog our pores.
Who It's For
Come one and come all! This formula is great for everyone, even people with sensitive skin. It’s that good.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 3 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Anti-Aging
Adipeau Active Face Cream
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Net-A-Porter
Plumps skin
Gives skin a glow
Calms redness
Contains fragrance
Adipeau wants you to practice “skin fitness” with its face cream by building a once- or twice-daily regimen centered around its nutritious, skin-plumping product. This stuff makes your skin glow just moments after application, and it promotes a youthful complexion by plugging black ginger extract and safflower seed oil into the skin. The former increases collagen production and boosts firmness, while the latter mitigates clogged pores and treats inflammation.
Who It's For
Using this product is like feeding our skin a nutritious meal on the daily—it keeps it looking healthier and fresher. If you’re looking to address skin volume loss and sagging, check this product out.
Active Ingredients: Black ginger extract, safflower seed oil | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 1.8 fl. oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Glowy
Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer
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Sephora
Dermatologist Tested
Sensitive-skin friendly
Safe to use around the eyes
Finish has a slight shimmer, which we love, but it may not work for those looking for a mattifying SPF
This glowing face lotion from Cay Skin is infused with a super-fine blend of illuminating nude pearlescence to give your skin a radiant appearance while also providing a high factor sun protection of 45. The non-comedogenic formula melts seamlessly into the skin and absorbs instantly, leaving no shine, only a light reflective glow. Key ingredients niacinamide and nectar combine to deliver hydration throughout the day and improve the overall texture of the skin.
Who It's For
We use this on the days when our skin needs a quick pick-me-up, as it adds just the right amount of luminosity to make us appear reenergized no matter how tired we feel.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.5 fl. oz | SPF: 45 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Multi-Purpose
Lancôme UV Expert Defense SPF 50+ Primer & Moisturizer
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Ulta
Three-in-one product
Lightweight
Paraben- and mineral oil-free
Not cruelty-free
Loaded with antioxidants, SPF 50, and hydrating properties, this product primes, preps, and protects in one go. Our skin felt immediately cool and soothed after applying the water-like gel that instantly turns invisible once massaged into the skin. Considering it has a factor 50 sun protection, the texture feels incredibly breathable and didn't leave us with any white cast.
Who It's For
Great for all skin types—if you’re looking for a hassle-free skincare hack, this three-in-one moisturizer from French beauty giants Lancôme provides a multi-step routine all in one bottle.
Active Ingredients: Moringa seed extract, edelweiss extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.0 fl. oz. | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: No
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Amazon
Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
Skin-restorative properties
Non-greasy feel
May be slightly heavy for those with oil skin
We are true La Roche Posay devotees and find their quality-to-price ratio is unbeatable. They struck another home run with this prebiotic moisturizer as they yet again managed to create an intensely deep and rich hydrating cream that somehow still completely avoids ever feeling greasy.
Who It's For
Recommended by dermatologists everywhere, not only for those with sensitive skin but for anyone looking to make a long-term commitment to improving and maintaining their skin’s health and appearance, this lotion restores the skin barrier for a visibly smoother and more supple complexion.
Active Ingredients: Ceramide-3, niacinamide | Skin Type: Sensitive, normal, combination, dry | Size: 3.38 fl. oz. | SPF: 30| Cruelty-Free: No
Best Refillable
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Moisturizer
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Sephora
Non-comedogenic
Environmentally-friendly packaging
Smoothes the appearance of pores
As it got close to the end of the product, the pump got a little jammed making it slightly more difficult to get out
Don’t be deceived by the sheer appearance of this moisturizer. Despite being almost transparent upon application, it is fully loaded with skin-enriching ingredients and sun protection.
Niacinamide kept our shine under control while hyaluronic acid and aloe conditioned and calmed. Baobab and Kalahari melon nourished our skin, giving it a healthy boost of vitamins and antioxidants. To top it all off, SPF 30 protects against harmful UV rays while you go about your day shine-free and hydrated.
Who It's For
To add to the good news: This product is for all skin types. So go crazy with this one—it’s a keeper.
Active Ingredients: Kalahari Melon, hyaluronic acid, aloe | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Our top pick is the Ursa Major Fortifying Face Balm for its sticky-free feel and non-pore-clogging ingredient list. We also love the Bulldog Original Moisturizer because it's budget-friendly and is full of ingredients that can hydrate and soothe irritated skin.
How We Evaluated
Following our own research into men’s skin physiology, pH levels, and sebumetry, along with discussions with experts, we then tested each product (taking absorption, skin feel, and how effective they were into consideration), investigated ingredients, and combed through reviews, then finally selected these top picks.
What to Look for in a Face Moisturizer for Men
- Be Prescriptive: One more time for the people in the back: You need a moisturizer that matches your skin type. That which works for oily skin is not going to be as effective on dry skin and vice versa. What works on dry skin might make acne-prone guys break out, and what works on most skin types might inflame sensitive skin. If you aren’t sure of your skin type, consult your dermatologist and then shop accordingly. If in doubt, the Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion works on all skin types.
- Get SPF, Somehow: “I always recommend an all-physical SPF of at least 30 SPF as your final step every morning,” Gross says. You can get this from your moisturizer itself, or a nourishing sunscreen (formulated for the face) applied after the moisturizer. “The sun causes 90% of premature aging. Wearing an SPF protects the investment you are making with the rest of your routine,” Gross says. We loved the Supergoop! Superscreen Daily Moisturizer SPF 40 for daily wear.
- Separate Day and Night: You might need to have two moisturizers—one for the morning, one for bedtime. “Sometimes daytime moisturizers will combine SPF, which isn’t necessary at night,” Gross says. “Likewise, some nighttime moisturizers may combine retinol, which, pending the formula, shouldn’t be used during the day. You should follow the usage instructions listed on the packaging. If a product is specifically instructed to be used only at nighttime, it likely has ingredients that will make skin sensitive to the sun. While the skin experiences water loss at night, an oil-free formula should still be enough to hydrate the skin. That said, if you lean on the dryer side, I would encourage a thicker formula, particularly for nighttime use.” If you want to keep your skin routine simple, we double-dosed on Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Face Cream both morning and night, and our skin loved it.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Adam Hurly has been covering grooming for almost a decade. He began working for Birchbox in 2013, then became a freelance writer/editor in 2016. Since then, he has written for GQ, Men’s Journal, Men’s Health, Esquire, Gear Patrol, Bloomberg, Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, and Forbes.
Byrdie contributor, Clare Holden, has been a fan of beauty and fashion since she was a child. While studying for her degree in Journalism and Communications, Clare worked on makeup counters part-time. After graduating she went back and trained as a makeup artist after falling in love with beauty and skincare. She has done makeup for fashion shoots, TV, weddings, and events and has written for publications all over the world.
For this story, Team Byrdie worked with experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when buying moisturizers for men. These experts included:
- Dennis Gross, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
- Stacy Chimento, MD, a board-certified Dermatologist based in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
