The market is vastly embracing skincare products for men. The notion that skincare is only for women is quickly fading away. Many men are now taking good care of their skin for a youthful and more vibrant look.
You upgraded from using soap and water to facial cleansers. But now it’s time to go a notch higher to moisturizers.
I interviewed Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a clinical researcher in dermatology from Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. He explained that moisturizers feature ingredients that add a protective layer over the skin. This layer prevents loss of moisture while simultaneously holding on to the available one.
True to his words, moisturizers bring a refreshing and energizing effect. But this is only the case if you settle for the right products.
Many unscrupulous manufacturers in the market nowadays are all about making sales without considering the quality.
Like the good steward I am, I went out of my way to compile to you a list of the best moisturizers for men.
These products have been tested and approved. No options could be better!
5 Best Face Moisturizers For Men (2021) – Quick Comparisons
Best For | Products | Key Ingredients | Editor's Rating | Price |
Best Oily, Dry, Wrinkly Skin |  TruSkin Naturals Moisturizer Cream | Hyaluronic acid, alcohol, antioxidants | 4.5 | |
Best All skin types | Best Overall  Brickell Men's Daily Essential Face Moisturizer for Men | Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidants | 4.9 | |
Best Dry Skin |  JACK BLACK, Double-Duty Face Moisturizer | Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidant | 4.6 | |
Best Wrinkly, Oily |  MARLOWE. No. 123 Men's Facial Moisturizer | Antioxidants, alcohol | 4.4 | |
Best Sensitive, Dry, Oily Skin |  Lather & Wood Shaving Face Moisturizer for Men | Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidants | 4.8 |
How to Choose the Best Face Moisturizers for Men?
Before reviewing the 5 best face moisturizers for men, let’s first check out some of the factors that I focused on during my analysis.
It’s essential that you know the features to look out for in moisturizers. This knowledge will save you the hassle of exchanging products every now and then.
1. Skin Type
It’s important to know your skin type to determine what moisturizer you’ll go for. Although most moisturizers will work perfectly across different skin types, some are designed for specific ones.
Dry Skin
With dry skin, a moisturizer with lots of antioxidants will be excellent. Antioxidants help repair your skin. Repairing this damage is an important step in helping to retain moisture.
Pro Tip: If you have dry skin, go for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid or other moisturizing ingredients.
Oily Skin
Oily skin has lots of oil on its surface. Men with this skin type should avoid moisturizers with natural oils as their base ingredients. Going for such products will only make you shinier and more uncomfortable.
You don’t want to add more oil to the one that you already have, do you?
Sensitive Skin
I know how hard it can be to have sensitive skin. You’re always choosy with every product, be it a safety razor or facial masks. The same also applies to moisturizers.
You’ll want to go for a moisturizer explicitly rated for sensitive skin. These moisturizers don’t use harsh synthetic chemicals. Instead, they feature lots of natural organic ingredients.
Wrinkly Skin
If you’re looking to eliminate wrinkles and aging lines from your skin, retinol and antioxidants are the ingredients to look for in your moisturizer. These two ingredients will help hydrate and repair damaged skin.
And considering the main cause of wrinkles is damaged and dry skin, these should work perfectly on you.
Normal Skin
Normal skin is what most of us have – skin that doesn’t lean on any particular side. It isn’t dry, oily, or sensitive. Men with this skin type shouldn’t have a problem with choosing moisturizers. All the products will pretty much work on you.
You are narrowed down with the primary purpose of using moisturizer. Do you want to eliminate wrinkles, or refurbish your skin tone?
2. Non-Comedogenic Status
Non what?
Non-comedogenic moisturizers specialize in removing dirt, debris, and other blockages from your skin pores. These moisturizers are excellent in healing acne breakouts since blockage is their primary cause.
If your skin is clear (without acne breakout), these moisturizers will be of less importance to you. But, they’re always a good option if you are in search of high-quality lotions.
Moisturizers that are more water-based (thinner) and which don’t rely on oils as their primary ingredients can be considered to be non-comedogenic.
3. Ingredients
What ingredients are used to make the moisturizer that you’re about to go for?
And why does it matter?
Ingredients are undoubtedly one of the most important aspects to look out for in moisturizers. The ingredients used will directly impact the moisturizer’s effectiveness and the skin type that it’s meant for.
When purchasing a moisturizer, always look at the active ingredients to have a clue of what to expect from it.
Here are key ingredients used in moisturizers:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are excellent ingredients incorporated in moisturizers. They are extracted from plants, fruits, and members of the Vitamin A and C groups.
Why are antioxidants important?
They help to repair skin damage quickly by neutralizing unstable oxygen molecules. These molecules aren’t good for your skin as they cause wrinkles, a common effect of aging.
Alcohol Subtypes
The most common alcohol subtypes used in moisturizers are astringents and ethyl alcohol. These two can easily irritate your skin. At the same time, they also strengthen and moisturize your skin without damage.
This is to say that the ingredient is suited for men with dry skin but a big No for those with sensitive ones.
However, manufacturers have come up with a formula to implement alcohol without harming sensitive skin. It all depends on the alcohol’s concentration and what it is combined with.
Pro Tip: Avoid moisturizers with alcohol ingredients if you have sensitive skin. Alcohol causes irritation.
Moisturizers
Moisturizers, as you probably know, are a defense mechanism against dryness. They help to retain liquid in your skin, making them ideal for men with dry skin.
While all moisturizing products generally help to moisturize your skin, there are those which make moisturizing their primary focus.
They will be less effective in terms of wrinkle removal and skin cell repair but excel in moisturizing.
The most common moisturizing agent used in such products is hyaluronic acid.
You might like: Here Are 5 of The Best Aftershaves For Men in 2021
Retinol
Retinol is a common ingredient found in almost all kinds of skin repair and skin care products. Its function is to exfoliate dead skin cells that clog the pores.
Retinol also boosts collagen and elastin, both of which assist in repairing the bottom cell layers of the skin.
Pro Tip: Retinol is the ingredient to look for if you have dry skin, cracked skin, or skin with acne.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
These sound like scary acids, don’t they?
Well, they’re not. Alpha Hydroxy Acids, mostly abbreviated as AHAs, are byproducts of different fruits.
They are not harmful and will not bother your sensitive skin. Their purpose is to exfoliate and clear away dead skin cells. AHAs are a tick from me, and you should always look out for them in your moisturizers.
4. Fragrance
Most moisturizers come with the typical mint or citrus scents. But the fragrance found in a moisturizer normally depends on the ingredients used. Some men love moisturizers with fragrance, while others prefer the non-scented ones. Whatever you go for, just ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your deodorant’s scent or cologne.
5. Area of Use
Most moisturizers are designed for use on the face only, while some can be extended to the neck, hands, and body.
Body moisturizers are budget-friendly if you don’t want to use different products for different parts of your body.
On the other hand, some men (like me) prefer specific products for specific areas.
I feel that products designed for one specific part, the face, for instance, tend to be more powerful. All their energy is channeled to that specific body part.
However, both options are excellent. It all depends on your preference.
Amount
Different models and brands will fit different amounts of lotion in their moisturizers. I have noticed that cheaper products tend to have more ounces in them.
Pro Tip: You should try to find a good balance between price and amount when picking your product. No amount is wrong. It all depends if you are in for quality or quantity.
This video shows you how to apply your moisturizer properly. (Source)
The 5 Best Face Moisturizers For Men – Reviews & Our Top Picks (2021)
With an array of options in the market, choosing the best face moisturizers for men might not be as easy as you think.
You don’t want to pick the first product you see on the shelf. The right product has to align with your skin type, must contain some of the ingredients mentioned above, and has to be friendly to your budget.
Consider my list of the best face moisturizers for men. I have personally used some of these products, and I smile every time I look in the mirror.
1. TruSkin Naturals Moisturizer Cream
- Skin Type: Oily, Dry, Wrinkly Skin
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, alcohol, antioxidants
- Amount: 2 oz.
Leading our list is one incredible moisturizer – TruSkin Naturals Moisturizer Cream.
This cream is suited for two categories of men: those who want to brighten their skin tone and those who suffer from acne outbreaks. Lucky you, if you fall under both.
The formula used in the cream is a versatile one. It can hydrate as well as repair minor skin damages. Some of the ingredients used include green tea and jojoba oil. These two combine Vitamins B5 and C to hydrate and improve the overall health of the skin.
This cream leads the list and is my favorite for a number of reasons. One, the lotion causes your skin tone to brighten and become more vibrant. Secondly, it also combats wrinkles and aging lines.
These two features are common in many moisturizers. TruSkin Naturals Moisturizer Cream has the edge over its competitors on one thing. It eliminates aging and dark spots caused by spending time outside.
Men who spend lots of time working outdoors will find this feature very useful.
How does it accomplish this?
First, the cream uses alcohol and other to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Once the skin is exfoliated and repaired, it protects it from any further damage. It’s more like investing in your skin’s future health.
The cream uses Vitamin C to protect the skin from any future damage.
I’ll have to deduct a point from the cream when it comes to its price. This cream’s price tag is relatively high. To make matters worse, you only get two 0z (56g) with its purchase. You’re therefore forced to use it sparingly.
All in all, every cent spent on the TruSkin Naturals Moisturizer Cream is worth it. Consider it as a future investment on your skin.
Pros
- Versatile effects
- Features all-natural ingredients
- Eliminates acne, aging lines, and dark spots from working outdoors
- Protects the skin from future damage
Cons
- Expensive
- Little amounts in its bottle
2. Brickell Men’s Daily Essential Face Moisturizer for Men
- Skin Type: All skin types
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidants
- Amount: 4 oz.
Brickell decided to come up with one product that provides an easy solution for almost all skin problems. The result was the Brickell Men’s Daily Essential Face Moisturizer for Men, a fast-acting moisturizer designed for all skin types.
This lotion will refresh, hydrate, and renew your face without clogging or interfering with your pores in any way. Regardless of your skin type or age, you should be able to use this product without any worries.
The lotion’s texture is pleasant, thanks to its all-natural ingredients. It lacks the slippery effects felt by oil-based moisturizers. This is one of the reasons for its popularity. We all hate having to deal with the oily feeling after applying lotions, don’t we?
The manufacturers incorporated leaf oils and powerful antioxidants to help with hydration.
Men with abnormally dry skin will find this property useful. Even though the moisturizer hydrates the skin, men with oily skin can also use the moisturizer.
How?
The formula of this moisturizer clears your pores of any present debris and dirt. Remember that oily skin is the result of clogged pores. This, therefore, means using this product is also a way of removing excess oil from your skin.
What of its scent?
This moisturizer features a green tea and fresh aloe vera scent, courtesy of its ingredients. Just ensure that your cologne blends well with the moisturizer before purchasing it.
The price attached to this face cream is expensive, and I found this to be a turn-off. But that’s what to expect from a reputable brand that assures you premium quality.
There is no harm in spending more for quality, is there?
Pros
- Deal with all kinds of issues
- Has a nice scent
- Very quick results
- Excellent texture
Cons
- Relatively expensive
3. JACK BLACK, Double-Duty Face Moisturizer For Men
- Skin Type: Dry Skin
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidant
- Amount: 4.8 oz.
Next on my list is a moisturizer designed specifically for men with dry skin. If yours is oily, feel free to skip to the next product.
This one is for men who spend lots of time in the sun and don’t like using sunscreen.
This face cream brings something unique to the table – protection from the sun in the same manner as sunscreen. This isn’t something popular among moisturizers.
The Jack Black Moisturizer is a two-in-one product; sunscreen plus a moisturizer.
What more could you possibly ask for?
The secret to this feature lies with the ingredients. This cream uses vitamins and antioxidants, which help moisturize and protect your skin from sunlight. Its main vitamin ingredient is an algae extract, which carries Vitamin E with it.
Algae keep the face supple and reduce skin inflammation. The result is healthier and younger skin. Rosemary is another ingredient used. Its function is to reduce the number of bacteria in your face.
These two ingredients help reduce the oiliness in your face. They also heal your skin cells and retain their effect even long after you apply the lotion.
In addition, the cream also uses antioxidants to hydrate and repair the cells beneath the skin surface.
Pros
- Has sunscreen properties to defend you against sun damage
- Uses natural ingredients
- Excellent health benefits and hydration
Cons
- Relatively thick
- A bit costly
4. MARLOWE. No. 123 Men’s Facial Moisturizer
- Skin Type: Wrinkly, Oily
- Ingredients: Antioxidants, alcohol
- Amount: 6 oz.
Is your dehydrated skin damaged from daily wear and tear? Are wrinkles also beginning to appear on your face? Are you tired of your facial problems?
Well, fight these two intruders with the MARLOWE. No. 123 Men’s Facial Moisturizer.
What you’re settling for with this product is a fantastic face cream that will improve your skin’s overall hydration perfectly. It has an aloe-citrus fragrance that sparks controversy (I personally love it).
Who is it for?
As mentioned, this moisturizer is excellent for men whose skin is dehydrated from daily wear and tear. On top of its hydrating effect, this cream also gets rid of wrinkles and age lines found around the eyes and mouth.
Most face creams come with this effect, but this one is exemplary at the task.
A big reason for this is that the cream uses a combination of several different green tea extracts and fruit oils for its ingredients. Willow bark extract is added to the combo for a revitalizing and smooth skin experience – you’ll love it.
One of the main extracts used is passionflower. It is rich in iron and Vitamin C. Its function is to retain moisture and repair skin damage. Also, it gives the cream the citrus and aloe scent that it holds.
MARLOWE. No. 123 Men’s Facial Moisturizer is lightweight and easy to apply. It doesn’t contain any greasy oil, and so you won’t have the annoying slippery feeling when applying it.
It’s worthwhile to note that alcohol is included in this moisturizer, although not in high amounts. Men with sensitive skin won’t have problems with its use, although I wouldn’t recommend using it.
This moisturizer uses few ingredients. Typical of Marlowe – Simple and effective! Moreover, you get an awesome 6 ounce with its purchase.
I don’t recommend using much cream per application, but rather a decent amount to enjoy full effects.
The only downside with this product is that it doesn’t blend well with all cologne types. Applying it may interfere with the cologne you intend to use.
So, keep this in mind while purchasing it.
Pros
- Has a masculine and fresh scent
- Relatively affordable
- Hydrates and repairs damaged skin.
- Comes with a decent amount of lotion
Cons
- Its fragrance may interfere with your cologne.
5. Lather & Wood Shaving Face Moisturizer for Men
- Skin Type: Sensitive, dry, oily
- Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Antioxidants
- Amount: 3.5 oz.
Lather & Wood Shaving Face Moisturizer for Men is a non-greasy, non-scented moisturizer formula excellent for all skin types. Most men don’t like the greasy feeling left behind by lotions. Well, there is something to smile about now.
Apply this moisturizer, and it will dry within minutes. Your face will be rejuvenated without having an oily feeling. Also, it will retain your skin’s moisture giving your face a more natural and better color.
One thing I love with this lotion is that it uses all-natural ingredients, no synthetic chemicals or other crap. Antioxidants are also added for repairing the skin and helping with hydration.
The real bonus with this lotion is how it makes you feel. Applying it comes with a refreshing and energizing feeling that you would want to last throughout. This is an effect of the hyaluronic acid included in its ingredients.
Hyaluronic acid won’t have any effect on your sensitive skin if that’s what you are worried about.
In fact, you can even apply it to your eyelids without any effect. It also suits men with both dry and oily skin, due to its thickness.
Its thickness also implies that it is non-comedogenic (refer to my buying guide). This is a huge disadvantage for those with acne.
Did I mention that the moisturizer helps get rid of wrinkles and aging lines? Yes, it does. Apply a bit of it over the wrinkles over a few days and wait for fantastic results.
I don’t like the fact that the manufacturers only included 3.5 oz (100g) in the bottle, considering it is a little pricey. But that’s what you get for choosing quality over quantity.
This lotion is a great pick if you’re in for spending a few extra bucks for premium quality.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients, no synthetic chemicals
- Revives the original color of the face
- Gets rid of wrinkles
- Ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
- A bit pricey considering its purchase comes with a few ounces.
Final Thoughts
Have I answered all your questions regarding the best face moisturizers for men?
I surely hope so. While there are hundreds, if not thousands of other incredible products out there, I fell in love with these five.
Why? For starters, these products are affordable – not cheap, but affordable. And although some are a bit pricey, they are worth the extra cost.
Secondly, they are effective in their functions. Those that are designed to eliminate wrinkles will do so effortlessly.
The same also applies to those designed for healing cracked and damaged products.
Lastly, my list is versatile and will feature products for everyone. Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, there is something for everyone.
Speaking of which, I recommend the Brickell Men’s Daily Essential Face Moisturizer for Men. The product is versatile and ideal for all skin types.
Which one is your favorite?
