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Home arrow Beauty arrow Skin arrow Best Face Moisturizer for Men: 11 Options for Game-Changing Hydration

Best Face Moisturizer for Men: 11 Options for Game-Changing Hydration

HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Written by Rosmy Barrios, MD
HR_author_photo_Edna
Fact checked by Edna Skopljak, MD
Last update: June 22, 2023
7 min read 676 Views 0 Reviews
clock 7 eye 676 comments 0

Find the perfect face moisturizer for men and unlock your skin’s potential.

Best face moisturizer for men

How do we vet brands and products? Learn more.

From cleansers and serums to moisturizers and eye creams, there are thousands of skincare products on the market marketed to women. 

But taking care of your complexion is just as important for men, who may also be prone to extremely irritated, oily, or dry skin.

Knowing which products to choose to start your skincare journey can be daunting, so we’ve compiled a list of the best moisturizers for all skin types, needs, and goals.

Top 3 Face Moisturizers for Men

#1 Best overall star
xyz logo
4.7
stars
  • Improves skin’s natural collagen production
  • Visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Restores skin firmness, elasticity, and texture
Visit Blu Atlas
Visit XYZ
#2
Hims logo
4.6
stars
  • Designed for use after a morning shower and shave
  • Boosts skin hydration
  • Reduces signs of premature aging, such as fine lines
Visit Blu Atlas
Visit Hims
#3
blu atlas logo
4.5
stars
  • Targets dull and dry skin
  • Nourishes and conditions skin
  • Ultra-hydrating
Visit Blu Atlas
Visit Blu Atlas

11 Best Moisturizers for Men

With so many options on the market, it might be difficult to find a product that works for you. You can narrow down the options by researching customer reviews and doing your own testing, but we’ve done all the work for you. 

Below is an extended list of the best face moisturizers for men.

#1 XYZ Smart Collagen Cream: Best overall

xyz logo
Our rating:
4.7
stars
  • Improves skin’s natural collagen production
  • Visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Restores skin firmness, elasticity, and texture
Learn More

XYZ Smart Collagen Cream is a face moisturizer designed to help you look 7.5 years younger, according to the brand. It does this by restoring the balance between your body’s production and breakdown of collagen, which helps to lift, firm, and smooth skin texture.

As well as being a key anti-aging ingredient for reducing wrinkles and fine lines, collagen is a protein naturally produced by the body, which helps to uphold the skin’s structure. Our collagen stores naturally decline as we age, and so products such as XYZ Smart Collagen Cream are crucial in transforming the appearance of mature skin.

With consistent use of this uniquely 100% vegan, non-greasy, all-natural cream, you can expect to see improved skin results in just 12 weeks.

Pros
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    Natural ingredients from organic, sustainably-grown plants
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    Clinically proven
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    Dermatologist approved
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    100% vegan
Cons
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    May take a while to see the results
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    Only available online
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    No SPF

#2 Hims Everyday Moisturizer: Best for hydration

Hims logo
Our rating:
4.6
stars
  • Designed for use after a morning shower and shave
  • Hyaluronic acid boosts skin hydration
  • Reduces signs of premature aging, such as fine lines
Learn More

If you’re looking for a hydrating yet non-greasy face moisturizer to use as part of your morning skincare routine, then Hims Everyday Moisturizer may be the one for you.

The cream packs in a range of hydrating ingredients to tackle dryness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and protect your skin from the elements. This includes hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and panthenol, which all help the skin cells retain water.

What’s great about Hims is that they offer a free consultation, where skincare experts will recommend the best products for your skin type and needs.

Pros
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    Non-greasy and lightweight formula
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    Made with dermatologist-recommended ingredients
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    Vegan and paraben-free
Cons
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    Not fragrance-free
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    Doesn’t contain SPF

#3 Blu Atlas Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Best natural product

blu atlas logo
Our rating:
4.5
stars
  • Targets dull and dry skin
  • Nourishes and conditions skin
  • Ultra-hydrating
Learn More

Blu Atlas prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices while delivering high-quality skincare products for both men and women, and their Anti-Aging Moisturizer is no exception. 

The product is formulated with clean, vegan ingredients designed to nourish dry, oily, or combination skin without making it uncomfortable.

For instance, seaweed extract is an antioxidant and exfoliator that balances oil production and brightens skin. Mango seed butter contains vitamins C and E to protect the skin from UV rays, pollution, and blue light from screens.

Pros
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    Brand has a medical advisory board
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    Made from 98.5% natural ingredients
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    Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
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    Can only be purchased online
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    Some quality complaints from customers

#4 Ghost Democracy Moisturizer: Best for lightweight moisturization

Ghost Democracy logo
Our rating:
4.4
stars
  • Balances skin oils to reduce inflammation
  • Provides lightweight hydration
  • Strengthens skin’s moisture barrier
Learn More

Ghost Democracy Moisturizer is an oil-free, lightweight face cream that provides a non-greasy yet intense level of hydration for refreshed and balanced skin.

This is a unique product as it contains high concentrations of probiotics, a type of “good” bacteria that balances the skin’s microbiome. Probiotics, therefore, help to strengthen your skin’s natural moisture barrier, which reduces inflammation, prevents irritation, and stops the skin from becoming too dry or oily.

It’s also made with panthenol, or vitamin B5, to preserve moisture and softness, and oat seed extract, a plant antioxidant that soothes, calms, and strengthens the skin. 

Pros
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    Non-greasy and fast absorbing
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    Fragrance-free
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    Contains no sulfates, silicones, or essential oils
Cons
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    May be too lightweight for extremely dry skin
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    Watery consistency

#5 Versed Dew Point Gel-Cream: Best for quick absorption

versed logo
Our rating:
4.4
stars
  • Lightweight moisturizing jelly texture
  • Hyaluronic acid draws in and retains moisture
  • Protects against free radical damage
  • Soothes skin inflammation
Learn More

With the tagline “Hydration in, rich cream out,” sustainable brand Versed’s Dew Point Gel-Cream provides light moisture with its fast-absorbing, jelly-like texture. 

The face moisturizer is made with sodium hyaluronate, an ingredient that’s extracted from hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin and ensure it stays hydrated all day. Another key ingredient is hydrating aloe leaf juice, as well as antioxidative green tea that fights inflammation and free radicals.

Pros
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    Absorbs instantly into the skin
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    Doesn’t clog the pores
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    Packaging made with 50% recycled plastic
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    Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
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    Not moisturizing enough for drier skin types
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    A high price for basic ingredients

#6 Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Moisturizer: Best for skin irritation

kiehls logo
Our rating:
4.3
stars
  • Revives tired, dull skin
  • Provides antioxidant protection
  • Hydrates and softens the skin
  • Aftershave solution to prevent skin irritation
Learn More

Formulated with caffeine and vitamin C, Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Moisturizer helps to soften and hydrate skin with a range of antioxidants. For instance, unique ingredients such as chestnut extract effectively neutralize free radicals and have been shown to be more powerful than vitamin E.

Kiehl’s has designed their facial moisturizer to be on the lighter side, almost turning into a serum when applied or used as an aftershave. This means that it absorbs quickly and won’t leave a layer of grease on your skin.

Pros
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    Paraben and sulfate-free
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    Full of antioxidants
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    The packaging is recyclable
Cons
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    Isn’t alcohol-free
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    Fragrance may irritate some

#7 Anthony Oil Free Facial Lotion: Best for oily or acne-prone skin

anthony logo
Our rating:
4.3
stars
  • Minimizes the signs of aging
  • Balances out oily skin
  • Gives skin a velvety matte finish
Learn More

Clinically proven to provide 24 hours of hydration, Anthony Oil Free Facial Lotion is an ideal choice if you’re searching for a moisturizer that removes excess oil from acne-prone skin.

The lotion is loaded with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, vitamin B5, and glycerin to draw moisture to the surface and reduce your chances of developing wrinkles around the lips, under the eyes, or on the rest of your face.

This leaves the skin with a silky smooth, matte finish without that dull, dry look that some other oil-free products provide.

Pros
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    Oil-free formula doesn’t clog pores
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    Absorbs quickly into the skin
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    Clinically proven
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    Plant-based and cruelty-free
Cons
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    May be too thin for overly dry skin
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    Doesn’t provide sun protection
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    Contains parabens

#8 Tula Sensitive Skin Moisturizer: Best for sensitive skin

tula logotype
Our rating:
4.2
stars
  • Calms and soothes irritation
  • Hydrates and softens
  • Reduces the look of red and blotchy skin
Learn More

Tula Sensitive Skin Moisturizer is an ultra-gentle face cream that is designed to soothe irritated skin. It does this with the help of probiotics, along with oatmeal, aloe, cucumber, and ginger, to refresh the skin.

Containing no harmful ingredients that cause inflammation, the moisturizer is instead packed with squalane, a lipid known for its antioxidative and hydrating effects. Collagen is another key ingredient for increasing skin strength and elasticity.

Pros
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    Fragrance-free
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    Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin
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    Suitable for all skin types
Cons
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    Difficult to find the product in the stores
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    Some cheaper alternatives may be more effective

#9 Marlowe Facial Moisturizer: Best for soothing flaky skin

Marlowe logo
Our rating:
4.0
stars
  • Protects the skin barrier
  • Relieves dry, flaky, and itchy skin
  • Provides hydration to prevent tightness
Learn More

For those experiencing dry, flaky, or tight skin, the Marlowe Facial Moisturizer is formulated to provide the extra shot of hydration that you may need. Specifically, Marlowe has packed this product full of skin-soothing ingredients such as willow bark extract and green tea.

Passionflower extract is another key ingredient known for its anti-aging properties. Packed with omega-6 acids, this provides hydration while controlling oil production to provide a perfectly balanced complexion.

Pros
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    Paraben-free
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    Not tested on animals
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    Non-greasy formula
Cons
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    It may not be suitable for sensitive skin
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    Too light for dehydrated skin

#10 The Nue Co. Barrier Culture Moisturizer: Best for protecting the skin

Nue Co logo
Our rating:
3.9
stars
  • Prebiotics and probiotics replenish the skin microbiome
  • Protects the skin barrier
  • Locks in moisture
  • Smooths skin texture
Learn More

The Nue Co. Barrier Culture Moisturizer is designed to improve long-term skin health without overloading the complexion with lots of active ingredients. The cream’s prebiotic and probiotic content helps to replenish the skin microbiome, which ensures that your skin doesn’t produce excess oil yet isn’t too dry.

Peptides strengthen and firm the skin, while ingredients such as squalane and ceramides help to moisturize and rebuild the skin barrier. This makes it less susceptible to damage from external aggressors, including pollution, inflammation, and oxidative stress. 

Pros
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    Doesn’t overload the skin with too many ingredients
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    Cruelty, fragrance, and paraben-free
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    Clinically studied ingredients
Cons
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    Not the best option for oily skin
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    A few users report allergic reactions

#11 War Paint for Men Tinted Moisturizer: Best for coverage

WARPAINT LOGO
Our rating:
3.8
stars
  • Hybrid of a moisturizer and light coverage foundation
  • Evens out the skin tone
  • Hydrates the complexion
Learn More

If you’re looking to even out your complexion while adding a boost of moisture to your skin, the War Paint for Men Tinted Moisturizer is a light coverage, matte, and effective option that you may consider.

War Paint’s main goal is to help men feel comfortable in their own skin by providing them with a range of products and tools to create a subtly more even skin tone.

But don’t panic – the coverage is undetectable, so you won’t end the day with that dry, cakey look that reveals you’re wearing makeup. The only downside of this product is that, unlike our other recommendations, this one is created with synthetic ingredients rather than natural plant extracts.

Pros
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    Comes in a range of shades
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    Vegan and cruelty-free
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    Recyclable packaging
Cons
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    Ingredients aren’t natural
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    Texture of the product might not be pleasant

Comparison Table

Comparison Winner: XYZ Smart Collagen Cream
4.7
stars
4.6
stars
4.5
stars
4.4
stars
4.4
stars
4.3
stars
4.3
stars
4.2
stars
4.0
stars
3.9
stars
3.8
stars
Brand
XYZ Smart Collagen Cream
Hims Everyday Moisturizer
Blu Atlas Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Ghost Democracy Moisturizer
Versed Dew Point Gel-Cream
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Moisturizer
Anthony Oil Free Facial Lotion
Tula Sensitive Skin Moisturizer
Marlowe Facial Moisturizer
The Nue. Co Barrier Culture Moisturizer
War Paint for Men Tinted Moisturizer
Pros

Natural ingredients from organic, sustainably-grown plants

Clinically proven

Dermatologist approved100% vegan

Non-greasy and lightweight formula

Made with dermatologist-recommended ingredients

Vegan and paraben-free

Brand has a medical advisory board

Made from 98.5% natural ingredients

Vegan and cruelty-free

Non-greasy and fast-absorbing

Fragrance-free

Contains no sulfates, silicones, or essential oils

Absorbs instantly into the skin

Doesn’t clog the pores

Vegan and cruelty-free

Made with 50% recycled plastic

Paraben and sulfate-free

Good for sensitive skin

The packaging is recyclable

Oil-free formula doesn’t clog pores

Absorbs quickly into the skin

Clinically proven

Plant-based and cruelty-free

Fragrance-free

Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin

Suitable for all skin types

Paraben-free

Not tested on animals

Non-greasy formula

Suitable for all skin types

Doesn’t overload the skin with too many ingredients

Cruelty, fragrance, and paraben-free

Clinically studied ingredients

Comes in a range of shades

Vegan and cruelty-free

Recyclable packaging

Cons

May take a while to see the results

Not fragrance-free

Doesn’t contain SPF

Can only be purchased online

Some quality complaints from the customers

Gel consistency may be too lightweight for extremely dry skin

May not be moisturizing enough for drier skin types

Isn’t alcohol-free

Fragrance may irritate some

May be too thin for overly dry skin

Doesn’t provide sun protection

Contains parabens

Difficult to find the product in the stores

Some cheaper alternatives may be more effective

May be unsuitable for sensitive skin

Gel-cream texture won’t appeal to all

Ingredients aren’t natural

How We Picked the Products

To choose the best skincare products for men, we looked at a wide range of popular, trending, and slightly less well-known brands on the market. We then narrowed down the list to the top 11 products based on these 4 factors:

Quality

Companies that are aiming to produce high-quality skincare products should use ingredients that are backed by clinical research. The best ingredients are those that come from natural sources and provide a good level of hydration to the skin.

Price

Effective skincare products are often expensive as it takes time, effort, and money to source high-quality ingredients. However, a good moisturizer should also be a good value for money.

Brand reputation

We only selected face moisturizers from brands that have a good reputation in the skincare industry. It was also important for us to check reviews to see how well each company looks after its customers.

Effectiveness

For a product to be effective, it should be able to do what it says on the outside packaging. We looked at whether these moisturizers could effectively hydrate the skin. 

FAQs

Do men need face moisturizer?

Yes, men should moisturize every day to keep their skin feeling and looking healthy, particularly after shaving.

Can I sleep with moisturizer on my face?

It’s important to use moisturizer before you go to bed to replenish your skin’s water loss overnight.

Can I use sunscreen after moisturizer?

You should apply sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine so that it can create a protective barrier against UV rays. Some moisturizers do already have SPF in them, so check the packaging before using.

A Word From a Dermatologist

It’s just as important for men to use moisturizer as it is for women. Having a good daily skincare routine helps to protect against sun damage, relieve particularly dry or oily skin, and prevent wrinkles such as crow’s feet that come from premature skin aging.

Along with focusing on skincare, try to eat a range of anti-aging foods that will provide you with all of the nutrients you need for radiant skin. There are some other things that you can do to boost the health of your skin, including wearing SPF, drinking plenty of water, staying active, and quitting smoking.

To help you with any further skin issues, talk to your dermatologist. They can make specific product recommendations based on your unique needs and goals and put an effective treatment plan into place.

Conclusion

No matter your age, gender, or skin type, applying moisturizer should be an essential part of your skincare routine if you’re hoping for a healthy and radiant complexion. 

Our recommendation for the best moisturizer overall is the XYZ Smart Collagen Cream, which is dermatologist approved and clinically proven to balance the production of collagen while also improving your skin’s texture.

Written by Rosmy Barrios, MD
Dr. Rosmy Barrios, MD, is a medical advisor for the Health Reporter, the head of the anti-aging department, and a regenerative medicine specialist in several medical institutions with years of experience in aesthetic medicine and cosmetology.
The article was fact checked by Edna Skopljak, MD
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HR_author_photo_Rosmy
Written by Rosmy Barrios, MD
HR_author_photo_Edna
Fact checked by Edna Skopljak, MD
Last update: June 22, 2023
7 min read 676 Views 0 Reviews
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