Face moisturizer has an important place inmen’sgrooming arsenal. It helps to maintain moisture and hydration in the skin –which makes your face look fresh and healthy.
It is important to choose the right face moisturizer as wrong choice can lead to oily and greasy face.
To choose the best face moisturizer, we recommend considering below factors…
1. Skin Type
Usually, there are 4 different skin types –sensitive, oil, dry and normal.
- Oily Skin – Avoid oil-based cream. Choose water based, light weightwithout any essential oils.
- Dry Skin – Prefer creams with essential or natural oils like shea butter, coconut oil, and others.
- Normal Skin – As skin type is between oily and dry, we recommend going for water based lotions with essential oils or natural butters.
- Sensitive Skin – Choose a product with natural ingredients without any alcohol or added fragrance.
2. SPF Protection
UV present in the sun rays can damage collagen and increases melatonin in the skin. So, choose a face moisturizer that has SPF of at least 15 or above.
Apart from these two factors, you should also consider ingredients to avoid/include, cream texture and several others. We have mentioned them in our Buying Guide.
A list of Best Face Moisturizers for Men is also provided below for your convenience. We have chosen them after several hours of testing and analysis.
10 Best Face Moisturizer Products for Men Buying Guide
Face Moisturizer | Skin type | Ingredients | Fragrance | Buy Now |
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Brickell Men's Face Moisturize | All skin type | Aloe vera, jojoba oil, green tea | peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass | CHECK ON AMAZON |
JACK BLACK Face Moisturizer | All skin type | Blue algae, sea parsley and rosemary | No fragrance | CHECK ON AMAZON |
RUGGED & DAPPER Face Moisturizer | All skin type | Aloe Vera, Jojoba and Shea | No fragrance | CHECK ON AMAZON |
MARLOWE. M BLEND Facial Moisturizer | Oily and dry | passionflower fruit, green tea, and willow bark extracts | Lightly scented- aloe, citrus and woody base. | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Neutrogena Facial Moisturizer | Oily to normal | Salicylic acid | Mild fragrance | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Baxter of California Face Moisturizer | Oily to normal | green tee, aloe vera and chamomile extracts | No fragrance | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Lather & Wood's Face Moisturizer | Dry, oily, sensitive | Annuus Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, hyaluronic acid | None | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Beau Brummell Face Moisturizer | All skin type | Charcoal, argan oil, vitamin E | Light Bergamot Oil | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Bulldog Face Moisturizer | Dry and normal | aloe vera, camelina oil and green tea | subtle fragrance | CHECK ON AMAZON |
ELEMIS Daily Moisture | Dry and oily | green tamanu oil, chestnut and bamboo | No fragrance | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. Brickell Men’s Daily Essential Face Moisturizer for Men
Brickell is a well-known brand. In fact, this is one of the highest growing brands for men’s skincare. And it’s primarily because of its high-quality products.
Regardless of any skin type, this helps you attain a fresh look. It gets absorbed quickly into the skin and leaves the skin healthy and nourished.
This cream is formulated with potent ingredients that hydrate your skin.
Aloe vera- that penetrates into the skin and moisturizes.
Jojoba oil– helps reduce the water loss
Green tea- has anti-ageing antioxidants that reverse skin ageing.
Hyaluronic acid– hydrates your skin
Other than these ingredients it also contains lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint. This adds up to a refreshing scent which is mild and not overpowering.
I should also tell you that this cream does not contain sulfates, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, parabens and gluten. And this is also a cruelty-free product.
This cream can last for about 60 days and can surely make your skin look smoother and younger.
Skin type – dry, oily, sensitive, normal
Key ingredients– Aloe vera, jojoba oil, green tea
fragrance- peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass
Pros
- Consists of 100% natural and 83% organic
- Has refreshing scent
- Gets quickly absorbed in the skin
Cons
- Does not contain SPF
2. JACK BLACK Face Moisturizer
Jack black moisturizer belongs to a company built in vegas. This is a lightweight moisturizer and packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
It offers a SPF rating of 20 and this protects against the sunlight. This rating is quite higher as compared to other skincare products. With this you can get protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Other than this it also hydrates your skin. It has a wide range of ingredients that help in skin nourishment.
Blue algae extract has a good source of vitamin C that makes your skin supple and reduces inflammation.
Sea parsley contains vitamin A and C which improves skin’s appearance.
Rosemary helps in fighting bacteria.
Vitamin A and E act as powerful antioxidants and protect the skin from powerful free radicals.
And the list doesn’t end here.
It also contains Phospholipids to help bind moisture and work as a natural skin barrier.
And like our previous product, this is also suitable for all types of skin. This is a paraben, gluten and cruelty-free product.
The best part about this product is it does not have any time limit, you can use it all throughout the year.
Quantity– 1.5 fl oz
Skin type – dry, oily, sensitive, normal
Key ingredients- Blue algae, sea parsley and rosemary
fragrance– no fragrance
Pros
- Lightweight
- Spf 20
- Mild fragrance
Cons
- The scent might not be liked by all
3. RUGGED & DAPPER Face Moisturizer
This moisturizer does a great job in hydrating and repairing damaged skin. It also helps to treat the most prevalent problems of skin- breakouts, ageing, post-shaving irritation and sun-damaged skin.
This makes it worth investing. But how does this achieve this? It’s the ingredients.
Rugged and dapper moisturizer is made up of natural ingredients. And this includes – aloe vera, jojoba oil, shea butter, green tea and plant-based botanicals actives.
All these act as a great hydrator and boost collagen to repair the skin.
In addition to this, it also contains hyaluronic acid.
You must be thinking why is this acid in the list of natural ingredients. Well, this is also natural. Hyaluronic acid is found in the human skin and helps to firm the skin and hydrate it.
Alone applying this moisturizer would be sufficient and would not require any sunscreen. As this moisturizer can protect the skin from UV rays too.
Moreover like the first two products, this does not contain paraben, toxins and it is also a cruelty-free product.
Quantity– 4 oz
Skin type – dry, oily, sensitive, normal
Key ingredients– aloe vera, jojoba oil, shea butter, green tea and hyaluronic acid
Fragrance- no fragrance
Pros
- Great hydrator
- Helps with post-shave irritation
- Can be used by all age group
Cons
- has a high price range
4. MARLOWE. M BLEND Facial Moisturizer
Marlowe can be a great option for oily and dry skin. This is well balanced and hydrates your skin while balancing out the natural oil of the skin.
Other than this it also helps fight ageing effects like wrinkles and age lines that usually occur around eyes and mouth.
It uses a combination of passionflower fruit, green tea, and willow bark extracts designed to best nourish, smooth, and revitalize skin. Its primary ingredient, passionflower fruit is a great source of vitamin C. This helps to repair your skin and hold the moisture.
Marlowe also offers a light scent. It is due to the combination of aloe and citrus followed by a woody base.
This is a water-based lotion. So it is very light and quickly gets absorbed within the skin without leaving any greasiness.
Plus this is also a Paraben-free and phthalate-free, cruelty-free
Quantity- 6 oz
Skin type – dry and oily
Key ingredients- passion flower fruit, green tea, and willow bark
Fragrance- no fragrance
Pros
- Water-soluble – lightweight
- Not greasy
- Hydrates skin
Cons
- The smell can be strong for some
5. Neutrogena Face Lotion
If you have oily skin and want a non-greasy moisturizer then Neutrogena can work wonders. This is lightweight and non- comedogenic ( won’t clog pores).
And not just this, it is also efficient enough to soothe your skin from irritation caused by razors, fight ageing signs and treat dry skin.
Salicylic acid is its primary ingredient and it can effectively remove oil and dirt that gets trapped in your pores. And it also prevents breakouts.
Your skin is also protected from the sun rays as it has SPF 20. With this high rating, it can protect your skin from UV rays with ease.
Apply this 15 minutes before sun exposure. And then every 2 hours to get the best results. The best part is that this is water-resistant. So you can even swim wearing this lotion.
Quantity- 1.7 fl oz
Skin type – oily
Key ingredients– Salicylic acid
Fragrance- mild
Pros
- SPF 20(water-resistant)
- Does not clog pores
- Hydrates skin
Cons
- has mild fragrance
6. Baxter of California Face Moisturizer
Plant-based moisturizer with a matte finish, yet another great option for oily skin. This gets absorbed quickly and has no fragrance.
It has 3 key ingredients- aloe vera and chamomile extracts which help to soothe skin inflammation. And green tea that eliminates free radicals to keep the skin healthy and youthful.
It has plant-based antioxidants which nourish your skin and reduce the signs of prematurity. The antioxidants also help to repair skin damage.
This is lightweight and easily gets absorbed within the skin. You can use this at any time of the day and improve the texture of your skin.
Quantity- 4 fl oz
Skin type – oily
Key ingredients- green tee, aloe vera and chamomile extracts
Fragrance- no fragrance
Pros
- Has matte finish
- Soothe skin
- Reduces signs of ageing
Cons
- No fragrance
7. Lather & Wood’s Face Moisturizer
This moisturizer has a non greasy formula. It gets absorbed quickly and makes your skin smooth.
Clogged pores get eliminated and skin becomes well balanced with the right amount of moisturization.
Because of this formula this is ideally suited for both oily and dry skin.
This is made up of only natural ingredients and no synthetic chemicals.
It has antioxidants, organic jojoba oil, and shea butter that help repair your skin and provide hydration.
One of its key ingredients is hyaluronic acid. This naturally occurs in the human body and helps to retain water and make your skin moist.
Little bit of quantity is enough to cover your entire face. This also works great for an under eye cream too.
To get the best results use it after washing your face. You can use it day or night.
Quantity- 3.5 oz
Skin type – oily, dry, sensitive
Key ingredients- organic jojoba oil, shea butter, hyaluronic acid
Fragrance- no fragrance
Pros
- Hydrates skin
- Can be used as eye cream as well
- Works for dry and oily skin
Cons
- Offers less quantity
8. Beau Brummell Face Moisturizer
Great option for all skin types. Its formulation doesn’t give you a greasy texture. You can apply this day and night and get a smooth nourished skin.
This blends quickly and protects skin all day long.
Its high absorption quality is because of charcoal. This is the best detoxifier and purifier found in nature. Apart from this it has caffeine that reduces inflammation and redness.
It also contains vitamin E that helps in cell restoration caused by sun damage and argan oil that nourishes the skin.
This moisturizer is only composed of these natural ingredients and without paraben, sulfate and artificial fragrance.
It is a lightweight texture lotion that doesn’t even clog the pores.
Rather than having artificial fragrance, this moisturizer uses bergamot essential oil to give the lotion a refreshing scent.
Altogether this is a great product in the price range they offer.
Quantity– 5 oz
Skin type – oily, dry, sensitive
Key ingredients- Charcoal, argan oil, vitamin E
Fragrance- Charcoal, argan oil, vitamin E
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Repairs skin from sun damaged
- Matte finish
Cons
- Scent might not be liked be all
9. Bulldog Face Moisturizer
Bulldog is a non greasy lotion. Applying this day and night on a regular basis can smoothen your skin.
This is a combination of natural ingredients that is specially formulated to hydrate your skin.
And its ingredients list includes green tea, konjac root extract, and camelina sativa seed oil. These have smoothing and moisturizing properties. It hydrates your skin without making it feel greasy.
Other than these ingredients it does not contain any parabens or sulfates that are harmful for the skin.
This moisturizing property makes it ideal for dry to normal skin. Although it has a thick texture it does not leave any greasy appearance on skin.
Quantity- 3.3 oz
Skin type – dry and normal
Key ingredients- green tea, konjac root extract, and camelina sativa seed oil
Fragrance- subtle fragrance
Pros
- Does not contain any paraben
- Not greasy
- Hydrates skin
Cons
- Quantity is less
10. ELEMIS Daily Moisture
Last but not the least. Elemis is also formulated with natural ingredients.
It includes green tamuna oil. This can cure wounds and give you a healthy looking skin.
And chestnut and bamboo give you a firm skin making you look younger.
As it makes your skin look clean and smooth, it is suitable for dry and oily skin. Use it morning and night to get the best results.
You can even use this after shaving as it will soothe and hydrate your skin.
Quantity- 1.6 fl oz
Skin type – dry and oily
Key ingredients- green tamuna oil, chestnut and bamboo
Fragrance- no fragrance
Pros
- Can be used for both oily and dry skin
- Firms skin
- Hydrates skin
Cons
- No fragrance
- Quantity is less
How to Choose the Best Face Moisturizer?
There are several face moisturizers available in the market. To purchase the best one according to your requirements, we highly recommend to consider the below factors.
1. Skin Type
While purchasing a face moisturizer, first thing you have to consider is the skin type. When it comes to men’s skin, there are 4 different types. We have mentioned them below for your reference.
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Sensitive Skin
This type of skin is usually more susceptible to irritation, especially after shaving. If you have sensitive skin, then you should look out for moisturizers that doesn’t cause irritation or have any harmful or synthetic ingredients.
Choose a moisturizer that specifically mentions that it is suitable for sensitive skin. Facial moisturizer with organic or all natural ingredients is even more beneficial. For an overall skin improvement, we recommend to go for a cream that doesn’t contain alcohol or other fragrances.
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Oily Skin
People with oily skin should avoid moisturizers with oils as ingredients because it will make your face shinier and oily. So, a face moisturizer that is water based, light weight and doesn’t come with any essential oils is best.
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Dry Skin
For flaky and dry skin, choose a face moisturizer with ingredients known for antioxidants like grape seed oil and others. For extremely dry skin that easily cracks, go for a cream with petroleum jelly. It is also perfect for dealing with eczema and wrinkles. Creams with hyaluronic acid and other chief moisturizing ingredients are perfect for this skin type.
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Normal Skin
Normal skin is considered to be between dry and oily skin. Choose a cream that has moderate end ingredients. Water based moisturizers are the best option for men with normal skin texture.
2. Useful Ingredients
Ingredients that are present in a moisturizer have direct impact on the skin’s effectiveness. It also represents the type of skin it is suitable for. Best facial moisturizers have at least one of the below ingredients.
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Antioxidants
They neutralize the free radicals (also known as unstable oxygen molecules) which breakdown the collagen, lead to wrinkles and cause other skin damage. They prevent this process from happening and help your skin to keep fresh. Some of the antioxidants include vitamin A, green tea, pomegranate and vitamin C.
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Retinol
This is the most common ingredients found in several skin care products. This ingredient has an exfoliating agent which removes dead skin cells present on the dry and dirty dermal layers. It opens up the new and healthier skin layers present underneath those layers.
Apart from that, it also boosts production of elastin and collagen by encouraging cell repair, even in the deeper layers of the skin. This ingredient is perfect for dry, cracked skin or for people who deal with acne.
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Alcohol
Different types of alcohol are present in moisturizers that include astringents and ethyl alcohol. As alcohol ingredients is basically harsh, if used in high quantities, it can lead to skin irritation. However, fatty alcohols like lanolin usually moisturize and repair the skin.
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Alpha Hydroxy Acids
They are usually derived from fruit products that are mildly acidic. They are responsible for clearing dead skin cells and even out the skin. They are good enough for moderate application.
3. Ingredients to Avoid
Some cheap quality moisturizers contain ingredients that are harmful to skin. We have mentioned them below for your reference.
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Opposed to what is expected from a moisturizer, this ingredient can lead cause chemical irritation. It also leads to imbalance of natural oils on the skin. Though this ingredient is well-known for cleaning the skin, it also depletes the natural oil and leads to acne. It is one of the worst chemicals to your skin. Make sure to avoid any face moisturizer that has this ingredient. It is also present in some body washes, shampoo and even toothpaste.
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Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Butylated hydroxyanisole is one of the worst chemical to use in skin creams. It is a human carcinogen often found in perfume or fragrance. It is also added as a scent to moisturizers. Applying this ingredient to skin can lead to skin depigmentation.
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Polyethylene
It is most commonly used in face and body washes. Compared to other exfoliators, polyethylene is more gentle. Moisturizers with this ingredient are often marketed to be excellent for sensitive skin. However, these synthetic chemical contain pollutant which can lead to broken skin.
4. Climatic Conditions
The locality you live and surrounding climatic conditions can have a major impact on the skin. Make sure to choose a face moisturizer that can withstand to the expectations of the climate you live. Check the specifications of the cream to know which climatic conditions it is suitable for.
5. Sun Protection
It is better to go for a moisturizer that can protect your skin from harmful sunrays (UVA and UVAB). The moisturizers should have at least SPF of 15 minutes, even if you have darker skin.
6. Fragrance
Most of the moisturizers have a particular scent like mint or citrus. They can be refreshing and pleasing. However, they can interfere with your deodorant or cologne. Some moisturizers are also available without fragrances. Before purchasing a face moisturizer, make sure whether you want it with or without fragrance.
7. Quantity
Face moisturizers come in different quantities based on price. Some expensive options have fewer ounces while some cheap comes come with more quantity and bulky. There is no right answer for which one to choose. So, you have to decide whether you are looking for bulky moisturizer or smaller one with high quality ingredients.
What is the Right Procedure to Apply Moisture?
- Always apply moisturizer to a clean face or after washing the face. If it is applied to a dirty face then it will seal the sweat, oil and other impurities within the skin pores. That is why it is important to wash off the dirt and grime using a face wash for women.
- Once you have washed your face, make sure to dry it completely before applying the moisturizer. Wet or damp skin will not absorb the moisturizer completely.
- You only have to apply a small amount of moisturizer to your face. If too much is applied, then it can make your face look shiny and greasy.
- Another mistake often made by people is wrong application of moisturizer. The right way is to start with your cheeks as they are the driest places of the face. Next, you can just apply the cream in gentle circular motions. Last, you can move to forehead, chin, neck, ears and nose.
- T area of the face which represents the t-shape area that is defined by nose, chin and forehead. This area is very oily so you shouldn’t apply more moisturizer here.
Different Types of Moisturizer
Face moisturizers come in different types which works differently on your skin. Manufacturers consider ingredients, skin types, and other factors while creating moisturizers for different skin types. We have mentioned moisturizer types below…
1. Lotions vs Creams
Most of the people think that creams and lotions are same – but that’s not true. Compared to creams, lotions have higher water percentage, lightweight and get absorbed easily. They are perfect for normal skin and daily moisturizer in warmer months. When it comes to creams, they have higher oil percentage which makes them perfect for cold weather.
2. Ointments
Ointments contain oil-based ingredients which are specifically used for medicinal purposes. They are perfect for dealing with skin irritation.
3. Gels
There are many face gel moisturizers in the market. They are transparent and water-based which lets your skin absorb the substance quickly. As they are free of oil based substances, they are perfect for sensitive skin.
4. Anti-Aging
Most of the face moisturizers are have the ability to counter aging. However, some of them are specifically designed for anti-aging specifications. They are available in the form of gels, creams and vitamins. Before purchasing any men’s anti-aging cream for men, please check whether it is suitable for your skin type or not.
5. Energizing
Another moisturizer type available in the market are energizing moisturizers. They are mainly designed for skin fatigue. The antioxidants present in this product can increase skin hydration, improve collagen, and diminish pigmentation. Some brands use energizer moisturizers to reduce puffy eyes and bags under eyes.
These are designed mainly to focus on the skin. That is why it majorly impacts your skin. They are available in several forms and even double as an eye cream for men.
6. SPF Infused
People with sensitive skin or sun sensitivity should look for SPF (sun protection factor) in a moisturizer. This factor provides extra protection from tanning and harmful sun rays. It also reduces melanoma risk and other issues often related to sun-exposure.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
In the morning and before bed are the best times to apply a facial moisturizer. But make sure to clean the face properly before applying. Morning application of moisturizer keeps your face fresh and night application works on anti-aging. People with dry skin can apply the moisturizer at the mid-day as well.
Non-comedogenic facial moisturizer are formulated remove blockage like debris and dust from skin pores. Blocked skin pored are responsible for oily skin, acne breakouts. If you have sensitive skin, then you should choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer.
For wrinkly skin, look for a product that contains retinol and antioxidants. They have ingredients that repair skin damage and hydrate the skin. Because wrinkles are mainly caused due to damaged and dry skin.
Conclusion
While there are so many moisturizers in the market. Our list gives you the best products. And our favourite pick among these is Brickell Men’s Daily Essential Face Moisturizer for Men. This contains all natural ingredients like Aloe vera, jojoba oil, green tea. It is suitable for all skin types and has many benefits like moisturizing and hydration. It also reverses skin ageing and makes the skin look younger.
We hope this article serverd your needs.