The Best Face Moisturizers for Men to Use Daily

The more exposure your skin has to the elements, the more it needs some help, like moisturizer, to keep it in shape. And choosing a good moisturizer is all about knowing what your body needs. We’ve found those with no synthetic ingredients to reduce irritation, protectors that fight off sun and wind damage, short-term assistance when you’re hungover but still need to look your best for a presentation, and some that help smooth away wrinkles and prevent aging. For any guy who wants to put his best foot forward, take a look at our best face moisturizers for men.

What is face moisturizer?

Face moisturizer is usually a lotion, cream, or balm that you put on your face to keep it hydrated and protected. The best examples include natural ingredients that ensure proper skin health, and with regular use, will keep your skin looking fresh and less prone to damage.

Ingredients to keep in mind

Stick to natural ingredients such as the examples below, and avoid ingredients like parabens, mineral oils, and silicone.

Hyaluronic acid: This is a natural substance that locks moisture in your skin, and helps prevent wrinkles, which is why you’ll see it advertised in many anti-aging products (along with vitamin A).

Vitamins: Key vitamins include vitamin E, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and vitamin A (or retinol), which protects skin cells from damage.

Glycerin: Derived from animal fats or vegetable oils, glycerin is good for those with clogged pores and sensitive skin.

Aloe vera: This is a natural ingredient that hydrates and soothes your skin.

Shea butter: This is another natural choice commonly found in moisturizers, and it’s great for moisturizing your skin.

Why (and how) should you use face moisturizer?

While no one’s forcing you to start using one (although we highly encourage you), incorporating a face moisturizer into your skincare routine is ideal if you want to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It’s best to have your face washed first before you apply the moisturizer with clean hands. Keep in mind that people with oily skin should try to limit use to once per day (and focus on exfoliating), but people with dry skin can comfortably apply it twice per day.

Bravo Sierra Face Moisturizer

The Best Budget Moisturizer: In 2018, Bravo Sierra was fed up with the quality of store-bought options, and began making its own clean and sustainable skincare products right here in the USA. That’s why you can expect the label’s face moisturizer to naturally keep your face hydrated, with macadamia nut oil in place of silicone and apple extract for hydration. It’s a lightweight gel that doesn’t leave your skin oily and provides hydration all day. Additionally, 5% of the company’s sales go to supporting military families and veterans.

Lumin Moisturizing Balm

The All-Arounder: Lumin is another skincare brand that’s focused on providing men quality products without fuss, which is effectively communicated through the minimal design of the label’s output. You can definitely see it with this balm inside and out, as it was made to keep your skin hydrated with ingredients like meadowfoam seed oil and apple extract, along with ginger extract to help even out your skin tone. It’s also paraben, sulfate, and cruelty-free, meaning you can trust that this is the good stuff.

Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer

The Best SPF Moisturizer: Jack Black’s Double-Duty bears an SPF of 20 for protection from UVA and UVB rays, and it’s fairly lightweight, meaning it won’t make you feel oily thanks to the ingredients that are gluten, fragrance, and paraben free – and the added SPF gives it a sunscreen quality. You’ll find vitamin E-rich algae for suppleness and elasticity, phospholipids that work with your natural oils to create a barrier against the world, and leaf extracts that help enhance collagen production and antioxidants.

Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer

The Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: This New York-based skincare brand realized how many irritants our skin comes in contact with day to day, and decided that people need natural options that don’t add to the problem. This is why Blu Atlas prides itself on using naturally sourced materials from plants, fruits, and minerals to make its skincare products. And why you should consider the label’s face moisturizer, made with mango seed butter and vitamin C, which helps protect your face from environmental damage. This is an especially good choice for those of you with dry or sensitive skin as well, because the natural blend of ingredients won’t irritate your face.

Ursa Major Hydrating Daily Moisturizer

The Best Natural Moisturizer: The ingredients of Ursa Major’s moisturizer are all-natural and 100% vegan, making it one of the more eco-friendly facial moisturizers out there from a sustainable brand. The witch hazel and willow bark also offer natural antiseptic properties for dealing with nicks and cuts as well as preventing infection. Kensi and sunflower oils work with aloe to give it its hydrating abilities, while birch sap reduces wrinkles and other age markers. The single issue that can come up is a sticky feeling immediately after use.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel

The Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: If you struggle with oily skin or acne, then the non-greasy Facial Fuel from Kiehl’s is a great option. It’s made with a blend of caffeine and vitamin C to rejuvenate your face and smooth the texture. After absorbing quickly into your skin, the natural antioxidants from the chestnut extract get to work on protecting your face. And the caffeine will not only rejuvenate your skin but reduce dullness overall.

Anthony Wake Up Call

The Best Morning Moisturizer: Wake Up Call helps replenish the moisture in your skin, and a green tea additive reduces puffiness and swelling. A healthy dose of caffeine rejuvenates and revitalizes your skin to help keep it from sagging or looking washed out, while the pore-opening menthol wakes you up like a bugle right outside your window. It works for late nights and red-eye flights just as well as evenings at the watering hole, and great to have on hand for emergencies.

Patricks AM1 Anti-Aging Moisturizer

The Premium Pick: For our final pick, we have this anti-aging moisturizer from Patricks that’s been specially designed to boost collagen and elasticity on your face. The blend of hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and vitamins work together to keep your skin hydrated and reduce inflammation for the long haul (up to 24 hours). It’s also made in the States without parabens or sulfates, and a little goes a long way.

The Best Face Washes For Men

Before you moisturize, make sure you get a product to clean that dirt and grime. We’ve got you covered with our guide to the best face washes for men.