While a face moisturizer should optimally be used all year round, it’s especially beneficial during these long winter months to combat the effects of harsh, dry air. In search of the top moisturizers for men, I drew on input from dermatologists and our skincare-obsessed beauty team. Combining these expert insights with extensive research (plus a few personal recommendations from the team), I selected the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer as the best facial moisturizer for men overall. This formula uses the brand’s mineral-rich prebiotic Thermal Spring Water, niacinamide and glycerin to balance and hydrate. I also recommend Murad’s Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for an option with sun protection.
We found the best moisturizers for men that are designed to hydrate, nourish and soothe different skin types.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
According to dermatologists we spoke with, men should generally look for the same elements in a moisturizer as women, as their experience of dryness, irritation and other skin issues is no different. “For men with oily skin, hydration without heaviness is key, and I would recommend a lightweight lotion or gel moisturizer,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robyn Gmyrek. “For dry skin, I recommend a cream formulation that is thicker in consistency and more occlusive to seal in moisture.” We carefully evaluated key ingredients, texture, fragrance and targeted skin type to compile the best face moisturizers for men. Below, our recommendations to round out your winter skincare routine.
All skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin
A lightweight, cream texture that absorbs quickly
Its mineral-packed formula
Skip if:
You need a richer formula for extremely dry skin
This lightweight cream hydrates and nourishes the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. One of its hero ingredients is the brand’s prebiotic Thermal Spring Water, which is rich in minerals and skin-protecting antioxidants. This pick is also recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz, who is a fan of the product for a number of reasons. “Besides being oil- and fragrance-free, it has a powerhouse blend of hydrating and soothing ingredients, including niacinamide, ceramides and glycerin. It also contains a prebiotic blend to support a healthy skin barrier.”
This popular product has an affordable price tag and high-impact ingredients like hyaluronic acid to moisturize and boost your skin health, regardless of your particular skin type. It absorbs quickly, without leaving any stickiness or greasy feeling. Like my best overall pick, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane, the formula is oil- and fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested. Note that if you have very sensitive skin, you should start with a patch test before applying to the rest of the face.
Best SPF Moisturizer For Men
Protects Against Harmful Rays And Free Radical Damage
Multitasking, with a formula that includes retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) and vitamin C
Its subtle brightening effect
Skip if:
You have sensitive skin and you’re looking for a fragrance-free option
Dermatologists including Gmyrek recommend using a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher during the day for broad-spectrum protection against sun damage. This formula shields against UVA/UVB rays and helps protect from free radical damage, while retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) stimulates the growth of new skin cells and vitamin C brightens. Reviewers say it has a pleasant texture, absorbs well and doesn’t leave a white cast.
Reducing the appearance of post-blemish marks over time
Mattifying the skin
Skip if:
You want a fragrance-free formula
Ideal for those with acne-prone or oily skin, this lightweight moisturizer contains salicylic acid, which gently exfoliates and sloughs dull away dead skin cells. The addition of glycerin, sodium hyaluronate (a type of hyaluronic acid), and saw palmetto fruit extract keeps skin nourished and hydrated. Another benefit: This formula keeps shine at bay and can reduce the appearance of post-blemish marks over time.
Sensitive or eczema-prone skin (it has a seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association)
Long-lasting hydration, thanks to glycerin, squalane and other powerful hydrators
Skip if:
You have oily skin and need a lighter option
For a thicker moisturizer that’s an excellent option for those living in dry, windy or cold climates, I recommend Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. Squalane and pro-ceramides help replenish the skin barrier, and glacial glycoprotein (a naturally occurring compound) provides long-lasting hydration. “My boyfriend has combination skin but appreciates how the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream keeps it hydrated without causing breakouts,” says former home and kitchen editor Kelly O’Sullivan. “He also has a beard, and some lotions tend to leave residue at the edges where his beard meets his cheeks. This formula blends in seamlessly and never flakes or leaves behind a white cast on his beard hair. Also, a little goes a very long way.” This formula is fragrance-free and has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
Targeting firmness and elasticity in addition to hydration
Skip if:
You have sensitive skin
The potent, plant-based ingredients in this formula work to deeply moisturize and plump skin, whether you use this as a night cream or a daytime hydrator. Antioxidant-rich black currant targets firmness and elasticity, while glycerin, aloe vera and sunflower work in tandem to hydrate. Reviewers like the natural, refreshing scent and creamy texture.
Quick-absorbing formula that feels cooling and refreshing on the skin
Non-greasy finish
Skip if:
You have severely dry skin; you might need a richer formula
This lightweight cream is ideal for normal to combination skin, and contains an array of botanical oils that leave your face feeling soft and revitalized. This is the only skincare product my husband has repurchased several times; he appreciates how quickly it absorbs and that there’s no greasy residue or shine after applying. He has combination skin, and this moisturizer keeps him hydrated in the winter but doesn’t feel too heavy in the warmer months. Even if you’re sensitive to fragrance, the scent very likely won’t bother you; it’s light, refreshing and citrus-forward.
How We Chose The Best Face Moisturizers For Men
To narrow down our picks for the best face moisturizers for men, I worked with Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung to tap into our team’s deep market knowledge and extensive testing experience, highlighting products and brands that offer nourishing, effective formulas.
We evaluated the key ingredients in our top picks to ensure they cater to varied skin types and preferences.
Texture is another important factor that we took into consideration; the picks on our list range from lightweight lotions to thicker creams.
The three experts we consulted also made recommendations based on their experiences, and we examined customer reviews for standout product traits.
As everyone’s budget looks slightly different, we included products across a wide range of prices.
In addition to our beauty team’s experience with these brands, our staffers shared their firsthand experience with some picks. Forbes Vetted beauty writer Molly Calhoun is a longtime fan of the Murad Essential-C Day Moisture, and former home and kitchen editor Kelly O’Sullivan and her boyfriend are both fans of the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, which they have used for over two years.
What To Consider In A Face Moisturizer For Men
“Men should be looking for the same factors as women when it comes to face moisturizers,” says dermatologist Dr. Omer Ibrahim. “While studies have shown some differences between men’s and women’s skin, like sebum production and skin thickness, men are not immune to aging or other skin issues like dryness, irritation or transepidermal water loss.” Here’s what to keep in mind.
Skin Type
Knowing your skin type and concerns is the first step in selecting the right moisturizer. You can get away with a lightweight formula if you have normal to oily skin or live in a warmer climate. However, if your complexion is drier or you live somewhere cold and windy, you might need a heavier moisturizer. “Men with oily or acne-prone skin should focus on using oil-free, gel-based moisturizers labeled ‘non-comedogenic’ that won’t clog pores,” says Gmyrek. “A lightweight texture, such as lotion or gel, ensures the skin remains hydrated without feeling greasy.” If you’re unsure of your skin type, consult a dermatologist before developing a long-term skincare plan or purchasing a new product.
Ingredients
Prioritize ingredients that can replenish your skin’s moisture levels and ward off dryness and irritation. “When choosing a face moisturizer, look for one with a good mix of humectants (for hydration), emollients (to strengthen the skin barrier) and occlusives to prevent transepidermal water loss,” says Ibrahim. “The formula should feel comfortable on the skin and keep you from feeling tight or dry.”
“My go-to ingredient is hyaluronic acid, a hydrating superstar that helps your skin pull in and retain water,” says Mraz. “I also like niacinamide to soothe the skin and minimize irritation and redness, as well as ceramides and peptides which support collagen synthesis and strengthen the skin barrier.” She says the skin barrier plays a critical role in regulating the skin’s hydration, helping to keep moisture locked in and environmental irritants out. Our experts agree that you should avoid common irritants like fragrances, heavy oils (like coconut oil), parabens and alcohol.
Consistency And Texture
Your skin type and climate can help dictate the best consistency or formula. Lightweight lotions (like Cetaphil’s Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion) and gel moisturizers are great for oily skin, while thicker creams, such as Ursa Major’s Golden Hour Recovery Cream, are better for dry skin and cold climates. To help you decide which option is best for you, we outlined three standard textures commonly found in facial moisturizers.
Lotions: Formulas labeled as lotions typically have a thinner, lightweight texture that absorbs quickly. We recommend lotions for individuals with oily or combination skin that may not need the intense hydration of a cream or balm.
Creams: If you have dry or mature skin, or live in a drier climate, you may benefit most from a cream formula. Creams have a thick, luxurious consistency and often contain a higher oil concentration to keep the skin well-moisturized.
Balms: Balms are the thickest consistency and often contain plant oils or waxes to soothe, hydrate and heal the skin. None of the products on our list qualify as balms, as these formulas are best suited for severely dry or chapped areas.
Packaging
Moisturizers come in bottles with pumps, in squeezable tubes and in tubs. Lightweight formulas typically come bottles—the pump makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of product so none of it is wasted. Tubes are also user-friendly, though you may need to be more mindful about not squeezing too much out at once. Thicker creams tend to come in tubs; the open-face design makes it easy to dab a small amount into your hands. (Just make sure your hands are clean, of course, before dipping your fingers into the tub.)
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted beauty and grooming team has published dozens of expert-led stories dedicated to skincare.
The author of this piece, Katherine Louie, is a lifestyle editor with more than seven years of experience testing skincare products. She has personal experience with three brands on this list: La Roche-Posay, Cetaphil and Aesop.
All of the products in this story were selected or approved by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the beauty and grooming, fashion and travel categories and has two decades of experience covering lifestyle topics.
Louie gathered key insights and guidance from three industry experts: board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robyn Gmyrek; board-certified dermatologist and co-director of research at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology Dr. Omer Ibrahim; and board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital Dr. Deanne Mraz.
We regularly update this story to ensure all products are in stock and to include any additional relevant information for our readers. It was last updated in January 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After extensive research and consulting with three board-certified dermatologists, we determined that the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is the best face moisturizer for men. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients—like glycerin, niacinamide and ceramides—and has a lightweight texture with no greasy residue. It’s also oil- and fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin.
Yes, men should use facial moisturizer as part of their daily skincare routine. “Moisturizing should be a twice-daily habit—once in the morning after cleansing and again at night with a hydrating or repairing formula,” says Gmyrek. “In harsh conditions, such as cold weather or after wind exposure, applying an additional layer of moisturizer as needed helps maintain skin hydration and barrier function.”
The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is our top pick for men with dry skin. The rich moisturizer is formulated with squalane, which boosts your skin’s moisture barrier for all-day hydration. It absorbs quickly, and a little goes a long way.
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We updated the specifications for each product (adding a note about the fragrance), updated the pricing throughout and re-evaluated our picks to ensure they still meet our team’s rigorous standards for the best facial moisturizers for men.
We updated the specifications for each product (adding a note about the texture), refreshed the FAQs and re-evaluated our picks to ensure they still meet our team’s rigorous standards for the best facial moisturizers for men.
We added more information on each formula and refreshed our section of frequently asked questions.
