The best moisturiser for men does it all, from locking in moisture to slowing down signs of ageing.
Our skin’s abilities never cease to amaze us. We can gain weight and watch it stretch, lose said weight and watch it revert back to normal. It protects itself in the face of UV damage (tanning) and has the natural ability to retain moisture. However, as you get older, a number of factors cause your skin to slowly deteriorate, and as the ageing process sets in it needs a helping hand to retain its elasticity and youthful appearance. That's why you need one of these best moisturisers.
Moisturiser acts as a protective barrier on your skin’s surface. It locks in the moisture that would otherwise evaporate continuously from your skin and speed up the ageing process.
When we wash our faces, we not only strip our skin of the dirt build-up, we strip it of its natural oils. Queue a replenishing moisturiser, and while you're at it, also check out our guide to the best men’s eye cream, and, while you're upgrading your grooming routine, why don't you upgrade your fragrance game with the best men’s fragrances and colognes as well.
Best moisturisers for dry skin
There’s nothing worse than the tight feeling of dry skin. It’s itchy, irritable and looks scaly. If you’re displaying these symptoms you need something to quench its thirst and thwart further moisture loss.
Make sure you’re using a decent face wash and not a bar of soap (or body wash for that matter). You’ll need to be more vigilant when it comes to sun exposure and excessive boozing too – are we sounding like your parents?!
We love this silky smooth moisturiser
+ Non-greasy
+ Good for all types of skin
+ Nice & silky
- No dispenser (less hygienic)
The recipe for silky-smooth skin, this does the job of keeping your skin quenched without turning it into an oil slick. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream promises 24 hour protection, has a luxuriously rich texture and is effective at repairing dry skin without causing irritation.
A hydrating moisturiser with a refreshing citrus sent
+ Citrus scent
+ Good for normal & combination skin
+ Hydrating
- Not for oily skin
This is a great everyday moisturiser, richly hydrating without being too emollient-heavy- though we wouldn't recommend for oily skin. It's easy enough for bearded-men to work into their beards in a minute or so without having to rigorously rub in. The citrus scent is refreshing and the results after use are light hydration good for both normal and combination skin types.
An excellent moisturiser made from ethical plant extracts
+ Ethical & sustainable
+ Affordable price
+ Options for different skin types
- Can be hard to track down
Botanics has entered the male grooming arena with a new 5-piece collection of naturally simple skincare. Each product is formulated with ethical plant extracts including ginseng, green tea and aloe vera, sustainably sourced from around the world. We love this moisturiser for normal skin (although, other skin types are available). It has a lightweight texture and features antioxidant vitamin E to hydrate, soften and re-energise your skin.
Best moisturisers for oily skin
Believe it or not, your overactive sebaceous glands are great for your skin’s moisture levels, but we get the need for control when you’ve got to keep towelling yourself down. Aim for oil-free products and use a gentle exfoliator to keep up cell turnover.
A great moisturiser from a great brand
+ Lightweight
+ Oil free
+ Matte finish
- Contains alcohol & is fragranced
One for your #shelfies? Tom Ford’s moisturiser almost looks too good to use! A small 5p size is enough for full face coverage that will soak in almost instantly to alleviate dryness without triggering an oil spill. It’s mattifying and incredibly lightweight - you’ll forget you’ve applied it. However, it does contain alcohol which can be harsh on skin over time.
A great moisturiser from a great brand
+ Lightweight
+ Fragrance free
+ Super hydrating
- Lack of pump
With all day hydrating power, this gel moisturiser for oily skin to normal skin has a cooling effect to reinvigorate while helping maintain skin’s moisture balance helping for skin that’s shine-free, fresh-feeling and healthier-looking all day. There isn't a pump which can potentially put some buyers off, but it's overall a great choice!
This moisturiser controls shine and pores effortlessly
+ Contains SPF!
+ Stops unwanted shine
+ Nice fragrance
- Slightly more drying than other moisturisers
If you suffer from oily skin, this SPF moisturiser is for you. It contains grease-busting micro-spheres that neutralise excess oil from the skin, while also reducing the appearance of shine. It’s also formulated with avocado and African yellow wood bark extracts, helping to shrink pores. It's not as hydrating as other moisturisers, but if you're going for the matte look, then go for it!
Best moisturisers for sensitive skin
Are you prone to redness or irritable skin? Sensitive skin can flare nastily in the face of unsuitable products, so when it comes to applying a moisturiser you need to find one that’s kind to sensitive skin.
Be sure to look for a moisturiser that’s free of astringents such as alcohol and avoid abrasive exfoliators that will exacerbate redness.
This moisturiser is kind to sensitive skin
+ Contains vitamin-E
+ Salicylic acid
+ Kind to sensitive skin
- Slightly tacky texture & scented
An option that’s kind to sensitive skin, this Hydrabio gel-creme feels light and refreshing to use. The gel-creme contains vitamin E to battle oxidative stress as well as salicylic acid to refine the skin’s surface. It’s hypoallergenic but does contain fragrance and it comes in a hygienic, easy pump applicator.
An all-natural moisturiser
+ Alcohol-free
+ Fragrance-free
+ Great price
- Cheap
Bulldog’s classic moisturiser is a safe option for daily use. Formulated with all-natural ingredients including baobab oil (a powerful combination of antioxidants and vitamins) and willow herb to soothe, it’s a solid contender when it comes to protecting skin, minimising irritation and keeping your skin in healthy condition.
Like a facial in a bottle
+ Enriched with Omega 6
+ Great for oily and sensitive skin
+ Lightweight
- Pricier than other options
Smells a bit like a facial in a bottle but with a lightweight consistency. A little goes a long way and it serves as a good daily moisturiser. This moisturiser is another great option for oily and sensitive skin as it's mattifying but enriched with Omega 6.
Best moisturisers with SPF
Not to induce fear, but sun damage is irreversible, so protective measures must be taken even on the cloudiest, rainiest days. Looking for a moisturiser that contains a minimum of SPF15 in the winter and SPF30 in the summer will keep your skin in better condition as you age.
Sun exposure dries out skin so find a moisturiser that has the power to both plump and hydrate whilst protecting throughout the day.
Protection from the sun
+ Water resistant
+ Non-greasy
+ Good protection
- Lightly scented
Malin + Goetz offers substantial protection, perfect for the height of summer months and its light texture means it is fast absorbing. Not just a moisturiser with SPF, this one contains the antioxidant vitamin E to tackle oxidative stress with added camomile to soothe.
One of the best moisturisers for men around
+ Suitable for all skin types
+ Non-greasy
+ Great brand
- There aren't any!
Clinique’s ‘something for everyone’ moisturiser offering enough daily protection without overloading your pores. It’s oil-free with hydrating, soothing ingredients, a featherlight, comfortable and fail-safe option.
You're guaranteed soft and supple skin after use
+ SPF protection
+ Great for dry skin
+ Luxurious and rich
- Not ideal for oily skin
Luxurious and rich, this moisturiser is heavy and a little tacky. If you’ve got incredibly dry skin this is a welcome remedy, but one to avoid if you’ve got oily and acne-prone skin. The addition of SPF makes this a safe option for a daily moisturiser, plus you're guaranteed soft and supple skin after use.
Best moisturisers for anti-ageing
Hides fine lines and wrinkles
+ Intensive hydration
+ Great around the eyes
+ Good brand
- Nice fragrance!
You can’t argue with the hydrating power of this moisturiser. It helps fight signs of ageing thanks to its powerful concoction of Padina Pavonica and Ginkgo Biloba, which help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
A stylish solution from Patricks
+ 24 hour hydration
+ Cruelty free and Vegan
+ Sleek packaging
- There aren't any!
Patricks AM1 Anti-Aging Moisturiser is a hyper-concentrated, rich moisturising cream that is absorbed quickly into the skin for a silky matte finish that continues to hydrate for 24 hours. It contains a powerful combination of Hyaluronic Acid to minimise signs of ageing, creatine to boost collagen levels and squalene to promote elasticity and brighten the complexion. It finishes with leather accord and Australian sandalwood cologne.
This will keep your skin hydrated overnight
+ Hydrating
+ Longevity
+ Anti-wrinkling
- No potent anti-wrinkle ingredients
If you're particularly diligent with your evening skincare, this anti-wrinkle cream is a good option to throw into the mix. Whilst it's got no potent (and often irritating) anti-wrinkle ingredients, it will provide a good dose of hydration for moisture-sapped skin. The longevity of the product as it works overnight is evident, it's an easy.
Formulated with anti-ageing Pro-Retinol, a powerful anti-wrinkle ingredient to put a spring back in your skin. Offering 24 hour hydration, this L’Oreal moisturiser promises firmer skin and a smoother complexion. Follow with sun cream on sunnier days as retinol can increase skin’s sensitivity.
How to buy the best moisturiser for your face
When shopping for a moisturiser, you need a handful of skin saving ingredients. Look for humectants to act as a barrier of protection, locking in your skin's moisture.
Emollients are the lubricating ingredients, which improve the appearance of your skin (particularly if it’s dry).
Antioxidants are a saviour as they help support your skins bounce-back-ability. With antioxidants on top of all of the above, then you’re in good hands.
Moisturiser isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ and trying to pin down the right one is no easy feat. You need to establish your skin type and find something suitable from there.
Looking for some tips on where to get started? Have a look at this guide to summer skincare in just 3 simple steps!
