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.
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)
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream does a great job at keeping your skin quenched without turning it into an oil slick. It 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 scent
+ Good for normal & combination skin
+ Only need a small amount
+ Hydrating
- No SPF protection
With an organic blend of conditioning almond, softening jojoba, and antioxidant-rich green coffee, dry skin will feel moisturised and rejuvenated in no time with this moisturiser from Neal's Yard. A small amount also goes a long way, which is always a good thing.
An Australian made moisturiser that's entirely natural
+ Entirely natural ingredients
+ Affordable price
+ Smells divine
- Not great for oily skin
Sukin's Facial Moisturiser hydrates and softens skin through a beautiful blend of Rosehip, Avocado, Sesame Seed and Jojoba Oils. The Aloe Vera included is great for refreshing the skin, while Wheat Germ and Vitamin E assist with improving texture and protecting the skin’s moisture barrier.
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
+ 8 hours of oil-free hydration
+ Fragrance free
+ Helps improve skin’s barrier
- Avoid if you have dry skin
This lightweight, oil-free moisturiser from Clinique is perfect for replenishing lost moisture and strengthening skin. Its ingredients include sunflower Seed, barley and cucumber extracts, all of which work to keep skin looking healthier. Yes, it's on the pricier side for a moisturiser, but Clinique is a brand that's known for its high-quality skincare, so you can't go too wrong with this pick.
Hydration without the shine
+ 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. However, there isn't a pump which can potentially put some buyers off.
This moisturiser controls shine and pores effortlessly
+ Contains SPF!
+ Stops unwanted shine
+ Nice fragrance
- Can be drying
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. It's not as hydrating as other moisturisers, but if you're going for the matte look, then go for it!
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.
A nourishing facial cream
+ Lightweight
+ So safe that it's also suitable for babies
+ Anti inflammatory
- Takes a while to see the effect
Developed for sensitive skin types, La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Sensitive Facial Moisturiser seeks to nourish the skin barrier while soothing the appearance of the skin. It's also enhanced with antioxidant spring water, delivering protection from environmental stressors, such as pollution and harsh weather.
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!
That's right, we've got another recommended moisturiser from Clinique. The brand'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.
This guarantees soft, supple and protected skin
+ SPF protection
+ Great for dry skin
+ Luxurious and rich
- Not ideal for oily skin
If you’ve got incredibly dry skin this is a great option, but try to avoid if you’ve got acne-prone or oily skin. The addition of SPF makes it a safe option for a daily moisturiser, plus you're guaranteed soft and supple skin after use. You may also be thinking 'phwoar, that's a lot of money!'...we agree. However, MZ SKIN products have incredible results, so it's worth weighing up the pros and cons.
Anti-aging
Noticing fine lines and wrinkles is extremely common as you get older, but no matter what people say, there are ways to slow down the process. Look for products that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and collagen to help rejuvenate skin and keep it looking plump.
Hides fine lines and wrinkles
+ Intensive hydration
+ Great around the eyes
+ Good brand
- Nice fragrance!
The hydrating power of this moisturiser will certainly impress you. It helps to fight the ageing process thanks to its powerful ingredients, including Padina Pavonica and Ginkgo Biloba, and aims to 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!
This 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 also contains Hyaluronic Acid to minimise signs of ageing.
This will keep your skin hydrated overnight
+ Hydrating
+ Quick results
+ Anti-wrinkling
- No potent anti-wrinkle ingredients
If you're particularly diligent with your evening skincare, this anti-wrinkle cream is a good option for providing a good dose of hydration for moisture-sapped skin.
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 advice on where to get started? Have a look this daily men's skincare routine!
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