Yes, You Need a Moisturizer Formulated for Men, According to Derms (2025)

North Carolina-based dermatologist Dr. Alex Zeitany has been using this fragrance-free, lightweight moisturizer since 2015, and recommends it to her patients for its super-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

"Hyaluronic acid can hold over 1,000 times its weight in water," which gives this gel a barely-there feeling while still being a potent moisturizer, she says. Our testers have also used Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer during long treks outside with cooler temps, and found that it kept their mugs feeling hydrated and never tight, the way other drugstore moisturizers tend to do.

Out testers with darker skin tones also noted that Neutrogena's Hydro Boost gel hydrated their faces better than any other drugstore moisturizer they've tried. Put simply, this moisturizer received a positive approval rating across the board.

Testing Notes: Like many men, we tend to shy away from moisturizers that leave our skin feeling goopy or greasy, which is why this watery gel rose to the top of the list in our testing process. The consistency is smooth and silky and while not completely transparent, is definitely more of a gel consistency than a cream.

It glides onto skin easily and has a slight cooling sensation but also sinks into your skin quickly without leaving any sort of shine or residue whatsoever. The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, one of the most important ingredients in a moisturizer because it is a humectant—meaning it draws moisture from the air—and we found that even with a formula as lightweight as this, our skin still felt healthy and hydrated hours later.

Protection from the sun is one of the most important things you can provide your face, but for those with sensitive skin or who are prone to acne, it’s not uncommon for many SPF products to cause breakouts or reactions. Now, that doesn’t mean you should forgo protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Instead, opt for this cream from EltaMD. Our testers loved how it made their faces feel, the protection it offered and, most importantly, it didn’t cause any reactions or acne.

It also consistently received top marks for its broad spectrum protection, gentle-yet-ultra-hydrating ingredient and the fact that it absorbs super easily without leaving much of a white cast. Massachusetts-based dermatologist Dr. Kathleen Joyce has been recommending this to her male patients since 2017. "It contains niacinamide which can help with redness and acne and provides a good sunscreen in a very lightweight base," she says.

Testing Notes: In our experience, most moisturizers with SPF are heavy on the moisturizer part but light on the sun protection in that many don’t offer the dermatologist-recommended SPF 30. This sunscreen flips the script in that it is designed as a sunscreen first, but contains enough moisturizing and skin-benefiting ingredients that it can easily double as a moisturizer.

We tested it both ways—on top of another moisturizer and by itself—and found that its moisturizing factors absolutely were enough to warrant skipping another moisturizer, provided you don’t have super dry skin. As a time-saving, double-duty product, this is top of the list, especially if you're prone to reactions from SPF.

Read More: Best Sunscreen for Men

This moisturizer from La Roche-Posay received top marks from our testers with sensitive skin thanks to its soothing, hydrating features and avoidance of irritating ingredients like added fragrance or harsh chemicals.

It's also a go-to moisturizer for Dr. Jeremy Brauer, a dermatologist and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser in New York City. "This product contains a mix of prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin," says Brauer. "It’s gentle enough for almost all skin types and has a thicker consistency, making it great for men’s skin."

Testing notes: We found that many moisturizers designed for sensitive skin can go a little overboard on this thickness because they’re trying to pack as much moisturization into the formula as possible. Out of all the versions we tested, this is the one we could tolerate wearing both during the day and at night because even though it’s thick, it doesn’t feel heavy on our skin and offers a ton of hydration for how lightweight the formula is.

We also found that the formula really does heal as well as hydrate. Within a few days, we noticed some rough patches on our faces smoothing away. Of course, the fragrance-free factor is perfect for sensitive or easily irritated skin, but also for anyone who just doesn’t like fragrance in their products.

Read more: Best Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin

It's a common misconception that you don't need to protect your skin against the sun during the cooler months of the year, but it's just as important. Moisturizers with SPF provide sunscreen protection as well as hydration, making them a time-saving skincare product year-round. Marlowe No. 128 offers the best of both the feel and hydration of a quality facial moisturizer, along with the sun protection of the best sunscreens out there.

Testing Notes: We loved Marlowe's lightweight, non-greasy formula and how quickly it absorbed into our skin. Its blend of nourishing and deeply hydrating ingredients like aloe, green tea and shea butter left our skin feeling smooth, refreshed and simply balanced.

Read More: Best SPF Moisturizers for Winter

You can’t go wrong with a classic, which is why we always come back to this standby from Kiehl’s. It’s creamy but not heavy and suitable for all skin types, even oily skin. It hydrates your skin all day, even in cold weather, but still won’t leave your mug feeling gunky.

Deputy Editor Christian Gollayan has been using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream since 2018, and it has been his go-to moisturizer for traveling. "It moisturizes my skin without breaking out, and it's ultra hydrating without clogging my pores," he says. "That's why it's a great travel moisturizer since it hydrates without irritating in almost any climate I've been in."

Testing notes: In terms of generally all-around perfect everyday moisturizers, this one gets top billing because it just does it all. The cream formula strikes the balance between being lightweight but still super moisturizing and while it looks heavier than many others on this list, we found that it doesn’t feel that way when you’re actually wearing it.

We also found that it’s ideal for colder weather because it’s rich enough to protect your skin from the drying cold air, but not occlusive or greasy like some other heavy moisturizers. And while we feel that it’s suitable for all skin types and for pretty much any climate, if you have especially oily skin, you may want to use only a tiny bit (a little goes a long way with this one).

Patricks is one of the best brands around when it comes to attacking the signs and impact of aging, led by its SH1 signature thickening shampoo. So it came as no surprise when we discovered it also offers the best anti-aging moisturizer. This nifty cream packs loads of skin-boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea, squalane, and vitamin C to minimize wrinkles, brighten skin, support collagen production and enhance skin's elasticity.

Testing Notes: Our testers report that this moisturizer has an unmatched silky smooth application. It glides on and leaves your face feeling soft and youthful throughout the day. Not to mention, it didn't take much time to notice the anti-aging impact, reducing the appearance of fine lines after wearing for only a few days. Only real downside is the size of the bottle (0.27 oz), though it does make it a great option for travel.

This lightweight, non-greasy facial moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, but is specifically designed with oily or acne-prone skin in mind. Its formula includes vitamin E, aloe vera, and glycerin, which help soothe and protect the skin while maintaining moisture balance—and crucially hydrates without clogging pores. With a quick-absorbing application, matte finish and oil-free formula, it's an ideal everyday option for those with naturally oily skin.

Testing Notes: We can confirm the Baxter of California Oil Free Moisturizer absorbs absurdly fast, and doesn't leave any lingering residue or oil, even on sensitive skin. The chamomile and camellia extract (essentially green tea) also helped reduce redness and any inflammation on our faces. Not to mention, it's truly fragrance-free making it perfect for combining with colognes or other fragranced products with the scents clashing.

Typically, the main benefit and difference of a night cream or moisturizer compared to a daily option is that night creams are specifically formulated to work with the skin's natural overnight repair process to provide richer hydration, whereas standard moisturizers are generally lighter and designed for daytime use to maintain skin’s moisture balance.

Harry's Night Lotion, however, offers up the benefits of both in strides. Thanks to ingredients like glycerin and jojoba, Harry's provides deep hydration overnight and replenishes moisture, while its niacinamide also works to improve the skin's texture and soothe irritation.

Testing Notes: Sure, the Harry's Night Lotion bottles are pretty tiny (1.7 oz) but since we found you only really need one or two dabs to cover your entire face, the bottles lasts much longer than its size would suggest. Plus, at under $10 a bottle, you'd be hard-pressed to find a cheaper, more effective option. The only caveat is that it does include some fragrance, it's subtle but could still prove to be an issue for those extra sensitive.

There's no shame in balking at a $85 night cream, but if you can swing the investment, we promise this one's well worth it. Backed by powerful natural ingredients, like Chaga mushroom, acai oil, and raw Manuka honey, this cream not only hydrates and moisturizes skin overnight at an MVP level, but it also helps regenerate skin, boost collagen (a protein that helps maintain the skin's structure and elasticity, aka more youthful), and repair sun damage—all of which makes it a great daily moisturizer, as well.

Testing Notes: Sure, this is technically a night cream, but it's also so much more. In addition to being one of the most luxurious and renewing night moisturizers we've tested, it's also one of the most effective anti-aging products we've tested. With a 10 percent hyaluronic acid formula that's boosted with botanic extracts and a slew of superfoods, it left our skin feeling insanely smooth and looking youthful.

Whether you're battling the signs of aging or a lack of sleep, a solid eye cream can offer invaluable help—and we found Atwater's Eye Moisturizer to be one of the best options available. It’s packed with caffeine, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, to help constrict blood vessels and lessen puffiness and dark circles.

The cream also features a slew of peptides and amino acids that work to stimulate collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is on top of a heavy dose of glycerin to further moisturize under the eye.

Testing Notes: Now, over 30 bucks for half an ounce of cream admittedly seems like a lot of money for a little product, but we found this cream to last long enough that it's well worth the investment. One tiny drip of this cream on the index finger is enough to cover the area under your eyes completely.

Plus, this smaller container size is super convenient for travel, easily fitting in any bag or dopp kit, which is especially useful when the fact that you're jet-lagged or run down from a flight starts to materialize under your eyes.

How Often Should Men Use Moisturizers?

Full stop: Men should moisturize their skin every day, regardless of skin type. "Even oily and acne-prone skin needs the added benefits of a moisturizing product to help regulate sebum production," says Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.

"If you have dry or combination skin, you might find that you should use a moisturizer twice per day–once in your AM routine and once at night."

How to Choose a Daily Face Moisturizer

One of the reasons lots of guys skip the all-important moisturizing step is that they don’t like how they feel. Men, including us, tend to avoid things that leave their skin feeling greasy, oily or filmy—which can make finding a moisturizer tricky. Luckily, moisturizers come in all types, even gel. "Gel moisturizers have a high water content, which is why they can be spread fairly quickly and leave little to no tacky finish," says New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Estee Williams.

Typically, what kind of moisturizer you choose depends on your skin type (reminder: gels are great for oilier skin, while thicker creams are perfect for dry skin), but the most important thing when choosing a moisturizer is finding one you like using every day. If it just sits in your medicine cabinet, it’s not going to do your face any good.

How to Incorporate a Moisturizer Into Your Skincare Routine

A moisturizer should always be the last or second-to-last step in our routine. They’re designed to not only impart hydration to your skin but also lock in the moisture that it already has, as well as the ingredients in any other products you’ve used.

An easy way to remember it is this: No matter how many products you’re using, you want to layer them from thinnest to thickest textures. After cleansing, apply any serums or other thinner products before sealing them all in with your moisturizer. In the morning, you’ll want to top the moisturizer with sunscreen, but at night you can just end with your moisturizer.

Meet the Experts

• Sarah Stierman, M.D, a board-certified dermatologist based in Perrysburg, Ohio.
• Alex Zeitany, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
• Jeremy Brauer, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York.
• Kathleen Joyce, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
• Corey L. Hartman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL
• Jarrod Paul Frank, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York, New York.
• Joshua Zeichner, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, New York.

More of Our Favorite Moisturizers

Moisturizers for Oily Skin | Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin | Moisturizers With SPF | Moisturizers for Combination Skin | Moisturizers for Dry Skin | Body Lotions | Night Creams | Foot Creams | Eye Creams | Best Body Washes for Dry Skin