The Ultimate Guide to Best Face Moisturizers for Men

A good face moisturizer for men is a fundamental essential for men’s grooming.  The problem for most men is that there is a plethora of men’s facial moisturizers to choose from.  You have  everything from drug store brands to premium brands that offers varying benefits. So there are a few things to you need know to figure out which one is the best for you and your skin type. 

Why Face Moisturizers for Men Matter

The skin on your body and face is the largest living organizing on the body.  Your skin is put thru a lot in your day to day living.  The skin’s main function is to protect the body.  The skin acts as a acidic barrier to protect the skin from the elements, infections, as well as help regulate the body’s temperature. Your body produces natural sebum to balance and keep the skin barrier healthy, strong and functioning at it’s optimal.  

man with facial hair using best face moisturizer for men, urth

One of the key functions of a moisturizer is to keep the skin hydrated and moisturize during the course of the day. The skin is put thru a lot and loses it moisture constantly.  Exposure to different factors such as changing temperatures indoor / outdoor, wind, pollutions and sun can all take a toll on the skin’s moisture barrier leaving it dry and vulnerable.  A good face moisturize for men can help hydrate and lock in the moisture protecting it from daily environmental aggressors. It is crucial for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin barrier. 

How to Choose the Best Men's Face Moisturizer for Your Skin Type

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to moisturizers. For the best results, it is essential to  select a men’s face moisturizer that is most suitable for your specific skin type. Here’s are a few things to keep in mind to help you pick the perfect moisturizer for you:

Best Face Moisturizer for Men - Dry Skin

Dry skin is typically characterized by flakiness, roughness, redness, and tightness, so dry skin requires a moisturizer to provide extra nourishment, moisturizing and hydration. Men’s face moisturizers with a richer, cream-based formulas that provide intense hydration, seal and lock in moisture is best for skin that leans on the drier side. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinimide, glycerin, plant extracts and natural oils to replenish moisture, restore and reinforce  the skin's natural barrier.  For severe dryness, opt for moisturizers with dimethicone, a silicone-based ingredient that forms a protective seal over the skin, preventing moisture loss.

Best Face Moisturizer for Men - Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterized by skin that produce excess sebum thru out the course of the day. If you have oily skin, your pores tend to be more visible, you have excess shine on your forehead and nose, you’re more prone to blackheads and acne breakouts. The false conception for oily skin people is that you do not need a moisturizer.  This is false as the right moisturizer can help minimize the excess sebum production while providing hydration keeping the skin barrier healthy.

Oily skin types should look for a lightweight oil-free moisturizer for men and avoid heavy, oil-based formulas that can exacerbate greasiness, clog pores and cause breakouts. Choose an oil-free moisturizing lotions or balms enriched with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which hydrate the skin without being too heavy.  Also look for face moisturizers for men that infuse acne and oil control ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to help combat  and minimize breakouts to keep your skin balanced and complexion clear and healthy. 

Best Face Moisturizer for Men - Sensitive Skin

handsome black man applying best men's face moisturizer, urth

Men with Sensitive skin requires extra care and attention to avoid irritation and allergic skin flare ups.  If you have sensitive skin due to a health related skin conditions such as psoriasis or rosacea, it is best to seek dermatology advice before trying too many products. 

For sensitive skin, opt for a men’s face moisturizer that is hypoallergenic and formulated without common allergens. Cream-based moisturizers are ideal for dry, sensitive skin, while lighter lotions are suitable for normal to oily sensitive skin types. Sensitive skin type should look for a medium weight lotion infused with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, chamomile, niacinamide, green tea, or urea to calm and nourish sensitive skin.

Best Face Moisturizer for Men - Normal Skin

Men with normal skin are blessed with a wide range of moisturizers to choose from.  Normal skin tends to be more balanced and it is neither too oily or dry.  This can change with the seasons and depending on the climate in your region.

A lightweight men’s face moisturizer during the warmer months that is pH balanced (ph range around 5.5 - 6.5)  is usually sufficient to keep your skin hydrated and balanced.  Look for nourishing ingredients to such as vitamin C, urea, glycerine, squalane to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.  During the colder winter months or in harsh weather conditions, consider using a heavier moisturizer to minimize moisture loss and keep your skin nourished, hydrated, and skin barrier strong. 

Best Men's Face Moisturizer - Aging Skin Concerns

Men with aging skin characterized by loss of skin firmness, skin dullness, fine lines and deep wrinkles, moisture loss, rougher skin texture and uneven skin tone or hyperpigmentation.  These are all very normal part of aging for most men.  For aging skin, men should seek out thicker and richer creams or lotions infused with multiple skincare actives to address your specific skin concerns.  Look for active ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, niacinimide and squalene to help combat the effects of aging.  For daytime, look for a moisturizer with SPF along with vitamin C, peptides and niacinimide.  For nighttime, look for the gold standard in nighttime anti-aging Retinol, vitamin C, AHA and Peptides to help revitalize your skin overnight. 

How to Use Men’s Face Moisturizer

Now that you’ve found the perfect men’s face moisturizer for your skin type, lets go thru a quick primer on how to use a face moisturizer. 

  1. Wash your face thoroughly with a best men’s face wash to rinse away dirt, oil, and impurities. Towel off excess water leaving skin slightly moist.
  2. Apply toner or serum before your moisturizer to allow better absorption of active ingredients. 
  3. Take a small amount of moisturizer and gently massage it onto your face and neck using upward, circular motions. This is a good self care opportunity to gently massage the face to increase circulation. 
  4. Make moisturizing a part of your daily morning and nighttime skincare routine, to keep your skin hydrated, healthy and complexion clear.

With the right face moisturizer for men as part of your grooming regimen, you can feel confident and look your best knowing your skin is healthy, hydrated, and ready to take on the daily grind. 

Why Choose urth's Face Moisturizers for Men?

urth's men's face moisturizers for healthy skincare routine

Antioxidant Face ComplexA lightweight and oil-free face moisturizer for men powered by plant-based nourishing and non pore clogging ingredients to moisturize, hydrate and nourish skin.  Infused with shea butter, green tea, bisabolol, and chamomile, it calms redness on face and combats signs of aging.  Glycolic acid and salicylic acid gently exfoliates, balances sebum production and minimizes blackheads on nose for a shine-free and clear complexion.

Face Balm SPF 15 - This nourishing men's face moisturizer protects, revives and hydrates skin for clear complexion while minimizing premature aging caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants. The plant-powered face moisturizer for men is infused with niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ginseng and essential oils to moisturize, replenish and revitalize skin.

urth has curated skin care kits for men to simplify men's skincare routine.  We’ve taken out all the guesswork and created pH smart men's skincare kits to level up skincare routine for men. These botanical powered men’s skin care products are formulated with chamomile, green tea, ginseng and pure essential oils to nourish, hydrate and protect against signs of aging. Perfect for all skin types - including men with sensitive, dry, combo, and oily skin.