Best Face Creams for Men

12 Best Face Creams for Men

Here’s our list of the best men’s face moisturizers currently available:

We have always been a fan of the quality products that Jack Black makes.  From their award-winning lip balm to their extraordinarily effective shave lube, you can always expect the products to exceed expectations – and the Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 is no exception.

What is great about this face cream is its versatility.  Whether you have sensitive, dry, normal, or even slightly oily skin, this face cream effectively keeps your face well-nourished and moisturized.

So what makes this face cream so incredibly versatile?

First and foremost, the ingredients contained with the moisturizer are gluten-free, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and certified organic.  Beyond the incredibly non-abrasive ingredients, you will also find that this doubles as a great sun protectant as well – with an SPF 20 rating.

Compatible Skin Types: All

Size: 3.3 oz

SPF Protection: 20

Cetaphil is the #1 Dermatologist Recommended facial skincare brand for a good reason – they make effective and gentle products.  If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a face cream that won’t irritate, then Cetaphil is among the best.  Clinically tested and long-lasting, the water-based formulation will absorb nicely into your skin. In addition, the face cream is free of synthetic fragrances, a common cause of irritation. 

At only 3 oz, you can take this moisturizer with you anywhere.

Compatible Skin Types:  All, Sensitive

Size: 3 oz

SPF Protection: No

If you have extra-dry skin, you know it’s essential to get a face cream loaded with proven humectants.  When reviewing your options, there is none better than the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer Gel-Cream.  With a hyaluronic acid base, a substance that can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, this gel-cream will work hard to restore your skin’s moisture barrier.  

After initial application, expect your skin to look noticeably more hydrated and supple for 48 hours.

Compatible Skin Types: Dry

Size: 1.7 oz

SPF Protection: No

The Anthony Oil Free Facial Lotion leaves a matte finish that works exceptionally well for men with oily skin by relying on a glycerin-base.  Aside from glycerin, the Anthony Oil Free Facial Lotion contains chamomile, ginger, aloe, and mushroom extracts, providing a soothing and calm sensation to the skin while reducing fine lines, crow’s feet, and wrinkles.  

The convenient 3 oz tube design makes the application quick and easy – perfect if you travel or go to the gym.

Compatible Skin Types:  Normal, Oily

Size: 3 oz

SPF Protection: No

A good face lotion for combination skin should be lightweight and effective.  If you are trying to manage combination skin, consider the Brickell Men’s Daily Essential Face Moisturizer.  Made from aloe and jojoba oil, this unscented face cream will absorb nicely into the skin to leave a healthy and soothing finish.

For men who are a bit older, you’ll love the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, which should help reduce some of those premature signs of aging, especially around the mouth and eyes.  Lastly, the moisturizer is made in the USA.

Compatible Skin Types: Combination, All.

Size: 4 oz.

SPF Protection: No

Your skin’s moisture barrier helps to lock in moisture while also protecting you from external elements.  Squalane, derived from olives, mimics the lipids that your skin produces.  When included in a face cream, such as the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, squalane helps deliver oils and nourishment for your skin to look its best.

Made for all skin types, including sensitive skin, the Kiehl’s face cream will deliver moisture for 24 hours.  The formula is paraben, dye, and fragrance-free.  You should also know that Kiehl’s makes a small 1 oz variety, perfect for testing or travel.

Compatible Skin Types:  All

Size: 4.2 oz

SPF Protection: No

There is no beating around the bush – getting old stinks. So, rather than diligently applying a lotion to your face and hoping for the best, we recommend that you consider a proven face cream such as the Hims Anti-Aging Cream.  

Relying on tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A (retinol), this substance will work hard to increase collagen, improve skin elasticity, and erase signs of aging.  You’ll also find niacinamide, and azelaic acid, both of which help firm and tone your skin.

Unlike other face creams on our list, the Hims Anti-Aging Cream does require a prescription.  However, this is relatively easy to obtain by just answering a few quick questions and having a short online consultation with a healthcare provider – all of which is set up effortlessly through the Hims site.

Compatible Skin Types:  All

SPF Protection: No

As you may have caught in our recent review of Bulldog Skincare, we fell in love with their Original Moisturizer.  The velvet-like cream will work smoothly into your skin to provide a more youthful and healthy appearance.

Full of premium ingredients, including aloe, camelina, and green tea, the moisturizer provides exceptional value. However, just because this moisturizer is cheap doesn’t mean that it’s only available in one variety. For example,  Bulldog currently makes moisturizers for sensitive skin, anti-aging, and oil control.

Compatible Skin Types:  All

Size: 3.3 oz

SPF Protection: No

If you are regularly outdoors for a short period and are looking for a face cream that has some SPF protection, then your best bet will be the Aesop Avail Facial Lotion with Sunscreen.  With a sun protection factor rating of 25, it’ll block 96% of UVA and UVB rays.

Made for all skin types, the lightweight and thin Aesop facial lotion will absorb quickly and leave your skin with a matte finish.  Of course, given that Aesop makes this, you can expect uncompromising ingredients and top-notch results.

Compatible Skin Types: All

Size: 1.8 oz

SPF Protection: 25

If you demand the best from your skincare products, then you should consider this face cream by Elemis.  Packed with several natural ingredients, including a green tamanu oil, cactus extract, and more, this moisturizer by Elemis should prove effective in keeping your face looking great.

You can expect this concentrated daily moisturizer to nourish and moisturize your skin quickly.  The balanced formula should make it suitable for all skin types.  However, men with sensitive skin may want to patch test before applying as it does contain several ingredients.

Compatible Skin Types: All, Dry

Size: 1.69 oz

SPF Protection: No

Just because you like naturally-made products doesn’t mean you should settle for poor results.  As we unearthed in our recent review, Ursa Major is a leader in responsibly-made grooming products.  With an aloe, glycerin, and sunflower oil base, we found that their Fortifying Face Balm does an excellent job protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

This face cream absorbs nicely into the skin for hydrated and healthy-looking results with a thin and lightweight body.

Ursa Major is a Certified-B corporation and is located in Vermont.  Lastly, all their products are made in the USA.

Compatible Skin Types:  Normal, Oily

Size: 2.5 oz

SPF Protection: No

During our in-depth review of OffCourt, we discovered that their ​​Protein-Activated Facial Hydrator performed unlike any other face cream on the market. Explicitly designed for post-gym use, the facial hydrator restores lost moisture while also providing a subtle cooling sensation to the skin upon application.

The oil-free and lightweight formula absorbs quickly, even while cooling off after a lengthy spin class.  The 2 oz size can also effortlessly squeeze into your favorite gym bag or Dopp kit.

Compatible Skin Types:  All

Size: 2 oz

SPF Protection: No

5 Considerations before Buying a Face Moisturizer

When buying a new face cream, take a moment to consider the following:

1. Correctly identifying your skin type before purchasing

For effective results, you should buy a face cream made for your skin type.  Here’s what you should be mindful of:

• Oily Sky: Go with a non-comedogenic face cream (doesn’t clog pores).  An oil-free face cream will reduce shine and, in severe cases, acne.   Oils with a high comedogenic rating include coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and marula oil – avoid these ingredients.  Companies sell oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers for this reason.
• Dry Skin:  Should you have dry, ashy, or flaking skin, go with a moisture-rich face cream containing oils and other humectants.  A hydrating-focused moisturizer will alleviate mild irritation, fine lines, and wrinkles resulting from dry skin.
• Normal or Combination Skin:  You’ll want to consider a standard face moisturizer not formulated for a specific skin type.
• Sensitive Skin:  If you have sensitive skin, go with a fragrant-free and delicate moisturizer.  Moisturizers made for sensitive skin will often contain fewer ingredients, lessening the chances of irritation from occurring.

2. Should you get a face cream, gel, moisturizer, lotion, or serum?

Honestly, face creams, gels, moisturizers, lotions, and serums are all effectively the same product, so it doesn’t matter which one you choose.  Nuances on labeling are at the company’s discretion.  Some companies may use words like a serum to convey a more luxurious name – and consequently, a higher price.

3. Should you get a facial moisturizer that contains SPF?

Buying a facial moisturizer with SPF is better than not applying any sunscreen at all.  However, SPF in facial moisturizing products is often diluted.  Additionally, when using face cream, most men will usually apply it much thinner when compared to sunscreen.  

The takeaway: if you are going to be outdoors for an extended period, it’s still best to use sunscreen rather than relying on face cream for protection.

4. The weather may impact your decision

Just because you purchase face cream during the summer months doesn’t mean it will be the best choice for your skin during the winter months.  Climate and humidity can impact the texture of your skin. For example, during dry winter months, a moisture-rich face cream will alleviate dry and chapped skin. However, using this same moisture-rich face cream in the summer may cause an oily and shiny forehead.  The point is, consider the climate where you live when making your decision.

5. Does age matter when buying face cream?

No, age is only a number when it comes to whether or not you should be applying face creams.  However, older men may want anti-aging face creams as they contain substances such as hyaluronic acid, which can hold 1,000 times its weight in water – making it incredibly effective at erasing fine lines and wrinkles.