As men, we can often underestimate the daily strain we place on our facial skin. Whether we’re pulling razors across our jawlines, soaking up a bit of evening sun or tackling an early morning after a late-night, staving away the effects of dryness with a good moisturiser is imperative if you want to stay looking fresh and hydrated.
To truly get the most out of your daily moisturiser, you’ll need to understand a little about which category your skin falls into to get the best results. In general, there are four – oily, dry, sensitive and normal. Oily skin tends to be shiny or greasy whilst dry skin can be rough and flaky in places. Sensitive skin reacts badly to chemicals and scents, and normal skin should show less visible signs of dehydration, whilst responding positively to a broader range of ingredients.
Choosing the right type of product for your skin has a positive effect on both your immediate and long term appearance, so you’ll want to invest in quality over quantity at all times. Here we’ll look at some of the best men’s moisturisers on the market at the moment, what makes them stand out from the rest, and why spending a few extra dollars on superior products makes more sense.
Patricks - AM1
You might associate Patricks more with quality hair products rather than face creams, but their AM1 moisturiser has been causing a stir worldwide. This 100% vegan skin tonic is rich in Vitamin C & D which helps regenerate your skin’s natural state, by repairing damaged cells. It also contains Creatine and Squalene which improves overall elasticity for excellent anti-ageing. This highly concentrated formula is made to last and only requires two small pumps, morning and night, for full 24-hour protection.
Aēsop - Camellia Nut Cream
There isn’t a myriad of creams on the market that are suitable for all types of skin, but Aēsop’s Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream has found that balance. Made using a blend of Coconut, Macadamia seed oil and Root Extracts, its rich consistency absorbs quickly and deeply into your skin for maximum hydration and smooth matte finish. It also has A floral, nutty scent that helps you start and end your day on a fresh and positive note.
Sisley Paris - Sisleÿum
Imagine everything that might harm your skin. Shaving, cold weather, stress, pollution. Now imagine one single product that you can use to combat all those things at once - and we start to understand why Sisleÿum has become the go-to moisturiser for knowledgable men. Available for either dry or normal skin types and made using an expert range of herbs and extracts such as White Horehound, Shea Butter and Malachite, it soothes, nourishes and reinforces your skin with flawless results.
Perricone MD - Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer
Dr Nicolas Perricone has become renowned around the world as an innovative anti-ageing expert, creating products that eliminate wrinkles by reducing inflammation in your skin. His Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer goes deeper for extra hydration and radiance. Its formula contains Vitamin E, DMEA and Kukui Nut seed oil that combine to combat toxins and enhance overall hydration. Made to be used twice a day, this advanced lotion will keep you looking lively whether you're leaving the house or the office.
MenScience - Advanced Face Lotion
Set up in 2004, MenScience came onto the market with a simple manifesto - to transform the way men consider and care for their skin. Their Advanced Face Lotion is an ultra-light solution to be used daily, formulated with water-binding agents filled with Vitamins, Antioxidants and Hydrants. It keeps your skin feeling firm, fresh and elasticated whilst reducing fine lines for total confidence. It even takes the sting away post-shave without leaving any type of residue.
Lab Series - BB Tinted Moisture SPF 35
BB Tinted Moisture from Lab Series is a multi-functional, corrective moisturiser that adjusts your skin tone, removing dullness and dark circles. Made for all skin types, it can be applied twice a day to heighten your overall look whilst refining lines and sagging. SPF 35 combats the effects of UV rays and reduces premature ageing during the hotter days. It also firms your skin and refines your pores, making it the perfect solution for a consistent complexion.
La Mer - Creme De La Mer
When Dr Max Huber suffered burns in a science accident, he dedicated the following 12 years of his career into producing a ‘Miracle Broth’, using Kelp from the surrounding seas of Vancouver, Canada. This broth is the base for Creme De La Mere (Cream Of The Sea), a cream that eventually transformed the look of his burnt, dry skin. Now a luxury product used by people all over the world thanks to it’s deep, soothing properties, it’s the perfect remedy for a wide range of skin imperfections.
Kiehl’s - Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment
Made to neutralise skin damage and stimulate your skin, Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Moisture Treatment energises your appearance, even when you feel a little tired and rundown. They use both Caffeine and Vitamin E to great effect, invigorating your skin to leave you looking and feeling on top of your game. It’s also infused with a Chestnut Extract that carries antibacterial and anti-viral properties, for those prone to blemishes and acne.
Jack Black - Double Duty Face Moisturiser
Double Duty by name, double duty by nature, this moisturiser from men's grooming specialist Jack Black combines the hydrating properties of a moisturiser, with a Sun Protection Factor of 20 to help prevent against damage received by sunlight.
Suitable for all skin types, this moisturiser is designed to improve your skin's overall appearance, which will remain for years to come thanks to the defence against premature ageing afforded by the UV protection.
Hunter Lab - Daily Face Fuel
Hunter Lab creates some of the best quality skincare products made in Australia. Their Daily Face Fuel fights premature ageing whilst replenishing your skin using creams infused with both Macadamia and Passionfruit seed oils. The results help restore fine lines and brighten up your overall look, providing the essential nutrients needed to complement a busy lifestyle. It’s perfect for normal to dry skin and can be used by Gents of all ages.
Anthony - All Purpose Facial Moisturiser
Anthony Sosnick set out to change the world of men’s skincare back in 2000, spotting a gaping hole in the market in his native NYC. One of the most successful products in his current line is the All-Purpose Facial Moisturiser, which uses Sugar, Orange and Lemon extract to help erase and protect against lines. Add to that Vitamins A, C and E to nourish and protect your skin, and we can see why Anthony has been the go-to brand for American men for close to 20 years.
Hims - Everyday Moisturiser
If you’re searching for a general moisturiser to keep you looking on form all day every day, check out the Everyday Moisturiser from hims. Many men only have to worry about hydration, as opposed to lines and greasy shine. This is a great option for those lucky folks, who also want to keep their skin in good condition and stop early onset lines and general fatigue. Perfect to slap on in the morning, after a workout or before bed - and made to keep dryness at bay.
Grown Alchemist - Hydra Repair
Botanical skincare giant Grown Alchemist have been pioneering natural, organic and clinically proven formulas for over 10 years. Used by both men and women alike, their Hydra Repair cream works to rebalance your skin’s sebum, which is often the cause a greasy and unflattering shine. This green beauty product is perfect for normal to dry skin and can be applied to the face and neck daily, improving elasticity with a smooth and comfortable feel after use.
Le Labo - Face Lotion
Luxury perfume brand Le Labo was set up in New York back in 2006 and has since gone on to become a cult brand for those firmly in the know. Their plant-based, paraben-free face lotion is scented with Bergamot, Lavender and Tonka Bean for premium freshness after use. They have produced this lightweight cream using a blend of natural oils and extracts that leave you feeling hydrated without irritating your pores. It’s also 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Doers Of London - Hydrating Face Cream
Doers Of London like to get straight to the point, offering premium products without the fluff of a luxury brand. Created using only natural and organic products that are both dermatologically and nickel tested, their Hydrating Face Cream is perfect for those with normal, dry and sensitive skin. Green Tea Extract and Vitamin E properties work against inflammation and renew skin cells, whilst Omega-3 fats protect your skin from the daily grind. Great value for a well-made product.
Dermalogica - Active Moist
Back in 1986, Jane Wurwand setup Dermalogica to create a range of skincare products that reduce skin inflammation by avoiding the use of known irritants. At the time it was considered groundbreaking, and her research and innovations are now seen as commonplace in today’s market. Derlmalogica’s Active Moist is perfect for ageing skin, light lines and loss of firmness. Main ingredients such as Hyaluronic and Amino acids are naturally found in our bodies, and help relieve dryness whilst promoting healthy elasticity.
Clinique For Men - Moisturising Lotion
Clinique was the first allergy tested and dermatologist-driven skincare label when it launched in 1968 at Sak's Fifth Avenue in New York. Developed and created by Evelyn Lauder alongside mother-in-law Estée, the brand can now be found almost everywhere in the world. The dedicated men's range is designed to be equally as high-performing as its women's counterpart, and with this Moisturizing Lotion working to hydrate normal and dry skin to a deep, deep level. Can be applied day and night to promote replenished and smooth skin, and while it may be a little pricier than some, it's the result of high-quality ingredients and dermatological knowhow.
Baxter Of California - Oil Free Moisturiser
As useful for protection against UV rays as it is a nighttime hydrator, Baxter Of California’s Oil Free Moisturiser is perfect for any time of day. Made using Hydrating Glycerin and Vitamin E to hold in moisture whilst strengthening the skin, it’s also easy to apply and leaves no unwanted oily residue. As effective as it is competitively priced, it’s a great introduction to men’s moisturisers if you haven’t already been won over by the benefits.
Alder New York - Everyday Face Moisturiser
Living in the city is part and parcel of life for the modern-day man, but the damage urban pollution has on our skin should never be taken lightly. Huckberry’s exquisite Everyday Face Moisture works perfectly to combat these effects with a range of natural hydrants that withstand daily pollutants. Using a mix of Hyaluronan, Vitamin C and Aloe Vera, it naturally plumps your skin, eliminating dullness and the effects of fatigue - meaning you’ll stay looking spritely and energised every day.