Best Moisturizer for Men [2023]

Moisturizer is an important part of any man's skin care routine. Not only does it keep your skin hydrated, but it also protects against environmental damage and premature aging. With so many moisturizers on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for you. Luckily, Derm for Dudes has done the research and rounded up the best moisturizers for men of all skin types. Whether you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, we've got you covered. So read on to find the best way to keep your skin looking its best.

When it comes to moisturizers for men, there are a few different types to choose from. First up, we've got your basic face moisturizer, which is perfect for everyday use and keeping your skin hydrated. Then there's your body moisturizer, which is great for guys with dry skin all over. And if you're dealing with rough, calloused hands or feet, a heavy-duty moisturizer designed specifically for those areas can work wonders. Additionally, there are oil-free moisturizers that are great for guys with oily skin or prone to breakouts, and there are also moisturizers with SPF for those sunny days. With so many options out there, it's important to find the right moisturizer for your skin type and specific needs.

Oily Skin: When shopping for a mens moisturizer, it's important to consider your skin type. Oily skin can be especially tricky since you don't want to add too much moisture or oil that could cause breakouts. Here are the key attributes to look for when finding the best mens moisturizer for oily skin:

• Lightweight formula: Look for a mens moisturizer with a lightweight and non-greasy formula that won’t clog pores.
• Oil-free: Steer clear of mens moisturizers with heavy oils like petroleum, mineral oil, and lanolin as they can increase shine and contribute to more breakouts.
• Mattifying ingredients: Look for mens moisturizers that contain mattifying, oil-absorbing ingredients like salicylic acid and Tea Tree Oil to help minimize shine.
• Anti-aging benefits: Oily skin can still benefit from anti-aging formulations like mens moisturizer with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Retinol which can help protect against sun damage and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Dry Skin: Men with dry skin should look for mens moisturizers that are specially formulated to hydrate and nourish the skin while protecting against environmental damage. Look for mens moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter and antioxidants to help keep the skin healthy and protected from external aging factors such as UV rays. Additionally, look for mens moisturizers that are fragrance-free or lightly scented as these may be less irritating on sensitive skin. Lastly, men with dry skin should opt for mens moisturizers that come in a cream form instead of gels or lotions.

Acne Prone Skin: Men with acne-prone skin should look for a daily men's moisturizer that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores and cause breakouts. Here are some other factors to consider:

• Lightweight and oil-free: Men with acne-prone skin should look for a moisturizer that is lightweight and oil-free, as heavier formulas can clog pores and contribute to breakouts.
• Hydrating: Acne-prone skin can be dry and flaky, so it's important to choose a moisturizer that will hydrate the skin without causing breakouts.
• Contains acne-fighting ingredients: Ingredients such as salicylic acid, tea tree oil, or benzoyl peroxide can help to unclog pores and reduce the appearance of acne.
• Non-irritating: Men with acne-prone skin should look for a moisturizer that is gentle and non-irritating, as harsh ingredients can worsen acne and cause skin irritation.
• Fragrance-free: Fragrances can be irritating to the skin and contribute to breakouts, so it's best to choose a fragrance-free moisturizer.

It's also important to note that a men's moisturizer with SPF is a good choice for men with acne-prone skin, as it provides sun protection and can help to prevent future breakouts.

Sensitive Skin: Men with sensitive skin should look for a daily men's moisturizer that is gentle, non-irritating, and free of harsh ingredients that could cause a reaction. Here are some other factors to consider:

• Fragrance-free: Fragrances can be irritating to sensitive skin, so it's best to choose a fragrance-free moisturizer.
• Hypoallergenic: Look for a moisturizer that is labeled as hypoallergenic, as this means it has been tested to be non-irritating.
• Gentle ingredients: Ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea can be soothing to sensitive skin.
• Non-comedogenic: Sensitive skin can also be prone to breakouts, so choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't clog pores.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can be drying and irritating to sensitive skin, so look for a moisturizer that does not contain alcohol.

Men tend to be more prone than women to having dry, irritated skin due to shaving and sun exposure. A mens moisturizer can help prevent and reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. It can also protect your skin from environmental elements like harsh weather conditions, dirt, pollution and the sun’s damaging UV rays. Moisturizers are especially important for men during the winter months when cold temperatures combined with low humidity levels can make skin even drier.

• Wrinkles: Wrinkles are a common sign of aging, and men’s skin is no exception. The most predominant causes of wrinkles in men’s skin are stress, environmental factors, and the natural aging process. Stress can cause wrinkles to form in many ways, such as repetitive facial expressions like squinting or frowning. Environmental factors such as sun exposure, pollution, and even smoking can also damage collagen in the skin leading to the formation of wrinkles. Additionally, the natural aging process involves a breakdown in collagen production and elasticity, making skin more prone to wrinkles.
• Fine lines: Fine lines in men's skin are caused by a variety of factors, ranging from genetics to lifestyle and environmental influence. Age is the primary factor in the development of fine lines, as our skin's natural ability to produce collagen and elastin diminishes over time. Sun exposure can also cause fine lines, as UV rays break down the skin's protective barrier and lead to damage. In addition to these factors, men can develop fine lines from dehydration, poor nutrition, stress, and lack of exercise. Taking proper care of your skin through healthy lifestyle choices and using protective skincare products can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and keep skin looking younger for longer.
• Age spots: Age spots are a common phenomenon in men’s skin that can be caused by a variety of factors. Sun exposure is one of the most significant causes of age spots in men. Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage skin cells and cause them to become discolored. Other causes of age spots in men’s skin include smoking, certain medications, and genetics. Poor diet and health can also contribute to the development of age spots.
• Dry skin: Dry skin in men is usually caused by environmental factors, such as cold weather and low humidity. Other causes include stress, hormonal changes due to aging and certain medications. Skin can also become dry when it's exposed to harsh soaps or chemicals, including those found in detergents, lotions and perfumes. Additionally, dry skin can be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as eczema or psoriasis.
• Sun damage: Well, the sun! To be more clear, the main cause is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays are released naturally by the sun, and can cause a variety of skin issues such as premature aging, wrinkles, and sunburns. Additionally, too much sun exposure can lead to long-term health risks such as skin cancer and eye damage. Men’s skin is particularly vulnerable, since it is more prone to sun damage than women’s skin.

• SPF: SPF, or sun protection factor, is important to include in mens moisturizers. While mens skin doesn't require much more protection than women’s skin, it still should be protected from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. SPF helps protect skin from sunburns and long-term skin damage such as wrinkles and premature aging.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is an important component in mens moisturizer, as it can help hydrate skin and reduce the signs of aging. It is a natural substance that occurs naturally in our skin and helps to retain moisture, making it an ideal agent for anti-aging benefits. Hyaluronic acid also encourages skin cell regeneration, which means that mens moisturizers containing this ingredient can leave your skin looking young and healthy.
• Octinoxate: Octinoxate is an important ingredient found in mens moisturizers. It helps protect the skin from UV rays, and can also help to reduce signs of aging. This versatile ingredient can block up to 97% of UVA and UVB radiation from the sun, making it a great choice for mens skin that often gets more sun exposure than other skin types. Octinoxate also helps improve skin tone and texture, as well as reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, helping reduce redness and irritation caused by environmental factors such as wind or cold weather.
• Retinol: Retinol is an important skin-care ingredient that can be found in mens moisturizers. It belongs to a family of compounds known as retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. Retinol has been scientifically proven to help reduce wrinkles, age spots and other signs of aging. Additionally, it helps stimulate collagen production, allowing the skin to remain healthy and youthful looking. Retinol also helps speed up cell turnover to prevent acne and improve clarity and texture in the skin.

Moisturizers are a necessary component of any man’s grooming routine. Whether you're looking for basic hydration or targeting specific skin concerns, there's a product on the market that can meet your needs. It's important to remember that each individual's skin is unique and should be treated accordingly — when selecting the right moisturizer for you, consider your skin type and any specific needs. With the right product in hand, you’ll be well on your way to achieving healthier, better-looking skin.