The 10 Best Moisturizers for Men

- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
- Dermatologist approved and endorsed by the National Eczema Association
- For very dry or mature skin, formula might be too lightweight
Everybody knows CeraVe. You’ve walked past it at CVS, Walgreens, or whatever your neighborhood drugstore is, a hundred times over. The formula’s as straightforward as it gets—lightweight, oil-free, and quick-absorbing, leaving skin soft and hydrated without clogging pores. No flashy fragrance, no over-hyped star ingredient, just the essentials. It’s built around three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, designed to restore your skin’s protective barrier and lock in hydration. It’s my go-to in a pinch, especially when I’m traveling and forget my usual lineup.
- Non-comedogenic and suitable for oily or combination skin types
- Hyaluronic acid binds moisture and supports hydration
- Gel texture might not be suitable for dry skin
- Contains light fragrance and might not be best for sensitive skin
Another staple in the fluorescent-lit aisles of almost every neighborhood drugstore, Neutrogena is a tried and true brand that delivers. Its Hydro Boost Water Gel is like a tall glass of cold water for the skin: a cooling, lightweight water-gel that glides on and leaves you with plumped, hydrated skin. If you’re looking for a reliable, light-feel daily moisturizer that won’t weigh your skin down or leave you greasy, this one is a smart pick.
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- Lightweight, non-greasy formula suitable for daily use
- Ideal for all skin types
- On the pricier side
I was first introduced to Silver Mirror when I visited its spa for a facial in the past. To finish the treatment, my aesthetician applied the Everyday Cream Moisturizer and I instantly liked it. The texture has a lightweight yet deeply nourishing feel that sinks in quickly without a trace of greasiness.
- Rich yet non-greasy texture absorbs quickly
- Clinically proven to hydrate and improve skin texture
- Vegan, non-GMO, and free from parabens and silicones
- Might be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin types
- Slight fragrance could irritate sensitive skin
Born out of a need to combat Wyoming’s harsh winters, Caldera+Lab was designed to blend nature’s ingredients with cutting-edge science. The Base Layer combines plant stem cells, adaptogens, and potent botanicals into a rich yet non-greasy formula that absorbs quickly, leaving skin hydrated and fortified. Perfect for dry or mature skin—especially in colder climates—it works overtime to smooth fine lines and shield against environmental stressors.
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- Dermatologist-tested and formulated for sensitive and redness-prone skin
- Herbal ingredients deliver proven results
- Rapidly repairs skin's barrier in one hour
- Might be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin types
Shoutout to my ex for putting me on to Dr. Jart+. The Korean skincare brand has long been a go-to for those battling irritated, redness-prone skin, and their Cicapair Sensitive Skin Moisturizer takes it up a notch. Its advanced formulation and rapid results make it a standout in the realm of sensitive skin care, with an advanced Cica Complex and CoolSonic technology that delivers Centella Asiatica (an herbal remedy that’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine) directly to the skin, soothing inflammation and reinforcing the skin barrier. Ideal for sensitive or post-procedure skin, it absorbs quickly without a greasy finish, leaving a calm, hydrated complexion.
- Deeply hydrating yet lightweight + absorbs quickly
- Plumps and firms aging skin with hyaluronic acid + peptide complex
- Higher price point than most daily moisturizers
- Rich formula might not suit oily skin types
Elizabeth Arden is one of those iconic brands you’ve heard of for years (it was founded in 1910 by one of America’s first female entrepreneurs) but somehow, I’d never tried it myself. At a friend’s suggestion, I finally gave it a shot recently, and consider me hooked. Lightweight yet seriously hydrating, it slides on like silk, absorbing fast without leaving a greasy trace. The secret sauce is a cocktail of 5D Hyaluronic Acid, over 16,000 signal peptides, and ceramides, all working together to plump, firm, and strengthen your skin barrier. Perfect especially for anyone chasing anti-aging benefits, it leaves your face with that coveted “just-stepped-out-of-the-spa” glow, no appointment required.
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- Provides 72-hour hydration
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Clinically proven to hydrate 15 layers deep
- If your skin is extra dry, you might want to use this in combination with something else
Kiehl’s is the kind of brand that adds a little extra lift to your routine without breaking the bank—and while some of their products lean pricey, my go-to moisturizer of theirs hits the sweet spot: effective, reliable, and worth every penny. Its fast-absorbing texture works for all skin types, including sensitive skin. This one is a cult-classic for a reason—it's easy and luxe.
- Clinically proven to hydrate and reduce fine lines
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Might not be suitable for dry skin types
- On the pricier side for a daily moisturizer
Much like the sleek, high-performance sports cars that inspired its name, Patrick’s SL1 Superleggera Moisturizer is engineered for precision. Crafted for men with oily or combination skin, this lightweight cream-gel hydrates without adding shine, making it perfect for daily use. Its advanced formula works to hydrate, smooth fine lines, and combat signs of fatigue. The result is a matte, refined finish that keeps skin nourished and polished all day long.
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- High SPF 50 for serious sun defense
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy
- Potent Vitamin C might be too active for very sensitive skin
If your morning routine could use a little multitasking, Murad’s Superactive Brightening Moisturizer SPF 50 has you covered. The lightweight cream hydrates, shields your skin from UV damage, and delivers a hefty dose of vitamin C to fight dullness and dark spots—all in one swipe. It glides on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and leaves a luminous finish without that dreaded white cast, so you can step out looking radiant, not ghostly.
- Restores skin's natural lipid balance
- Dermatologist-approved, science-backed formula
- Supports skin self-repair
- Pricy (but so worth it)
The holy grail: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is formulated to replenish the skin barrier, while boosting hydration, elasticity, and overall texture. Its rich, yet surprisingly lightweight feel melts into the skin and is ideal for all skin types—but especially effective for dry, damaged, or aging skin. People love this one for a reason, it will help you restore smoothness, refining pores, and enhancing overall radiance. 10/10.
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