This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (2024)

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (1)

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Hydration is an important part of every man's grooming routine. Not only does moisturizer reduce dryness brought on by cold weather or environmental stressors, it can also help to prevent premature skin aging and soothe irritation brought on by face shaving. With so many moisturizers on the market, however, knowing which to pick can be daunting.

Our top picks:

The Good Housekeeping Institute tests and evaluates a massive variety of skincare and personal care products in our Beauty, Healthy & Sustainability Lab, from face washes and serums to acne products and eye creams. The Lab has specifically focused on men's personal care lately, initiating some of its first tests in the domain including deep dives on men's shampoos and deodorants, and an extensive test of men's electric razors.

For its first test of moisturizers for men, the Beauty Lab examined the current marketplace of moisturizers, honing in on those that are specifically marketed toward men or marketed towards both men and women. We considered bestsellers, drugstore favorites and grooming classics. We further narrowed down our list by excluding all moisturizers with SPF from our test, since they're formulated differently and provide less of an apples-to-apples comparison. We tested 10 different moisturizers in our Lab with our Corneometer device (which measures how well they hydrate skin).

Keep reading after our picks to learn more about how our Beauty Lab evaluates men's face moisturizers, what to look for when picking the best moisturizer for you and why you can trust our recommendations.

1

Best Overall Face Moisturizer for Men

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (9)

Cetaphil's ubiquitous moisturizer is a hydration powerhouse: The drugstore moisturizer was the top performer in our six-hour hydration test, increasing skin moisture content by 60.7%, per Corneometer data. That's more than the top-shelf picks on this list, and at 94¢ per fluid ounce, it gives the biggest bang for your buck in terms of hydration.

We loved the pump bottle for hygienic application and appreciated that it's formulated without fragrance or comedogenic ingredients and can be used on body and face. Men with oily skin, however, may find that this formula is too heavy for their needs, and our Lab experts noted this moisturizer doesn't absorb as quickly into the skin as some of the others on this list.

Key IngredientsNiacinamide, Panthenol
Skin TypeDry to Normal, Sensitive

2

Best Value Face Moisturizer for Men

Harry's Hydrating Night Lotion

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (10)

The runner up in our Lab test, Harry's Hydrating Night Lotion boosted skin's moisture by 31.6% over six hours. Coming in at $5.29 per fluid ounce, it's among the more cost-effective moisturizers on our list and the small 1.7 fluid ounce bottle makes it perfect for travel.

Though we loved the lightweight texture of this moisturizer, we had to note its inclusion of fragrance, which means it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Key IngredientsGlycerin, Niacinamide
Skin TypeAll

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3

Best Face Moisturizer for Men with Dry Skin

Oars + Alps Natural Face Moisturizer + Eye Cream

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (11)

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (12)

This multi-purpose moisturizer boasted powerful hydration in our Lab test, increasing skin hydration by 30.4% in six hours, according to our Corneometer data. Lab experts found the formula to feel moisturizing yet light, and were enthused that it was non-irritating when applied to the sensitive under-eye area and even after shaving, making it a great companion for those with drier, irritated skin.

While we found the formula lightweight, we noticed it took a while to absorb into the skin, though it didn't leave a greasy look.

Key IngredientsGlycerin, Shea Butter
Skin TypeAll

4

Best Face Moisturizer for Men with Oily Skin

Kiehl's Since 1851 Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (13)

"Energizing Moisture Treatment" is an apt name for this moisturizer, which claims to tackle both dullness and texture through the inclusion of ascorbyl glucoside (a derivative of vitamin C) and caffeine. We found the cream invigorating to apply, partially due to the inclusion of menthol which imparts its stimulating scent and cooling sensation when applied, though that means it may not be suitable for some with sensitive skin.

Lab experts found that the formula was both lightweight and fast-absorbing, making it a great choice for men with oily skin or those who don't like the feeling of heavier creams on their face. According to our Corneometer data, it increased skin's moisture levels by 23.8% over six hours, meaning you won't trade on hydration for the light texture.

Key IngredientsCaffeine, Ascorbyl Glucoside
Skin TypeAll

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5

Best Face Moisturizer for Men with Sensitive Skin

Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer

The Vitamin E Face Moisturizer is as straightforward as the minimalistic packaging suggests: A quick-absorbing moisturizer that provides decent hydration for all skin types. We loved the amount of reviews for this product boasting about how it was non-irritating for those with sensitive skin despite its pleasant aroma (likely due to the inclusion of apple fruit extract and chamomile oil). Lab experts echoed the sentiment in road tests, saying it didn't irritate skin after shaving and finding the scent faint yet pleasant.

Corneometer data revealed this moisturizer to provide an 18.2% increase in skin hydration over six hours, meaning it isn't the most hydrating on our list, though that much hydration is still a solid amount.

Key IngredientsVitamin E, Glycerin
Skin TypeAll

6

Best Face Moisturizer Cream for Men

Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (16)

For men who want to indulge in a luxurious moisturizer experience, Aesop's Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator makes opulence meet efficacy. The lightweight cream upped skin's moisture levels by 27.7% over six hours in our Lab test, and our experts appreciated the fluffy texture and sophisticated scent.

At $28.57 per fluid ounce, it's the most expensive moisturizer from our latest round of testing, so this fast-absorbing gel cream caters towards men who are willing to splurge for a deluxe morning and nighttime routine.

Key IngredientsGlycerin, Squalene
Skin TypeSensitive

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7

Best Face Moisturizer Gel for Men

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (17)

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (18)

If you find the texture of creams too heavy or are concerned about looking oily throughout the day, a gel moisturizer can help your skin get the hydration it needs without the sticky finish. This ultra-fast absorbing moisturizing gel from CeraVe is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it a great pick for those with acne-prone skin.

In our six-hour hydration test, Corneometer data showed this moisturizer's light consistency doesn't mean it packs less of a hydration punch: It boosted skin's moisture by 29.3%, taking fourth place in our most recent test.

Key IngredientsCeramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide
Skin TypeAll

8

Best Men's Face Moisturizer for Glow

Jackfir The Classic Daily Facial Moisturizer

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (19)

For the ingredient-conscious among us, this moisturizer makes us glow, inside and out. Positioning itself as a clean beauty brand for men, we're impressed with Jackfir's dedication to backing up their claims with certification: The Classic Daily Facial Moisturizer is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, NSF Organic-Certified (meaning more than 70% of its ingredients are organic) and certified vegan by Biorius.

Lab experts enjoyed the rich texture of this face cream, along with the glow it imparted on skin. In our six-hour corneometry study we found it increased skin's moisture content by 19.9%, meaning it wasn't the most hydrating on our list, but it also wasn't the least.

Key IngredientsSqualene, Niacinamide
Skin TypeAll

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How we test the best face moisturizers for men

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (20)

The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab has been testing skincare products like face moisturizers for over 100 years. While the Lab has tested hundreds of moisturizers over the years, this is the Institute's first test of face moisturizers specifically marketed towards men. We evaluated 10 moisturizers in the Lab.

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (21)

To evaluate how well a moisturizer increases the hydration levels of skin, Beauty Lab scientists use a Corneometer (pictured below) to measure the moisture content of skin prior to moisturizer application and after six hours to get a sense of how well the moisturizer performs. Lab experts take notes on the moisturizer's consistency, speed of absorption and formulation. They also examine product claims, certifications and marketing copy for red flags.

In our test, Lab scientists collected over 1,000 Corneometer data points over the course of three weeks.

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What to look for when shopping for men's face moisturizers

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (22)

✔️ Ingredients: Moisturizers frequently contain a mixture of emollients (skin-conditioning ingredients), humectants (ingredients that pull water to the skin surface) and occlusives (ingredients that form a protective barrier over the skin, locking moisture in). Look for moisturizers that include a combination of all of these ingredient categories to reap their individual and combined benefits.

✔️ Skin concerns: Moisturizers can be formulated to tackle concerns based on your skin type, and building the right skincare routine can often involve catering to these concerns. Men with dry skin should look for moisturizers that boast ingredients that can help improve moisture like hyaluronic acid and squalene, while men with oily skin may want to look for moisturizers that are more lightweight.

Men with sensitive skin should look for moisturizers that don't contain fragrance or alcohol and are formulated to be hypoallergenic. "Hypoallergenic" implies that the brand has attempted to omit potential allergens that can cause reactions for some people, though they're not a guarantee that a product is 100% allergy-proof. For these designations, companies often test the product for allergic reactions or sensitivity on volunteers.

✔️ SPF: Sun protection is an important part of every man's skincare routine, though how you integrate it is a personal choice. While moisturizers formulated without SPF (like those on this list) often provide better hydration, the elimination of an extra step of applying a standalone sunscreen by using a moisturizer with SPF can appeal to many men. Whatever you choose, just make sure you're applying it every day!

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (23)

Nikolas Greenwald, a lab assistant in the Good Housekeeping Institute, conducted the research and experimentation for our first ever test of men's moisturizers. With a degree in chemical engineering and years of cosmetic retail experience, he bridges the gap between scientific exploration of men's personal care products with consumer interest and needs. For this story, he spent over 40 hours testing, analyzing formulas and claims, and investigating face moisturizers for men.

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (24)

Nikolas Greenwald

Data Engineer

As a data engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute, Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.

This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (2024)

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