The 10 Best Moisturizers for Men in 2026, According to Grooming Experts

ProsSuper hydrating Absorbs into skin fast Contains hyaluronic acidFragrance free for those sensitiveConsSilky consistency might not be for those who prefer thicker creamsNeutrogena’s Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer has been in rotation for dermatologist Dr. Alex Zeitany, M.D., since 2015—and it’s the one she consistently recommends to patients looking for serious hydration without the heavy feel. Powered by hyaluronic acid, which holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, this gel delivers a cool, weightless finish while locking in moisture like a pro, according to Dr. Zeitany.I’ve applied this before heading out into serious heat (followed by sunscreen, of course), and my skin was never dry or tight, remaining smooth and hydrated for hours. Add in the fact that it could double as the best budget moisturizer at barely over $25, and it’s hard to find a reason against this ultra-hydrating option.Testing Notes: Like many men, I tend to shy away from moisturizers that leave my skin feeling goopy or greasy, which is why this watery gel rose to the top of the list. The consistency is smooth and silky, and while not completely transparent, it is definitely more of a gel consistency than a cream. It glides onto skin easily and has a slight cooling sensation, but also sinks into your skin quickly without leaving any sort of shine or residue whatsoever.The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, one of the most important ingredients in a moisturizer because it is a humectant—meaning it draws moisture from the air—and even with a formula as lightweight as this, my skin still felt healthy and hydrated hours later.Read More: Best Moisturizers for Dry SkinFeatures at a GlanceSkin TypeAllKey IngredientsHyaluronic acidProsFragrance free for those sensitiveGentle on skinLong lasting effect, can protect skin barrier up to 48 hoursConsOne tester reported it felt overly thick on oily skinAs someone with sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay’s moisturizer is a personal favorite thanks to its calming hydration and formula free from fragrance or harsh additives. Dermatologist Dr. Jeremy Brauer, M.D., also swears by it. He notes its blend of prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin makes it gentle enough for nearly every skin type, while the richer texture works especially well for men’s skin.Testing Notes: I have found that moisturizers designed for sensitive skin can often go overboard on thickness because they’re trying to pack as much moisture into the formula as possible. But as one of the best skincare brands for men with sensitive skin, La Roche-Posay knows better. Out of all the sensitive skin moisturizers I’ve tried, this is the best one for wearing during the day and at night because even though it’s thick, it doesn’t feel heavy on my skin and offers a ton of hydration for how lightweight the formula is.It also heals as well as it hydrates. Within a few days, I noticed red or rough patches on my face smoothing out. Of course, the fragrance-free factor is perfect for sensitive or easily irritated skin, but also for anyone who just doesn’t like fragrance in their products.Read More: Best Moisturizers for Sensitive SkinSkin TypeSensitive to normalKey IngredientsNiacinamide, glycerin, ceramidesAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAbsorbs quickly into skinContains natural skin hydrators aloe vera and shea butterSuper smooth applicationContainer made with at least 50 percent post-customer recycled plasticConsCream is thick so it's easy to over-applySPF Moisturizers provide sunscreen protection as well as hydration, making them a time-saving skincare product year-round. Marlowe No. 128 offers the best of both worlds: the feel and hydration of a quality facial moisturizer, along with the sun protection of the best sunscreens out there. Despite its high level of SPF, it’s non-comedogenic and doesn’t clog pores. Plus, it comes in a container that’s at least 50 percent recycled. I declared it the best SPF moisturizer for a reason.Testing Notes: I love Marlowe's lightweight, non-greasy formula and how quickly it absorbed into our skin. Its blend of nourishing and deeply hydrating ingredients like aloe, green tea, and shea butter leaves skin feeling smooth, refreshed, and balanced. Better yet, it’s only $20, and the tube lasts over a month with daily use.Read More: Marlowe No. 128 Face Lotion Review Skin TypeAllKey IngredientsAloe, green tea, shea butter, vitamin AProsA little goes a long wayLong-lasting Suitable for all skin typesTravel-friendly containerConsOne of the more expensive options on this listThis standby from Kiehl’s is a classic for a reason. It’s creamy but not heavy and suitable for all skin types, even oily skin. It hydrates your skin all day, even in cold weather, but still won’t leave your mug feeling gunky. Style and Reviews Director Christian Gollayan has been using Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream for nearly a decade, and it has been his go-to moisturizer for traveling. "It moisturizes my skin without breaking out, and it's ultra-hydrating without clogging my pores," he says. "That's why it's a great travel moisturizer since it hydrates without irritating in almost any climate I've been in."Testing Notes: In terms of generally all-around perfect everyday moisturizers, this one gets top billing because it just does it all. The cream formula strikes the balance between being lightweight but still super moisturizing, and while it looks heavier than many others on this list, I’ve found that it doesn’t feel that way when you’re wearing it. It’s also ideal for colder weather because it’s rich enough to protect your skin from the drying cold air, but not occlusive or greasy like some other heavy moisturizers. And while it is suitable for all skin types and for pretty much any climate, if you have especially oily skin, you may want to use only a tiny bit (a little goes a long way with this one).Read More: Travel Grooming Essentials Skin TypeAllKey IngredientsSqualaneAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAbsorbs quicklyFragrance-freeSuitable for all skin typesLong lastingConsSome testers found the formula slightly runny when you initially crack the sealThis lightweight, non-greasy facial moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, but is specifically designed with oily or acne-prone skin in mind. Its formula includes vitamin E, aloe vera, and glycerin, which help soothe and protect the skin while maintaining moisture balance and crucially hydrates without clogging pores. With a quick-absorbing application, matte finish, and oil-free formula, it's an ideal everyday option for those with naturally oily skin.Testing Notes: I can confirm that the Baxter of California Oil Free Moisturizer absorbs absurdly fast, and doesn't leave any lingering residue or oil, even on sensitive skin. The chamomile and camellia extract (essentially green tea) also helped reduce redness and any inflammation on my face. Not to mention, it's truly fragrance-free, making it perfect for combining with colognes or other fragranced products without the scents clashing.Read More: Best Moisturizers for Oily SkinSkin TypeAll, especially oilyKey IngredientsVitamin E, glycerin, camellia extract, chamomileProsUnder $10A little goes a long waySmooth application and lasting feelingConsContains hint amounts of fragranceSmall bottle compared to others on this listTypically, the main benefit and difference of a night cream compared to a daily moisturizer is that night creams are specifically formulated to work with the skin's natural overnight repair process to provide richer hydration, whereas standard moisturizers are generally lighter and designed for daytime use to maintain the skin’s moisture balance.Harry's Night Lotion, however, offers up the benefits of both in strides. Thanks to ingredients like glycerin and jojoba, Harry's provides deep hydration overnight and replenishes moisture, while its niacinamide also works to improve the skin's texture and soothe irritation.Testing Notes: Sure, the Harry's Night Lotion bottles are pretty tiny (1.7 oz), but since you only really need one or two dabs to cover your entire face, the bottles last much longer than their size would suggest. Plus, at under $10 a bottle, you'd be hard-pressed to find a cheaper, more effective option. The only caveat is that it does include some fragrance, it's subtle, but could still prove to be an issue for those extra sensitive.Read More: Best Night Creams for MenSkin TypeAllKey IngredientsGlycerin, jojoba, niacinamideAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsTravel-friendly sizeA little goes a long wayHelps combat facial rednessFragrance-freeAccepted by the National Eczema Association and National Rosacea SocietyConsContainer is on the smaller end at 1.8 oz If you’ve ever dealt with facial redness, you’re probably familiar with Tower 28. But the brand has become synonymous with treating inflamed and sensitive skin that’s prone to redness, and this cream is a prime example of why. Backed by hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and lysine, it’s designed specifically for easily irritated skin.The hyaluronic acid draws in and retains moisture, ceramides repair and strengthen the skin barrier, and lysine supports healing and reduces irritation. It’s also completely fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores), so it’s safe for the most sensitive skin. You get all that for under $25.Testing Notes: As a lifelong pasty Irishman, I’ve tested many moisturizers designed for redness. There have been others that effectively battle the issue and calm my skin, but none at this price point. And very few have been this easy to use. While the container is on the smaller size (only 1.86 oz), this stuff is pretty thick. Not in the feels cakey on your face or leaves it greasy sense, but that you only need to use a little to cover everything. I’ll get months out of this tiny tube.Skin TypeSensitive, redness-proneKey IngredientsHyaluronic acid, ceramides, lysineProsOnly $15Silky texture, quick absorption Travel-friendly sizeNon-greasy ConsContainer can sometimes release more than you'd like when you first open itWhen the weather gets warmer, thicker moisturizers are going to feel extra-heavy on your skin. This will not only be uncomfortable, but it can also clog your pores and leave your skin feeling greasy. That’s what makes a gel moisturizer like this one so valuable during the summer. Add in aloe vera and green tea—two of the best ingredients at helping skin recover from sun exposure—and you’ve got yourself the perfect solution to long, sunny days.Testing Notes: As mentioned above, I can get awfully red. This is especially true after extended sun exposure, no matter how diligent I am with sunscreen. Last summer I started using the Versed Dew Point Gel Moisturizer, and it’s been my secret weapon during the warmer months ever since. It feels silky and cooling on my face, absorbing in seconds, while minimizing any inflammation that the daily UVs have created. Plus, it’s under $15, which makes this gel a serious bargain.Read More: What to Bring to the BeachSkin TypeAllKey IngredientsAloe vera, green tea extractAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsUnder $15Great for all skin typesLightweightNon-greasy ConsSmaller container, 1.8 ozA good barrier-supporting cream helps strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier, locking in moisture and defending against environmental stressors to keep skin healthy, hydrated, and resilient. This K-beauty option is the best you’ll find, at less than the cost of a salad in NYC. The formula is backed by ceramide NP, which helps strengthen and repair the moisture barrier, while vitamin B5 (aka panthenol) hydrates and soothes dry or irritated skin. It’s topped off with succinic acid, which promotes a healthier skin environment. All that in a $14 package.Testing Notes: Think of barrier support as essentially your skin’s offensive line, helping to block and protect against outside forces attempting to penetrate your skin. In that sense, this option from Rael proves to be the early 90s Dallas Cowboys—offering Hall of Fame protection. Its Great Wall is boosted by a creamy, quick-absorbing application that leaves my skin feeling smooth and healthy with a clearer complexion.Skin TypeAllKey IngredientsCeramide NP, vitamin B5, succinic acidYou don't need a moisturizer to be 100 percent natural or organic to be effective—some of the most proven skincare ingredients, including ceramides (barrier repair), niacinamide (brightening and redness reduction), glycerin (hydration), and hyaluronic acid (moisture retention), are often lab-made and highly effective at supporting healthy, hydrated skin. But if your skin tends to appreciate more natural formulas, or you want something a bit more environmentally friendly, Jackfir is the ideal choice.It’s boosted by natural skin-loving ingredients like squalane, aloe, mushroom, niacinamide, and vitamin C, creating a lightweight moisturizer that delivers lasting hydration and a healthy skin barrier. It’s even EWG Verified—meaning it’s proven to be transparent with its ingredients—and made with at least 70 percent organic ingredients.Testing Notes: This cream absorbs quickly with no greasy feel and even helps soothe post-shave irritation, not a huge surprise as the brand is responsible for my best overall shave cream. Beyond the soothing feel, it features a relaxing, earthy scent that doesn’t irritate my skin (which can be sensitive to fragrances) and helps support its organic-focused formula.As someone who cares about the planet, I also appreciate that a portion of all Jackfir sales goes toward planting trees. It’s a bit pricier, sure, but this stuff lasts because you only need to use a little at a time to cover your entire face. Using twice-daily i’ll get close to three months out of one tube. When my beard is longer, I can stretch it even further.Read More: Camping Toiletries KitSkin TypeAllKey IngredientsSqualane, aloe, mushroom, niacinamide, vitamin CSean Zucker is the Grooming and Reviews Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck. Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.