10 Best Face Moisturizers for Men in 2026: Tested at 52
Post updated: 6th of September 2026
At 52, moisturizer is one step in my skincare routine that I never skip. My skin is naturally drier than it used to be, and I can tell the difference very quickly when a moisturizer isn't doing enough.
I've been testing men's skincare since 2013, and every moisturizer in this guide is one I've actually used on my own face. Some are rich creams that work particularly well for mature or dry skin, while others are lighter and better suited to oily, sensitive or combination skin.
What matters to me is fairly simple: a moisturizer should feel comfortable, absorb properly and keep my skin hydrated without leaving it greasy or heavy. I also want something that fits easily into a normal morning routine rather than turning skincare into a complicated process.
These are the 10 face moisturizers for men that have impressed me most, along with where I think each one works best.
How I Tested These Face Moisturizers
Every moisturizer in this guide has actually been used on my own skin.
For most of them, I used the product for at least 30 days as part of my normal routine. A few are products I used in previous years but remember well enough to compare confidently with newer ones.
I usually apply moisturizer in the morning after cleansing and then pay attention to how it feels through the day.
I look mainly at texture, absorption, hydration, finish and overall skin comfort. Because I keep a short stubble beard, I also regularly apply moisturizer around my freshly shaved neckline and cheek line.
At 52, I naturally notice dryness and fine lines more than I used to, so I also pay attention to whether a product keeps my skin comfortable and looking healthier over time.
Some products were sent to me for review and others I bought myself. None of the brands had any say in the rankings or conclusions.
| My Pick | Face Moisturizer | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| My Favourite | Brickell Resurfacing Anti-Aging Cream | Mature & dry skin |
| Premium Anti-Aging | Kiehl's Age Defender Face Cream | Dry & mature skin |
| Oily Skin | Baxter of California Oil Free Moisturizer | Oily & combination skin |
| Simple Routine | Particle Face Cream | Low-maintenance skincare |
| With SPF | Horace Mattifying Face Moisturizer SPF 30 | Daily sun protection |
| Lightweight | Clarins Men Super Moisture Balm | Normal & combination skin |
| All-Day Hydration | Manscaped Face Moisturizer | Normal to dry skin |
| Dry Skin | Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer | Richer daily hydration |
| Sensitive Skin | Jackfir Daily Facial Moisturizer | Sensitive & reactive skin |
| Post-Shave | Supply Multi-Purpose Moisturizer | Freshly shaved skin |
1. Brickell Resurfacing Anti-Aging Cream — The One I Reach For Most Mornings
Brickell Resurfacing Anti-Aging Cream — the one I reach for most mornings.
Best for: Mature or dry skin, especially if you want a richer anti-aging moisturizer
This is the moisturizer on my shelf that runs out fastest, which probably tells you more than any score could.
The Brickell Resurfacing Anti-Aging Cream is a proper cream. You can feel the richness as soon as you apply it, but on my skin it never feels greasy or overly heavy. I usually put it on in the morning after cleansing, then let it settle while I make coffee.
What I like most is the combination of hydration and the way my skin looks after using it consistently. At 52, dryness can make fine lines around my forehead and eyes look more obvious, and this is one of those creams that makes my skin look smoother, more comfortable and generally less tired.
The current formula is built around vitamin C, MSM and borage oil. I'm not going to pretend I can feel each ingredient working, but the combination clearly does something right — the hydration lasts, and my skin looks smoother with regular use.
I wouldn't expect any moisturizer to make you look ten years younger, and I don't think that's a useful way to judge one anyway. What I want is skin that feels properly hydrated and looks healthier, and this consistently delivers that for me.
The texture is richer than most of the moisturizers in this guide, so it won't suit everyone. If your skin is very oily or you dislike creams with a bit of weight to them, there are lighter options further down the list.
What I love: Rich without feeling greasy, excellent hydration, and my skin looks smoother and more comfortable with regular use.
What to watch: The texture is quite substantial, and it sits at the more expensive end of the products in this guide.
2. Kiehl's Age Defender Face Cream — A Premium Anti-Aging Cream I'd Happily Use Again
Best for: Mature or dry skin, especially if you want a richer anti-aging moisturizer
I used Kiehl's Age Defender Face Cream in the past, and it is still one of the men's moisturizers I remember particularly well because I genuinely loved using it.
This is a rich, substantial cream with a very premium feel to it. On my skin, it kept my face properly moisturized throughout the day without needing to reapply, and I always liked the way it felt as soon as I put it on.
The formula is built around LHA, linseed extract and caffeine. Kiehl's uses LHA to gently exfoliate and smooth the skin, while linseed extract is included to help improve the look of firmness and fine lines. Caffeine is there to help with dullness and give the skin a more energized look.
As for the ingredients, I don't test skincare in a lab. What I can tell you is that the combination clearly worked for me — my skin felt smooth, well hydrated, and comfortable for hours after application.
It also comes with a premium price tag, so I wouldn't recommend it to everyone.
If you're in your 20s or early 30s and simply need a good everyday moisturizer, I think this is probably more than you need. There are lighter and less expensive options in this guide that make much more sense for straightforward daily hydration.
But if you're getting older, your skin is becoming drier, or you're specifically looking for an anti-aging face cream rather than a basic moisturizer, Kiehl's Age Defender starts to make much more sense.
For the right person, I think it is worth the money. It feels luxurious, keeps the skin comfortable all day and has the sort of rich texture I now appreciate much more than I would have twenty years ago.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely — particularly during colder months or whenever my skin needs something richer.
What I love: Rich, comfortable texture, long-lasting hydration and a genuinely premium feel.
What to watch: Expensive, and probably overkill if you're younger or simply looking for a basic daily moisturizer.
3. Particle Face Cream — Best for Keeping Things Simple
Particle Face Cream — a genuine 6-in-1 solution for men who want one product that does it all
Best for: Men who want one easy cream instead of a multi-step skincare routine
Particle has always understood something about men's skincare: a lot of men simply don't want five different products on the bathroom shelf. They want one cream that covers the basics and is easy to use every morning.
That's exactly where Particle Face Cream works well.
The formula is designed as a 6-in-1 product, combining hydration with anti-aging and skin-soothing benefits. It contains ingredients including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane and acetyl hexapeptide-8, so there is more going on here than with a basic daily moisturizer.
On my skin, the texture was smooth, easy to spread and absorbed without leaving a heavy finish. With regular use, my skin felt better hydrated and looked more even overall.
What I like most about Particle is convenience. It doesn't ask you to build a complicated routine around it. You cleanse your face, apply the cream, and you're done.
That simplicity is also the reason I wouldn't put it above some of the more specialised products in this guide. If I specifically wanted a richer anti-aging cream, I'd choose Brickell or Kiehl's. If I wanted daily SPF, I'd choose Horace.
Particle's strength is that it does several things reasonably well in one product.
I wouldn't expect it to replace a dedicated eye cream if eye bags or fine lines around the eyes are your main concern, but for a man who wants a straightforward morning routine with one good moisturizer, it makes a lot of sense.
What I love: Smooth texture, easy to use, good hydration and genuinely useful if you want to keep your skincare routine simple.
What to watch: It is more of an all-rounder than a specialist. If you have one very specific concern, there may be a better option elsewhere in this guide.
4. Horace Mattifying Face Moisturizer SPF 30 — The SPF Moisturizer I Actually Enjoy Using
Horace SPF 30 — the face moisturizer that finally made me stop avoiding SPF every morning
Best for: Normal to oily skin and anyone who wants daily SPF without a greasy or shiny finish
I'll admit it: I've never naturally enjoyed SPF moisturizers.
Too sticky, too shiny, too much white residue — and I really dislike that typical sun cream smell. For years, those were exactly the reasons I wasn't as consistent with SPF on my face as I should have been.
The Horace Mattifying Face Moisturizer SPF 30 is one of the few that changed that for me.
It feels much more like a normal face moisturizer than a traditional sunscreen. The texture is light, it absorbs quickly, and on my skin it leaves no white cast or greasy finish. It's also unscented, which I really appreciate.
Horace uses organic UVA and UVB filters for the SPF 30 protection, along with karanja oil and saccharide isomerate for hydration, plus silica and exopolysaccharides to help control excess shine. There's also aloe vera in the formula.
What matters most to me, though, is that I'm happy to put it on. An SPF moisturizer can have an impressive formula, but if you dislike wearing it and keep leaving it in the bathroom cabinet, that doesn't help very much.
The mattifying finish makes this particularly good if your skin tends to become oily during the day. I've also had no problems with spots or irritation while using it.
You are slightly more aware of it on the skin than you would be with a very light moisturizer without SPF, but for me that is a small compromise for having hydration and daily sun protection in one easy step.
What I love: No traditional sunscreen smell, no white cast, a genuinely matte finish and an SPF texture I actually enjoy wearing.
What to watch: It feels slightly more present on the skin than a moisturizer without SPF, and if your skin is very dry you may prefer something richer.
5. Clarins Men Super Moisture Balm — Lightweight Feel, Proper Hydration
Clarins Men Super Moisture Balm — a small amount is genuinely all you need
Best for: Men who dislike heavy creams but still want lasting hydration
My wife bought me a Clarins Men advent calendar last Christmas, and this was one of the products inside. I first used the Clarins Men Super Moisture Balm one morning when I'd run out of my usual cream and grabbed it without thinking.
That turned out to be a very good morning.
What surprised me most was how comfortable it felt. Despite being called a balm, it doesn't sit heavily on my skin. It spreads easily, absorbs well and gives me the sort of hydration I normally associate with much richer creams.
A lot of lightweight moisturizers feel great when you first apply them, but by lunchtime my skin can start feeling dry again. I found this one held up much better through the day.
The formula includes glycerin and sesame oil, along with Clarins extracts like leaf of life and houseleek. I won't claim to feel each ingredient doing its job, but the overall result is clear — hydration that actually lasts.
What matters more to me is how it behaves in real life. My skin feels fresh and comfortable without looking greasy or feeling coated, and I can apply it in the morning and forget about it.
It also has that classic Clarins feel to it. The scent is noticeable, but I personally like it — it makes the product feel a little more luxurious without turning the morning routine into anything complicated.
This isn't the moisturizer I'd choose if anti-aging were my main priority. Brickell and Kiehl's are stronger options for that. But as an everyday moisturizer that combines a lighter feel with proper hydration, I think the Clarins is excellent.
If you've tried face creams before and thought, "I really don't like this sitting on my skin," this is one I'd seriously consider.
What I love: Comfortable texture, absorbs well, hydrates better than many lighter-feeling moisturizers and has a genuinely premium feel.
What to watch: The fragrance may be too noticeable if you prefer completely fragrance-free skincare, and it isn't a specialist anti-aging treatment.
6. Baxter of California Oil Free Moisturizer — A Great Choice for Younger or Oily Skin
Best for: Oily or combination skin, younger skin, and men who prefer a lightweight daily moisturizer
I've used the Baxter of California Oil Free Moisturizer in the past and really liked it.
I'm already a big fan of Baxter's hair products, and this moisturizer follows the same pattern for me: simple, well made and easy to use.
The texture is one of its strongest points. It is lightweight, absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling nicely moisturized without any greasy finish. Baxter also uses ingredients such as aloe vera, chamomile and green tea extract, which fit well with the product's straightforward, soothing approach.
On my skin, though, the hydration didn't quite last all day.
I don't see that as a problem with the product. My skin at 52 is naturally drier and simply needs something richer now. For someone with oilier skin, combination skin or younger skin, I actually think that lighter feel could be exactly the advantage.
This is the sort of moisturizer I would happily recommend to my 17-year-old son. It gives you proper daily hydration without feeling heavy, complicated or overly rich.
If you are in your 20s or early 30s and just want a good everyday face moisturizer, this makes much more sense to me than jumping straight into a thick anti-aging cream.
What I love: The texture — light, quick, no residue.
What to watch: On drier or more mature skin, the hydration may not last quite as long as a richer cream.
7. Manscaped Face Moisturizer — Rich Hydration Without the Greasy Finish
Best for: Normal to dry skin, especially if you want a richer daily moisturizer that still feels clean on the face
I tested the Manscaped Face Moisturizer as part of the brand's Skin Ultra skincare range, and it turned out to be one of the stronger products in the line for me.
The consistency is on the richer side, which I personally prefer. At 52, my skin needs more hydration than it used to, and I find this kind of cream much more satisfying than a very light or watery moisturizer.
On my skin, it kept that comfortable, moisturized feeling going through most of the day without leaving a greasy shine.
The formula includes hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, vitamin E and shea butter. Manscaped specifically positions it around all-day hydration and a non-greasy finish, which lines up quite closely with my own experience.
I also like the scent. It has the same fresh green and light woods profile used across the Skin Ultra range, and I find it subtle enough for a morning routine rather than overpowering.
When I used it with the Skin Ultra serum underneath, my skin felt smoother, brighter and less dry after about a week. I wouldn't choose it as a specialist anti-aging treatment in the same way I would Brickell or Kiehl's, but that isn't really the point of this product.
As a dependable daily moisturizer, it does its job very well.
What I love: The balance — rich enough to hydrate properly, but still clean on the skin.
What to watch: It may feel a little too rich if your skin is very oily, and it isn't the strongest option here if anti-aging is your main priority.
8. Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer — Good Value With a Richer Feel
Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer — made in NYC, seaweed extract and mango seed butter, and one of the thicker creams on this list
Best for: Normal to dry skin, especially if you want a straightforward moisturizer without a luxury price tag
Blu Atlas was one of the first US skincare brands I worked with, and I’ve always liked its general approach: simple formulas, sensible pricing and products that are easy to fit into a normal routine.
The Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer has a richer consistency than you might expect at this price. You definitely know you’ve applied something, but on my skin it absorbed well without leaving a greasy layer.
The current formula is quite short and is built around mango seed butter, moringa oil, seaweed extract and a stable form of vitamin C. Blu Atlas currently lists just nine ingredients in total, which keeps the formula refreshingly straightforward.
What I noticed most with regular use was that my skin looked a little brighter and less dull. I wouldn’t describe the change as dramatic, but after a few weeks my face looked more even and generally healthier.
The hydration was good too. It felt substantial enough for my skin without becoming heavy, although if your skin is very oily I think you may prefer something lighter like the Baxter of California moisturizer higher up this list.
For the money, I think Blu Atlas performs very well. It gives you the feel of a proper moisturizer without pushing into premium pricing.
What I love: Richer texture, good hydration, absorbs well and offers very good value.
What to watch: It may feel a little too substantial if your skin is oily, and the packaging is more practical than luxurious.
9. Jackfir Daily Facial Moisturizer — A Calm, Lightweight Option for Sensitive Skin
The Jackfir range — small, focused, and built on a genuine obsession with natural skincare
Best for: Sensitive or reactive skin, especially if you prefer a lighter daily moisturizer
Jackfir is not trying to be the most aggressive anti-aging product in this guide, and I actually think that is part of its appeal.
The Jackfir Daily Facial Moisturizer is much more about comfortable, dependable hydration. On my skin, the texture felt smooth and light, with no greasy finish or tacky residue.
What I appreciated most was how calm my skin felt while using it. I did not notice redness, tightness or irritation, which makes this one of the products I would look at first if your skin is easily upset by heavier creams or more active formulas.
The formula includes squalane, snow mushroom and moringa seed oil, along with ingredients such as niacinamide and aloe. Jackfir also carries an impressive set of certifications: the moisturizer is EWG Verified, contains at least 70% organic ingredients, and is certified vegan, GMO free and Leaping Bunny cruelty free.
I would not choose it over Brickell or Kiehl's if my main concern was visible signs of aging. Jackfir feels more like the moisturizer you reach for when you want your skin to stay comfortable and hydrated without asking too much of it.
That makes it a very good everyday option, particularly if your skin tends to react badly to richer or more heavily fragranced products.
What I love: The calm factor — my skin felt comfortable with zero irritation.
What to watch: It is not the strongest anti-aging option in this guide, and the price is relatively high for a straightforward daily moisturizer.
10. Supply Multi-Purpose Moisturizer — A Practical All-Rounder
Supply Multi-Purpose Moisturiser — the texture surprises you at first.
Best for: Men who want one simple moisturizer for face, post-shave use and dry areas
If you're serious about shaving, you may already know Supply. I’ve used and reviewed their razors before, and I still think they make some very good grooming products.
Their skincare range gets less attention, but the Supply Multi-Purpose Moisturizer deserves a place here.
This is an oil-free, plant-based moisturizer designed for the face and neck, and in my experience the “multi-purpose” name actually makes sense. I’ve used it on my face in the morning, around my freshly shaved neckline and cheek line, and even on dry skin around my elbows during winter.
The texture is different from most of the creams in this guide. It has a slightly gel-like, cooling feel that took me a couple of days to get used to, but once I did, I found it very easy to use.
The formula includes aloe, glycerin, shea butter, squalane and hyaluronic acid, while green tea and Brassica seed oil are included to support the look and feel of the skin over time. Supply also keeps it fragrance-free, which makes sense for something designed to be used after shaving.
As a pure facial moisturizer, I personally prefer some of the richer creams higher up this list. My skin at 52 simply needs more lasting hydration.
But as an all-rounder, particularly for men who shave regularly or want one product that can do more than one job, this makes a lot of sense.
What I love: Genuinely useful beyond the face, comfortable after shaving, fragrance-free and easy to live with.
What to watch: The gel-like texture takes a little getting used to, and if your main concern is richer hydration or anti-aging, there are stronger options higher up the list.
Face Moisturizer FAQ
Should men use a face moisturizer every day?
Yes. I use moisturizer every morning after cleansing, and for me it is one of the simplest ways to keep my skin comfortable and properly hydrated.
The important thing is choosing a texture that suits your skin. A rich cream may work brilliantly for dry skin but feel far too heavy if your skin is naturally oily.
Should I use moisturizer in the morning or at night?
You can use moisturizer both morning and evening.
I mainly judge the products in this guide on daytime use because that is when I notice things like absorption, shine and whether the hydration lasts.
At night, I am less concerned about the finish and more interested in keeping my skin comfortable while I sleep.
How much face moisturizer should I use?
You normally need much less than you think.
I start with a small amount and spread it across my face and neck. If my skin still feels dry, I can always add a little more.
Using too much can make even a good moisturizer feel unnecessarily heavy or greasy.
Should moisturizer go before or after serum?
I apply serum first and moisturizer afterwards.
The serum goes onto clean skin, then the moisturizer sits over it and helps keep my skin hydrated.
You do not need a serum to use a moisturizer, though. If you want to keep your routine simple, cleansing followed by moisturizer is perfectly reasonable.
Is a moisturizer with SPF enough for everyday use?
For normal daily wear, I like the convenience of combining moisturizer and SPF, which is one reason I enjoy the Horace SPF 30.
The important part is applying enough product to get the stated level of protection and reapplying when necessary, particularly if you are spending significant time outdoors.
Can moisturizer help with fine lines?
A good moisturizer can make fine lines look less noticeable by keeping the skin properly hydrated.
That is certainly something I notice on my own face. When my skin becomes dry, the lines around my forehead and eyes look much more obvious.
I would be cautious about expecting any moisturizer to dramatically remove wrinkles, though. I judge anti-aging creams more on how hydrated, smooth and healthy my skin looks with regular use.
Can I use body moisturizer on my face?
You can, but I generally prefer a product specifically designed for the face.
Facial moisturizers tend to have textures and formulas that are easier to wear throughout the day, particularly around areas that can become oily or sensitive.
Final Thoughts
After testing all of these moisturizers, the biggest thing I've learned is that there really isn't one perfect face cream for every man. Skin changes with age, and what works at 25 won't necessarily work at 52.
My own skin now prefers richer products, which is why Brickell Resurfacing Anti-Aging Creamremains the one I reach for most often. Kiehl's Age Defender is another excellent choice if you want something premium and specifically aimed at mature skin.
But if your skin is oily, sensitive, or you simply prefer something lighter, products like Baxter of California, Jackfir, and Clarins Men may suit you much better.
That is really how I would choose a moisturizer — not by looking for the product with the longest ingredient list or the biggest claims, but by finding one that feels good on your skin and that you'll actually use every morning.
I'm 52, with four children and a morning routine that doesn't allow for much fuss. A good moisturizer needs to fit into real life — quick to apply, comfortable through the day, and uncomplicated. For me, consistency matters more than complexity. A simple cream used every morning will do far more for your skin than an expensive one that spends most of its life on the bathroom shelf.
Find the one that works for you, stick with it, and don't overthink it.
Jerome
I’ve been testing men’s skincare since 2013, and every moisturizer in this guide has been used on my own skin. Most were tested for at least 30 days as part of my normal routine. Some products were sent to me and others I bought myself, but no brand has had any say in the rankings or conclusions.
I tested The Ordinary Lacto-PDRN 4% + B9 Eye Cream for eight days. My honest review of its texture, fast tightening effect and value at $9.50.