Best Moisturizer for Men: 7 Skin Care Grails to Shop in 2026

There's no doubt you should be moisturizing, gents, and we'll assume you already are. Moisturizer is the cornerstone of any skin-care regimen, and in derm terms, here's why: "Moisturizers help support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss, which is essential for keeping skin hydrated and functioning properly," says Dr. Nicole Ruth, board-certified dermatologist. Depending on the formula, though, they can do even more, from "replenishing essential lipids to restoring hydration." Still, as with the greatest cleansers, what works for oily skin likely won't cut it for dry skin. Elsewhere, some formulas are light enough for daytime, others more cocooning for overnight, and some pack in some SPF.So, how to find the best one for you? Texture, climate, and the rest of your routine all factor in, but to help, I've tested countless moisturizers over the past year, and these are my picks for the very best face moisturisers for men right now, spanning a variety of skin types, preferences, and budgets. (I'm also very conscious of price, so am only vouching for an expensive formula when the splurge is truly worth it.) I've also covered what to look for in terms of the fundamentals, from ingredients and reputable brands to texture and fragrance. We've also got a separate guide to the best travel-friendly moisturizers, but I'd recommend getting your daily right first. So please read on: Motion, after all, is lotion.The Best Moisturizers for Men, According to GQBest Overall MoisturizerLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face MoisturizerRead MoreBest Moisturizer for Oily SkinCeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel CreamRead MoreBest Moisturizer for Dry SkinUrsa Major Alpine Rich CreamRead MoreBest Anti-Aging MoisturizerMalin+Goetz Niacinamide Restorative CreamRead MoreBest Value (or Budget) MoisturizerVanicream Daily Facial MoisturizerRead MoreBest Overnight MoisturizerKiehl's Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Botanical Night CreamRead MoreBest Moisturizer with SPFOars+Alps Everyday Face Moisturizer SPF 37Read MoreMore Top-Rated Moisturizers for MenHow We Tested the Best MoisturizersWhat to Look for in a MoisturizerWhat to Know About Different Skin TypesMoisturizers FAQMeet the ExpertsAhead of fall 2026, our expert tested and selected the best moisturizers for men, ranging from lightweight gels for oily skin to deeply hydrating creams for dry or sensitive complexions, landing on 17 great ones, and 7 overall winners within that count. The guide also explains what to look for when choosing a moisturizer, from ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to matching formulas with your skin type, and outlines how GQ tested each product.Best Overall Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face MoisturizerLa Roche-PosayToleriane Double Repair Face MoisturizerWhen I started testing moisturizers for this list, I knew from the get-go what the Best Overall would likely be (though, to be clear, “best overall” will vary for many guys, based on factors we’ll get into below). La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Double Repair is a stone-cold hydration classic, beloved by skin-care obsessives and regular dudes alike. Normal skin? Works perfect. Dry? Yes. Sensitive? Yep. Fragrance-free? Check. Accessible price-wise? Yep. Packed with tried-and-true ingredients? Absolutely. Something you can easily use twice a day? You bet. This hydrator walks the line between elevated and approachable, working for most guys’ skin, day and night, through most seasons and climates.First, the tactile: I dig the larger, flattened tube—scientific but still flaunt-worthy in that LRP blue and white. The texture is perfect: somewhere between a lotion and a cream, with a chef’s-kiss consistency that sinks in beautifully and makes my skin feel softer and soothed almost immediately. But I like the protective benefits, too. Ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin hydrate, lock in moisture, and help repair the skin barrier, while the house’s prebiotic thermal water helps soothe. That’s a lot of multitasking mileage from one tube. There’s an SPF version, too, which you should also consider for your arsenal, but for an all-around moisturizer, the derm-recommended, editor-tested Toleriane Double Repair is tough to beat.Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: CeraVe Oil Control Moisturizing Gel CreamCeraVeOil Control Moisturizing Gel CreamWe know CeraVe just released its Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel Moisturizer, and if you’re after lightweight, jelly-like hydrating goodness, it’s fantastic. But this is about oil control, and CeraVe’s Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream, pound for pound, is easily one of the best in the space. I’m constantly singing CeraVe’s praises: It’s affordable, super effective, fragrance-free, and most dudes already know the brand and are perfectly comfortable adding it to their regimen.What does it feel like? Very hydrating, yet impressively mattifying. Think of how a hair clay soaks up excess oil; that’s kind of the vibe here. It goes on lotion-y, but give it a few minutes, touch your face, and it feels so, so matte. Crucially, that doesn’t come at the expense of hydration: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and CeraVe’s usual trio of ceramides moisturize, silica does the oil-absorbing work, and the brand’s MVE technology doles out hydration over time. My skin still felt dewy, but noticeably less greasy as the day wore on. Fair warning: I noticed a little stinging when I applied it right after shaving, so I wouldn’t make this my first pick for very dry or sensitive skin. But for oily skin, it excels at keeping excess shine in check. Rotate it with the new Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel, and you’ve got yourself a solid CeraVe lineup.Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Ursa Major Alpine Rich CreamUrsa MajorAlpine Rich CreamAs a winter man, I love the season, but my skin doesn’t always agree, so I always keep a richer cream in rotation. I’ve written about Ursa Major’s Golden Hour Recovery Cream countless times for its melting, velvety texture, but its newer, heavy-duty sibling, Alpine Rich Cream, takes things up another notch.Ursa Major’s formulas are loaded with botanicals, but this isn’t granola skin care, which can sometimes get a bit wishy-washy. These folks do the homework, pairing well-researched plant extracts with, in this formula, proven moisturizing staples like glycerin, squalane, and ceramides. Together, they make for one heck of a dry-skin formula. The whipped-cream formula also melts into the skin, leaving a cocooning layer that locks in moisture while helping replenish, soothe, and soften dry skin. It works AM or PM, though I prefer it overnight or when my skin needs extra TLC.Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Malin+Goetz Niacinamide Restorative CreamMalin+GoetzNiacinamide Restorative CreamAmong all the buzzy skin-care ingredients, niacinamide remains a gold standard. It’s one of those do-a-little-bit-of-everything ingredients that helps keep skin hydrated and resilient while smoothing texture over time. Malin+Goetz knows this. A newer launch, its Niacinamide Restorative Cream packs 2% of the stuff into a formula designed to tackle everything from fine lines and wrinkles to firmness and uneven tone.It has one of the best textures I’ve tested: a mid-weight cream that feels oh-so-satisfying, with no fragrance. I don’t have many wrinkles yet, still, after using this cream consistently for several weeks, I’ve seen a difference. The area around my mouth can look less firm when I haven’t gotten enough sleep, and this has visibly helped it look plumper and more refreshed, with fine lines softened. Not to mention, it comes in a hefty jar that looks cool as heck by your sink. Anti-aging skin care generally comes at a premium, but this exemplary cream is worth every rejuvenating dollar.Best Value Moisturizer: Vanicream Daily Facial MoisturizerVanicreamDaily Facial MoisturizerAt this price point, I know what you might be picturing: one of those old-school tubs of cream with a questionable lid. But Vanicream is sort of the normie, under-the-radar king of moisturizers, and that's exactly why folks who know skin care know it's legit. Grooming editors sing the brand's praises, and I haven't found a better moisturizer for the price. There's something bare-bones about it: the good stuff your skin needs, no unnecessary extras. If you used this as your primary day-to-day moisturizer, I wouldn't judge you. I'd applaud.The unassuming tube packs more than you might expect. Hyaluronic acid pairs with five key ceramides, giving you two of the ingredient categories derms recommend (see below): humectant hydration plus barrier-supporting lipids that help your skin hold onto moisture. It's fragrance-free and formulated with sensitive skin in mind, too. And that texture is lightweight and lotion-y, though I found it takes a little longer to fully sink in than some of the others I've tested. For something this gentle and effective, that's a trade-off I'll gladly take. It's a stellar daily driver: affordable enough to always have on deck and good enough that you'll want to use it every day.Best Overnight Moisturizer: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Omega-Rich Botanical Night CreamKiehl'sMidnight Recovery Omega-Rich Botanical Night CreamKiehl's has so many skin-care bangers that it's easy to forget how much cred the apothecary OG has among the skin-care set. The brand makes a moisturizer for practically every occasion, and its Midnight Cream is a longtime favorite of mine for overnight renewal. A great overnight cream should have two traits: nourishing ingredients and a cocooning texture that locks it all in while I sleep. This has both: a hefty dose of botanical oils and fatty acids, plus a thick, whipped, blue-hued, almost marshmallow-paste-like consistency. It looks the part and feels it.My skin gets that immediate hit of hydration when I apply it, then looks softer, plumper, and noticeably more rested come morning. As a bonus, I suffer from perennial dark circles, and even my under-eye area tends to look less tired whenever I use it. This isn't necessarily my nightly cream, but when my face needs a reset or some extra TLC, I reach for this cobalt-blue jar, without fail. Permanent medicine-cabinet spot achieved.Best Moisturizer with SPF: Oars+Alps Everyday Face Moisturizer SPF 37Oars+AlpsEveryday Face Moisturizer SPF 37Plenty of stellar moisturizers have SPF, but remember, you want at least SPF 30. “A moisturizer with sunscreen can provide adequate daily protection if it is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and applied generously enough,” says Dr. Ruth. If you’re outdoors for a while, that means reapplying.Oars + Alps is known for its performance-heavy skin care, and what I dig about this lotion is that it doesn’t feel like sunscreen tacked onto a moisturizer. It’s more of a natural pairing, with SPF 37, well above that SPF 30 minimum, and hydration pulling equal weight. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep your skin hydrated, while the brand’s signature Alpine Caribou Moss helps fend off environmental stressors. The lotion is lightweight, without any heavy, sunscreen-y feel, so it’s easy to reapply and, dare I say, refreshing. It’s $22, fragrance-free, and easy enough to keep handy on your office desk, in your gym bag, tote, wherever. And that means fall and winter, too, gents; UV exposure doesn’t disappear when the temperature drops.More Top-Rated Moisturizers for MenCaldera + LabThe Hydro LayerCaldera + Lab has the formulation chops to back up the Insta feed hype. The Hydro Layer is just as it sounds: a super-sleek, premium gel-cream loaded with a trio of heavy hitters: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and squalane. Putting the Lab in Caldera + Lab, there's also plant-derived exosome technology to support skin repair.Nivea MenSensitive Liquid MoisturizerNivea Men keeps innovating, and this is one of the most unique textures I’ve tested. One of the brand’s newest launches, it’s basically a liquid moisturizer, closer to a tonic splash than a classic cream, that melts into skin quickly but still leaves it hydrated as heck. The regular variation leans more toner-y, but I prefer the Sensitive.PrettyboyRevival Recovery Gel MoisturizerThis cult-classic, featherweight hydrator can be pretty much anything you need: a lightweight day cream, a soothing post-shave salve, or a high-powered recovery night cream. And PrettyBoy was the first men’s skincare brand to earn the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. How’s that for bona fides?Beau DomaineThe Rich CreamBeau Domaine's skincare is powered by French vineyard actives, and its new Rich Cream is the brand’s heaviest hydration hitter yet, a dense, melting, soothing formula I apply at night and let work while I sleep.The OrdinaryRice Lipids + Ectoin MicroemulsionEvery time I reach for one of The Ordinary’s tinctures, I’m reminded how absurdly affordable good skin care can be. Its new Microemulsion Moisturizer has a unique, milky, serum-like texture that still delivers the hydration you might expect from a cream that's much richer (in both texture and target audience.)OctoRestorative MoisturizerIf OCTO isn't on your skincare radar yet, allow me to change that. My editor friends are raving about it: the texture, the formula, that cool green bottle. The insider-y brand makes just two products, and its Moisturizer takes a less-is-more approach with just eight ingredients, including bioactives sustainably sourced from the Amazon.What to Look for in a MoisturizerBrand Reputation: There are a zillion moisturizers out there, and every skin-care brand makes at least one and likely several. Name recognition can help quiet the noise, especially for brands with a long track record and a trusted reputation. Think skin-care stalwarts like CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, and Kiehl’s; modern OGs like Malin+Goetz and Youth to the People; newer heavy-hitters like Caldera+Lab and Beau Domaine; and luxury names like Augustinus Bader. But don’t get too hung up on the logo: A $20 moisturizer can outperform a $200 one for your particular skin, so ingredients, texture, skin type, and how consistently you’ll actually use it matter more.Ingredients to Seek: There are some tried-and-true ingredients worth looking for, and Dr. Ruth recommends “a combination of humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, and emollients or occlusives that help prevent water loss,” while also calling out niacinamide for its barrier-supporting and anti-inflammatory benefits and squalane for helping prevent moisture loss. Ideally, a good formula combines several of these to hydrate, help keep that moisture where it belongs, soothe, and protect your skin.Ingredients to Avoid: "There isn't one ingredient everyone needs to avoid," says Dr. Ruth, though "sensitive or eczema-prone skin may fare better without fragrance, while acne-prone guys should look for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas." Essential oils can also irritate some skin types, and you should avoid potentially drying alcohols if your skin is already compromised. Not all alcohols are bad, though: Fatty alcohols like cetyl and cetearyl alcohol can actually help soften skin.Texture: Cream, lotion, gel, balm: Each has its nuances, and a lot comes down to skin type and personal preference. “Texture largely reflects the balance of water, oils, humectants, and occlusive ingredients,” says Dr. Ruth, with creams and balms generally better suited to dry or compromised skin and gels and lotions to oily or acne-prone skin. But don’t equate lightweight with less effective: Newer gel formulas can deliver serious hydration without feeling heavy.Fragrance: Fragrance smells nice, but it doesn't make a moisturizer work better. As Dr. Ruth puts it, "Fragrance doesn't provide a skin-health benefit," and it "can be a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis," making fragrance-free the safer bet for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. If fragrance doesn't irritate you, fine, but if your skin is reactive, you're better off skipping it.Day vs. Night Creams: This is important, often overlooked, and oddly personal. The biggest difference between day and night creams comes down to texture, ingredients, and whether you want something more restorative or more easy-wearing. As Dr. Ruth explains, “Daytime products are often lighter and quicker absorbing while nighttime creams can be richer and more occlusive.” But gauge your skin and the climate, as plenty of moisturizers can pull double duty day or night.Environment and Climate: “A thicker, more occlusive cream may be helpful in cold, dry weather, while a lightweight lotion or gel may be more comfortable in humid weather or for oily skin,” says Dr. Ruth. In other words, the moisturizer you apply on the reg in January may feel like too much come July, and vice versa: A lighter gel might not cut it in the dead of winter. It helps to rotate, gents.What to Know About Different Skin TypesRemember, no two people have the same needs from a skin care product; typically, you should factor in your skin’s oil levels (including a lack of oil), as well as conditions like acne, sensitivity, loss of resilience over time, and more. Here are the key qualities to look for in a moisturizer based on key skin conditions and demands.Dr. Malik says to choose light, oil-free, water-based formulas, and bonus points if they promise to have non-comedogenic ingredients (meaning their formulas are designed not to clog pores). For this same reason, you’ll want to avoid hefty, suffocating creams and oil-heavy products, he notes. (Hey, your skin makes enough sebum as it is!)Read More: How to Deal with Oily SkinLook for moisture-drawing ingredients, known as humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerin), says Dr. Malik, as well as skin-softening emollients (squalane and shea butter) and ceramides. Many dry-skin moisturizers have a richer-feeling texture than other options, he adds. Also, consider avoiding potentially drying alcohols as well as added fragrance, particularly if your skin is sensitive or compromised.Read More: 5 Ways to Get Rid of Dry SkinWith sensitive skin, you don’t want many bells and whistles. Fragrance-free formulas are often a safer bet, and Dr. Malik says to look for soothing ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, as well as skin-barrier-supporting ones like ceramides. Keep in mind that not all alcohols are inherently bad for sensitive skin: Fatty alcohols like cetyl and cetearyl alcohol can actually help soften skin.Read More: The Best Skin Care for Sensitive SkinIf you are prone to pimples, you have to balance this with other skin variables (like dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, etc.). So your search for the best product becomes one of balance and priorities. Look for non-comedogenic formulas, says Dr. Malik, particularly if you’re prone to clogged pores. Ideally, your regimen will include acne-fighting ingredients somewhere, though it doesn’t have to be your moisturizer that pulls all that weight. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can directly target acne, while niacinamide can help support the skin barrier and calm inflammation. And while lightweight formulas often work well for acne-prone skin, don’t assume that every richer or more occlusive ingredient will automatically clog pores.Read More: 8 Habits to Prevent AcneIf your skin is oily in some parts (like the T-zone), and dry in others (often the cheeks), then you could be classified as having combination skin. For this, Dr. Malik says you want to choose products similar to oily skin (as outlined above), “but consider balanced formulas with a blend of hydrating and oil-controlling ingredients,” he says.If you can’t log any complaints about being overly oily or overly dry, then lucky you. For this kind of “normalcy” (which isn’t so normal as it is rare), Dr. Malik says to prioritize lightweight formulas with hydrating ingredients (think hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin).For skin that has lost buoyancy, softness, and resilience over time, you want to prioritize hydrating ingredients to help with dryness, notes Dr. Malik. He advises using anti-aging ingredients such as niacinamide and peptides. Lastly, be sure to use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher during the day, whether it comes from your moisturizer or a separate sunscreen.How I Tested the Best MoisturizersI’ve tried countless moisturizers over the years (and there are a zillion out there), from niche newcomers and luxury formulas to drugstore stalwarts, including every formula here, of course. Some have long been in my rotation; others I tested more recently, paying attention to how they performed from application through the day or overnight. Texture is important: how a cream, lotion, or gel feels, its consistency, and how quickly it absorbs. I also considered ingredients, fragrance, layering, SPF, and each formula’s suitability for different climates.Most importantly, I looked at what each moisturizer is designed to do and how well it does it, whether that’s managing oily or sensitive skin or providing richer overnight hydration. Price and accessibility factor in, too. Above all, the best moisturizers should hydrate, help lock in moisture, and support skin health. After more than a decade covering men’s grooming, these are some of the best men’s moisturizers on the market right now.Meet the ExpertsDr. Nicole Ruth is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in SoHo at Weiser Skin. She specializes in cosmetic and medical dermatology with a focus on hair, nails, and skin. Known for her thoughtful, evidence-based approach, Dr. Ruth blends medical expertise with an eye for aesthetics to help patients achieve healthy, natural-looking results.Dr. Kunal Malik, MD, of Spring Street Dermatology in NYCGQ's Big Moisturizers FAQDo Men Need a Different Moisturizer?Not necessarily. Though men’s skin tends to be thicker, produce more sebum, and, of course, shaving can disrupt the skin barrier, “individual concerns matter much more than gender-based marketing,” says Dr. Ruth. Oilier skin may call for a lightweight gel, while frequent shavers or a guy dealing with dryness may want a richer, more barrier-supportive formula.Can Men Use Women’s Moisturizer?Absolutely. “Men do not need a moisturizer labeled ‘for men,’” says Dr. Ruth. Some formulas may be designed around common male concerns like oiliness or shaving-related irritation, but what ultimately matters is whether the ingredients, texture, and formula suit your skin. In other words, shop for your skin, not your gender.What Moisturizer Do Dermatologists Recommend for Men?There isn’t one moisturizer every dermatologist recommends for every guy, but Dr. Ruth likes La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, which happens to be our Best Overall pick. “I find that it feels lightweight and comfortable on the skin, which means patients actually use it consistently,” she says, also pointing to its barrier-supporting ceramides and niacinamide. For acne-prone skin, she suggests non-comedogenic formulas and likes CeraVe’s lightweight options; for dry skin, richer creams with ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Ultimately, “the best moisturizer is one a patient will actually use consistently.”Is a Moisturizer with SPF Enough Protection?It can be. “A moisturizer with sunscreen can provide adequate daily protection if it is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and applied generously enough,” says Dr. Ruth. The catch is that people often under-apply it, so for prolonged outdoor exposure, she recommends a dedicated, water-resistant sunscreen and reapplication about every two hours. For everyday use, though, a properly applied SPF moisturizer can pull double duty.When Should You Apply Moisturizer?Morning and night, after cleansing, is a solid general cadence, though how often you moisturize ultimately depends on your skin and routine.