The Best Face Moisturizers So Your Skin Can Stay Hydrated

Moisturize to decrease the signs of aging. Moisturize to keep your skin from getting too oily or too dry. Moisturize to reduce the appearance of blemishes. Moisturize — with the right product — to protect the face’s more delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Moisturize after shaving, which tends to dry skin.

We can’t emphasize enough that, as part of a good cleansing and shaving regimen, moisturizing is one of the most important things a guy can do for his face … and probably one of the most overlooked. Don’t skip it! We know walking the aisles of any drug or department store (don’t even try googling the topic), can be overwhelming, so here’s a little guidance that lists some of our favorites to keep that face looking youthful and vibrant. 

Best Face Moisturizer for Men

Lab Series Day Rescue Defense Lotion SPF 35

We like Lab Series’ moisturizer first for its light weight — it goes on easy and doesn’t feel like you’re smearing on a thick layer of goo. Second, it has a built-in SPF of 35 to filter those UVA and UVB rays, meaning you don’t have to think about putting on sunblock again (unless, of course, you’re out in the elements all day, then, please reapply). Third, it’s high-tech, using Lab Series’s Hydra-Endure Technology, which helps skin absorb and retain vital hydration and even helps protect it from pollution. In fact, we love Lab Series Day Rescue so much, we chose it as the best face moisturizer in The Manual’s Grooming Awards 2019. 

Other Great Face Moisturizers

Mayron’s Goods + Supply Face Milk 1952 Series

OK, let’s be honest, we were originally attracted to the clean, minimalist packaging, but we stuck around for the lightweight “milk,” featuring argan oil that includes essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and excludes parabens. We also love that Mayron’s is a father/daughter business, produced by David Mayron, a former bigwig at Smith, Kline & French Laboratories, and Melanie Mayron, who some of you may remember for winning an Emmy for her role on the late 1980s show Thirtysomething. 

Evenprime Moisturizer

Another winner for simple packaging, Evenprime is also part of a simple cleansing and moisturizing duo. The product is made in South Korea, famous for its high-quality, effective skin care collections, and is designed with simple ingredients, making it gentler than many drugstore brands. 

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel SPF 20

Kiehl’s is a perennial favorite with a reputation for straightforward, no-nonsense skincare. The brand’s classic Facial Fuel moisturizer goes high-octane with the addition of SPF 20 for further protection. It is also infused with vitamins C and E, chestnut extract, and soy, leaving skin feeling refueled, re-energized, and revitalized.

Port Products Balancing Daily Moisturizer

Another family business, brother-and-sister Matt and Madison Ruggieri originally curated skincare site The Motley in 2010, but then realized that they were missing some essential products. Port Products was launched to fill in the gaps, releasing a simple face wash, shaving cream, and moisturizer combo. Focusing on natural ingredients and botanicals, this daily moisturizer is fast-absorbing, immediately soothing irritation and leaving skin looking healthy. It also fights excess oil production, controls shine, and contains an anti-aging complex to ward off wrinkles and skin damage. Finally, this moisturizer features ginger root to fight blemishes.