Face lotions are an essential aspect of male skincare products and should be tailored to unique skin needs. Common issues such as acne, razor burn, and typical aging affect the look and feel of facial skin. Knowing which ingredients and products provide the best formula could help you find the best face lotions for men.
Whether you have dry skin, combination skin, or another type, we’ve rounded up a list of products to help you target problem areas without damaging or harming your facial skin. Here are the fifteen best face lotions for men.
Know What You Want from a Face Lotion Product
Before we dive deep into the formulations and benefits of the best face lotion products, let’s review some of the essential facts about male skin. Male skin has more sebaceous glands and is, therefore, more prone to oiliness and shine than women’s. Lower pH levels in male skin cause a higher likelihood of impurities and acne.
Men also have to consider facial hair grooming techniques and how they can affect their hair, skin texture, and pores if those products seep into them. Depending on age and other factors, male skin is more susceptible to signs of aging, such as wrinkles and skin sagging in later years.
The type of skin you have can also be influenced by environmental factors such as UV rays. With so much to consider for facial skin health, let’s review some of the best face lotions for men.
The 15 Best Face Lotions for Men
Depending on your specific needs, the best face lotion for you can vary. However, some products on the market cater to general skincare, such as moisturizing, balancing, and protecting the skin from UV rays. Here’s our list of the fifteen best facial lotions to consider for men.
1. Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer
(Blu Atlas | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) Men who experience dryness, flaking, and itching on their face could benefit from this ultra-hydrating facial moisturizer uniquely curated to nourish and condition any skin type.
Skincare Goals: Anti-aging, moisturizing skin
Suitable Skin Type: All
Price Range: $35
A moisturizer you trust is vital because it helps your face stay hydrated and healthy-looking. Blu Atlas’ Face Moisturizer is first on our list of the best face lotions for men because it targets dry and dull skin. Men who experience dryness, flaking, and itching on their face could benefit from this ultra-hydrating facial moisturizer uniquely curated to nourish and condition any skin type.
In this formula, 98.5% of the premium ingredients are from natural origins, such as plants, fruits, and minerals. The key elements in the moisturizer include seaweed extract, vitamin C, and mango seed butter, all suitable for any skin type. The moisturizer comes in three scents: classic, coconut apricot, and fragrance free. The suggested use is to apply a dime-sized amount to your face in the mornings or evenings.
Blu Atlas’ cruelty-free vegan products are made clean in New York City and are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. To top off your ultimate skincare routine, consider pairing the hydrating moisturizer with other products, such as the volcanic ash face cleanser, restorative eye stick, or purifying face mask, based on your skin goals.
2. Bevel Skin: Moisturizing Face Gel for Men
(Bevel | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) Recommended use is to apply a dime-sized amount on the face and neck after cleansing with a facial wash and exfoliant in the morning and evenings.
Skincare Goals: Hydration and balance
Suitable Skin Type: Sensitive skin
Price Range: $14
Not all facial products are created equal, and Bevel Skin’s Moisturizing Face Gel for Men is not your average facial moisturizer. This product is curated to hydrate and balance your skin’s natural oils and is a gel rather than a typical lotion. It is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, silicones, and artificial fragrances. Bevel Skin’s gel moisturizer leaves a refreshing, clean, and hydrating feeling for a smoother, more even complexion.
The oil-free moisturizing face gel includes key ingredients like vitamin C to reduce discoloration and minimize signs of aging. Apple extract is also great for anti-aging and smoothing out facial skin. Vitamin E reduces the appearance of scars, fights sun damage, and moisturizes the skin.
Additionally, honey, a key ingredient in this product, is an antimicrobial and antibacterial agent that prevents breakouts and relieves irritation. This product is suitable for all skin types but could benefit acne-prone skin by clearing any grooming damage and breakouts. Recommended use is to apply a dime-sized amount on the face and neck after cleansing with a facial wash and exfoliant in the morning and evenings.
3. HommeFace Men’s Daily Face Moisturizer
(HommeFace | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) HommeFace Men’s Daily Face Moisturizer is a potent blend of plant-based ingredients formulated to nourish and hydrate skin all day long.
Skincare Goals: Anti-aging, moisturize, improve skin texture
Suitable Skin Type: All
Price Range: $19
A facial skincare product should be lightweight and gentle while helping you accomplish your skin health goals. With that being said, the HommeFace Men’s Daily Face Moisturizer is a potent blend of plant-based ingredients formulated to nourish and hydrate skin all day long.
This natural, cruelty-free, vegan facial moisturizer includes no parabens or SLS. Beneficial ingredients like collagen and centella asiatica enhance skin health and smooth and repair the skin. These ingredients can be beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Other key ingredients include witch hazel extract and shea butter. Witch hazel is beneficial for facial skin because it boosts firmness, repairs texture, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Shea butter, another key ingredient, moisturizes, smooths, and protects the skin from UV radiation and other environmental factors.
These ingredients create an antioxidant-rich moisturizer that controls excess oil, reduces acne, and provides long-lasting hydration while reducing the signs of aging. For men’s skincare, this is the perfect formulation.
4. NIVEA MEN Sensitive Face Lotion with SPF 15
(NIVEA MEN | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) The dermatologically tested moisturizer is enriched with beneficial ingredients like vitamin E, chamomile, and witch hazel extract.
Skincare Goals: Moisturize, provide UV protection
Suitable Skin Type: Any, including sensitive
Price Range: $9
Nivea is a popular brand in the skincare and lotion industry. For many reasons, the Nivea Men Sensitive Face Lotion with SPF 15 is one of the best face lotions for men. The non-drying lotion is specially formulated for men with sensitive facial skin. It is alcohol-free and aims to moisturize, smooth, and protect the skin against UV damage.
The dermatologically tested moisturizer is enriched with beneficial ingredients like vitamin E, chamomile, and witch hazel extract. These key ingredients repair damage and protect the skin from the harmful effects dehydration. The added skin protective factor also prevents UVA and UVB sun damage, which is linked to cancer and prematurely aged skin.
The formula protects the skin, soothes irritation, and builds a border between the skin and the outside world. Recommended use is to apply at least fifteen minutes before sun exposure, and reapply at least every two hours for the best results. This is an excellent choice for a surfer, beach lover, tropical vacationer, or outdoor worker.
5. May Lindstrom Skin: The Blue Cocoon
(May Lindstrom | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) The refreshing blue balm is a unique concentrate of certified organic ingredients such as camellia oleifera seed oil, blue tansy, lavender oil, frankincense oil, and others.
Skincare Goals: Hydration, redness relief, anti-inflammatory
Suitable Skin Type: Rosacea, dermatitis, acne, eczema, dryness, sensitive skin
Price Range: $180
If you have skin sensitivities or conditions like inflammation, dryness, flakiness, and other symptoms, you may benefit from a high-end facial concentrate like the Blue Cocoon by May Lindstrom Skin. The refreshing blue balm is a unique concentrate of certified organic ingredients such as camellia oleifera seed oil, blue tansy, lavender oil, frankincense oil, and others.
All ingredients are also wild harvested, fair trade, raw, and unrefined. The mixture includes components of essential oils and is microbiome friendly. This bestseller supports and restores overall skin health, vibrancy, and function. Blue Cocoon balm relieves redness and irritation from rosacea, dermatitis, acne, and eczema for dry skin and inflammation.
The suggested use is to apply a pea-sized amount onto fully clean and wet skin twice daily. Blue tansy, a key ingredient, reduces anxiety, alleviates sleep problems, and provides other benefits.
6. Dr. Barbara Sturm: Face Cream for Men
(Dr. Barbara Sturm | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) This fast-acting, absorbent face cream is lightweight and enriched with potent active ingredients.
Skincare Goals: Moisturize, hydrate
Suitable Skin Type: Sensitive skin, razor burn, dullness
Price Range: $75
Skincare routines shouldn’t be a hassle, and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Face Cream for Men could give you the ease and simplicity of good skincare without worry. This fast-acting, absorbent face cream is lightweight and enriched with potent active ingredients. If you shave facial hair or have extensive upkeep for facial grooming, this cream may benefit you, as it calms the skin and reduces irritation.
The cream also reduces signs of stress on the skin, leaving it refreshed and hydrated. This face cream is suitable for all skin types but offers excellent benefits for dull, sensitive skin and razor burn. It pairs well with Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Sturmglow routine products, such as the enzyme cleanser, face mask, eye cream, lip balm, and serum.
For men, key ingredients in this face cream like vitamin E, purslane extract, taurine, skullcap, macadamia nut oil, and green algae extract hydrate the skin. Additionally, this brand’s cruelty-free products are also free of parabens, GMOs, and fragrances.
7. Oars + Alps: Face + Eye Cream
(Oars + Alps | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) This hydrating facial moisturizer, specifically crafted for male skincare needs, locks in moisture.
Skincare Goals: Balanced, hydrated skin, and treating under eye
Suitable Skin Type: Any
Price Range: $22
When we age, our skin shows signs of aging like wrinkles, lost elasticity, discoloration, and undereye bags. Facial lotions often don’t cover the needs of eye skincare because facial and eye skin sensitivity differ. One of the best solutions for this is the Oars and Alps: Face and Eye Cream.
This hydrating facial moisturizer, specifically crafted for male skincare needs, locks in moisture. It is uniquely a dually beneficial item to target signs of aging, specifically around the eyes, and suit the hydration that facial skin needs. Not to mention, it is lightweight, quickly absorbed, and leaves no greasy residue.
The balanced formula is unscented, making it a suitable choice for all skin types, and it is specifically formulated for use on the face and undereyes. Ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil provide moisture and boost hydration. Aloe and vitamin E fight free radicals that cause those unwanted signs of aging to appear.
Another ingredient, alpine caribou moss, guards against environmental elements like pollution and promotes skin elasticity. Apply a thin layer of this cream evenly on the face and undereye. It can be integrated into your morning or evening skincare routine or after shaving. This product is dermatologist tested, made with plant-based ingredients, free of animal testing, and has travel-friendly packaging.
8. Lumin: Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizing Balm
(Lumin | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) Moisturizing balms are always soft and refreshing on the skin, so if you prefer a smooth, non-greasy cream for a face lotion, the Lumin Ultra-hydrating Moisturizing balm will not disappoint.
Skincare Goals: Reduce dullness and dryness, anti-aging
Suitable Skin Type: Any
Price Range: $30
Moisturizing balms are always soft and refreshing on the skin, so if you prefer a smooth, non-greasy cream for a face lotion, the Lumin Ultra-hydrating Moisturizing balm will not disappoint. This balm is tailored for your unique skin type, and men can benefit from the nourishment, hydration, and anti-aging benefits it provides.
Rich in antioxidants, meadowfoam seed oil is one of the key ingredients in this formula, known to fight environmental pollution and harmful rays. Other key ingredients include apple extract for antioxidants that reduce and smooth out fine lines while preventing skin-aging free radicals.
Ginger extracts also reduce the signs of premature aging, even skin tones, and fight sun damage. If you seek a non-greasy balm for hydration and anti-aging purposes as part of your skincare goals, the Lumin Ultra-hydrating Moisturizing balm is one of the best face lotions for men.
9. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane
(Kiehl’s | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) This fragrance-free and paraben-free moisturizing cream provides all-day hydration for facial skin.
Skincare Goals: Target dullness and uneven skin texture
Suitable Skin Type: All, dry, combination, and normal skin
Price Range: $38
Kiehl’s is a popular skincare brand that originated in the U.S. in 1851. For decades, this company has built a rapport with consumers in the skincare industry. They are famous for their natural, scientifically proven, efficacious products suitable for all skin types. Best of all, they strive to use naturally derived ingredients in all their products.
Although this brand does not need an introduction, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane is a bestseller for many reasons in the world of men’s skincare. This fragrance-free and paraben-free moisturizing cream provides all-day hydration for facial skin. Its ultra-lightweight texture targets dry skin and is suitable for all. Clinical studies have shown that this product significantly increases smoothness, hydration, softness, and healthy-looking skin after just one week.
This product locks in moisture and creates balance for any men. Squalane, a main ingredient, supports and nourishes the skin’s moisture barrier. Glycerin retains moisture and smoothes out the skin. Additionally, the glacial glycoprotein is another key ingredient that boosts skin hydration and balance.
You can apply this cream in the mornings or evenings. It also pairs well with other Kiehl products, so you don’t have to feel limited in building an ultimate skincare routine.
10. Geologie: Sun Protection Duo
(Geologie | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) Geologie’s Sun Protection Duo is a perfect example of how to do sun protection and face lotion the right way.
Skincare Goals: Sun protection; diminish wrinkles, hydrate
Suitable Skin Type: Any, oily, or combination skin
Price Range: $65
Applying sunscreen is an important aspect of skincare for anyone, including for facial skincare. Geologie’s Sun Protection Duo is a perfect example of how to do sun protection and face lotion the right way. These products are two peas in a pod, encapsulating the best face lotions for men.
Starting with the SPF30 Face Sunscreen, this lightweight cream combines mineral and physical sunscreen, giving maximum protection from UVA and UVB rays that contribute to skin aging. Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and other vital ingredients promote elasticity, decrease redness, reduce hyperpigmentation, and keep the skin hydrated.
The oil-free gel moisturizer in this duo is formulated to moisturize and lock in hydration for facial skin. Key ingredients such as niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin promote hydration and heal skin irritation or texture. Use this mattifying, water-resistant, oil-free duo daily.
The cruelty-free brand is vegan and reef safe. Anyone with normal to combination skin could use this duo to meet their skin goals.
11. Glè Good Night Cream
(Glè| Grooming Playbook, sponsored) The Gle Good Night Cream is one of the best face lotions for men because of its powerfully hydrating ingredients that leave skin looking and feeling hydrated.
Skincare Goals: Anti-aging
Suitable Skin Type: Any, over 30 years old
Price Range: $55
A primary skincare goal many men have is to reduce the presence of fine lines and other signs of aging. Why not fight aging skin in your sleep? The Gle Good Night Cream is one of the best face lotions for men because of its powerfully hydrating ingredients that leave skin looking and feeling hydrated.
Used nightly or every other night, this retinol-based facial cream targets wrinkles while you rest. Benefits include the reduced appearance of acne scarring and prevention of new blemishes. Suitable for anyone over thirty years old, the cruelty-free cream has an unscented formula and works well with sensitive skin. The product is also clinically and dermatologically tested.
Key ingredients in this formula include retinol 0.02%, a standard component for skincare products because of its ability to change the behavior of aged cells on the skin for a more youthful appearance. Refining the skin’s texture, this product leaves the skin more radiant. Whether in the case of deep wrinkles or fine lines, retinol has a long-standing history of treating aging skin.
A plant-based ingredient, jojoba oil, is crucial in Glè's Good Night Cream. The oil is nutritious on the skin and treats wrinkles, adds hydration, and moisturizes facial skin. The ingredients in this formula include tapioca starch, squalane, and others.
12. Proven: Personalized Night Cream for Men
(Proven | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) As a cruelty-free and clean brand, this is an excellent choice for those who want to try something tailor-made for their needs.
Skincare Goals: Anti-aging, moisturizer, custom-made
Suitable Skin Type: Any
Price Range: $99
Personalized skincare is all the rave, and here’s why. Considering genetics, skin differences, and other factors, there’s no natural way to create a product that is best for everyone. Especially for men, facial skin can vary. There’s much to consider, from collagen production to grooming needs and skin types. Proven’s Personalized Night Cream for Men tackles this issue with an ideal hydrating solution for facial skin lotions.
Starting with a generalized goal, Proven helps people achieve the healthy-looking skin they want. The night cream restores elasticity, nourishes facial skin cells, and improves the appearance of the skin. As a cruelty-free and clean brand, this is an excellent choice for those who want to try something tailor-made for their needs.
You also have a reformulation guarantee, so you don’t have to worry about losing the opportunity for another round of your personalized and effective face cream. Depending on factors like skin type, lifestyle, life stage, and environment, a face cream is curated by Stanford scientists just for you.
Your formula could include pomegranate extract, vitamin C, green tea extract, CoQ10, curcumin extract, and many other ingredients. This item is part of their skincare kit for cleansed, protected, and renewed skin results.
13. Anthony All-Purpose Facial Moisturizer
(Anthony | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) If you’re adamant about skincare and facial grooming but need specific skincare goals or don’t know how to start, consider the Anthony All-Purpose Facial Moisturizer.
Skincare Goals: All-purpose, hydrate
Suitable Skin Type: All
Price Range: $32
If you’re adamant about skincare and facial grooming but need specific skincare goals or don’t know how to start, consider the Anthony All-Purpose Facial Moisturizer. This practical, lightweight, and straightforward face product for men could become your favorite hydrating moisutizer. The all-purpose facial moisturizer covers all bases in nourishing, soothing, refining, and tackling signs of aging.
Made with a quality blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and natural exfoliators, the lightweight moisturizer is fast absorbing. Ingredients in the all-purpose facial moisturizer include sugarcane to minimize blemishes and keep skin hydrated. Sugar maple eliminates dead skin cells on the surface. Orange and lemon extract brightens the skin tone and reduce signs of aging, while lactic acid treats age spots and acne.
Other ingredients include licorice root extract, which provides vitamins C, A, E, and panthenol to soften and improve skin. This non-toxic product is clinically proven to provide all-day hydration and contains no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, GMOs, DEA, triclosan, or gluten. Recommended use is to apply once a day in the morning or evening.
14. La Roche Posay: Toleriane Dermallergo Moisturizing Cream
(La Roche-Posay | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) While Toleriane Dermallergo Moisturizing Cream is not meant to cure skin sensitivities, it can alleviate dryness and discomfort.
Skincare Goals: Soothing hydration
Suitable Skin Type: All, severe sensitivity, acne prone
Price Range: $31
Sensitive skin creates challenges for people, especially men with different grooming needs and skin problems. Finding the best face lotion for you can be challenging if you need help or don’t know where to start. In these cases, La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Dermallergo Moisturizing Cream is an excellent choice because of its testing and results on allergy-prone skin.
If you have extreme sensitivities or allergies, consult with your physician before using any of these products. However, while Toleriane Dermallergo Moisturizing Cream is not meant to cure skin sensitivities, it can alleviate dryness and discomfort.
Key ingredients in this blend include neurosensine, shea butter, glycerin, dimethicone, and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. This combination helps the skin feel smooth and hydrated by preventing water loss and soothing facial skin. The brand is free of parabens, fragrances, and preservatives, and it’s also non-comedogenic. It is recommended by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide.
15. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
(CeraVe | Grooming Playbook, sponsored) This lightweight, oil-free night cream locks in moisture throughout the day, regardless of your skin type or needs.
Skincare Goals: Hydration, repair
Suitable Skin Type: Any
Price Range: $16
CeraVe is a trustworthy brand for lotion, and the PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a suitable choice for any skin type to add to your evening skincare routine. This lightweight, oil-free night cream locks in moisture throughout the day, regardless of your skin type or needs. The ingredients provide a softer skin texture and restore the skin’s natural barrier.
Key ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides make this one of the best face lotions for men. The formula uses MVE technology, unique to CeraVe, which works by way of a delivery system that continually releases moisturizing ingredients for hydration throughout the night. These ingredients also help calm the skin, giving you a soothing feeling right before your night ends. This non-comedogenic lotion was developed by dermatologists and is free of oils and fragrances.
Conclusion
Finding the best face lotions for men can seem daunting, but gathering information about your skin type and what’s important to you is a good starting point. Knowing your skin type, needs, skincare goals, and any medical advice that applies to your health will help you choose the right product. Always tend to your sensitives and skin concerns with a professional doctor.
With so many products on the market, there are different formulas to improve the appearance of skin and protect it from damage. A good face lotion for men can work wonders for your skin and confidence.