Men's Skincare Must-Haves: Best Face Lotions

Last updated April 15, 2023

Best lotion for men.

Gentlemen, let's talk about something important - your skin. You may not think much about it, but as you age, your skin needs extra attention to maintain its health and vitality. Using a good lotion is one of the most effective ways to care for your skin and keep it looking and feeling great. It's not just about looking good, but also feeling good. A regular skincare routine that includes a quality lotion can improve the overall health and well-being of your skin, which is essential as you grow older.

Using the right lotion will give your face a youthful glow that will have you staring at yourself in the mirror. Yeah, we said it!

If you're ready to achieve that dream face and don't know where to start, don't worry—we've got your back. Derm for Dudes has conducted thorough research on available products and created an informative guide to help you select the best lotion for your skin. We'll cover what to look for in a moisturizer, highlight the top products, and explain why they made the cut.

Finding the right lotion for men can be a challenge since most are marketed towards women and have fragrances that may not suit you. Our carefully curated list is based on skin type, ingredients, and quality, bringing you the top lotions for men's skin in 2023.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20

You know you need to protect your skin from the sun, but that can mean using a lot of different products. Wouldn't it be great if one product could do the job of two? Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20 does just that, providing hydration and sun protection in one easy step. Plus, its blue algae extract and sea parsley provide an extra boost of antioxidants to help keep your skin looking young and healthy. So ditch the separate sunscreen and moisturizer and consider switching to Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer today.

Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20

The "Good"

  • SPF 20 sun protection
  • All day hydration

The "Could Be Better"

  • Not great for sensitive skin

Active Ingredients

Octinoxate, Avobenzone

Want to read the full product review? See it here.

Runner Up: Caldera + Lab The Base Layer

The Base Layer from Caldera + Lab is the perfect addition to any man's grooming routine. This lightweight moisturizer provides superior hydration, firmness, and a refined complexion, thanks to its blend of powerful natural ingredients like snow algae, plant stem cells, and squalane. In addition to its unparalleled skincare benefits, The Base Layer delivers a refreshing, masculine fragrance that invigorates the senses.

Caldera + Lab The Base Layer

The "Good"

  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Lightweight and quick absorption
  • Sleek packaging and the pump dispenser allows for easy application

The "Could Be Better"

  • Relatively expensive compared to other moisturizers
  • Some find the scent to be overpowering

Active Ingredients

Snow Mushroom, Sea Silt Extract, Squalane, Elkhorn Seamoss

Want to read the full product review? See it here.

Best SPF Lotion: Geologie Moisturizing Face Cream with SPF15

Geologie Moisturizing Face Cream with SPF15 is a perfect addition to your daily skincare routine. This nourishing and hydrating moisturizer helps keep skin looking and feeling healthy while protecting against the sun's harmful rays. Made with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide, it’s the right mix of active ingredients to do the job.

Geologie Moisturizing Face Cream with SPF15

The "Good"

  • Ocean Friendly SPF15
  • Smooth application

The "Could Be Better"

  • Price tag

Active Ingredients

Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid

Want to read the full product review? See it here.

Best for Daily Moisturizing: Lumin Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizing Balm

Lumin Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizing Balm is designed to provide mens' skin with the ultimate hydration and luminosity it needs. This lightweight balm absorbs quickly and locks in moisture, leaving you with a healthy glow all day long. Formulated with natural active ingredients such as apple extract and ginger extract, the extra antioxidants help provide all day protection.

Lumin Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizing Balm

The "Good"

  • Good hydration without the greasiness

The "Could Be Better"

  • Some complaints of irritation

Active Ingredients

Apple Extract, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Ginger Extract

Want to read the full product review? See it here.

Best Morning Lotion: Tiege Hanley Morning Facial Moisturizer for Men (AM)

Tiege Hanley Morning Facial Moisturizer for Men (AM) is the perfect way to start your day. It's light and refreshing, and it will help keep your skin hydrated all day long. The SPF 20 makes it a good choice for everyday use, whether you're going to the beach or the golf course.

Tiege Hanley Morning Facial Moisturizer for Men (AM)

The "Good"

  • SPF 20 sun protection
  • Great for sensitive skin

The "Could Be Better"

  • Doesn’t offer all day protection

Active Ingredients

Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Octinoxate

Want to read the full product review? See it here.

Best Caffeine Pick Me Up: Kiehl's Facial Fuel Men’s SPF 20 Moisturizer

Kiehl’s SPF 20 Moisturizer is a perfectly hydrating, no-fuss revitalizing moisturizer that does double-duty as a daily sunscreen. It goes on smoothly and provides non-greasy protection without clogging pores.

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Men’s SPF 20 Moisturizer

The "Good"

  • Invigorating formula gives skin a brighter appearance
  • Paraben- and Sulfate-free

The "Could Be Better"

  • Recent formula changes haven't met some consumers’ expectations

Active Ingredients

Caffeine, Vitamin C, Chestnut Extract

Want to read the full product review? See it here.

What to Look For in a Lotion for Men's Face

Let's talk about what to look for in a lotion that'll keep your face looking sharp, no matter what type of skin you have. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution here! It's essential to choose the right lotion that works for your skin type, or you risk ruining that handsome face of yours.

Normal Skin:

If you have normal skin, water-based lotions are perfect. However, you may want to switch to a thicker product during the winter months.

Oily Skin:

Acne and oily skin go hand in hand, but that doesn't mean you can't keep your face looking fresh. Opt for lightweight, water-based, non-comedogenic lotions with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that won't clog your pores. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are also great ingredients to look for since they help fight acne. Avoid emollient-rich ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter, which can clog your pores.

Dry Skin:

If your skin is dry, your face needs lots of moisture. Choose heavy, oil-based creams with rich ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil. If you have exceptionally dry skin, go for products with dimethicone or ceramides that create a protective seal over the skin to lock in moisture.

Sensitive Skin:

If you have sensitive skin, you need to be extra careful when selecting a lotion. Look for hypoallergenic options that protect your skin from irritants. Ingredients like vitamin E, aloe, chamomile, oatmeal, and other anti-inflammatory agents can soothe your skin. Steer clear of harsh ingredients like synthetic fragrances and alcohol. If your sensitive skin is also dry, you may want to use thicker cream moisturizers, while lightweight lotions work well for normal and oily skin.

Aging Skin:

As we get older, we need to start taking care of our skin differently. Look for lotions with anti-aging ingredients like retinol, peptides, and emollients. Retinol can work wonders, but be careful not to mix it with AHAs and BHAs from other skincare products. Other excellent anti-aging ingredients include vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. Make sure to prioritize these ingredients to keep your skin both youthful and healthy-looking.

What Else Matters for a Men's Face Lotion?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

We all love a sunny day, but let's face it, you don't want to look like you got too much of a good thing. Sun damage can lead to wrinkles, sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. So it's crucial to choose a lotion that contains SPF to protect your face from the sun's harmful rays. If your moisturizer doesn't have SPF, you can always buy a separate sunscreen.

Related: Best Sunscreen for Men

Scent

Smelling good is important, but you don't want a scent that irritates your skin or overwhelms your senses. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, avoid heavily scented moisturizers. Choose natural scents that are subtle and, most importantly, masculine.

Ingredients

Don't be fooled by cheap lotions that contain harsh chemicals that can harm your skin. Avoid products with ingredients like parabens, mineral oil, and synthetic dyes or colors. Instead, opt for lotions with natural ingredients that nourish and hydrate your skin, are packed with antioxidants and are gentle on the skin.

10 key ingredients to look for in any good men's face lotion:

  1. Hyaluronic acid: Helps to hydrate and plump the skin by retaining moisture.
  2. Niacinamide: Can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of pores.
  3. Vitamin C: Helps to brighten and even out skin tone, while also providing antioxidant protection.
  4. Retinol: Can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin texture and tone.
  5. Aloe: Has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe and hydrate the skin.
  6. Glycerin: Helps to moisturize the skin and prevent dryness.
  7. Ceramides: Can help to strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.
  8. Green tea extract: Provides antioxidant protection and can soothe the skin.
  9. Shea butter: Has moisturizing and emollient properties and can help to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
  10. Jojoba oil: Can help to moisturize the skin without clogging pores, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

In Summary

Congratulations! You're now on your way to finding the perfect lotion for your skin type and budget. Remember that having a consistent skincare routine is vital for men to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin. We hope this guide has helped you to select the best lotion for your unique needs. Don't forget to complement your lotion with other skincare products such as SPF and quality ingredients to further enhance your routine. If you're interested in more dude-approved skincare products, be sure to check out our product reviews.

We research and review the best skincare products for men. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may earn a commission.