Like mostly everyone, I scoff at gendered packaging on products, convinced its merely a marketing ploy to extract more dollars from one group of people to the next.
Though there are instances where there really needn’t be a differentiation between sexes – pink and blue cotton buds, I’m looking at you – it turns out there is some merit in shopping for moisturisers specially formulated for your skin.
“The composition of a man’s skin is quite different to a woman’s skin,” Sarah Hudson, aesthetic practitioner and clinical educator, tells news.com.au.
“Men’s skin is about 25 per cent thicker, their collagen is denser, which is why they don’t show signs of ageing as quickly as a woman.”
Men are also likely to suffer from pigmentation or brown spots “mainly due to a man not applying sunscreen on a daily basis”, Sarah said.
“Sunspots can cause the skin to appear 10 years older than it actually is,” she said.
“Due to the hormone testosterone, the oil or sebum production of a man’s skin is thicker and stickier than a woman, causing large pores and an oily shine.”
We’ve prescribed the best cleansers and serums to treat your unique skin composition here – now, below, the best moisturisers for men.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best men’s moisturiser for your needs and budget, we asked Sarah Hudson, aesthetic practitioner and clinical educator for her expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a men’s moisturiser. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best men’s moisturiser from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
BEST MOISTURISER FOR MEN GUIDE
CeraVe Moisturising Lotion 236ml, $16.99, Priceline
What You Need To Know
Beloved globally for its simple, no fuss approach, this moisturiser is the ideal cheap and cheerful buy.
Lightweight and oil-free, it hydrates the skin while also protecting and strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. It is made from three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid so you can be sure your skin will stay happy and hydrated throughout the day.
You can use this pick both morning and nights too. A true workhorse.
It is also loved on TikTok. The #ceravemoisturiser has over 31.5 million views.
Plus, on Google it has over 28,000 reviews and is currently sitting at a 4.7 star rating.
“It doesn’t break me out, isn’t heavy, and gets the job done. Plus, it absorbs into the skin quickly,” wrote one five-star review.
Others rave about how “simple” and “easy to use” this moisturiser is.
“Perfectly simple. This lotion is no fuss and keeps my skin feeling plump and hydrated,” wrote another five-star review.
Natio For Men SPF50+ Face Moisturiser 100g, $14.99 (down from $21.95), Amazon Australia
What You Need To Know
Formulated with aloe vera and formidable UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreen, this cruelty-free, Australian-made lotion is just the thing for daylong moisture and protection. Beloved for its non-greasy, quick-dry texture shoppers say it is “good for everyday use”.
“Great product, not greasy and barely know you’ve applied it. Handy everyday moisturiser,” one five star review reads.
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
Charles + Lee Moisturiser SPF, $30, THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
This facial moisturiser with SPF15 is formulated to deeply hydrate skin.
Packed with powerful natural ingredients, including shea butter, olive oil, camomile and aloe vera to soften and smooth; and vitamin E, collagen and elastin to boost skin’s elasticity, it’s everything you could ask from a daily moisturiser – not to mention, with Moroccan Oil, and just the hint of vanilla, lemon and mint, it smells utterly divine.
asap Hydrating Defence SPF50+ 100ml, $63.75 (down from $85), Look Fantastic
What You Need To Know
Made from a non whitening or shine formulation, their Moisturising Daily Defence SPF50+ offers broad spectrum protection while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Throw in niacinamide or vitamin B3, ideal for preventing pigmentation and promoting elasticity, and this little tube does wonders for the unique characteristics of male skin.
Sitting just shy of a five-star rating with over 100 reviews, a five-star review found on Google said it all: “This is without doubt the best moisturiser and sunscreen I’ve ever used. It feels so dewy on the skin and has a very slight tint and glow when applied. It certainly doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy at all!”
Always read the label and follow directions for use. Prolonged high-risk sun exposure should be avoided. Frequent reapplication or use in accordance with directions is required for effective sun protection
Hunter Lab Daily Face Fuel 100ml, $54, Oz Hair and Beauty
What You Need To Know
Just assume at this point that here at news.com.au, we’re always going to give Australian excellence the spotlight. Made in Melbourne, the label’s natural Daily Face Fuel has won many a loyal fan due to its infusion of vital nutrients and vitamins, including macadamia seed and passionfruit seed oils. Designed to reduce fine lines while brightening and hydrating skin, its just the thing for men looking for a does-it-all daily moisturiser.
Positive reviews are heaped upon this signature product, with one proclaiming it “the perfect daily moisturiser for a guy who isn’t up for a skincare routine”. Another compelling review says, “I have combo skin and get acne sometimes, I was a little worried using at first but it goes on well and sinks into the skin. Doesn’t break me out … Also such good value for money.”
Bonus? “As a man I do love the packaging.”
Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream SPF15, $57, Aesop
What You Need To Know
No doubt you’ve at least walked past one of these innovatively-designed storefronts, the luxurious botanical scents catching your nose. This Australia-born, now global skincare brand is beloved for their botanical and mineral-infused products redefining luxury skincare. And this particular facial cream? No exception.
Suited to most skin types, particularly dry skin, this formulation includes mineral-based zinc oxide, which forms a barrier to reflect sunlight (without clogging pores!); and calming botanicals, including sage leaf, to hydrate thirsty skin.
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD PEOPLE START ENFORCING A SKINCARE ROUTINE?
“The skin is the largest organ of the body, we should implement good skin health from ages nine or 10,” Sarah says. “A good skin program, twice daily, from an early age is as important and brushing your teeth – and we are taught to have good gum health from an early age.”
Tip for those raising young people? “Start with simple cleansing and lightweight moisturising routine, then introducing an exfoliant in younger teen years.”
WHAT INGREDIENTS SHOULD I AVOID IN A MOISTURISER?
According to Sarah, these are the unholy trinity of ingredients to stay away from:
• Fragrance: which can lead to skin irritation and pigmentation.
• Mineral Oil: including paraffin, can lead to white milia spots.
• Colour: which can be clogging to anyone prone to acne or blackheads.
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Sarah Hudson
More Coverage
Sarah Hudson is an aesthetic practitioner and clinical educator with more than 25 years experience. You can book an initial skin analysis here, and uncover more of her work on her Instagram and Facebook profiles
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Originally published as Best moisturisers for men looking for a simple skincare regimen
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