Skincare has become a cornerstone of modern grooming, and for men, a quality moisturiser is the foundation of any routine. Whether you struggle with dryness, oiliness, or signs of ageing, the right product can transform your skin's health and appearance. After testing dozens of formulas over a full 28-day skin cycle, we've curated the 11 best men's moisturisers for 2026, covering every budget and concern.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
- Best overall: Dr Loretta Barrier Repair Gel Cream – £65
- Best budget: L'Oreal Men Expert Derma-Control Moisturiser SPF 30 – £9
- Best for dry skin: The Grey Comfort+ Face Cream – £79
- Best for oily skin: Patricks SL1 Superleggera Moisturiser – £70
- Best brightening: Garnier Vitamin C Sorbet Cream – £8
- Best intense hydration: Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream – £49
- Best anti-ageing: Patricks AM1 Anti-Aging Moisturiser – £88
- Best natural: Seed To Skin The Recovery Cream – £218
- Best for summer: Dr Barbara Sturm Face Cream Light – £150
- Best pore-reducing: Bioderma Pore Refiner – £17
- Best anti-inflammatory: Seed To Skin The Cure – £192
How We Tested
Each moisturiser was used for a minimum of 28 days to align with the skin's natural cell cycle. We evaluated ingredient quality, texture, absorption, suitability for specific skin types, design, and value for money. Our tester has combination skin, allowing for assessment on both dry and oily areas, as well as enlarged pores and redness concerns.
Dr Loretta Barrier Repair Gel Cream – Best Overall
This fragrance-free, vegan formula combines ceramides and post-biotics to support the skin barrier. It absorbs quickly, leaving skin hydrated and even. After four weeks, skin appeared more balanced and nourished, even with exposure to harsh weather. The pump bottle is travel-friendly, though may leave some residue. £65 at Lookfantastic.com
L'Oreal Men Expert Derma-Control Moisturiser SPF 30 – Best Budget
An all-in-one option with SPF 30 and 2% niacinamide, ideal for combination to oily skin. It helps rebalance oil production and provides sun protection, though it feels slightly heavier on the skin. A great entry-level choice for a zero-fuss routine. £9 at Amazon.co.uk
The Grey Comfort+ Face Cream – Best for Dry Skin
Rich yet absorbent, this cream delivers immediate soothing for dry, tight, or flaky skin. Key ingredients include glycerin and niacinamide. The minimalist design focuses on efficacy, making it a targeted solution for very dry skin. £79 at Thegroomingclinic.com
Patricks SL1 Superleggera Moisturiser – Best for Oily Skin
With hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and biomimetic peptides, this lightweight moisturiser mattifies shine while hydrating. The sandalwood and amber scent adds a luxury touch. After weeks of use, skin felt firmer, oil balance improved, and blemishes reduced. £70 at Patricksproducts.co.uk
Garnier Vitamin C Sorbet Cream – Best Brightening on a Budget
This pot contains vitamin C and niacinamide to brighten and hydrate. It has a silky texture that absorbs well, making it ideal for nighttime use. Over four weeks, skin looked brighter and healthier, with dry areas nourished without increasing oiliness. £8 at Amazon.co.uk
Aesop Elemental Facial Barrier Cream – Best Intense Hydration
Packed with copper PCA, bisabolol, and shea butter, this cream provides robust protection against harsh conditions. It soothes and hydrates dry skin without irritation. The natural scent from essential oils is pleasant, though some may prefer fragrance-free options. £49 at Libertylondon.com
Patricks AM1 Anti-Aging Moisturiser – Best Anti-Ageing
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and creatine, this lightweight cream targets fine lines and elasticity. After four weeks, skin felt firmer and more youthful. The pump bottle is elegant, though slightly over-engineered. £88 at Patricksproducts.co.uk
Seed To Skin The Recovery Cream – Best Natural
This naturally derived cream uses olive leaf extract, honey, and hyaluronic acid to nourish and protect. It absorbs instantly and improves texture, elasticity, and balance over time. The glass pot and metal spoon add a luxurious touch. £218 at Libertylondon.com
Dr Barbara Sturm Face Cream Light – Best for Summer
A lightweight formula with purslane extract and pistachio seed oil, ideal for warm weather or oily skin. It hydrates without greasiness and reduces pores. Soothing from first use, it works well under sunscreen or before exercise. £150 at Lookfantastic.com
Bioderma Pore Refiner – Best Pore-Reducing
Though not a traditional moisturiser, this cream contains salicylic acid and agaric acid to refine pores and regulate oil. Use alone or layer under another moisturiser for enhanced results. After a month, pores appeared smaller and oil production improved. £17 at Amazon.co.uk
Seed To Skin The Cure – Best Anti-Inflammatory
This innovative recovery cream uses a biomimetic complex to direct active ingredients where needed. It reduces inflammation, rebuilds barrier strength, and restores radiance. Results were dramatic, comparable to a seven-step routine, but used only in the morning. £192 at Libertylondon.com
What to Look for in a Men's Moisturiser
Choose based on your skin type: oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. Key ingredients include humectants like glycerin and niacinamide, emollients like squalane, and occlusives like shea butter. For anti-ageing, look for peptides and antioxidants. SPF is essential for daytime use. Remember, skincare has no gender, but male skin is typically thicker and oilier, so products formulated for men may better address these traits.
