A constant thing in the beauty and wellness space is the steady rise of brands and their endless offerings boasting the next best technology or an ingredient we never knew existed. So, it can get quite overwhelming even if you’re trying to track down some of the best moisturisers for men.
The usual practice is to stick with moisturisers we saw our family use for generations or give into ostensible ads or packaging. Besides the want for a lightweight formula, there are so many other factors to consider before selecting a moisturiser.
One such factor is key ingredients. Thanks to the aforementioned ever-evolving technologies and breakthroughs in skincare, we have a myriad of ingredients to choose from to achieve healthy-looking skin.
Scroll on to see our list of 6 top moisturisers for men based on essential key ingredients that are approved and loved by beauty experts and dermatologists alike.
Nykaa Man recommends:
Not a fan of greasiness? You’re not alone. That’s why you can do no wrong with the Cetaphil Brightening Day Cream. Its lightweight formula is made to fit seamlessly into your daytime skincare routine. With each use, you can see a visible reduction in acne spots and uneven skin tone. The added sun filters make it perfect to fight sun damage.
Key Ingredient: Niacinamide
The above gem makes a strong case for why niacinamide is so sought-after.
Niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3. It’s one of the most versatile skincare ingredients that beauty aficionados can’t get enough of. It works across various skin types and addresses multiple concerns like:
- Dullness
- Spots
- Pigmentation
- Excess sebum
This congenial ingredient regulates oil production, restores glow and visibly fades acne spots amongst many other benefits.
Parched, dry, flaky, dehydrated - if your skin type is synonymous with the aforementioned words, then your skin needs to be quenched asap! Be it daytime or nighttime, the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Nourishing Cream is a popular choice. This coveted skincare essential is infused with hyaluronic acid to make it the ultimate match for dryness. Take a dollop or two, massage it on a damp face and neck, and your skin will thank you for the hearty boost of hydration.
Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic acid
An active ingredient that’s also referred to as a humectant, hyaluronic acid’s essential role is to draw in moisture to hydrate and soften the skin. But there’s an important caveat - it’s always best to apply hyaluronic acid-based products on damp skin. As mentioned earlier, it’s an ingredient that draws in moisture. So a damp surface acts as a generous reservoir of the same. It traps the moisture within the surface of the skin, giving it a healthy, dewy, and plump look.
Also, keep in mind that applying hyaluronic acid to dry skin can be counterproductive. Instead of absorbing moisture from dampness or the atmosphere, it can suck the natural moisture from the skin, leaving it even dier.
Rich moisture and deep hydration - you can enjoy the best of both worlds with the Dot & Key Barrier Repair Ceramides & Hyaluronic Hydrating Face Cream. This emollient binds hyaluronic acid with another loved ingredient which is ceramides. If you feel your skin is dull and lacks lustre, ceramides restore the natural moisture barrier to significantly improve the skin’s health.
Key Ingredient: Ceramides
Ceramide is next on the list and it has the potential to become your skin’s BFF. Ceramides are already a component that is present in the body. They are fatty molecules which are responsible for keeping the natural skin barrier healthy. The skin barrier is what retains natural levels of moisture in the skin while protecting it from signs of damage, irritation and inflammation and maintains the skin’s elasticity.
Let’s steer away from the conventional cream-based moisturisers for a moment and divert ourselves to an oil-based moisturiser. We’re talking about The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane. This vegan form of squalane is a lipid-based ingredient which provides deep restoration. It’s suitable for those who have severely dry, sensitive, or flaky skin. Here are two ways you can use it:
- Take a few drops of squalane. Work it between your palms and gently massage on damp skin for better absorption.
- Or as a final step after serum and moisturiser. Apply a few drops to truly lock in moisture and hydration. This step is best done during nighttime.
Key Ingredient: Squalane
Before we delve into the benefits of squalane, it’s crucial to know the difference between squalane and squalene. Though they bear similar pronunciations and functions, they cannot be used interchangeably.
Squalene is a natural lipid or fatty acid produced by the sebaceous glands. It can also be found in plants, and it seals in the natural moisture to keep the skin’s surface healthy and hydrated. However, as our skin ages, the squalene production decreases. This is where squalane – derived from squalene through hydrogenation – comes into the picture. It ensures the shelf-life of squalane, which is a gem of a moisturiser that deeply penetrates the skin to soften it and give it a natural glow. It’s especially a boon to those who have extremely dry skin.
If you truly want an effortless glow, we suggest The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser. This one-and-done skincare essential is packed with aloe vera to soften the skin whilst restoring its natural radiance with extracts of camu camu, which is a rich source of vitamin C.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, can work wonders on your skin in its most stable form. To some extent, it shares a few benefits with niacinamide. Natural forms of vitamin C can be found in citrus extracts, Kakadu plums and pomegranate seeds.
It plays an important role in adding a healthy glow to the skin, reducing dullness and fading away acne spots. It’s even said that pairing vitamin C with sunscreen can pack a punch for your skin as it also fights free radicals to ward off signs of sun damage.
Tired of skin mottled with pigmentation and premature signs of ageing? Then it’s time to add a retinol-based cream to your nighttime routine like the Olay Night Repair Cream. Retinol is known to significantly slow down signs of premature ageing and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Veil your skin with this hydrating cream before going to bed to wake up to soft, nourished skin.
Key Ingredient: Retinol
Retinol is a type of Vitamin A that’s a potent ingredient to aid faster cell turnover and restore your skin’s appearance. Do keep in mind - retinol is a strong ingredient so start out by using it only twice a week. Once your skin gets accustomed to it, you can increase the frequency of usage. It’s also wise to use this ingredient only during nighttime as daytime usage can make your skin hypersensitive to the sun.
Now that you’re equipped with this diverse list of best moisturisers for men, here are a few more things to know:
- Do not use actives like vitamin C and retinol together
- You do not need them all. Pick and choose based on what concerns you’re trying to address
- Yes, oily skin types need moisturisers, too.
- Since these active ingredients are potent, always follow it up with a sunscreen during the day before stepping out.
If you’ve gotten this far, you’re already one step closer to healthy, soft, and supple skin!
