This $15 Men's Moisturizer Hydrated Skin Twice as Much as the Others We Tested (2024)

Cetaphil's ubiquitous moisturizer is a hydration powerhouse: The drugstore moisturizer was the top performer in our six-hour hydration test, increasing skin moisture content by 60.7%, per Corneometer data. That's more than the top-shelf picks on this list, and at 94¢ per fluid ounce, it gives the biggest bang for your buck in terms of hydration.

We loved the pump bottle for hygienic application and appreciated that it's formulated without fragrance or comedogenic ingredients and can be used on body and face. Men with oily skin, however, may find that this formula is too heavy for their needs, and our Lab experts noted this moisturizer doesn't absorb as quickly into the skin as some of the others on this list.

The runner up in our Lab test, Harry's Hydrating Night Lotion boosted skin's moisture by 31.6% over six hours. Coming in at $5.29 per fluid ounce, it's among the more cost-effective moisturizers on our list and the small 1.7 fluid ounce bottle makes it perfect for travel.

Though we loved the lightweight texture of this moisturizer, we had to note its inclusion of fragrance, which means it may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.

This multi-purpose moisturizer boasted powerful hydration in our Lab test, increasing skin hydration by 30.4% in six hours, according to our Corneometer data. Lab experts found the formula to feel moisturizing yet light, and were enthused that it was non-irritating when applied to the sensitive under-eye area and even after shaving, making it a great companion for those with drier, irritated skin.

While we found the formula lightweight, we noticed it took a while to absorb into the skin, though it didn't leave a greasy look.

"Energizing Moisture Treatment" is an apt name for this moisturizer, which claims to tackle both dullness and texture through the inclusion of ascorbyl glucoside (a derivative of vitamin C) and caffeine. We found the cream invigorating to apply, partially due to the inclusion of menthol which imparts its stimulating scent and cooling sensation when applied, though that means it may not be suitable for some with sensitive skin.

Lab experts found that the formula was both lightweight and fast-absorbing, making it a great choice for men with oily skin or those who don't like the feeling of heavier creams on their face. According to our Corneometer data, it increased skin's moisture levels by 23.8% over six hours, meaning you won't trade on hydration for the light texture.

The Vitamin E Face Moisturizer is as straightforward as the minimalistic packaging suggests: A quick-absorbing moisturizer that provides decent hydration for all skin types. We loved the amount of reviews for this product boasting about how it was non-irritating for those with sensitive skin despite its pleasant aroma (likely due to the inclusion of apple fruit extract and chamomile oil). Lab experts echoed the sentiment in road tests, saying it didn't irritate skin after shaving and finding the scent faint yet pleasant.

Corneometer data revealed this moisturizer to provide an 18.2% increase in skin hydration over six hours, meaning it isn't the most hydrating on our list, though that much hydration is still a solid amount.

For men who want to indulge in a luxurious moisturizer experience, Aesop's Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator makes opulence meet efficacy. The lightweight cream upped skin's moisture levels by 27.7% over six hours in our Lab test, and our experts appreciated the fluffy texture and sophisticated scent.

At $28.57 per fluid ounce, it's the most expensive moisturizer from our latest round of testing, so this fast-absorbing gel cream caters towards men who are willing to splurge for a deluxe morning and nighttime routine.

If you find the texture of creams too heavy or are concerned about looking oily throughout the day, a gel moisturizer can help your skin get the hydration it needs without the sticky finish. This ultra-fast absorbing moisturizing gel from CeraVe is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free, making it a great pick for those with acne-prone skin.

In our six-hour hydration test, Corneometer data showed this moisturizer's light consistency doesn't mean it packs less of a hydration punch: It boosted skin's moisture by 29.3%, taking fourth place in our most recent test.

For the ingredient-conscious among us, this moisturizer makes us glow, inside and out. Positioning itself as a clean beauty brand for men, we're impressed with Jackfir's dedication to backing up their claims with certification: The Classic Daily Facial Moisturizer is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, NSF Organic-Certified (meaning more than 70% of its ingredients are organic) and certified vegan by Biorius.

Lab experts enjoyed the rich texture of this face cream, along with the glow it imparted on skin. In our six-hour corneometry study we found it increased skin's moisture content by 19.9%, meaning it wasn't the most hydrating on our list, but it also wasn't the least.

To evaluate how well a moisturizer increases the hydration levels of skin, Beauty Lab scientists use a Corneometer (pictured below) to measure the moisture content of skin prior to moisturizer application and after six hours to get a sense of how well the moisturizer performs. Lab experts take notes on the moisturizer's consistency, speed of absorption and formulation. They also examine product claims, certifications and marketing copy for red flags.

In our test, Lab scientists collected over 1,000 Corneometer data points over the course of three weeks.

✔️ Ingredients: Moisturizers frequently contain a mixture of emollients (skin-conditioning ingredients), humectants (ingredients that pull water to the skin surface) and occlusives (ingredients that form a protective barrier over the skin, locking moisture in). Look for moisturizers that include a combination of all of these ingredient categories to reap their individual and combined benefits.

✔️ Skin concerns: Moisturizers can be formulated to tackle concerns based on your skin type, and building the right skincare routine can often involve catering to these concerns. Men with dry skin should look for moisturizers that boast ingredients that can help improve moisture like hyaluronic acid and squalene, while men with oily skin may want to look for moisturizers that are more lightweight.

Men with sensitive skin should look for moisturizers that don't contain fragrance or alcohol and are formulated to be hypoallergenic. "Hypoallergenic" implies that the brand has attempted to omit potential allergens that can cause reactions for some people, though they're not a guarantee that a product is 100% allergy-proof. For these designations, companies often test the product for allergic reactions or sensitivity on volunteers.

✔️ SPF: Sun protection is an important part of every man's skincare routine, though how you integrate it is a personal choice. While moisturizers formulated without SPF (like those on this list) often provide better hydration, the elimination of an extra step of applying a standalone sunscreen by using a moisturizer with SPF can appeal to many men. Whatever you choose, just make sure you're applying it every day!