Best Facial Moisturizer for Men

Men need facial moisturizers, too

There is a growing market of facial moisturizers and other skin care products that are marketed specifically to men. While men typically don't spend as much on personal grooming as women -- $28 billion annually versus more than $91 billion -- their needs are the same.

Skin care expert Paula Begoun says, "Regardless of gender, skin is skin."

She acknowledges that hormones have an effect on skin but "in terms of what either gender needs to create and maintain healthy, protected skin, there is no fundamental difference."

Furthermore, products marketed to men are virtually the same as gender-neutral formulas and those that are marketed to women.

Clinique Skin Supplies for Men M Lotion Daily Hydration (*Est. $24 for 3.4 oz.), for instance, is identical to Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (*Est. $25 for 4.2 oz.). It merely comes in a different package -- and it costs about 21 percent more, ounce for ounce. The only real differences between men's and women's skin care products are the scents -- which experts agree should be avoided -- and the packaging. That doesn't mean that products marketed to men are inherently bad. As with any other skin care line, there are both excellent and terrible options aplenty.

Lab Series for Men Oil Control Daily Hydrator (*Est. $35 for 1.7 oz.) gets mixed reviews. Begoun gives the formula a Poor rating. She says it has a comfortably dry finish, but it contains irritating ingredients, namely peppermint and sage. On the other hand, the moisturizer earned a Best of Beauty award from Allure magazine for 2012. Editors say Oil Control Daily Hydrator "sops up shine" but doesn't leave skin feeling tight and dry. There aren't many user reviews for the formula.

This is the case with most made-for-men moisturizers -- they aren't reviewed as often products that are typically marketed to women. Still, experts suggest that Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer SPF 15 (*Est. $10 for 6 oz.), Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream (*Est. $13 for 16 oz.) and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel (*Est. $25 for 4.2 oz.) are all excellent and suitable options for men.