Good skin moisturizer for men?
October 30, 2013 8:09 AM Subscribe
I'm in Canada, and I was wondering if there is a good skin moisturizer for men. I cannot stand scents (I have asthma).
I used to use something ten years ago called "Face Protector" from the Body Shop, and it was perfect.
I find that many moisturizers out there are either scented, or have a waxy residue (Skin Protector melted in after about 2 minutes and was great).
The Body Shop's newer products are too "watery" and also burn my skin (!)
I have sensitive skin and also suffer from ingrown hairs after shaving or when my skin is dry.
Buy a large tub of Cetaphil in the Canadian 16 oz equivalent size. It has no smell, works great, and feels great.
posted by oceanjesse at 8:13 AM on October 30, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by oceanjesse at 8:13 AM on October 30, 2013 [3 favorites]
Neutrogena has lots of unscented moisturizers, and they also have a "for men" line, if you're looking for things with SPF or that "fight aging" or whatever, and also post-shave soothing lotions. Otherwise, yeah, Cetaphil. Or Eucerin.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:16 AM on October 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:16 AM on October 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
Yes, I would use jojoba oil or vitamin e oil blend at night when it doesn't matter if your face looks shiny.
You can also check out Paula's Choice, which ships to Canada, is very thorough about listing ingredients, and is not insanely expensive. I believe all her products are fragrance free. She also has fairly thorough reviews of other products on her 'Beautypedia.'
posted by Salamandrous at 8:17 AM on October 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
You can also check out Paula's Choice, which ships to Canada, is very thorough about listing ingredients, and is not insanely expensive. I believe all her products are fragrance free. She also has fairly thorough reviews of other products on her 'Beautypedia.'
posted by Salamandrous at 8:17 AM on October 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
I have very sensitive skin and have had good luck with Paula's Choice toners for basic moisturizing/post-shaving use. They're not scented, so not really gender-specific.
posted by Bardolph at 8:18 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Bardolph at 8:18 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
I second cetaphil- but also want to say that I suggested Nivia q10 night moisturizer to my partner a few months ago and he says he couldn't be happier- it seemed to clear up all his dry patchy shaving yucky skin. He buys it in bulk because its all he will use now (even on his body) he even gave a tub to a friend at work who he noticed had some irritated facial skin. There is a light scent to it, and I am often allergic to scents- but I fare quite well with that one.
posted by misspony at 8:30 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by misspony at 8:30 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
I Nth Cetaphil or can you stand the scent of Ponds? It says it is unscented, but I detect a scent. I use it in Western NY winters on my medical aesthetician friend's recommendation.
posted by oflinkey at 8:32 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by oflinkey at 8:32 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin is a good unscented facial lotion.
Paula's Choice moisturizers are unscented but they are more like gel than lotion. Personally, I find this makes them absorb quickly, but some people don't like the texture.
In the winter, I like to combine Paula's Choice toner (also unscented) with a moisturizer. I find this to be really helpful with dry skin.
To fight ingrown hairs, you can try a Paula's Choice BHA or AHA moisturizer (they come in gel and lotion forms). These are chemical exfoliants that will help keep the pore free of dead skin cells and other debris that can block hair growth and cause ingrown hairs.
If you get red bumps post-shaving and aren't allergic to aspirin, you might try Paula's Choice soothing liquid or TendSkin. These aren't moisturizing, but they do help with the redness and stinging.
posted by neushoorn at 8:37 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
Paula's Choice moisturizers are unscented but they are more like gel than lotion. Personally, I find this makes them absorb quickly, but some people don't like the texture.
In the winter, I like to combine Paula's Choice toner (also unscented) with a moisturizer. I find this to be really helpful with dry skin.
To fight ingrown hairs, you can try a Paula's Choice BHA or AHA moisturizer (they come in gel and lotion forms). These are chemical exfoliants that will help keep the pore free of dead skin cells and other debris that can block hair growth and cause ingrown hairs.
If you get red bumps post-shaving and aren't allergic to aspirin, you might try Paula's Choice soothing liquid or TendSkin. These aren't moisturizing, but they do help with the redness and stinging.
posted by neushoorn at 8:37 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]
The manly version of M lotion is good. In honesty, having used M lotion, I'm pretty sure the only difference between manly and normal M lotion is packaging.
posted by MuffinMan at 8:50 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by MuffinMan at 8:50 AM on October 30, 2013
What do you use to shave with?
I struggled for years with foams in a can, fancy oils and other exotic things. I thought razor rashes and infected in-grown hairs were just a fact of life. Switching to tea tree oil soap for shaving (and just as a body soap) helped a great deal. It's a mild biocide, but also a pretty decent emollient. Kills the skin bugs and moisturizes a bit at the same time.
The kind I use is from Soapworks, but there are lots of different kinds out there. I also don't tolerate scents. The Soapworks variety has a mild smell to the bar---the oil itself presumably---but doesn't seem to persist.
posted by bonehead at 8:52 AM on October 30, 2013
I struggled for years with foams in a can, fancy oils and other exotic things. I thought razor rashes and infected in-grown hairs were just a fact of life. Switching to tea tree oil soap for shaving (and just as a body soap) helped a great deal. It's a mild biocide, but also a pretty decent emollient. Kills the skin bugs and moisturizes a bit at the same time.
The kind I use is from Soapworks, but there are lots of different kinds out there. I also don't tolerate scents. The Soapworks variety has a mild smell to the bar---the oil itself presumably---but doesn't seem to persist.
posted by bonehead at 8:52 AM on October 30, 2013
"Complex 15" is wonderful for sinking right in and not leaving a trace; it is exceptionally non-greasy and scent-free. And non-irritating. It may register as more "watery" than "creamy," though (but try the cream in the tube, not the lotion in the bottle).
posted by kmennie at 8:54 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by kmennie at 8:54 AM on October 30, 2013
Clinique for Men products are great (disclosure, I used to work for the brand). If you can, it's a good idea to call into a local department store and get a free consultation. When I worked for them they were very generous with free samples and also had a no questions return policy even on used items, so it's a good brand to try risk-free. They're not too expensive and it's all fragrance-free.
Your shaving routine should be considered as part of your skincare, not separate to it. There's no point using a good moisturiser if your shaving foam is drying. A good tip is to shave after you shower - most men seem to do it the other way around - as your hair is softer and you'll get a closer shave. Exfoliation is also important to get rid of dry patches and prevent ingrown hairs, and stops you putting moisturiser on skin which is already dead and won't absorb it. Ignore their scuffing lotions - I think they're drying - but a pre-shave scrub, a moisturising foam/shaving cream and a light daily moisturiser should be all you need.
posted by billiebee at 8:56 AM on October 30, 2013
Your shaving routine should be considered as part of your skincare, not separate to it. There's no point using a good moisturiser if your shaving foam is drying. A good tip is to shave after you shower - most men seem to do it the other way around - as your hair is softer and you'll get a closer shave. Exfoliation is also important to get rid of dry patches and prevent ingrown hairs, and stops you putting moisturiser on skin which is already dead and won't absorb it. Ignore their scuffing lotions - I think they're drying - but a pre-shave scrub, a moisturising foam/shaving cream and a light daily moisturiser should be all you need.
posted by billiebee at 8:56 AM on October 30, 2013
Organic Coconut Oil.
I use this as a moisturiser and hair mask, plus you cau use it to cook with, clean with etc... Google it :)
posted by krisb1701d at 8:58 AM on October 30, 2013
I use this as a moisturiser and hair mask, plus you cau use it to cook with, clean with etc... Google it :)
posted by krisb1701d at 8:58 AM on October 30, 2013
I really love Neutrogena Norwegian Formula stuff - during the height of super dry winter skin and to protect my face before winter bike commutes, I'll use the hand cream (nice and thick) on my face. It's available in scented and fragrance free versions.
posted by misskaz at 9:21 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by misskaz at 9:21 AM on October 30, 2013
I started using oil on my face about a year ago after becoming exasperated with the fragrance and residue of standard moisturisers. I started with the olive oil I had in my kitchen, but have since experimented with castor, almond, mineral (Johnson's baby oil) and jojoba oils. All of them have been great. (I know some people claim mineral oil is bad for your skin, but there's really no science to that, and personally, my skin loves it.) At the moment I'm just using culinary-grade almond oil, purchased at the supermarket for £4 a litre, and it's brilliant: soothing, moisturising, fragrance-free and quickly absorbed. It's been a revelation.
I have oily skin, so I thought oil would be a no-no for me—but in fact I have far less acne than I used to. It doesn't even make my skin look greasy. You can slather it on at night if you feel you need the extra comfort, but during the day I put on only a few drops, rubbed between my palms and then gently patted onto my face.
posted by EXISTENZ IS PAUSED at 9:21 AM on October 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
I have oily skin, so I thought oil would be a no-no for me—but in fact I have far less acne than I used to. It doesn't even make my skin look greasy. You can slather it on at night if you feel you need the extra comfort, but during the day I put on only a few drops, rubbed between my palms and then gently patted onto my face.
posted by EXISTENZ IS PAUSED at 9:21 AM on October 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
You don't need to use something specifically "for men," just something unscented. That said, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion is great (it's packaged also as M Lotion but it's the same thing, I used to buy it because I liked the squeezy tube. Personally I like CeraVe moisturizer (drugstore brand) - I use the night version both morning and night because I am allergic to sunscreens. Cetaphil makes a great cream for when you need something heavier.
posted by radioamy at 9:22 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by radioamy at 9:22 AM on October 30, 2013
Ditto on the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula. That stuff was formulated for fishermen working in the North Sea. A little dab will definitely do ya...
posted by jim in austin at 9:25 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by jim in austin at 9:25 AM on October 30, 2013
Check your local drugstore for CeraVe. It's about $15 for a HUGE bottle that will last for months. Use just a little on damp skin by gently patting / stroking. Don't rub it in: just let it absorb.
posted by maudlin at 9:43 AM on October 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by maudlin at 9:43 AM on October 30, 2013 [2 favorites]
Seconding CeraVe. Also their new-ish AM and PM products. The bottles are small, but they last forever and work well.
posted by spilon at 10:52 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by spilon at 10:52 AM on October 30, 2013
I swear by Glysomed, and I'm aware there's a fragrance-free variety, in a white tube.
posted by blue t-shirt at 11:09 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by blue t-shirt at 11:09 AM on October 30, 2013
I'm fond of Ombrelle, which is also a sunblock lotion.
posted by musofire at 11:11 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by musofire at 11:11 AM on October 30, 2013
Green Beaver's Après Ski Boreal Face Cream. It's non-greasy but thick and rich, and unscented. You don't need much per application, and the moisturizing properties last for quite a while (I apply it once in the morning, and again before going to bed). Green Beaver is a Canadian company, too, but not one with a lot of international presence — so when you travel, you'll want to take enough with you. Their products are mainly found at natural food stores, environmental stores (it's one of the most eco-friendly face creams around), and online at well.ca, among other places.
posted by mayurasana at 11:15 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by mayurasana at 11:15 AM on October 30, 2013
3rding the CeraVe! I have insanely sensitive skin (can't use Cetaphil!) and have had no problems with CeraVe for over 3 years. The regular cream and lotion are great, and for ingrown hairs, try the SA renwal lotion a few times a week at night. Has freed a few ingrowns on my neck that I'd had for weeks.
posted by monopas at 11:16 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by monopas at 11:16 AM on October 30, 2013
You might want to have somebody check the water you wash with. You won't need gunk on your face if the PH is decent.
posted by Mr. Yuck at 11:31 AM on October 30, 2013
posted by Mr. Yuck at 11:31 AM on October 30, 2013
I like Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion, like the kind seen here.
It's not fancy or anything, and doesn't have fragrance, it's just a light but effective moisturizer. I apply it to my face using my hands, and I don't feel like I have to wipe my hands afterward.
posted by grog at 1:09 PM on October 30, 2013
It's not fancy or anything, and doesn't have fragrance, it's just a light but effective moisturizer. I apply it to my face using my hands, and I don't feel like I have to wipe my hands afterward.
posted by grog at 1:09 PM on October 30, 2013
I'm not really a scent guy myself and avoid it in all products (deodorants, shower gels, etc.).
A few years ago I found Embryollise Lait Creme Concentre . It's not specifically for Men, but isn't scented (it does have a smell of course, but this goes away in a second), it's not oily at all and is very easy and quickly to apply. It absorbs very well, and is anything but shiny.
I really swear by, it's the only product I use, and when I used it before I got frequently complimented on my skin. Actually, it's used by professional make up artists as a no-frills moisturiser to restore models' skin (I guess because of all the make-up),
posted by ahtlast93 at 3:43 PM on October 30, 2013
A few years ago I found Embryollise Lait Creme Concentre . It's not specifically for Men, but isn't scented (it does have a smell of course, but this goes away in a second), it's not oily at all and is very easy and quickly to apply. It absorbs very well, and is anything but shiny.
I really swear by, it's the only product I use, and when I used it before I got frequently complimented on my skin. Actually, it's used by professional make up artists as a no-frills moisturiser to restore models' skin (I guess because of all the make-up),
posted by ahtlast93 at 3:43 PM on October 30, 2013
I'm female but I like CeraVe. I've been using their AM and PM lotions for months and my skin is very happy. Neither have any fragrance and they absorb quickly and don't feel greasy, even the AM one with SPF.
posted by MadamM at 4:22 PM on October 30, 2013
posted by MadamM at 4:22 PM on October 30, 2013
The wife and I use Trader Joe's Unscented Herbal Blend with Aloe. It does have a very faint smell of what I would refer to as tea. It's great, inexpensive, and hopefully your California friends will have no problem shipping it to Canada for you... :)
posted by dozo at 4:39 PM on October 30, 2013
posted by dozo at 4:39 PM on October 30, 2013
It's not cheap, but the guy with the best skin of anyone I know uses Kiehl's, available in Canada.
posted by Space Kitty at 4:43 PM on October 30, 2013
posted by Space Kitty at 4:43 PM on October 30, 2013
Cetaphil cream is nice, but I also like argan oil.
posted by easy, lucky, free at 8:33 PM on October 30, 2013
posted by easy, lucky, free at 8:33 PM on October 30, 2013
I use Clinique's M Lotion with SPF 21. It's scentless and you should always wear sunscreen on your face.
posted by dobie at 11:19 PM on October 30, 2013
posted by dobie at 11:19 PM on October 30, 2013
CeraVe also comes in a creamier format, in a tub, if you find you need more moisture. It's really very good.
Complex 15 is another fantastic drugstore moisturizer that works well and goes easy on sensitive skin.
posted by houseofdanie at 8:25 AM on October 31, 2013
Complex 15 is another fantastic drugstore moisturizer that works well and goes easy on sensitive skin.
posted by houseofdanie at 8:25 AM on October 31, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
You could also try the eensiest, teensiest bit of pure jojoba oil - it's what I use when my skin is really dry and it's awesome. Super-cheap, too.
posted by julthumbscrew at 8:12 AM on October 30, 2013 [1 favorite]