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  • 10 Best Men's Face Creams in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist 1
  • 10 Best Men's Face Creams in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist 2
  • 10 Best Men's Face Creams in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist 3
  • 10 Best Men's Face Creams in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist 4
  • 10 Best Men's Face Creams in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist 5

10 Best Men's Face Creams in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

No matter the season, keeping your face moisturised is essential for healthy, glowing skin. And the daily hydration process shouldn't be a complicated one – After cleansing your face, follow up with the best face cream for long-lasting results. With a basic skincare routine, you can combat breakouts, dryness, excess oil, shaving irritations, and even signs of ageing.


So, here's a buying guide with brands ranging from Man Company to Nivea and Garnier Men to help you choose the best men's face cream to make your skin feel smooth and hydrated. This article has been reviewed by dermatologist Dr Hitaishi Kaushik, keep reading as she explains different skin types, creams suitable for them, and more.

Last updated 07/14/2023
Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Expert
Dermatologist
Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik pursued her Ph.D. in the field of dermatology and is currently working as a research associate in the dermatology lab at PGIMER.

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Medically Reviewed by Dr Hitaishi Kaushik

Medically Reviewed by Dr Hitaishi Kaushik

Dr Hitaishi Kaushik is working as a research associate in the dermatology lab at PGIMER, and she pursued her PhD in dermatology. She's done M.Sc. in medical biotechnology from PGI, Chandigarh. Also, she has won many awards at international conferences for her work on the effect of drugs on melanocytes in vitiligo.

How to Choose Men's Face Cream in India – Buying Guide

With a right face cream, you'll have fewer visible wrinkles, less redness, and smoother skin, but a wrong one can leave you with a shiny forehead for the rest of the day. So, the key to choosing the right cream is to identify the ingredients, depending on your skin type. Listed below is a guide to make your search for the best cream easier.

① Understand Your Skin Type - Dry, Oily, Normal, Or Sensitive

Most men tend to have oily and thicker skin, mainly due to the effects of testosterone. Therefore, the majority of face creams are formulated to combat oil. But if you have dry, sensitive, or combination skin, you need a facial cream aka moisturiser to address that. Here's detailed information on how to understand your skin type and pick up products accordingly.

If You Have Dry Skin, Go With Thicker Creams Containing Moisturising Agents Like Shea Butter

If You Have Dry Skin, Go With Thicker Creams Containing Moisturising Agents Like Shea Butter

If you have dry or flaky skin, you should use face creams containing antioxidants like grape seed oil or petroleum jelly. However, petroleum jelly does not suit all skin types; it can cause allergies, infections, and clogged pores in sensitive skin. While men do not typically have dry skin, the slow drop in testosterone as they age tends to dry skin out. 


So, even if you had the oiliest skin as a teenager, it might begin to dry out over time. Therefore, carefully review your skin before investing in a face cream. For dry skin, you need to look for thicker creams with moisturising agents like shea butter, glycerine, and jojoba oil.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Men's facial skin is almost 20-25% thicker than female skin and requires proper facial skincare such as cleaning, exfoliating, moisturization, and UV protection. Especially people with dry skin need to moisturize their skin. Look for creams with natural extracts and hydrating ingredients such as humectants (hyaluronic acid, glycerine) and emollients (jojoba oil, wheat germ oil, etc.).

If You Are Dealing With Oily Skin, Prefer Water-Based Creams With Essential Oils Like Ginger, Jasmine Oil

If You Are Dealing With Oily Skin, Prefer Water-Based Creams With Essential Oils Like Ginger, Jasmine Oil

Oily skin is quite difficult to manage as it makes your face prone to acne breakouts. If that is the case, avoid face creams with natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and almond oil as their base because they will make your face look incredibly shiny. 


Instead, go for lightweight, water-based creams enriched with essential oils like ginger oil, jasmine oil, and eucalyptus oil. Even face creams with serum are beneficial for oily skin as it addresses concerns like anti-ageing, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Men's skin is usually oilier and shinier than females skin, meaning it is more prone to facial problems of large and open skin pores, which can further cause acne, blackheads or whiteheads. Check for a moisturizer that is oil-free, non-comedogenic and water-based. Ingredients such as dimethicone, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, retinol, salicylic acid are usually good for such skin type.

People With Sensitive Skin Should Avoid Chemical and Alcohol-Based Creams Or Oils Like Tea Tree, Mint

People With Sensitive Skin Should Avoid Chemical and Alcohol-Based Creams Or Oils Like Tea Tree, Mint

Whether your skin feels a burning and stinging sensation during the daily shave routine or it gets irritated while applying aftershave, the chances are that you have sensitive skin. In this case, you need to get a face cream that doesn't cause prolonged irritation and does not contain harsh chemicals found in denatured alcohols (ethanol mixed with other ingredients).


In small amounts, denatured alcohol is safe to use in cosmetics and skincare, but when mixed with methanol, it can seep through the skin, leading to excessive dryness. It can further cause breakouts, skin irritation, and redness.


Chemicals in face creams absorb UV light and release it as heat after a chemical reaction, making the likelihood of irritating sensitive skin higher. It is also best to avoid certain essential oils, including tea tree, mint, citrus, and lavender. Tea tree oil can lead to dryness and irritation, whereas mint, citrus, and lavender oil can cause negative reactions to the skin.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Men's skin is prone to become sensitive, especially due to shaving, leading to skin cuts, redness, or swelling. Look for a moisturizer specifically designed for sensitive skin. Such creams usually have anti-inflammatory and natural components such as aloe vera, marshmallow extract, calendula extract, shea butter, jojoba oil. Avoid frequent exfoliation of your skin, and make sure to do a patch test before applying any new product. 

If You Have Normal Skin, Buy Water-Based Creams

If You Have Normal Skin, Buy Water-Based Creams

Normal skin lies somewhere between dry and oily skin, and a face cream that is considered moderate on both ends of the spectrum is ideal for use. A water-based face cream like Cetaphil Moisturising cream is best for men with normal skin.


A lotion-type moisturiser will also keep normal skin hydrated, especially during the winter months. You can check for active ingredients like glycerine and petroleum. If your facial skin is prone to inflammation, look for ingredients like oatmeal and aloe, as they help ease inflammation.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Water-based creams work well for normal skin and, in fact, are very effective for combination to oily skin. These creams are oil-free and lightweight. They are quickly and easily absorbed, thus keeping your skin super hydrated without making it oily and greasy.


Common ingredients in such creams include antioxidants such as green tea, aloe vera, emollients (like jojoba oil, olive oil) and humectants (hyaluronic acid, peptides, glycerine) and contain no parabens, mineral oils, sulfates and are non-comedogenic. All this makes them an ideal option for almost all types of skin except for dry skin.

② Look Out for The Ingredients to Avoid Like Parabens, Sulphates, and More

Look Out for The Ingredients to Avoid Like Parabens, Sulphates, and More

While buying face cream, it is important to avoid all pore-clogging ingredients. Mineral oils and lanolin are two of the most common ingredients found in face cream, and they trap dirt and other particles in the pores. When used directly after shaving, short hair can get trapped, resulting in ingrown hair.


These ingredients are especially harmful to acne-prone skin as they can cause breakouts. Also, make sure the label reads sulphate and paraben-free. Parabens have a similar composition to hormones found in our body and, therefore, disrupt the natural hormones, posing a risk of serious disease. Sulphates are chemical detergents that can be harsh on your skin.


So, always look for non-comedogenic products, which means that the product does not contain pore-clogging ingredients. You will also find a variety of creams containing ethyl alcohol and astringents. Be very careful while picking products containing alcohol as they may be too harsh and cause irritation.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Depending upon your skin type, you must avoid some ingredients in your face wash. A few of these include – petroleum and mineral oil derived ingredients (it can clog your pores, thus making them more prone to acne), parabens, propylene glycol & butylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate & sodium Laureth sulfate, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, etc.

③ Consider Sun Protection - SPF 15 Or More Than SPF 30

Consider Sun Protection - SPF 15 Or More Than SPF 30

The majority of men do not apply sunscreen, making their skin prone to sun damage. Therefore, getting a face cream containing some amount of SPF can help to reduce sun damage and other serious skin problems. Using a moisturiser with SPF also helps maintain smooth and wrinkle-free skin.


If you spend most of your time outdoors, you should get a face cream containing an SPF of 30 or higher. For those who spend most of their time in an office, a face cream with SPF 15 should be sufficient. Any cream with an SPF of at least 15 ensures that your skin is always protected from harmful UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Look for moisturizers with SPF and PA labels. SPF is responsible for protection against UVB radiations (thus preventing skin burns), and the PA factor protects against UVA radiations (responsible for dark patches, wrinkles and premature aging). If required, you may apply sunscreen over your moisturizer.

④ Choose Whether A Day or Night Cream Works for You

Choose Whether A Day or Night Cream Works for You

Dermatologists recommend moisturising your face first thing in the morning, immediately after the shower, as damp skin can easily absorb the cream. However, if you prefer hydrating your face at bedtime, you're doing the right thing, too, as this is the time when your skin repairs and replenishes, allowing you to wake up fresh in the morning.


Just make sure to pick up the cream with the right set of ingredients, depending upon your routine. For instance, day creams should not have retinol or glycolic acid as they can cause photosensitivity when you're exposed to the sun. However, retinol is the main ingredient in anti-ageing creams and can be included in a night cream.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

The purpose of both day creams and night creams is different. Day creams usually tend to moisturize your skin and protects you from environmental factors, including solar radiation. On the contrary, night creams are usually regenerative, i.e. they are responsible for restructuring and rejuvenating your skin. 


These night creams mainly help boost up collagen production. Follow proper daycare and night cream regimes for healthy skin. Select any night cream, which suits your skin.

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10 Best Men's Face Creams in India

Part of one's skin journey is bout practising self-love and picking up the right products for one's skincare routine. Below, we've rounded up the best face creams for men that are adored by men around you.
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

NIVEA

Men Creme

NIVEA Men Creme 1枚目

Light, Non-Greasy Formula for Better Hydration

2

The Man Company

Daily Moisturising Cream

The Man Company Daily Moisturising Cream 1枚目

Daily Moisturising Cream to Improve Skin Tone

3

Lotus Herbals

Whiteglow Skin Whitening And Brightening Gel Cream

Lotus Herbals Whiteglow Skin Whitening And Brightening Gel Cream 1枚目

A Feathery Light Formula for Instant Glow

4

Man Arden

Hydrating Face Cream

Man Arden Hydrating Face Cream 1枚目

An Effective Formula for Sensitive and Freshly-Shaved Skin

5

The Man Company

Skin Brightening Cream

The Man Company Skin Brightening Cream 1枚目

Comes With Vitamin C and A - Time to Say Goodbye to Dull Skin

6

Garnier Men

Power White

Garnier Men Power White 1枚目

A Cream Enriched With Vitamin C and Green Tea for Oily Skin

7

POND'S Men

Daily Defence

POND'S Men Daily Defence 1枚目

A Best-Seller to Shield Skin for Sun Damage

8

Beardo

Ultraglow

Beardo Ultraglow 1枚目

A Face Cream to Give You an Overall Glow

9

Pond's Men

Oil Control Face Crème

Pond's Men Oil Control Face Crème 1枚目

Give Your Oily Skin a Fresh Boost

10

L'Oreal Men Expert

White Active Oil Control

L'Oreal Men Expert White Active Oil Control 1枚目

An Energising Formula to Protect and Moisturise Your Skin

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No.1

NIVEAMen Creme

Men Creme Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹180.00

Light, Non-Greasy Formula for Better Hydration

This basic yet popular face cream by Nivea is formulated especially for men to reduce the appearance of dark spots. It is a non-greasy and fast-absorbing formula that contains liquorice extracts, which help moisturise and rehydrate the skin by regenerating elastin and collagen. Also, it is suitable for all skin types.


Regular application of Nivea's Dark Spot Reduction Cream nourishes and evens out the complexion. It has UV filters that effectively protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Reviewers have seen visible spot reduction in 2-3 weeks. So, if you're looking for a cream that hydrates your skin and visibly reduces dark spots then this one should be your top pick. 

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No.2

The Man CompanyDaily Moisturising Cream

Daily Moisturising Cream Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹349.00

Daily Moisturising Cream to Improve Skin Tone

This moisturiser is perfect for everyday use as it nourishes and hydrates skin with all the necessary ingredients – vitamin E, shea butter, and cocoa butter. Vitamin E treats dryness and reduces UV damage to the skin. 


Shea butter reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and cocoa butter protects the skin from moisture loss and has anti-inflammatory properties. Though suitable for all skin types, the moisturiser works best for those with oily and sensitive skin. 


The presence of shea butter makes the cream fit for sensitive skin as it moisturises the skin without irritating it. Also, the product's easy absorption and non-sticky quality make it suitable for those with oily skin. Another added advantage of Man Company's daily moisturiser is that it helps improve skin tone too.

No.3

Lotus HerbalsWhiteglow Skin Whitening And Brightening Gel Cream

Whiteglow Skin Whitening And Brightening Gel Cream Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹280.00

A Feathery Light Formula for Instant Glow

While some of you might confuse this as a women's cream, but this is a unisex product that men can use to achieve an instant glow. This breakthrough formula lightens, brightens, and protects skin from sun damage. 


It is a lightweight, non-sticky formula that penetrates deep into the skin without leaving behind any white patches. The cream is loaded with the goodness of saxifrage and milk enzymes which are natural brightening agents that improves skin texture and reduce skin darkening. 


It also contains sun protection with SPF 25 to keep your skin safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Reviewers have seen visible results in 3-4 days. If you're someone who spends a lot of his time outdoors, this product with SPF and instant glow quality is for you.

No.4

Man ArdenHydrating Face Cream

Hydrating Face Cream Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹349.00

An Effective Formula for Sensitive and Freshly-Shaved Skin

How often do you find a moisturiser that provides all-day hydration along with powerful antioxidant defence? This amazing formula from Man Arden does this and much more to keep your skin healthy and moisturised. It is enriched with plant-based botanical extracts to soften and nourish your skin.


Hyaluronic acid provides instant relief to dehydrated skin and aloe vera, avocado, cucumber, and green tea soothe and protect the skin from pollution, pollen, and dust. Also, the cream is sweat and humidity-resistant, which means it won't leave your skin greasy-looking. The cream contains no mineral oil, which means it won't clog your pores and can be used during the day or night. 

No.5

The Man CompanySkin Brightening Cream

Skin Brightening Cream Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹699.00

Comes With Vitamin C and A - Time to Say Goodbye to Dull Skin

This product is mainly aimed at skin that's looking tired and dry due to prolonged exposure to the sun to give it a surge of vitamin C and A. The cream also contains the goodness of magnesium chloride and Multani Mitti to fight acne and remove blackheads. With a nature score of 95%, which means the product is made up of all-natural ingredients, it helps regain the overall skin tone.


As per reviewers, the cream has got an amazing fragrance, and it brings a sense of freshness to the face. The presence of coco butter makes this a deeply nourishing cream that leaves your skin moisturised without looking greasy. It also lightens any superficial pigmentation by removing any buildup in the deeper dermal level. However, the absence of SPF gives it a slightly lower rank than its competitive brands.

No.6

Garnier MenPower White

Power White Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹148.00

A Cream Enriched With Vitamin C and Green Tea for Oily Skin

An oil-free moisturiser is essential to hydrate your skin, without clogging pores. This lightweight, the fast-absorbing formula has the goodness of lemon extracts that will exfoliate and brighten your face and green tea will protect it from pollution. It will also control sweat and oil on the surface of your face and you'll see visible fairness from the first application. 


Garnier's Anti-Pollution Brightening Moisturiser is super-hydrating and lasts for up to 12 hours. If you're looking for something to help you beat the heat while keeping your skin looking fresh and smooth, try this formula for oily skin types. But do keep in mind the product's fragrance as many reviewers didn't like its strong smell.

No.7

POND'S MenDaily Defence

Daily Defence Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹165.00

A Best-Seller to Shield Skin for Sun Damage

Loaded with the right ingredients for your face, at a price that's great for your wallet, this oil-free, non-sticky formula by Pond's works well for all skin types. This daily defence formula comes with SPF 30 that will protect your skin from sun damage and sun tanning, without leaving behind any white patches.


If your skin is exposed to the sun for more than 4 hours daily, then this moisturising cream with the added advantage of SPF will work for you. The vitamin-rich formula provides broad-spectrum UV protection. Apply the cream 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun, and re-apply every 3-4 hours for maximum protection.

No.8

BeardoUltraglow

Ultraglow Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹500.00

A Face Cream to Give You an Overall Glow

Though, quite a new brand, Beardo has established itself as one of the trusted names in the men's grooming industry. This particular moisturising lotion is formulated especially for men's tough skin that needs special attention post-shave. This all-in-one formula moisturises the skin and lightens the skin ton to give a natural glow.


It is formulated with wonderful ayurvedic ingredients, including aloe vera, mulberry extract, vitamin E, and sunflower oil to protect and nourish your skin. All these natural ingredients prevent premature ageing while removing freckles and dark circles and fighting acne and pimples. The cream is loaded with all the natural ingredients, but still, some reviewers found it harsh on their skin.

No.9

Pond's MenOil Control Face Crème

Oil Control Face Crème Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹165.00

Give Your Oily Skin a Fresh Boost

If you're looking to refresh your oily skin but hate the feeling of thick, greasy lotion, this lightweight face cream from Pond's will give you a non-oily, non-sticky, matte look. This super-hydrating formula gets easily absorbed into the skin, without clogging pores. The only downside is that the cream doesn't come with an SPF.


Since this is a natural formula, it helps control excess oil, reducing acne. The cream is enriched with active ingredients and vitamin B3+, which helps reduce dark spots to give an evenly toned complexion. For best results, you can apply the product to the face and neck, twice a day. Reviewers love the mild, masculine fragrance of the cream and its effectiveness. 

No.10

L'Oreal Men ExpertWhite Active Oil Control

White Active Oil Control Image 1
Source:amazon.in
Reference price
₹1,295.00

An Energising Formula to Protect and Moisturise Your Skin

It's a fact that men have thicker and oilier skin than women. So, a lot of men find themselves wanting a face cream that helps curb the already existing grease and not add on it. This oil-control formula by L'Oreal is a non-greasy and non-sticky one that penetrates rapidly, without leaving behind any patches.


This product is built especially for men's skin and beard care, to fight the key signs of ageing while soothing and hydrating the skin. It uses vitamin C to regulate the excessive production of melanin that can cause darkening of the skin. The oil control feature also regulates oil production, making your skin look bright and healthy. Its only downside is the quantity you get for a higher price point.

More Products to Help You Build a Skincare Routine

More Products to Help You Build a Skincare Routine

You've decided on the best face cream for your skin type, but how about building an entire skincare routine? From high-end products to supermarket bargain, we've dozens of product recommendations to help you choose only the best item. Find more from our skincare articles below.

Summary

The market for men's grooming products is growing, giving men a lot of opportunities to pamper their skin. So, if you haven't started with your grooming routine, it's never late to start now. Start with the most basic product – face cream aka moisturiser.


Author: Srishti Sikka

Top 5 Men's Face Cream

No. 1: NIVEA | Men Creme

No. 2: The Man Company | Daily Moisturising Cream

No. 3: Lotus Herbals | Whiteglow Skin Whitening And Brightening Gel Cream

No. 4: Man Arden | Hydrating Face Cream

No. 5: The Man Company | Skin Brightening Cream

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