Best Moisturizers for Black Men: Face and Body Picks for 2026

Last updated: February 2026 by Darius Washington, Black Men’s Grooming Editor

I cannot count how many times I have heard “just put some lotion on it” as the solution for every skin problem a Black man has. Ashy elbows? Lotion. Dark spots? Lotion. Razor bumps? More lotion. The truth is that the wrong moisturizer does as much harm as no moisturizer at all. If you are searching for the best moisturizer for Black men, you need products that actually understand how melanin-rich skin holds and loses water.

This guide covers seven moisturizers, split between face and body, that I picked specifically for Fitzpatrick V-VI skin. Every product on this list addresses at least one of the core concerns: transepidermal water loss, hyperpigmentation, ashiness, or post-shave irritation. I break down the science, the ingredients, and the routines that make them work.

If you only read one section, jump to the comparison table. For the full breakdown of face versus body moisturizing and the TEWL science behind it all, keep reading.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

Why Moisturizing Hits Different for Black Skin

Every grooming article tells you to moisturize. None of them explain why the stakes are higher for melanin-rich skin.

Transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Your skin constantly loses water through its surface. Research shows Black skin has higher TEWL rates than other skin types (Berardesca and Maibach, 1988, Contact Dermatitis). You lose moisture faster. That triggers dryness, then irritation, then inflammation, then hyperpigmentation. A moisturizer that addresses TEWL stops that cascade before it starts.

Ashiness. Not cosmetic laziness. It is your stratum corneum dehydrating and shedding dead cells faster than it should. On lighter skin, this is invisible. On darker skin, dead cells scatter light and create that gray, chalky appearance. It signals a compromised moisture barrier.

Hyperpigmentation. A dry, cracked barrier lets in irritants that trigger melanocyte overproduction, resulting in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Dermatologists treating PIH in Black patients almost always fix the moisture barrier first (Desai, 2014, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology).

SPF reminder. Melanin provides roughly SPF 13 of natural UV protection (Halder and Bridgeman-Shah, 1995). Not enough. UV worsens hyperpigmentation and slows healing. Your morning moisturizer should include SPF 30+ or be followed by a separate sunscreen. I know the barbershop debates this. The dermatology is clear.

Face vs. Body Moisturizers: Why You Need Both

This is where most guys go wrong. One lotion everywhere sounds efficient. It is not.

Face: Thinner skin, more oil glands, exposed to UV and the blade. Needs lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas with active ingredients (niacinamide, vitamin C) that layer under SPF without clogging pores.

Body: Thicker skin, loses moisture from clothing friction. Needs richer creams and butters (shea, cocoa butter, petrolatum) that seal in moisture for hours. Price per ounce matters more because you use it faster.

Using body cream on your face invites breakouts. Using face gel on your legs barely scratches the surface. Treat them as two different jobs.

The 7 Best Moisturizers for Black Men (Reviewed)

1. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Best for: Barrier repair, severe dryness, face and body versatility

CeraVe built this cream around three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) that mimic the natural lipids your barrier produces. For Black men dealing with higher TEWL, ceramides are not a luxury ingredient. They are a necessity. Hyaluronic acid pulls water in; petrolatum seals it. That addresses both sides of the moisture equation.

My barber put me on to CeraVe years ago. He said the same thing every dermatologist says: “Fix the barrier first, then worry about the fancy stuff.” He was right. I keep a tub at my sink and another next to my shower.

Key ingredients: Ceramides 1, 3, 6-II, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, niacinamide

Pros:

• Ceramides directly address the barrier damage that drives TEWL and ashiness
• Works on both face and body, simplifying your routine
• Fragrance-free, which means zero irritation risk
• Available everywhere (Target, Walmart, CVS, any drugstore)
• MVE technology releases moisturizing ingredients over 24 hours

Cons:

• Thick texture can feel heavy on oily or acne-prone skin
• Not a Black-owned brand
• No active ingredients for hyperpigmentation beyond niacinamide
• The tub packaging requires dipping fingers in, which is less hygienic than a pump

Works for: Dry skin, combination skin, eczema-prone skin, men rebuilding a damaged moisture barrier.

Skip if: Your skin runs oily. Use Bevel Face Gel on your face and save CeraVe for your body.

See CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

2. Bevel Moisturizing Face Gel

Best for: Post-shave hydration, oily skin, lightweight daily moisture

Tristan Walker designed Bevel around what Black men actually deal with. This water-based gel absorbs in seconds with zero residue. Vitamin C targets dark spots from old razor bumps. Tea tree oil prevents new bumps from forming. Aloe vera calms post-shave irritation immediately. I apply this after my morning shave, and it feels like nothing is on my face within 30 seconds.

Key ingredients: Vitamin C, tea tree oil, aloe vera, glycerin

Pros:

• Gel formula absorbs instantly, no greasy residue
• Vitamin C actively fades dark spots over time
• Tea tree oil prevents post-shave breakouts
• Black-owned brand (founded by Tristan Walker)
• Layers perfectly under sunscreen

Cons:

• Not moisturizing enough for very dry skin, especially in winter
• Gel format does not provide the occlusive seal that dry climates demand
• Higher price per ounce than drugstore options

Works for: Oily skin, normal skin, men who shave regularly, men in humid climates.

Skip if: Your skin is dry or you live somewhere cold and arid. Try CeraVe Moisturizing Cream instead.

See Bevel Moisturizing Face Gel

3. Scotch Porter Face Moisturizer

Best for: Hyperpigmentation, tone evening, all-day hydration

Calvin Quallis built Scotch Porter because he could not find products that addressed his skin. White willow bark provides natural salicylic acid exfoliation. Licorice root inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme behind melanin overproduction in dark spots (Amer and Metwalli, 2000, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology). Unlike hydroquinone, which can cause ochronosis with prolonged use on dark skin, licorice root safely evens tone by calming overactive melanocytes. It is not bleaching. It is balancing.

The shea butter base sits in that sweet spot between a gel and a thick moisturizer. If hyperpigmentation from old breakouts or razor bumps is your number one concern, this is the face moisturizer I reach for.

Key ingredients: White willow bark, licorice root extract, shea butter, jojoba oil

Pros:

• Licorice root safely addresses hyperpigmentation without harsh bleaching agents
• White willow bark provides gentle natural exfoliation
• Shea butter delivers real moisture without clogging pores
• Black-owned brand built specifically for Black men
• Versatile formula works across oily, dry, and combination skin

Cons:

• Tone-evening results require consistent use (4-8 weeks minimum)
• Slightly heavier than Bevel’s gel, which oily-skinned guys may notice in summer
• Less available in big-box stores than CeraVe or Nivea

Works for: All skin types, men focused on fading dark spots, men who want a Black-owned brand with real active ingredients.

Skip if: You need the lightest possible formula and your skin is very oily. Bevel Face Gel will feel lighter on your skin.

See Scotch Porter Face Moisturizer

4. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Body Lotion

Best for: Deep body moisture, dry climates, culturally rooted ingredients

Women in Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso have processed shea nuts into butter for centuries, long before it showed up in American drugstores. SheaMoisture honors that tradition with raw, unrefined shea butter that retains its full nutrient profile. Argan oil adds vitamin E and essential fatty acids. Frankincense and myrrh extracts provide anti-inflammatory support.

It is thick. It takes 30 seconds to absorb. But for Black men in cold, dry climates who deal with ashiness from knees to elbows, this creates a moisture seal that lasts all day. I use this from October through March in Atlanta.

Key ingredients: Raw shea butter, argan oil, frankincense extract, myrrh extract

Pros:

• Raw shea butter creates a strong occlusive seal against TEWL
• Culturally rooted ingredients with centuries of traditional use
• Fights ashiness on knees, elbows, and shins effectively
• Black-founded brand (Richelieu Dennis, founded 1991)
• Fair trade shea butter sourced from women-led cooperatives in Africa

Cons:

• Thick texture takes longer to absorb than lightweight lotions
• Can feel heavy in humid summer months
• Scent from natural ingredients may not appeal to everyone
• Not suitable for the face; too heavy and may clog pores

Works for: Dry body skin, dry climates, cold weather, men with chronic ashiness, men who prefer natural and culturally significant ingredients.

Skip if: You live in a hot, humid climate and want something lighter for summer. Try Lubriderm Daily Moisture for a faster-absorbing option.

See SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Body Lotion

5. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula

Best for: Ashiness, stretch marks, everyday body moisture on a budget

Palmer’s has been in Black households since before I was born. My grandmother kept a jar on her nightstand. Cocoa butter is one of the most effective natural occlusives, locking in moisture for hours. Vitamin E adds antioxidant protection. If you grew up in a Black household, you know that cocoa butter smell.

At $6-9 for a 13.5-ounce bottle, Palmer’s is the best value on this list by far. For men who need a reliable body moisturizer they can use liberally, this is the pick.

Key ingredients: Cocoa butter, vitamin E, petrolatum

Pros:

• Exceptional value. Costs less than half of most competitors per ounce
• Cocoa butter creates a lasting occlusive barrier against water loss
• Proven for reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars
• Available everywhere, from dollar stores to pharmacies
• Iconic scent with deep cultural familiarity in Black communities

Cons:

• Contains fragrance, which can irritate sensitive skin
• Petrolatum-heavy formula feels greasy on some skin types
• Not suitable for the face; too heavy and comedogenic
• Not a Black-owned brand

Works for: Budget-conscious men, ashiness, dry skin, stretch marks.

Skip if: Sensitive skin that reacts to fragrance. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is fragrance-free.

See Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula

6. Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion

Best for: Lightweight daily body moisture, men who dislike heavy lotions

Not every man wants to feel like he just dipped his arms in shea butter. Lubriderm absorbs in 10 seconds and lets you get dressed without sticking to your shirt. Glycerin pulls water in, cetyl alcohol adds emolliency, and a thin mineral oil layer seals it without heaviness. Fragrance-free version available.

I use this in Atlanta summers. When humidity hits 85% and I still need post-shower moisture, I need something that does not add to the moisture already on my skin.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, cetyl alcohol, mineral oil, vitamin B5

Pros:

• Lightweight formula absorbs quickly without residue
• Fragrance-free option available for sensitive skin
• Non-greasy finish that works under clothing immediately
• Affordable and widely available
• Dermatologist-developed

Cons:

• Not moisturizing enough for severely dry skin or harsh winters
• Mineral oil is controversial, though dermatologically safe and non-comedogenic
• Not a Black-owned brand
• Will not address hyperpigmentation or other specific concerns

Works for: Normal to slightly dry body skin, humid climates, men who hate the feeling of heavy lotion, summer use.

Skip if: You have chronically dry skin or live in a cold, dry climate. You need something heavier. SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter or Palmer’s Cocoa Butter will serve you better.

See Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion

7. Nivea Men Maximum Hydration

Best for: Budget-friendly face moisture, sensitive skin, daily hydration

The no-nonsense pick. Glycerin and aloe vera pull water in and calm irritation. Vitamin E provides antioxidant support. No vitamin C, no licorice root, no active ingredients for dark spots. What it does is hydrate reliably without breakouts, at a price under $10.

A barber I interviewed once said, “The best product is the one you actually use.” If a $7 moisturizer gets you into the habit of moisturizing twice a day, it has done its job. Upgrade later.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, aloe vera, vitamin E, SPF 15

Pros:

• Most affordable face moisturizer on this list
• Built-in SPF 15 for basic sun protection
• Lightweight and non-greasy
• Aloe vera soothes post-shave irritation
• Available at virtually every drugstore and grocery store

Cons:

• SPF 15 is below the recommended SPF 30 minimum; you still need dedicated sunscreen for full protection
• No targeted ingredients for hyperpigmentation or dark spots
• Not a Black-owned brand
• Contains fragrance, which may irritate highly sensitive skin

Works for: Men new to skincare, budget-conscious men, normal and slightly oily skin, men who want a simple daily moisturizer with some sun protection.

Skip if: You need active ingredients to treat dark spots or hyperpigmentation. Scotch Porter addresses those concerns directly. Or if you need SPF 30+, layer a separate sunscreen over any of these face moisturizers.

See Nivea Men Maximum Hydration

The Science of Moisturizing Melanin-Rich Skin

Your stratum corneum (outermost skin layer) is a wall of dead cells held together by lipids, mainly ceramides. When those lipids are depleted, water escapes through the gaps. That is TEWL. Black skin has higher TEWL rates (Berardesca and Maibach, 1988), meaning your barrier is inherently more permeable. A moisturizer for Black skin needs to pull water in (humectants) and trap it there (occlusives) simultaneously.

When melanin-rich skin gets inflamed, melanocytes overproduce pigment, creating PIH. A good moisturizer breaks this chain: ceramides repair the barrier, niacinamide slows melanosome transfer (Hakozaki et al., 2002, British Journal of Dermatology), licorice root calms melanocyte overactivity. The right moisturizer is not just comfort. It is prevention.

When your barber says you look ashy, he is telling you your barrier is compromised. Ashiness is dead cells plus dehydration. On dark skin, those cells scatter light and create that gray appearance. Fix it at the source: humectant to draw water in, occlusive to keep it locked there.

How to Build a Moisturizing Routine

A moisturizer only works if you use it consistently and at the right time.

Morning Face (5 minutes)

1. Cleanse with a gentle face wash.
2. Moisturize within 60 seconds while skin is damp. Nickel-sized amount. Bevel Face Gel for oily skin, Scotch Porter for dark spots, CeraVe Cream for dry skin.
3. SPF 30+ over your moisturizer. Chemical sunscreens or tinted mineral formulas avoid white cast.

Evening Face (3 minutes)

1. Cleanse to remove oil, dirt, and sunscreen.
2. Moisturize with a slightly heavier layer. CeraVe Cream works well at night even for combination skin.

Body (Post-Shower, Every Day)

1. Pat dry, do not rub. Leave skin slightly damp.
2. Apply body moisturizer within 60 seconds. Damp skin absorbs humectants better. The occlusive layer traps surface moisture before it evaporates.
3. Focus on problem areas. Knees, elbows, shins dry fastest. Use SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter or Palmer’s Cocoa Butter.

The 60-second rule is everything. Wait five minutes after showering and your skin has already started losing moisture. Applying on damp skin is the single easiest upgrade to any routine.

Ingredients to Look For vs. Ingredients to Avoid

Not all moisturizers are created equal. These tables will save you from wasting money on products that do not serve melanin-rich skin.

Ingredients That Help Melanin-Rich Skin

Ingredients to Avoid

Quick Decision Guide

Pick one face moisturizer and one body moisturizer. Here is the shortcut.

Face, oily skin: Bevel Face Gel. Face, dark spots: Scotch Porter. Face, dry skin: CeraVe Cream. Face, budget: Nivea Men Maximum Hydration.

Body, severe dryness: SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter. Body, budget: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter. Body, lightweight: Lubriderm Daily Moisture.

Black-owned brands: Bevel, Scotch Porter, and SheaMoisture. All built by founders who understand melanin-rich skin from lived experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should Black men moisturize?

Twice a day for your face, morning and evening, immediately after cleansing. Your body needs moisturizing after every shower. The key is applying while skin is still slightly damp, within 60 seconds. That locks in surface water and reduces transepidermal water loss.

Can moisturizer help with ashy skin?

Yes. Ashiness is dead skin cells plus dehydration. A moisturizer with humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) pulls water in, while occlusives (shea butter, petrolatum) seal it. For severe ashiness, apply cream immediately after showering on damp skin. That one timing change matters more than the product itself.

Should I use a different moisturizer for my face and body?

Yes. Facial skin is thinner, more sensitive, and more prone to clogged pores. Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic face moisturizer and a richer body lotion or cream. Using body lotion on your face invites breakouts. Using face moisturizer on your body barely makes a dent.

Do Black men need SPF in their moisturizer?

SPF is necessary for every skin tone. Melanin provides roughly SPF 13 of natural protection, which is not enough to prevent UV-driven hyperpigmentation or skin cancer. Black men are diagnosed with melanoma at later stages, when survival rates drop significantly. A moisturizer with SPF 30+ or a separate sunscreen is essential every morning.

What is the difference between lotion, cream, and gel moisturizers?

Lotions are lightweight with more water. Creams are thicker with more oil. Gels are water-based with minimal oil. For your face, choose gel (oily skin) or lotion (normal skin). For your body, choose cream (dry skin) or lotion (normal skin). Climate matters too. Heavier in winter, lighter in summer.

The Bottom Line

Here is your recap:

• CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for ceramide barrier repair on face and body
• Bevel Moisturizing Face Gel for lightweight post-shave hydration with vitamin C
• Scotch Porter Face Moisturizer for fading dark spots with licorice root
• SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter for deep body moisture rooted in African skincare tradition
• Palmer’s Cocoa Butter for reliable body moisture at the best price
• Lubriderm Daily Moisture for lightweight body hydration in warm weather
• Nivea Men Maximum Hydration for budget-friendly face moisture to start the habit

Your next step: Pick one face moisturizer and one body moisturizer from this list. Apply them consistently for four weeks, always within 60 seconds of washing. Pair your morning face moisturizer with SPF 30+. That routine covers 90% of what melanin-rich skin needs.

Your skin has been telling you what it needs. The ashiness, the dark spots, the tight feeling after a shower. Those are signals, not sentences. The right moisturizer answers every one of them.

For the first step in your routine, see our guide to the best face wash for Black men. And if you are keeping your cut tight between moisturizing sessions, check out our types of fades breakdown, the taper fade haircut guide, and our best electric shaver for Black men roundup. For wave maintenance between moisturizing, see the best durag for waves guide.