Oil-Free Face Moisturizer

Why it works as a gift

Many men don't use a moisturizer because they dislike the feel, not because they object to the idea. Baxter of California describes this one as a lightweight daily moisturizer that absorbs quickly without a greasy residue and leaves a shine-free finish. It lists aloe vera and chamomile extracts to soothe the skin and green tea extract as an antioxidant. The Amazon listing adds that it is fragrance-free, aimed at normal to oily skin, and comes in a 4 fl oz size.

Fragrance-free is what makes it giftable. You don't have to guess whether he'll like the scent or whether it will clash with his cologne. Four ounces is a generous size that he can use daily for a long while.

Against the obvious alternative at this budget, a men's skincare set with a cleanser, toner and serum, one product he'll actually use is the more realistic gift for a beginner. Against a prestige moisturizer in a jar, this is plainer, but the plain approach suits the man who would ignore anything that looks like a routine.

Who it’s for

• A dad or father-in-law who has never used a moisturizer and won't start with a complicated routine
• A college student or recent graduate with oily skin who wants something that doesn't look shiny
• A partner who wears cologne and wants an unscented moisturizer that won't compete with it
• A man who has just started shaving with a brush and cream and wants a simple after-shave step

Skip it if

• His skin runs dry; the listing aims this formula at normal to oily skin
• He already has a moisturizer he likes; replacing it is rarely welcome
• You want a gift that looks substantial on its own; a single moisturizer reads as an add-on, so pair it with something

Giving it

• Pair it with the Baxter of California Best Badger Shaving Brush for a shave-and-after-shave gift from one brand, or tuck both into a Time Resistance Italian Leather Toiletry Bag
• It ships from Amazon and is small, so it works as a last-minute add-on to a larger order
• Opened skincare is often not returnable; check the listing's return policy before buying for someone whose skin type you're unsure of

The facts

Size

4 fl oz

Skin type

Normal to oily (the listing title also says all skin types)

Finish

Lightweight, absorbs quickly, shine-free

Key ingredients

Aloe vera and chamomile extracts, green tea extract

Fragrance

Fragrance-free

Sold by

Amazon.com

Consider instead

• Baxter of California Beard Grooming Oil — The better Baxter gift for a man who keeps a beard
• Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm — A more giftable-looking skincare piece, for someone who doesn't mind a scent
• Time Resistance Italian Leather Toiletry Bag — A lasting grooming gift for a man who already has his products sorted