Whether you’re taking a walk down the drugstore skincare aisle or browsing online and scrolling and scrolling and scrolling, one thing is for sure: There are a lot of options when it comes to men’s skincare. So, we understand if you just grab the first thing off the shelf when shopping for a men’s moisturizer or can’t be bothered to make a decision and just use your girlfriend’s face wash. But it’s time to get a real skincare routine of your very own. And trust us when we say it’s worth getting products that are specifically formulated for guys, especially when they’re made by the best men’s skincare brands.
Regardless of gender, we pretty much all have the same skin goals, namely fighting fine lines, sun damage, texture, acne and redness. However, guys tend to have thicker, oilier skin, as well as larger pores than women, so the best men’s skincare brands know to target those differences with different ingredients and formulas. That’s why you’ll want to upgrade your routine with sex-specific products.
If you’re wondering “what skincare routine?” then we strongly suggest you start with a facial cleanser (i.e. not the bar soap you use for your entire body), an exfoliator, serum, sunscreen and moisturizer. No idea where to get started? Our favorite products from the best men’s skincare brands will certainly cover all the bases.
How We Selected the Top Men’s Skincare Brands
Spy editors receive a lot of grooming products for testing and review. Like, a ridiculous amount. And in our experience, the true test of a product’s quality comes down to one question: will we buy more when we’re done testing the product?
After testing Baxter of California’s Deep Clean Shampoo, we became obsessed, and now it’s our favorite shampoo. When we tested Lumin Dark Circle Defense, we either had to buy more or let those annoying dark circles come back. Put another way: it’s obvious when a skincare product actually does what it promises to do.
When selecting the best skincare brands for men, the ingredients are also incredibly important. The top brands use plenty of natural skin-nourishing ingredients and botanical extracts such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, green tee, avocado oil and willow bark extract. In addition, we also look for anti-aging ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, collagen, retinol and caffeine.
Finally, we definitely appreciate brands with a commitment to natural and organic ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and environmentally-friendly practices.
When you examine all of these factors together, a few men’s skincare brands in particular rise above the competition:
- Brickell
- Lumin
- Caldera + Lab
- Jaxon Lane
- Lab Series
- Kiehl’s
- Jack Black
- Disco
- Geologie
- Every Man Jack
- Neutrogena for Men
- Counterman
- Baxter of California
- Asystem
Frequently Asked Questions
Men's skin tends to be thicker, oilier, and have larger pores compared to women's skin. Skincare products formulated specifically for men address these differences with tailored ingredients and formulas, making them more effective for men's unique skin needs.
A basic men's skincare routine should include a facial cleanser (not regular body soap), an exfoliator, serum, sunscreen, and moisturizer. These steps help cleanse, protect, and nourish the skin effectively.
Men should look for natural skin-nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, green tea, avocado oil, and willow bark extract. Additionally, anti-aging ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, collagen, retinol, and caffeine are beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.
Editors test numerous grooming products and determine quality based on whether they would repurchase the product after testing. They also consider ingredient quality, natural and botanical extracts, anti-aging components, and eco-friendly practices when selecting top brands.
Bar soap designed for the body can be too harsh and drying for facial skin, which is more delicate. Using a facial cleanser specifically formulated for the face helps maintain skin balance and prevents irritation.
Some top men's skincare brands include Brickell, Lumin, Caldera + Lab, Jaxon Lane, Lab Series, Kiehl’s, Jack Black, Disco, Geologie, Every Man Jack, Neutrogena for Men, Counterman, Baxter of California, and Asystem.
Natural and botanical ingredients like aloe vera and green tea nourish the skin gently and effectively, reducing irritation and providing antioxidants. These ingredients support healthier skin and align with eco-friendly and organic product values.
Anti-aging ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, collagen, retinol, and caffeine help reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, and combat sun damage. Including these in men's skincare routines supports youthful and healthy skin.
Eco-friendly packaging and environmentally-friendly practices are important as they reduce environmental impact and reflect a brand’s commitment to sustainability. Many top men’s skincare brands prioritize these factors alongside product quality.
While men can use women’s skincare products, men’s skin has different characteristics such as thickness and oiliness. Products formulated specifically for men are designed to address these differences more effectively, making them a better choice.
