When you think of men’s skincare, what do you remember seeing if you think back to your dad’s (or grandfather’s) medicine cabinet? A three-in-one shampoo, conditioner, and body wash? A bag of disposable razors and a can of shaving cream? Aftershave? Brut deodorant, perhaps? Well, as you may already know, the best men’s skincare has come a long way.
While there’s no doubt that there are still some die-hard gentlemen who believe grooming and men’s skincare products are one and the same, the past two decades have changed the way men are thinking about the health and appearance of their skin — and it’s only going to grow from here on up. The best men’s skincare of today is made up of results-driven formulas that make up an effective skincare routine for men.
Not sure what to look for in the best skin care for men? No worries. Here at the Derm Review, we’ve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure you’re creating a skincare routine for men that’s safe and effective.
Ahead, 12 of the best men’s skincare formulas for an efficient, practical regimen.
Men’s Skincare: The List
Best Clarifying Cleanser: Formulyst AHA Cleanser, $29
Best for Easy Exfoliating: Carrot & Stick The Brightening Pads, $40
Best for Rejuvenating Dull Skin: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel, $35
Best Men’s Skincare Set: CLEARSTEM Men’s Starter Set, $148
Best Two-in-One Product: Babor Energizing Face and Eye Gel, $69.95
Best Cleansing Gel: REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel, $34
Best Natural Essence: Nuria Defend Skin Shielding Essence, $36
Best Anti-Aging Night Treatment: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $125
Best Luxury Scrub: Tom Ford Exfoliating Energy Scrub, $57
Best Moisturizer with SPF: Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer, $28
Best Multitasking Eye Cream: Perricone MD Eye Cream, $110
Best Anti-Fatigue Eye Gel: Clinique For Men Super Energizer Anti-Fatigue Depuffing Eye Gel, $35
The Science Behind Men’s Skin
The skin is the body’s largest organ, so taking care of it is vital. But is men’s skin so different from women’s that it requires a separate set of products, or are clever marketing and social conditioning at play? The short answer is a little bit of both.
Related: Best Anti Aging Face Serum
Scientific research suggests men’s skin is between 10 and 20 percent thicker than women’s (though some skincare experts claim it can be up to 25 percent) because it contains more collagen and elastin.
Related: Best Collagen Cream
Androgens such as testosterone affect the thickness of the skin and how much sebum the skin’s sebaceous glands produce. Seeing as men produce more testosterone, their skin is thicker and oilier than women’s — though women have their own crosses to bear due to hormonal issues concerning their cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
The Best Skincare Routine for Men: What They Want
Regardless of the difference in men’s skin, for the most part, the concerns between genders are relatively the same and therefore can be treated similarly.
Even so, while there’s nothing wrong with a man borrowing his significant other’s eye cream or face moisturizer, research shows that guys do have some specific requirements for a skincare routine for men, such as:
- Products that are easy to use and do the job without a lot of hassle.
- Products that disappear into the skin without any residue.
- Their own products, and not those used by women.
- They generally do not want strong scents — or any at all.
Related: Best Anti Aging Eye Cream
Men’s Skincare Products: The Statistics
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global men’s skincare products market is poised to reach 18.92 billion (USD) by 2027. That’s an estimated 6.2% CAGR increase from 2020 to 2027. One of the driving factors behind this upturn is the growing demand for products in the premium category, including organic and natural formulations.
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While male consumers worldwide are dipping their toes in the luxury skincare pond, baby boomers make up a big piece of the pie, as they are looking for targeted solutions that go beyond shave care and fragrance. Though cleansers, face washes, and sunscreen have been on the upswing, in recent years, face masks and serums have been more in demand as well — and with some of the best men’s skincare brands.
Best Men’s Skincare
A men’s skincare routine need not be complicated, but it should still include effective products to take care of excess oil, breakouts, ingrown hairs, and the signs of aging skin.
Best Clarifying Cleanser: Formulyst AHA Cleanser, $29
Formulyst’s AHA foaming cleanser helps refine pores, control excess oil and smooth away any surface-level roughness — all of which can be challenging for male skin. Enriched with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) for an intense clean and complex blend of soothing citrus and botanical extracts, this profoundly purifying formulation actively dissolves dead surface cells, draws out pore-clogging impurities, and removes excess oil. The skin is left feeling clean, clear, and refreshed.
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Best for Easy Exfoliating: Carrot & Stick The Brightening Pads, $40
As mentioned, men like to keep things simple, so it may be hard to convince them to add another step to their very simplistic routine. However, exfoliating should not be skipped, especially if large pores, blackheads, and oiliness are concerned. Luckily, these pads only take seconds to get the job done.
The pre-saturated pads are formulated with a concentrated blend of salicylic, lactic, and mandelic acids to sweep away the build-up of dead skin cells, gently exfoliating to promote clarity, refined texture, and clear pores. Herbal extracts fight visible photodamage while helping keep the appearance of redness in check. Resurfaced skin is smoother, brighter, and more receptive to other products.
Best for Rejuvenating Dull Skin: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel, $35
This best-selling moisturizer was formulated to check off all of the boxes men are looking for in a skincare product. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, sans any residue, and is suitable for all skin types. Soy, chestnut extract, and vitamins C and E hydrate and revitalize a dull, tired complexion. Kiehl’s for men continues to be one of the most popular picks for men who wish to take care of their skin.
Best Men’s Skincare Set: CLEARSTEM Men’s Starter Set, $148
Take the guesswork out of figuring out a skincare routine with this simple yet effective three-step men’s skincare set. The cleanser and exfoliant hybrid takes care of two crucial steps simultaneously, leaving the skin smooth, refined, and brightened.
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The CELLRENEW serum targets acne, razor bumps, and scarring, providing hydration and anti-aging benefits. This moisturizer also contains Bakuchiol, a natural form of retinol, to help fade fine lines, wrinkles, and restore tone while you sleep.
Related: Best Wrinkle Cream
Best Two-in-One Product: Babor Energizing Face and Eye Gel, $69.95
Babor is a favored skincare brand among spas worldwide, but you need not book a facial to reap the benefits of their fantastic products. Their line of men’s products honestly considered the desire to achieve results without the hassle of multiple steps.
This two-in-one gel energizes the face and eye area by harnessing the power of taurine, Siberian ginseng, and a cell boost factor. Pores become more refined, oil production is balanced, and dark circles and puffiness are reduced.
Related: Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles
Best Cleansing Gel: REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel, $34
A good face wash should effectively cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils, and that’s precisely what this formula does — and then some. Lactic acid effectively sweeps away dead surface cells while effectively hydrating simultaneously. Oat amino acids help soothe any irritation associated with shaving, breakouts, or the elements. Skin is left clean, calm, and balanced.
Best Natural Essence: Nuria Defend Skin Shielding Essence, $36
As noted earlier, men are becoming increasingly interested in naturally-formulated products, and not only is this essence incredible, but Nuria’s entire line of products will make you rethink why you’ve not gone the “au naturale” route sooner. The brand’s products are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, formaldehyde, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, hydroquinone, triclosan, triclocarban, and added fragrance.
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This essence (applied like a toner) does a lot more than you think just by looking at it. Ginseng softens fine lines and wrinkles while balancing oil production. Carob calms and smoothes troubled, stressed skin, and gold (yes, gold) strengthens the skin’s barrier and elasticity while giving it a from-within glow. It also contains niacinamide (vitamin B), a buzzy ingredient these days that calms, refines pores, and evens out the skin tone.
Best Anti-Aging Night Treatment: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $125
This is one of those products that your wife or girlfriend will want to steal because it’s simply that amazing. As mentioned, baby boomers make up a large part of the growing men’s skincare market, but that doesn’t mean the younger set can’t benefit from this results-driven night cream. An alpha hydroxy acid and a retinoid reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving elasticity and tone.
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Thanks to SkinBetter’s proprietary retinol technology (and a blend of skin-soothing ingredients), you’ll reap all the benefits minus any irritation. The addition of glycolic acid visibly improves the skin’s texture while stoking other ingredients to increase efficiency. A potent blend of peptides and antioxidants profoundly hydrates the skin while protecting it from free radical damage.
Best Luxury Scrub: Tom Ford Exfoliating Energy Scrub, $57
Tom Ford skincare (and cosmetics) taps into the growing luxury men’s skincare market. Formulated for those with normal to oily skin, this invigorating scrub contains crushed apricot seeds (not shells) to remove dead surface cells and unclog pores. Ford’s proprietary skin calming complex ensures that the skin is soft, supple, and soothed during and after the exfoliation process.
Best Moisturizer with SPF: Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer, $28
According to research conducted by the NPD Group, the best-selling moisturizer in 2019 was this formula from Jack Black skincare. It’s lightweight, yet it provides long-lasting hydration while improving the skin’s overall appearance.
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There’s no need to add an extra step to your morning routine because this formula also incorporates a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 20 along with antioxidants to protect the skin from environmental stress, including pollution, UV light, and blue light.
Best Multitasking Eye Cream: Perricone MD Eye Cream, $110
This one-stop-shop eye cream addresses all major concerns, including dark circles, crow’s feet, a loss of elasticity, dryness, and puffiness. Vitamin C, peptides, and omega fatty acids work to provide short- and long-term benefits when worn day and night.
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Best Anti-Fatigue Eye Gel: Clinique For Men Super Energizer Anti-Fatigue Depuffing Eye Gel, $35
This cooling roll-on gel hydrates, comforts, and energizes the delicate eye area, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and caffeine. It’s a no-nonsense solution whether you’re on the go or simply looking for a quick way to help cover up a lack of sleep, stress, or age. It absorbs quickly, so you can apply it anytime to refresh tired eyes.
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Skincare Routine for Men: The Bottom Line
Men’s skin is between 10 and 20 percent thicker than women’s (though some skincare experts claim it can be up to 25 percent) because it contains more collagen and elastin.
Related: Best Skincare Routines
Androgens such as testosterone affect the thickness of the skin and how much sebum the skin’s sebaceous glands produce. As men produce more testosterone, their skin is thicker and oilier than women’s.
Even so, a basic skincare routine for men should follow the same guidelines regardless of gender, meaning choosing products based on skin type, condition, and concern, versus packaging and branding.
Still, research suggests men are still seeking products not used by women. They should be easy to use and get the job done without a hassle. Products that absorb quickly and don’t have a strong scent are also desirable.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding men’s skincare.
FAQs
While oil production slows with age, many men deal with oily skin because men produce more testosterone, and their skin is thicker and oilier than a woman’s. However, contrary, face oil is a good thing. We need sebum to help nourish and moisturize both skin and hair.
Sources:
“Men’s Skincare Products Market Size Worth $18.92 Billion By 2027,” Grand View Research, May 2020.
“Male Versus Female Skin: What Dermatologists and Cosmetologists Should Know,” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, September 2018.
“Skincare Tips for Men,” American Academy of Dermatology Association.
“Men’s Skincare Market Research,” SIS International Research.
User Original review: Jul 27, 2020.
Best Men’s Skin Care Tips
Cleanse twice a day (morning and night) to keep oiliness in check and help keep pores clear to prevent blackheads and other types of acne.
Exfoliate about twice a week with a physical or chemical exfoliant to unclog pores. Exfoliating will also help uplift facial hair to make shaving easier.
Use sunscreen every day, rain or shine. Men traditionally use less sunscreen than women. Once again, this may come down to women being socialized to care more about their skin or appearance in general.
Use a cleanser formulated with oily skin to cut through the excessive oil production characteristic of men’s skin.
Use a lightweight moisturizer (perhaps even a gel-cream) instead of a heavy cream to avoid clogged pores and worsening of acne.