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In the past, it used to be that most men’s skincare routine consisted of one simple product—that bar of soap kept in the shower. And for special occasions? A bracing splash of aftershave. Thankfully, there’s been a bit of an evolution, especially in the past 20 years, with all the big name brands having their own targeted men’s product line. Everything a man of today needs to keep looking sharp and feeling fresh is now available to him, and in a wide range of price points, too.
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From focusing on washing away the daily dirt, pollution, and grime to moisturizing to prevent dry patches and applying sunscreen to ward off sun damage and aging, there is a general understanding that a one-step skincare routine is not the way to go. That said, getting too complicated with products isn’t ideal, either. “Men want the simplest routine possible,” says Jeffrey Hsu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. With that in mind, the ideal routine includes face wash, moisturizer, exfoliator, serum, and sunscreen—with the addition of a few products that can address your specific skin concerns (like dark spots or razor bumps). Whether you’re shopping for a partner or are looking for the best skincare for men for yourself, here are the products worth your consideration.
Across the board, dermatologists and skincare experts agree that this is one of the best face washes out there—and not just because it comes at an affordable price! The gentle formula won't irritate sensitive skin, plus it's got hydrating glycerin to boost your skin's moisture.
Blackheads and zits? No thanks. This face wash from beloved men's brand Brickell contains salicylic acid and tea tree oil—two ingredients known to unclog pores and help get rid of acne. It also has a pleasantly fresh scent that gives you a spa-like feel every time you wash.
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3
Best Face Scrub
Jack Black Face Buff Energizing Scrub
Jack Black is one of the most popular men's skincare brands on the market today. Bamboo powder, mint, and vitamin C combine in this cleanser and facial scrub to gently exfoliate skin while also removing dirt. Use it twice a week in the shower before you shave to get a close shave.
4
Best Moisturizer
Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men
Give dull skin a boost with a moisturizer that's fortified with caffeine for pep and vitamin C for brightness. It absorbs quickly, doesn't leave behind a greasy residue, and has a slight citrusy scent to wake you up.
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If your complexion tends to look a little slick and shiny, a moisturizer with a matte finish can help. Not only does this one mask grease, it fights acne as you wear it thanks to detoxifying sweet orange peel oil.
Formulated with caffeine, this eye cream perks up tired skin around your eyes and helps reduce dark circles. If that weren't enough, the metal applicator glides over the sensitive skin in that area to cool and depuff it.
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7
Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer
L'Oréal Paris Men Expert Vita Lift 5 Daily Moisturizer
Now 22% Off
Target wrinkles and fine lines with a few pumps of this anti-aging hydrator. It contains pro-retinol A, which is known to firm up skin. Another bonus: It contains SPF 15 to help prevent sun damage and photo-aging.
Does your skin have a tendency to get red and irritated? This face wash is made to help soothe your complexion. The creamy formula also infuses moisture to leave your skin feeling soft after every wash.
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Get a deeper clean with the help of this device. The soft silicone ridges combined with gentle pulsing helps deep clean your face to reduce breakouts, remove ingrown hairs, and prevent razor burn. To use, just add some face wash to your face, turn on the device, and use it to gently massage your face before washing the cleanser off.
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Snow Scrub Exfoliator
If you're going to use a physical exfoliant (meaning a scrub with little particles to slough away dead skin cells), it's crucial to pick something that's gentle—if you don't, it can damage your complexion. This scrub uses naturally occurring silica particles and a vitamin-rich gel to refine and brighten skin texture.
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"Choose a moisturizer with a built in SPF," says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. She says that men tend not to use SPF as often as women, and suggests that moisturizer that contains makes it less likely they'll forget this important step. This option from Clinique is lightweight and oil-free, so it absorbs quickly to protect and hydrate.
Hate the feel of a thick cream on your face? Try an emulsion. This thin formula may feel lightweight, but it packs a heavy dose of hydration thanks to glycerin, willow bark extract, and deep sea algae extract. The water-based formula is especially great for those with oily skin.
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If your skin is on the sensitive side, look no further for the ideal moisturizer. This one contains aloe and chamomile to soothe and shea butter for moisture. It's also free of any irritating fragrances.
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Black-Owned Business
Bevel Moisturizing Face Gel
Gel moisturizers are particularly great for the warmer-weather months. Here's why: They sink into skin quickly, even if you're a little sweaty. This brand was founded by a Black man who had trouble finding grooming products that worked for his skin—so he created his own! The line is known to help with irritation, dryness, and discoloration.
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15
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
You are totally allowed to use the same moisturizer in the morning and night. However, if you'd like to upgrade your routine a bit, consider a heavy lotion at night—when it really has time to sink in and hydrate. This option contains ceramides, which help restore your skin's protective barrier.
If you're going to go for a serum, consider one that contains vitamin C. Here's why: "Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stresses on the skin—that includes environmental triggers that everyone's skin is exposed to daily, no matter if you're sitting home watching TV or walking into an office," says Hsu. This pick from Hims is highly concentrated, ensuring you get the maximum benefits vitamin C has to offer.
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This clean, multitasking face serum contains 27 active botanicals, many of which are wild-harvested from the Grand Tetons. You'll love the lightweight texture and the fact that it adds tons of moisture to your skin.
18
Best Anti-Aging Serum
U BEAUTY Resurfacing Compound Skin Care Treatment
A favorite of Oprah Daily's creative director, Adam Glassman, this serum brightens and resurfaces your complexion for a more youthful look. It's particularly great for anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation or dullness.
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Environmental stressors can lead to fine lines, dark spots, and dull skin. This serum protects against pollution, blue light, and free radicals and helps repair any damage those things have already done.
Great for all skin types, this serum creates a thin, breathable film over your face to lock in moisture and protect you from environmental stressors. It also leaves your complexion with a matte finish, making it great for anyone who gets shiny.
Bethany Heitman
Bethany Heitman has spent 15 years producing content for women; she is the former editor-in-chief of PeopleStyle and has held senior leadership positions at Cosmopolitan and Seventeen. She currently lives in Brooklyn, New York