Sports Illustrated aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Men’s skincare has recently seen some of the biggest innovations and growth in the industry. For a long time, skincare products were marketed almost exclusively to women, but with the recognition that men have different skincare concerns, more and more skincare products for men are hitting the shelves.. After all, men’s skin is thicker than women’s, the texture is tougher and there’s facial hair to think about too. All of this requires specialized products, though there are also some amazing unisex skincare products that address all skin concerns.
With all the choice out there, you might be left wondering what products to choose, and how do you even start a skincare routine? To make the road to better skin a lot smoother, we’ve curated a list of the 14 best skincare products for men and have gathered some stellar skincare advice to get you glowing.
1. Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer
It can be hard knowing what to do with your skin. You know it can be better but don’t want to put on multiple serums per day. Blu Atlas is made with convenience and men’s skincare in mind. Whether it's dryness you’re battling or damage caused by the ever-present sun and never-present sunscreen, this moisturizer can repair your skin. This moisturizer is suitable for all skin types and is made with natural ingredients.
With 96% of its ingredients naturally derived, this product also avoids harsh chemicals and is phthalate-free and paraben-free. The ingredients hard at work in this formula include mango seed butter, which can protect your skin wherever you are, whether that’s out in the sun or in front of the blue light of a computer.
Seaweed extract exfoliates and delivers minerals to promote healthy skin that lasts. Then there’s moringa oil, which is ace not only because of its moisturizing properties but because it contains vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins support an even skin tone and overall skin health. In addition, this oil has ultra-hydrating properties that can prevent skin dehydration on even the driest of days.
To reinforce the Blu Atlas Daily Moisturizer’s place as the best skincare product for men, we need to talk about sustainability. This moisturizer is vegan and cruelty-free and is made clean in New York—a city that knows a thing or two about how life can take a toll on the skin.
2. Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Face Moisturizer
Hydrating, calming and balancing. These are the main qualities of Malin + Goetz’s Vitamin E Face Moisturizer. Malin + Goetz gets rid of all the bells and whistles in their products to give you simple and effective products that work damn well. This is suitable for all skin types and uses vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and panthenol to hydrate and toughen the skin.
Dryness is the bane of skincare. It can cause irritation, flaking, an uneven complexion and many more problems. That’s why a good moisturizer is essential. This moisturizer achieves peak hydration with vitamin E, a renowned antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and deeply nourishes the face. Hyaluronic acid is a familiar favorite in skincare that provides intense hydration, while panthenol, also known as vitamin B5, speeds up the healing process of wounds, including inflammation and skin irritations. It also provides its own hydration to support the actions of vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.
Malin + Goetz keeps it sweet and simple with this trio of skin-protecting ingredients. This moisturizer is a solid choice for those who are just beginning their skincare journey but don’t know where to start. In a world oversaturated with choice when it comes to skincare, often the products that offer the simplest solutions are the best.
3. Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream
If you need some guidance on men’s skincare, Ursa Major can give you an idea of where to go. Ursa Major is a skincare company that uses clean and natural ingredients. Not only are their products vegan and cruelty-free, but they have no gluten either. Their Golden Hour Recovery Cream dives deep and acts fast to restore damaged skin to its former glory.
Anytime and anywhere, this cream can spring into action to save face and save your skin. The Golden Hour Recovery Cream is anti-aging, very hydrating and reduces redness. The ingredients responsible for this cream’s abilities include sea buckthorn and calendula. Sea buckthorn is a plant found throughout Europe and Asia, and is rich in omega fatty acids and antioxidants which provide moisture and help prevent damage from occurring. Calendula is a yellow and orange flower that’s high in carotenoids, which are great for soothing sensitive and easily irritated skin.
If you’re bored of the minty scents popular in men’s skincare, Ursa Major’s Recovery Cream provides some variety. This cream has a warm and energizing aroma, made with a blend of sour rose, spicy sandalwood and sweet neroli. Great skin, great ethics and a great scent? This product can do it all.
4. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
The Ordinary makes high-end skincare affordable, effective and convenient. They use cutting-edge science to give your skin the best possible chance at thriving. This Hyaluronic Acid + B5 combination delivers intense hydration that smoothes fine lines and makes skin look stronger and feel supported.
Since its discovery, hyaluronic acid has upped the skincare game, quickly becoming a holy grail ingredient. A naturally occurring compound that can be found in many places from natural fermentation processes to foods like soy, it has ultra-hydrating properties that help the skin retain moisture, diminishing the appearance of lines and boosting resilience. In this serum, hyaluronic acid is combined with vitamin B5, which increases the acid’s efficacy for fast-acting results.
This product is also super easy to use. Rub a few drops into the face in the morning or evening before applying your cream of choice. Some users have even used it to get rid of lines on the neck. The formula is lightweight and skin improvements normally appear after a couple of days of usage. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Note: Hyaluronic acid works best on slightly damp skin since it's a humectant. Putting it on totally dry skin can have the opposite effect
Overall, this is a simple and cheap addition to any skincare routine that can up your self-care game and give your skin the edge it needs to be its best.
5. Lumin UV-Defense Moisturizing Balm
Sunscreen is a vital part of a skincare routine. The sun comes with many pros but also many cons such as skin damage and increased risk of skin cancer so sunscreen is an effective and simple way of avoiding terminal issues. Lumin’s UV-Defense Moisturizing Balm is a sunblock that is your skin’s saving grace.
This effective sunblock is lightweight and doesn’t leave your skin looking ashy. The ingredients block out the sun while still letting your skin breathe. The starting ingredient is what gives this product its sun-shielding abilities: non-nano zinc-oxide. This is a natural compound that supplies broad-spectrum sun protection from UVA and UVB rays without the use of harmful chemicals. Papaya extract and rosemary extract help clear impurities and pores while soothing the skin. These three ingredients work in tandem to hydrate and protect your skin as well as slowing down signs of aging.
Lumin’s goal is to illuminate the need for quality men’s skincare. Their UV-Defense Moisturizing Balm will let you have more than a moment in the sun. Lumin products are backed by leading research and minds all the way from the US to South Korea, bringing a luxury experience to your routine with their tailor-made products for men.
6. Every Man Jack Skin Revive Eye Cream
It’s universal that under-eye skin is sensitive. Dehydration or just one restless night can leave under-eyes darkened and swollen. Luckily, Every Man Jack is here to support the skincare needs of everyday men. They use natural products to connect people with the Earth and the outdoors. Their eye cream is made only with clean ingredients that help reduce dark circles and puffy under-eyes.
This product comes in an easy-to-use and recyclable tube for fast application. The Skin Revive Eye Cream has three hero ingredients to get you looking fresh again. Hyaluronic acid, the ultra-hydrating super ingredient, is back again for hydration purposes. But to specifically target dark circles there is also Persian silk tree extract and caffeine to combat puffiness. Green tea extract is also included for its nourishing properties, and the eye cream is fragrance-free to avoid irritating the skin.
Sometimes, after a long day at work or a wild night out, energy drinks and coffee just don’t work like they used to. Your skin still looks dry and tired. But with this product it doesn’t take much to revive skin and get it glowing with health again. You only need to apply a dime-sized amount of this eye cream in the morning and evening to see results.
7. Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser
Our skin picks up a lot of dirt during the day and needs refreshment not once but twice a day. This is where a cleanser comes into play. A good cleanser should remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin of natural oils. This Superfood Cleanser uses leafy greens to clear your skin of impurities and get it in top-notch condition.
But what greens does this cleanser use? Nothing fancy—you might even have these greens in your fridge right now. The Superfood Cleanser contains spinach, which can soothe and cool the face by encouraging moisture retention and discouraging inflammation. Kale is rich in phytonutrients and vitamins which plump the skin and reduce signs of aging. Alfalfa also appears in the mix for its high antioxidant content and ability to protect your skin long after you've washed your face. These natural ingredients are your best defense against the stress and free radicals that come with city living.
Youth to the People is making a big impact on skincare and is leaving less of a footprint in the environment than competitors. The signature move of this brand is its use of leafy greens to turn their products from powerful to super powerful. This particular product is vegan, cruelty-free and free of ingredients that can be cruel to your skin such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
8. Huron Face Wash
Huron is a men’s personal care company that aims to make the experience lighthearted, fun and world-class. That’s why this face wash does two jobs for the price of one: it’s a creamy cleanser and also a mild exfoliator. It’s also suitable for daily use and its plant-based ingredients will calm, condition and hydrate skin.
The bamboo powder works as an effective cleansing agent, aiding in unclogging pores and smoothing skin. This powder washes away excess oil, leaving skin soft and supple. Aloe soothes irritated skin that suffers from redness and is easily aggravated. Fruit enzymes support the cleansing and exfoliating properties of the face wash by helping to clear debris and impurities. Of course, as a product that champions natural ingredients, it’s paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free and free of other harsh chemicals. The packaging is also 100% recyclable.
Huron provides premium products at affordable prices. Their face wash provides a deep and refreshing clean while still being gentle on the skin. Users have reported a pleasing scent and a great texture that leaves skin feeling replenished. There’s no need to compromise when you choose this product—you’ll get the best of every world.
9. TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum
Vitamin C can benefit your body inside and out, which is why vitamin C serums aren’t only great additions to a skincare routine but are recommended as a basic component by dermatologists. TruSkin recognizes vitamin C as a driver for change when it comes to skin benefits. It can brighten the complexion, lessen the appearance of dark spots and redness and improve the overall quality of your skin. So this Vitamin C Facial Serum can be a welcome addition to any man’s skincare routine.
As well as vitamin C, this serum contains three other supporting ingredients to get the most out of it. The first two supporting ingredients are common in good skincare products: hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Both of these have superb hydrating, brightening and antioxidant qualities. The third supporting ingredient is a naturally derived sulfur-based compound called MSM. It is a vital compound on every level of life from deep tissues to organs. When applied to the skin, this ingredient dives deep into the skin to boost keratin and collagen levels.
This serum aims to suit all skin types. It helps your skin reach its fullest and healthiest potential by delivering nutrients, antioxidants and nourishments where they’re most needed.
10. Brickell Balancing Toner for Men
The demand for natural skincare products is universal, so sometimes it’s hard for a natural product to stand out from the crowd. But Brickell has managed to achieve that and much more with their range of skincare products, such as their Balancing Toner for Men.
This toner is alcohol-free and aims to bring balance back into your life, starting with your skin. It does this with ingredients that are antiseptic and anti-inflammatory to tone, balance and cleanse. By balancing the skin’s pH to prevent bacteria from damaging the face, it reduces excess oil which decreases shine and shrinks pores, and as an added bonus the toner leaves skin gently moisturized. Some of the star ingredients included in this toner are cucumber distillate, which soothes, hydrates and reduces skin irritation; witch hazel, which reduces oil buildup and clears the skin; and peppermint, which delivers antiseptic and calming properties.
This toner can be used as part of a morning routine and also as a pick-me-up to revitalize your skin during the day.
11. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Kiehl’s was once an old-world apothecary in Manhattan, New York, but now has expanded to multiple locations worldwide. Their excellence in skincare has been consistent because they’re a company that evolves with the times. They’ve continued to make unisex products that encourage healthy skin and have been a staple in men’s skincare for years. So, it’s a no-brainer that Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Cream would be a great addition to a skincare routine, especially for those with skin in crisis that suffers from dryness and damage.
This cream is your one-stop solution for skin issues like sensitivity, windburn, rough dry skin and more. There are two key ingredients responsible for the healing properties of this cream: beta-glucan and colloidal oatmeal. Beta-glucan is a molecule that repairs damaged skin and helps give it a healthier and smoother appearance. Colloidal oatmeal has anti-inflammatory compounds which soothe and repair the skin barrier to increase the speed of skin recovery.
This cream was made especially for dry and compromised skin and has been clinically developed to achieve stellar results. Effects can be seen just one hour after application. It doesn’t matter the cause of the crisis, whether it’s harsh weather, disagreeable skincare products or something elseKiehl’s has got you covered.
12. Wolf Project Men's Moisturizing Face Mask Sheets
Let moisture truly sink into your skin with Wolf Project’s face mask. Wolf Project aims to make wildly powerful skincare for men. Their products aren’t only outside of the box but they break the box itself to create cutting-edge skincare. This moisturizing face mask sheet replenishes skin by providing deep hydration and an instant glow.
This mask has been made with 95% natural ingredients like charcoal and bamboo. Charcoal is detoxifying and can remove impurities while lightening blemishes. Other ingredients like bamboo and aloe add soothing and hydrating qualities to the mask, which boost your skin’s glow. These hydrating ingredients among others like gotu kola balance out the dryness of the charcoal, creating an experience that is suitable for all skin types.
It just takes fifteen minutes a week to experience the benefits of Wolf Project’s Hydrating Face Sheet Mask. It comes in two forms: a full mask for those who are clean-shaven and a half mask for those with facial hair. In addition to these perks, Wolf Project is a clean and natural skincare company. Their products are vegan, cruelty-free and do not contain damaging chemicals.
13. Bevel Shaving Cream for Men
You can’t have a list of the best men’s skincare products without mentioning a shaving cream. Bevel’s Shave Cream stands head and shoulders above the rest. The unique formula combined with the luxurious texture earns this shaving cream a spot on our list.
Most shaving creams are water-based but Bevel’s Shave Cream uses some of the best natural ingredients available to form the basis of their cream. Aloe vera and shea butter are what makes the texture so luxurious. They also keep the skin hydrated and help the razor glide smoothly across the skin. Meanwhile, vitamin E rejuvenates the skin and evens out the complexion. Comfrey extract soothes and decreases irritation from shaving.
A nickel-sized amount of this product is all that’s needed to get a good shave going, so a little goes a long way
Bevel aims to be a brand that “hits different” and keeps up with the needs of men’s skincare. They started with one simple concept: making a shaving razor that works well. From there, they have expanded to other areas of men’s personal care, but their shaving range remains top-tier.
14. Noto Botanics Resurface Scrub
Skincare is not a problem with Noto. Vogue stated Noto is a brand “you need to know and can’t wait to try.” Their goal is to use their products to break down barriers and make quality skincare accessible to all genders. Noto’s Resurface Scrub is made for the face and the body to exfoliate and brighten skin. It was so popular on its initial release that customers asked for a bigger size. Noto was more than happy to oblige. But what makes this product so popular?
Another staple ingredient of skincare makes an appearance in this scrub: aloe vera, to soothe and cleanse the skin. Then there’s blood orange, which is rich in vitamins and nutrients to nourish the skin. But the exfoliation power of this scrub happens in two ways. Walnut shell dust does the physical exfoliation and gives the scrub its texture while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) act as a chemical exfoliant. These two super exfoliants unite to clear debris and skin buildup without damaging the skin.
Noto truly understands the importance of universality. This scrub is multi-use and is suitable for everyone, no matter the skin type. The scrub is also vegan, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free and phthalate-free, so it’s as compatible with the planet as it is with your skin
Bonus: Geologie Retinol Night Cream
You might think there’s no point in a night cream. But Geologie rightly says that ”nighttime is the right time” for skincare ingredients to do their work. When you’re asleep, you’re inactive, which means less sweating, less exposure to bacteria and more time for your skin to repair itself. That’s where Geologie’s Retinol Night Cream comes into play.
The all-star ingredient of this night cream is retinol, a viral skincare compound that reduces acne, fine lines and wrinkles while controlling oil production. It truly is a miracle ingredient that slows the aging process. The effects are cumulative, so the more you use retinol, the more refreshed and rejuvenated you’ll be in the long run. Hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening niacinamide support retinol in providing you with the best skin possible.
The low level of retinol means that this night cream is effective while still being gentle on sensitive skin. Nighttime is also the perfect time for these ingredients because your skin won’t be exposed to the sun and retinol, while it makes your skin more youthful, also makes it more sensitive to UV rays, so don’t forget to pair this with a daytime sunscreen.
The Best Skincare Products Based on Skin Type
Now that we’ve gone through the best skincare products for men in general, we can work out the right products for you. Ultimately, that depends on your skin type. There are five main types of skin: normal, oily, dry, combination and sensitive skin. Here’s what to
Normal
This skin type is neither too dry nor too oily; it's balanced overall. It isn’t prone to sensitivity or breakouts and acne. But it still needs maintenance to be in its best condition via proper cleansing, moisturization and exfoliation.
Oily
This is when your skin produces excess sebum, an oily substance that protects the skin from dryness. Even though the skin produces more moisture, it still needs the right moisturization that won’t clog pores. So if you have this skin type, it’s important to choose gentle cleansers and moisturizers that are lightweight and oil-free.
Dry
Dry skin produces less sebum and oils than other skin types. This can make it more prone to roughness and flakiness. With age, this skin type becomes susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles. Moisture-rich products that avoid harsh chemicals are essential to the health of this type of skin.
Combination
Combination skin is a mixture of oily and dry skin types. For example, the nose and above the brow area (the T-zone) could be oily while the cheeks and chin may be dry. The severity of this skin type can change with the seasons and conditions. This requires care that’s more complex because you need hydration in dry areas and effective cleansing in oily areas.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can happen in combination with other skin types like dry skin or oily skin. Signs of sensitive skin include inflammation, redness and itching or other feelings of discomfort. This skin type is more susceptible to the effects of harsh conditions and irritants. If you have this skin type, you have to be more careful than others about the ingredients in your skincare products. Fragrances, dyes and chemicals like parabens and sulfates could trigger sensitivity in your skin.