Men’s skincare has undergone a shift of seismic proportions over the last decade. No longer are men restricted to 3-in-1 face wash/body wash/dishwashing liquid style products while women seemingly have a different formulation for each elbow. Today, skincare is primarily unisex, with pioneering gender-neutral and men’s skincare brands leading the way in active skincare, offering everything from toners and cleansers to serums and sunscreens.
The best men’s skincare brands in 2024
To cover all your hydration, exfoliation, brightening, and anti-ageing needs, here are our favourite unisex skincare and dedicated men’s skincare and grooming brands. Some of these brands—such as Hunter Lab, Bulldog, and Bro-To—have short yet sweet product lines, covering everything you need to form a basic men’s skincare routine. Others—like Paula’s Choice, Ole Henriksen, and La Roche-Posay—have more comprehensive lineups that cater to different types of skin concerns (think wrinkles and fine lines, dryness, dullness, and acne). Here, it’s best not to go overboard and simply get the products that suit your skin type; stick to one cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, exfoliant, and suncreen.
1. Paula’s Choice
Known for their high-quality active ingredients and effective formulas at a reasonable price point, Paula’s Choice has long been a favourite in the skincare world. For best results, look further than the dedicated men’s range and instead select from the vast array of unisex cleansers, serums, boosters, exfoliants, and moisturisers. Our favourites here at AR are the 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, C15 Super Booster, and 10% Niacinamide Booster. With a vast array of ingredient-led skincare products for men, Paula’s Choice is best for guys who have developed a solid understanding of their skin type and know which ingredients to look out for (e.g. vitamin C for brightening, BHA for oil control, niacinamide for improving skin tone and texture).
Founder: Paula Begoun
Established in: 1995
Best products: 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant,10% Niacinamide Booster, 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
2. Malin+Gotez
New York-based label Malin+Goetz produces uncomplicated yet effective luxury skincare, haircare, and fragrance that appeals to all genders. Combining modern technology with natural ingredients, their skincare products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind, with the range being easy to navigate; skincare novices can start with a simple cleanser and moisturiser routine, then incorporate targeted masks, serums, and exfoliants to address specific concerns.
Founders: Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz
Established in: 2004
Best products: Vitamin E Face Moisturiser, Jojoba Face Scrub, Eucalyptus Smoothing Body Gel
3. La Roche-Posay
French skincare brand La Roche-Posay is known for its pared-back approach to skincare, with its affordable, dermatologically formulated skincare products catering to a wide array of skin types and concerns, from acne-prone and oily to eczema-prone and sensitive. The La Roche-Posay range is infused with water from a selenium-rich thermal spring in the town of the same name, which is said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Favourites from the brand include the Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser for acne-prone skin, the Toleriane Sensitive Prebiotic Moisturiser for sensitive and dry skin, and the Lipikar Baume for ultra-dry skin.
Sun protection is a non-negotiable facet of any skincare routine, with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 recommended. La Roche-Posay is also known for its elegantly formulated sunscreens, which provide protection without leaving a white cast or any residue behind. The French skincare brand’s Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ is a lightweight sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection from the sun.
Founder: Bertrand Du Guesclin
Established in: 1975
Best products: Effaclar Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel Cleanser, Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+, Retinol B3 Serum
4. Kiehl’s
Apothecary brand Kiehl’s has been a stalwart in the skincare industry since its inception in 1851. While its standard products are suitable for all genders, Kiehl’s also has a dedicated men’s skincare line which aims to leave the skin feeling hydrated, refreshed, and energised, and houses one of our favourite moisturisers; Kiehl’s Facial Fuel. Other cult-favourite products from the standard line include the Crème de Corps body moisturiser and Midnight Recovery Concentrate.
Founder: John Kiehl
Established in: 1851
Best products: Facial Fuel Energising Moisturiser, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Ultra Facial Cream
5. Ole Henriksen
Founded by Danish-born, Hollywood-based celebrity facialist Ole Henriksen, this eponymous skincare brand is one of our favourites when it comes to visibly transformative results. With a wide range of products (think cleansers, toners, serums, moisturisers, exfoliants, and masks) aimed at addressing various skin concerns including wrinkles and fine lines, hydration, dullness, acne, and uneven skin tone. Some of the best Ole Henriksen skincare products for men include the Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner which contains AHAs to exfoliate the skin and improve skin tone, as well as the Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum, a potent antioxidant product which brightens the skin with consistent use. For those with mature skin, the Double Rewind 0.3% Pro-Grade Retinol Serum and Strength Peptide Boost Moisturiser are also worth a look in.
Founder: Ole Henriksen
Established in: 1983
Best products: Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum, Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner, Strength Peptide Boost Moisturiser
6. Grown Alchemist
Utilising potent antioxidants as well as botanical and active ingredients, Grown Alchemist combines innovative science with natural skincare, resulting in efficacious formulas that target specific skincare concerns as well as work to encourage cellular renewal, and stimulate collagen and elastin production. With their minimalist-chic lab-like packaging, Grown Alchemist is a style-conscious unisex brand that caters to everyone. The Age-Repair Intensive Moisturiser uses white tea extract, peptides, natural moisturising factors, hyaluronic acid to target wrinkles and fine lines, improve skin elasticity, and promote collagen synthesis; while the Gentle Gel Cleanser uses willow bark to lightly exfoliate the skin while a slew of soothing botanical extracts including aloe vera help calm redness and leave skin feeling comfortable.
Founders: Keston and Jeremy Muijs
Established in: 2002
Best products: Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser, Age-Repair Intensive Moisturiser, Enzyme Exfoliant
7. Aesop
Known for their unparalleled olfactory experience and scientific-chic packaging, Australian brand Aesop formulate skincare and haircare products that utilise results-driven botanical and lab-developed ingredients. With an expansive skincare range, Aesop has all your cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising, and treatment needs covered, all infused with Aesop’s gorgeous earthy scents. The Fabulous Face Cleanser is a good face wash for men with normal, oily, or combination skin, while the In Two Minds Facial Toner is an astringent formula that uses witch hazel and niacinamide to balance the skin and regulate sebum (oil) production. The Australian brand also has a couple of solid shaving and beard care products; the Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum is a good alternative to traditional shaving cream, while the Shine Hair & Beard Oil softens facial hair and soothes the skin beneath it.
Founder: Dennis Paphitis
Established in: 1987
Best products: Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, Fabulous Face Cleanser, In Two Minds Facial Toner
8. Hunter Lab
With a simple cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise, treat philosophy, Hunter Lab is perfect for the skincare minimalist. Their pared-back philosophy is reflected in their easy to navigate range as well as their sleek packaging. Free-from synthetic ingredients, their gentle, non-irritating formulas are suitable for all skin types, with a focus on well hydrated and moisturised skin. With that in mind, the best Hunter Lab products are those that moisturise the skin as they work, like the Lipid Vitamin Cleansing Oil.
Founders: Elliot and Susie Waldron
Established in: 2013
Best products: Lipid Vitamin Cleansing Oil, Peptide Eye Renewal, Lipid Vitamin Face Oil
9. First Aid Beauty
Men with sensitive skin should look to First Aid Beauty. Specifically designed with sensitive and reactive skin in mind, the brand’s fragrance-free products work to cleanse, tone, treat, and moisturise the skin without causing redness or irritation. The First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser is a lightly lathering cream formula that effectively removes dirt and impurities without drying out the skin, while the Facial Radiance Pads contain lactic and glycolic acids (both forms of AHAs) to chemically exfoliate the skin and improve skin tone. The brand’s Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration is suitable for dry, sensitive, and even eczema-prone skin and is a favourite here at AR, for its ability to support the skin barrier by providing deep hydration and moisture.
Founder: Lilli Gordon
Established in: 2008
Best products: Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration, Facial Radiance Pads, Face Cleanser, Ultra Repair Lip Balm
10. Bro-To
The folks at Bro-To believe that skin is…well, skin. That’s why the Bro-To range is simply the core Go-To formulas packaged in vibrant blue and red, with a figgy, woodsy scent (as opposed to the more floral notes sported by its sister brand). The Bro-To range initially started out with the three most beloved products from the Go-To range; the Properly Clean Facial Cleanser, Very Useful Face Cream, and our personal favourite, Face Hero. Today the brand has expanded to encompass more key formulas from the Go-To range in repackaged (and rescented) form like the Very Lightweight Moisturiser and Nifty Fifty Hydrating Sunscreen, and also added its own dedicated ‘men’s only’ product with Twofer, a two-in-one shampoo and body wash (we know, we know…but this one’s actually good!).
Founder: Zoë Foster-Blake
Established in: 2016 (Go-To founded in 2014)
Best products: Face Hero, Twofer, Very Useful Face Cream
11. Sunday Riley
You’ve likely seen these colourful bottles stop your wife or girlfriend’s vanity. While pretty much nobody would call Sunday Riley a skincare brand for men, there’s no denying the American brand makes some pretty effective formulas. The vast range can be overwhelming but it’s not necessary to get everything — steer clear of superfluous products like the Pink Drink and stick to the active ingredient-led formulas. Namely, those containing retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide (depending on your skin type). Look to the B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum to reduce the appearance of pores and redness, as well as the C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum and C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream. The latter two products are stacked with antioxidants that brighten the skin and protect against environmental damage. Those with dull skin will do well with the Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, a leave-on exfoliating product that delivers visible results overnight and improves skin tone with consistent use.
Founder: Sunday Riley
Established in: 2009
Best products: C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream, Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum
12. STUFF Skincare
Australian men’s skincare brand STUFF creates simple, vegan-friendly face and body care products. Crafted in collaboration with Aesop Global Director of Innovation, Dr Kate Forbes, STUFF uses scientifically proven botanicals and actives to create formulas that are simple yet effective. Highlights include the aptly named STUFF for your head and body with cedar and spice; and STUFF for your face moisturiser with aloe vera, patchouli, and almond oil. The entire range is priced at under $15, with STUFF working in collaboration with The Man Cave, a preventative mental health while championing mental health through The Man Cave, a preventative mental health charity for teenage boys and young men, to sponsor Australian boys from lower socioeconomic areas to attend their programs.
Founder: Hunter Johnson
Established in: 2021
Best products: SPF50+ Face Sunscreen, Face Moisturiser, Fresh Head & Body Wash
13. Youth To The People
Founded by cousins Greg Gonzalez and Joe Cloyes, Californian skincare brand Youth To The People has carved out a strong following since its inception in 2015. Known for its hero products like the Kale + Green Tea Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser and 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum, Youth To The People pairs nutrient-dense superfoods with clinical-grade vegan active ingredients to create safe, efficacious products. Guys who place a high regard on the texture and feeling of skincare products will likely enjoy Youth To The People, with the Californian brand’s products feeling luxurious yet quickly sinking into the skin without leaving a ‘greasy’ feeling behind. Those with dry skin should look to the Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream which provides deep hydration without feeling thick or clogging the pores.
Founders: Greg Gonzalez and Joe Cloyes
Established in: 2015
Best products: Kale + Green Tea Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser, Superberry Hydrate and Glow Face Oil, 15% Vitamin C + Clean Caffeine Energy Serum, Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream
14. Patricks
The brainchild of former luxury male hairdressing salon owner Patrick Kidd, Patricks was created to fill a gap in the market for efficacious skincare and haircare products. Combining innovative formulas with stylish packaging, Patricks harnesses active ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and niacinamide to create skincare products that actually do what they say. And for the follicularly challenged guys among us, there’s a dedicated haircare range targeted towards preserving your strands.
Founder: Patrick and Aimee Kidd
Established in: 2014
Best products: Anti-Ageing Moisturiser, Anti-Ageing Night Serum, SH1 Daily Thickening Shampoo
15. Triumph & Disaster
Kiwi brand Triumph & Disaster makes use of its bucolic New Zealand heritage, combining the botanical ingredients of its hometown (think Horopito oil and Ponga fern extract) as well as those from the wider South Pacific region to create natural formulas that don’t skimp on efficacy. Plus, the largely monochromatic packaging has a charming throwback element to it, recalling the barbershop products of yesteryear.
Founder: Dion Nash
Established in: 2011
Best products: Gameface Moisturiser, Logic Toner
16. The Groomed Man Co.
Designed by men for men, Australian brand The Groomed Man Co. creates natural, no-nonsense men’s skincare, haircare, and beard care that doesn’t skimp on performance while being enjoyable to use. The Groomed Man Co. takes an easy to implement cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturise approach to skincare, utilitising nourishing natural ingredients like jojoba oil, pracaxi oil, green tea extract, and activated charcoal to create effective formulas that live up to what they say on the bottle. Doing away with the traditional black-and-white packaging adopted by many dedicated men’s skincare brands, The Groomed Man Co. opts for a fun, colourful approach that makes each product easy to identify while looking slick on your shelf. Highlights include the Fresh Face Kit that comprises a moisturiser, cleanser, and scrub, and the range of aromatic beard oils with unique scents like morning wood and cool cola.
Founder: Daniel Mahony
Established in: 2014
Best products: Cool Cola Beard Oil, Citrus Blast Body Wash
17. Bulldog
Ideal for those looking for sensible men’s skincare at budget prices, British brand Bulldog provides simple, vegan-friendly formulas that get the job done. Designed with ease of use and men’s skin in mind, Bulldog has a tightly curated range of no-nonsense cleansers, moisturisers, and shaving products that deliver on what they promise.
Founder: Simon Duffy
Established in: 2007
Best products: Original Moisturiser, Original Face Wash, Oil Control Face Wash
What is the best skincare routine for men?
A good skincare routine for men doesn’t have to be an exhaustive ten-step process. Essentially, the core tenets of a good men’s skincare routine are cleansing, moisturising, sun protection during the day, and regular exfoliation. Once you’ve got those down, you can add in serums to treat specific skin concerns (such as dull skin, redness or enlarged pores). Here, we detail everything you need to know about creating a good skincare routine for men, breaking it down from beginner to advanced.
Do men need to wear sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of any skincare routine. Exposure to ultraviolet rays not only causes premature ageing (in the form of wrinkles, dark spots, and rough texture) but can also result in skin cancer; making sunscreen use not only aesthetic but a matter of health care. The best sunscreens on the market are a far cry from the thick, goopy ones of your childhood. Some of the best lightweight formulas include the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen, Mecca Max Screen Saver SPF30, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+, and Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturiser SPF 50+.
Words by John Deckard
