Because we all need a good skincare routine.
No two people have the same skin concerns, regardless of gender. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, everyone can use the same skincare products and the same general routine. “The products you choose aren’t dependent on gender as much, but rather skin type and concerns,” she adds. When putting together a skincare routine, it’s important to consider your skin type—oily, dry, acne-prone, normal, or sensitive—plus concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, or redness.
But we understand if the world of skincare feels daunting. However, it doesn’t have to be. A foolproof routine consists of a few elements: the essentials include a cleanser and moisturizer, with different add-ins depending on the time of day and your concerns. During the daytime, you can add a serum after cleansing (more on that later), and you should always top off your moisturizer with SPF during the daylight hours. A consistent nighttime routine begins with a cleanser (again), followed by a retinoid if desired, and then a moisturizer.
To help you build the foundation of an effective skincare regimen, we chatted with dermatologists and took note of their most recommended products. Then, we tried some formulas for ourselves, taking into account each formula’s ingredients, efficacy, and accessibility. The result: A curated list of non-negotiable skincare products for men.
Best Cleanser: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
A solid skincare routine begins with a cleanser that targets clogged pores. This gel-to-foam formula was highly recommended by Garshick for its ability to effectively clean the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture (i.e., making it feel tight and itchy). A pump or two of product is all you need for a foamy lather that clears away dirt, excess oil, and sweat from the skin. It’s gentle enough to be used twice daily (morning and night) and contains ingredients like glycerin (which board-certified dermatologist Dr. Zain Husain, MD says can be hydrating) and calming niacinamide to keep your skin hydrated and feeling its best.
This cleanser is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, so it won’t clog your pores or incite a reaction. However, it can dry your skin if you use it more than twice a day. We still wholeheartedly recommend this cleanser (and so do board-certified dermatologists), but it’s something to keep in mind if you have super dry skin or need to wash your face more than twice daily.
Who It’s For
If you want a product that simply gets your face the ideal amount of clean without irritating it, this low-maintenance, reliable cleanser is your best bet.
Best 3-in-1 Cleanser: Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Bar Soap
If you’re partial to a one-and-done type of skincare routine, we’re not here to judge. Just take note of what you’re using, as some bar soaps can be too harsh to use everywhere, says Husain. Both he and Garshick recommended this bar from Dove, which helps to cleanse the face and body without stripping it or making it feel dry. In addition to the obvious cleansing agents, the bar also contains a bit of moisturizing cream to help maintain the skin barrier and to double as a nice shaving cream, Garshick says.
The only con: It’s not the most hygienic. Make sure you store it in a clean place (aka not the moldy ledge of your shower) in order to avoid harboring bacteria.
Who It’s For
This cleansing bar is an optimal choice for people who prefer multitasking products, as this two-in-one soap works well on both the face and the body. Thanks to its mild nature, Husain says this is a good option for people with acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis, too.
Best Serum: Skinbetter Science Solo Hydrating Defense Serum for Men
You can add many different serums to your regimen; some help exfoliate skin or unclog pores, while others promote skin firmness, radiance, hydration, and everything in between. “Serums have high concentrations of active ingredients to address your specific needs,” Husain explains. “Unlike moisturizers, serums allow the active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin.”
Garshick loves this serum, as it helps to provide antioxidant protection, which is key to protecting the skin from damage caused by things like UV rays and pollution that can accelerate skin aging. It’s rich in vitamin C and vitamin E, so it also works to improve skin tone, texture, and redness, Garshick explains. “It also reduces sebum levels in the skin, making skin appear less oily,” she adds. Apply this lightweight formulation after cleansing your skin (and after shaving, if applicable) in the morning. Follow up with a moisturizer and SPF to lock in moisture and tap into the antioxidant benefits even further.
The only downside of this product is that it can cause some irritation for those with ultra-sensitive skin. To figure out if your skin can handle it, we recommend performing a patch test—we suggest applying a tiny drop to the underside of your arm—to observe any adverse reactions.
Who It’s For
Anyone can benefit from an antioxidant serum like this one, especially those concerned about skin aging or uneven skin texture and tone.
Best Moisturizer: La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer
Husain has a three-pronged approach to identifying a good moisturizer. “Good moisturizers fall into three categories: humectants, occlusives, and emollients,” he says. “Humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin attract water to hydrate the outer layer of skin. Emollients, like shea butter, collagen, and ceramides, smooth the skin by filling in any cracks, helping to seal in moisture.” Alternatively, occlusive ingredients (like dimethicone) form a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to physically block water loss from happening.
This humectant moisturizer from La Roche-Posay is a favorite of Garshick for its ingredients: a combination of ceramides (to strengthen the skin), niacinamide (to soothe the skin), and the brand’s proprietary mineral-rich thermal spring water. The result: A double-whammy of nourishment. Plus, we like that it’s mattifying, so it won’t leave your skin all shiny and dewy. While Garshick highly recommends it for pretty much everyone—it might not be rich enough for people with super dry skin.
Who It’s For
While we recommend this moisturizer for just about anyone, Garshick says people with oily or combination skin will benefit the most as it absorbs easily into the skin and doesn’t leave a shine behind.
Best Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Sunscreen is the last step in a daytime skincare routine (it doesn’t need to be applied at night!), and it’s not one you should miss. According to Husain, you should apply SPF after you’ve cleansed your face, applied serums, and rubbed on a moisturizer. Just make sure it’s one that’s dedicated to your face, he warns. Sunscreens intended for the body have comedogenic (meaning pore-clogging) ingredients that can lead to breakouts, which is why it’s key to invest in a face-specific option like this sunscreen from EltaMD.
As the name suggests, this product goes on clear (no white cast here), and similar to the moisturizer above, it won’t affect the way you look—except for, ya know, being less sunburned. In addition to SPF 40 (which is slightly higher than the SPF 30 minimum Garshick recommends), this formula contains niacinamide, an ingredient known to calm and soothe the skin, plus lactic acid, which Garshick says can help unclog pores. Best of all, it’s been granted a Seal of Recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation, signifying its efficacy in protecting skin from UV ray-induced damage.
Our only complaint about this product is that it has a subtle chlorine-esque scent, which doesn’t really bother us, but it’s worth pointing out.
Who It’s For
According to Garshick, this is a great option for any skin type as it contains a slew of calming ingredients and works to keep skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays without irritating the skin.
Best Moisturizer With SPF: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
If applying a moisturizer and an SPF feels like too much for you (either in terms of product or hassle), no worries. This two-in-one moisturizer does all the same things—like hydrating and banishing dryness with the added benefit of SPF 30. This way, you cover both bases with one product and get out the door faster in the morning.
“SPF does not have to be included in your moisturizer, but it certainly makes it more convenient for most guys who traditionally don’t like using too many products in their daily skincare routines,” Husain notes. “The brand offers fundamental, gentle, and straightforward skincare products that are suitable for all skin types.” Garshick is also a fan, explaining that the formulation of ceramides plus hyaluronic acid helps support the skin barrier and draw moisture in. “It’s lightweight, so it won’t leave your skin greasy,” she says.
While there’s so much to love, we’d be remiss not to mention that this sunscreen leaves behind a white cast. It’s not a deal-breaker for everyone, but those with darker skin tones might want to seek out another option.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a basic moisturizer that addresses hydration concerns and contains an SPF, this two-in-one product should fit the bill.
Best Eye Cream: Kiehl’s Eye Fuel for Men
Eye cream is an addition you won’t regret. If you’re noticing unwanted lines around your eyes or just need to look less tired (we feel that), turn to this eye cream designed specifically for men. This pick contains caffeine and vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide), an ingredient that can be beneficial when treating fine lines and wrinkles.1 According to Garshick, this eye cream can be helpful to reduce puffiness and improve the appearance of dark circles, too. Also nice: This formula is lightweight, which allows it to absorb quickly.
Unfortunately, when it comes to skincare, big changes don’t happen overnight. Be patient with this formula, as it can take some time to harbor drastic results.
Who It’s For
For an eye-specific treatment, we recommend this eye cream designed for men. It comes highly recommended by Garshick, who says it targets puffiness, dark circles, and other under-eye woes.
Best Retinoid: Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
Oh retinoids; there’s a lot to say here. For starters, what is it? Retinoid and retinol are words often used interchangeably in our vocabulary here at Byrdie, but they represent a few different things. On an ingredient level, the two are known for their powerful anti-aging and anti-blemish capabilities, but the difference is worth noting. According to Husain, you can get retinol over the counter, whereas retinoids require a prescription and often target more aggressive goals (acne scars, dark spots, and more). Before beginning any journey with retinoids, Husain recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist first.
Those newer to retinoids may want to start with over-the-counter options, which tend to be gentler than prescription retinoids, he says. The Differin Adapalene Gel, a once-prescription-only formula that’s now available over the counter, is a solid starting point. The active ingredient here is adapalene, an effective type of retinoid, in a concentration of 0.1 percent.
Like all retinoids, it’s important to start slow. A product like this changes the molecular structure of your skin, so chances are, it’ll take a while to see results and your skin is going to be sensitive. Apply a tiny amount (only a pea-sized amount for your entire face) every three nights or so while your skin adjusts. It’s worth noting that when using retinoids or retinol, your skin will become more sensitive to the sun, so it’s best to save these formulas for evening use. Come morning, be sure to wash your face and apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
Who It’s For
For anyone looking to address fine lines and/or acne, this is a great (and potent) product to consider. Just remember that it takes time, so patience is a virtue here.
Where We Stand
A basic skincare routine relies on a few products, including a cleanser, a moisturizer, and an SPF. The Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is one of our favorites, as it comes highly recommended by a dermatologist we trust. And if you’re looking for a basic product that ticks all the boxes at a low price, the Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body and Face Bar Soap is a staple that cleanses both the face and body in one step. As for moisturizer and SPF, you can’t go wrong with the CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM, a two-in-one product that hydrates skin and protects it from the sun with broad-spectrum SPF 30.
How We Researched
Each skincare product we included in this story was heavily researched by our editors, with some having been recommended to us by experts we trust. We tried most (if not all) of the formulas on this list ourselves, taking note of efficacy (aka if we actually saw the results promised by the brands) and whether or not it irritated our skin. We also considered the ingredients used to make up each formula and how they might interact with all skin types—including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Other Products We Liked
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
One of CeraVe’s top-selling products, this gentle face cleanser is infused with hydrating ingredients—namely, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides—that work in tandem to create a cleanser that won’t compromise the skin.
Brickell Restoring Eye Serum
An eye serum isn’t totally necessary, but if you experience puffiness and dark circles, this might be your best bet at addressing ‘em. This serum contains caffeine, which Husain says can reenergize your skin (similar to how caffeine helps you feel awake) and reduce swelling, redness, and fluid around the eyes.2
SkinCeuticals Retinol Cream 0.5
If you’re looking for a potent retinoid that can be bought over the counter, Husain recommends this one from SkinCeuticals. It’s ideal for first-time users and comes in variants of 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 percent pure retinol to target signs of aging and treat breakouts.
What to Look for in Skincare Products for Men
- Types of Products: You don’t need to have a 10-step skincare routine, just a few products that cover all your bases. Garshick recommends a cleanser, a moisturizer, and an SPF. If you’re up for it, you can add more products into the mix, like serums (which can work to improve the look of skin tone, texture, and redness) and retinol (which addresses blemishes, clogged pores, and signs of aging). Some products, like the two-in-one moisturizer-slash-SPF CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM, combine several steps into one, allowing you to reap more benefits from a single product.
- Skin Type and Concerns: To pick the right products, think about your skin type—which could be oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or something more specific defined by your doctor—and the concerns you wish to address. If your skin is dry, sensitive, or shaved frequently, it’s a good idea to look for moisturizing products designed for sensitive skin, like the Dove Men+ Care Body and Face Bar. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” and/or have mattifying properties, like the La Roche-Posay Double Repair Toleriane Matte Moisturizer.
- Size: “The key part of your skincare regimen is making sure it becomes part of your daily routine,” Husain says. “Skincare requires consistency to see results.” Developing a routine and sticking to it might seem daunting, but when you buy in bulk (or opt for a larger size), chances are you’ll continue the routine. If you buy a smaller size and run out after a week, the odds of you keeping up the routine are slimmer.
FAQ
What products do men need in a skincare routine?
All men should use a cleanser, a moisturizer, and a sunscreen—and not one product for all three,” says Garshick. “Cleansers gently but effectively eliminate excess sweat and oil, while moisturizers hydrate the skin.” She explains that sunscreen is a key step for daily use, not just for days at the beach. “It’s important to remember to apply it not just to the face, but also to the neck, ear, and scalp.” Note: It is best to use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher and offers broad-spectrum coverage.
What are skin care tips for men?
One important tip for men is to always wear sunscreen—even if it isn’t sunny out. While clouds can block the sunshine, they can’t block UV rays, leaving your skin at risk for sunburn and sun damage. Even if you consider your skin oily, says Garshick, you also want to use a moisturizer daily, wash your face regularly, and use products that are right for your skin.
How can men get clear skin?
In addition to washing your face twice a day, moisturizing, and using appropriate products for your skin type, men can choose products for adult acne. There are face washes, serums, and even prescriptions that are designed to help clear acne. Staying hydrated, exfoliating your skin, not touching your face often, and eating well are always good tips to follow that can help promote a clear complexion.
