Men’s skincare: arguably the biggest shift in the skincare world in the last decade? Gone are the days when potions and lotions were reserved for women only. Nowadays, skincare predominantly carries a unisex status, with a whole host of great gender-neutral offerings that rank up there with the best men’s skincare products, doing everything from nourishing and hydrating tired skin to de-clogging pores.
What to look out for when searching for the best skincare options for men? While the desire for great skin is universal, skin types are not. So, although borrowing skincare from a partner’s shelf in the bathroom cabinet is never verboten, the fact of the matter is that, speaking in broad generalisations, men’s skin is slightly thicker than women’s, and boasts naturally higher collagen levels, so it will react better to products specifically formulated for men.
A great starting regimen should include a cleanser, exfoliator and a moisturiser, along with the addition of traditional grooming essentials such as beard oils. Brands such as Kiehl’s, Clinique and Tom Ford already offer products specifically marketed to men’s skin, with shaving foam, beard oil and exfoliating scrubs all created with facial hair in mind. These bestselling men’s skincare options are neither greasy, sticky nor perfumed. Meanwhile, other brands such as Aesop, La Mer and Burt’s Bees use chic, minimal packaging, making them a great unisex skincare destination that will cater to all skin needs.From luxury to utilitarian, browse Vogue’s edit of the best men’s skincare below.
Kiehl’s
One of the original and best men’s skincare ranges, Kiehl’s Facial Fuel is a bestseller for a reason. The Energising Moisture Treatment is a great multi-purpose product designed for skin that tends towards oiliness, plus it has an SPF of 15.
Clarins Men
No-nonsense packaging and a wide range of products for all skin types makes Clarins Men a great introduction to men’s skincare. No beard is too coarse for the Smooth Shave Foaming Gel, which allows the razor to glide across the skin without dragging or nicking.
Lab Series
No-nonsense packaging and hardworking formulas make Lab Series a great choice for skincare. Lab Series Max LS Matte Renewal Lotion’s for example, with its oil-absorbing formula, fights shine and grease while hydrating the skin and acting as a powerful anti-ager.
The Inkey List
This caffeine infused eye cream is like a double espresso for your under-eye area, as it harnesses the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant powers of coffee to bring them to your skin and soothes and protects the most delicate area of your face.
Aesop
Clinique
With encapsulated antioxidants and super-moisturising hyaluronic acid, this lightweight serum packs a heavyweight hydration punch. Oil and fragrance free (making it ideal for men who sometimes find skincare breaks them out or feels tight and dry), it’s a utilitarian hydrator that’s sure to please even the toughest of customers.
Purposeful Skincare by Allies (PSA)
Is your skin stressed or parched, particularly after cleansing, shaving or after having woken up in an air-conditioned bedroom? All skin types, even oily, combination and acne-prone complexions need hydration. This serum, formulated with panthenol and soothing bisabolol, and sodium PCA and allantoin to bind moisture, helps stimulate healthy skin regeneration while antioxidant-rich ingredients such as kombucha and acai berry help safeguard the skin against dark spots, free radical damage for a plumper, clearer complexion.
Purposeful Skincare by Allies (PSA) The Most Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum
Medicube
You’ve noticed some enlarged pores and bumps aka texture around on your skin that you’d love to clear. We got you. Acids such as AHAs, BHAs, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid help to ‘unglue’ the dirt and sebum that clog pores, which in turn can lead to pimples and blackheads. Knowing that clear skin begins with clear pores, Medicube’s dual-textured toner pads are an easy way to exfoliate dead skin cells. The pads are pre-soaked in an AHA fruit complex and hydration agents that gently removes debris, dirt, and build-up while also reducing oil production and minimising the appearance of pores. Getting smooth skin couldn’t be any easier.
Malin + Goetz
Unisex formulas, minimalist packaging and straightforward product messaging make Malin + Goetz a perfect skincare choice for everyone (the hair and body products are great too). The Vitamin E face moisturiser is a cult classic for a reason.
Burt’s Bees
Keep lips nourished and flake-free by applying this lip balm regularly—it contains power packed beeswax and vitamin E to lock in moisture—essential in colder climates or air-conditioned spaces.
Tom Ford
If Tom Ford’s own skin is anything to go by, his namesake skincare range is definitely worth a try. This serum will provide an instant pick-me-up for your skin, making it look and feel healthier, more robust and that little bit clearer.
Venn
A brilliant all-round cleanser, this formula will lift off the day’s grime and pollution sitting upon skin and leave it fresh and balanced. Plus, the formulation is vegan.
U Beauty
Designed to replace up to six products in your skincare routine, this do-it-all skin optimiser promises smoother, restored skin while minimising the look of pores, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles with its antioxidant, vitamins c and e, and retinol-rich formula. Perfect if you’re looking to spend more time living than grooming.
La Mer
The luxurious La Mer products are all effectively unisex, but this oil exfoliator is especially good for post-gym or pre-shave. Infused with sugar crystals and sea salt, the exfoliator refines, detoxifies and replenishes the skin and leaves the complexion feeling squeaky clean.