Let’s face it, most men like to keep their skincare routine nice and simple. That usually means face wash, moisturizer, and sunscreen, the basic men’s face products. But that still might leave you with a lingering question: what are the best skincare products for men? There are so many products out there and it can be hard to sort through all of them.

Some of the best men’s skincare products claim to do it all but cost a fortune. Others are simple, but perhaps too simple—men have problem areas and skin issues they might want to fix, too. Fortunately, I’ve dedicated this space to the best in men’s skincare for every step of the routine. This way, you don’t have to sort through anything.

I’ve taken into consideration all of the different skin types out there, all of the active ingredients and what they do for the skin, and of course, each product’s value for the money. Some of us might not mind a little pampering here and there, but most of us appreciate the greatest bang for our buck, especially when it comes to skincare, something we use every single day.

All that being said, let’s take a peek at the 10 best skincare products for men below.

Key Takeaways 

For this quest, I began poring over hundreds of photos, customer reviews, and even my own bathroom cabinet (and my husband’s) until I whittled it down to the 10 finalists you see on this list. Overall, the best skincare product for men has to be a cleanser, and my favorite from La Roche-Posay. It contains essential skin barrier-strengthening ingredients, all while gently purifying and cleansing the skin. As for moisturizers, Brickell Men’s Element Defense Moisturizer uses natural ingredients to hydrate and soothe the skin while also protecting it from UVA and UVB rays with a zinc oxide SPF 45 formula.

Why it’s great: If you’re going to do anything for your skin, you need to cleanse and moisturize (Yes, you should be moisturizing even—and especially—if you have oily skin). When it comes to washing your face, you really can’t go wrong with La Roche-Posay. Derms love it, and for good reason. It contains essential ceramides and niacinamide that strengthen the skin’s barrier, plus a prebiotic thermal water that is rich in selenium, a natural antioxidant. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t cause irritation or clog pores.

How to use it: Apply to damp skin morning and night, massaging in gentle, circular motions. Rinse with water and pat dry with a fresh towel. Follow up with moisturizer.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you have dry skin, you might be better off with their hydrating cleanser.

Type of Formula: Cleanser | Usage: Massage across the face with water, both morning and evening |  Size: 13.52 oz | Skin type: Oily, combination, sensitive, normal

Why it’s great: 3-in-1 cleansers are great for men looking to simplify their skincare routine. This cleanser from Vichy combines the power of hydrating cleansing milk, a toner, and make-up remover into one seriously gentle face wash. I love that it’s fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin, and is very gentle and soothing for those with dry skin. And because it’s pH balanced, it’s not going to disrupt your skin’s sensitive barrier.

How to use it: Instead of removing make-up or sunscreen first, simply splash your face with water and gently rub it in for at least 60 seconds. Rinse with water, and pat your face dry with a clean towel. You might need to add a moisturizer afterward, depending on how your skin feels.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Milk cleansers can be a godsend for those with dry, sensitive skin, but if your skin is oily, you might find this one to be too thick. If that’s the case, stick to a regular cleanser.

Type of Formula: Cleanser | Usage: Massage across the face with water morning and night |  Size: 16 oz. and 20 oz. | Skin type: Dry, combo, normal, sensitive

Why it’s great: When it comes to cleansers, I recommend a product that is clean, non-comedogenic, and preferably fragrance-free, even if you have normal skin. CeraVe makes one heck of a cleanser thanks to its combination of hyaluronic acid and glycerin that attract and retain moisture, plus three essential ceramides that help skin retain its natural barrier. That means it’s not only effective at cleansing the skin but at hydrating and protecting it, too. And if you happen to have eczema, rest assured, it’s accepted by the NEA.

How to use it: Apply to damp skin morning and night using gentle, circular motions for at least one minute. If you have one, make sure to get it under your beard.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Don’t expect a big lather with this one. It provides non-foaming hydration that might not be ideal for those with oily skin (see La Roche Posay above, if that’s the case).

Type of Formula: Cleanser | Usage: Massage across the face with water morning and evening |  Size: 16 oz. | Skin type: Normal-dry

Why it’s great: You’ll want to find a serum that introduces ingredients that are different from your cleanser and moisturizer for additional benefits. If your cleanser doesn’t contain hyaluronic acid, then this affordable serum from The Ordinary is the bomb (plus it comes in a package with an AHA + BHA exfoliating solution—great for acne-prone skin). However, if your other skincare ingredients contain plenty of hydrating boosts, you might want a serum with vitamin C because it’s an antioxidant that provides the skin with a glowy, brightening effect. Vitamin C also helps to fade acne scars by evening out skin tone and soothing the irritation that comes with pimples or sensitive skin.

How to use it: Apply one or two pumps to all areas of the face after cleansing, either in the morning or at night.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Avoid combining with acids, including AHAs and BHAs, as it can increase the potency of vitamin C, causing severe irritation.

Type of Formula: Serum | Usage: Apply 1-2 pumps once a day to cleansed skin|  Size: 1 oz. and 20 oz. | Skin type: all

Why it’s great: You really can’t go wrong with using natural extracts to hydrate your face after cleansing. Marlowe face moisturizer is packed with goodness. I love that it’s formulated with aloe vera, which is highly nourishing, soothing for red, irritated skin, and naturally anti-bacterial. This light water-based formula won’t clog pores or weigh your skin down. I think you’ll appreciate that it’s naturally scented for a subtle, manly smell made from ingredients like citrus, aloe leaf, and musk.

How to use it: The texture is nice and light yet immensely hydrating. Perfect for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Just what you need in the summer months.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: As much as I love the light, water-based formula, it might be too light for dry skin, especially in wintertime. Consider Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream if you need an extra boost of hydration. Just make sure you get a moisturizer specifically for the face, don’t let the hand cream pull double duty.

Type of Formula: Moisturizer | Usage: Apply to clean, damp, or dry skin morning and evening |  Size: 6 oz. | Skin type: all

Why it’s great: Whether you have acne-prone skin or not, EltaMD makes one of the best skincare products for men. Daily sunscreen is a must, and this one comes with a high SPF of 46. It’s great for sensitive skin, but I feel it works on everyone. It provides both UVA and UVB protection and doesn’t leave that icky white cast like most other zinc oxide formulas. If there is one sunscreen every dermatologist I’ve ever consulted with loves, it’s this one.

How to use it: Apply to clean, moisturized skin every day, not just twenty minutes before you leave the house. Yes, you can get sun exposure indoors!

Flaws but not dealbreakers: For the price, you’re not getting a ton of product here, but mineral sunscreens are better for sensitive skin and create a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, unlike chemical sunscreens.

Type of Formula: Sunscreen | Usage: Apply to clean, moisturized, skin every day |  Size: 1.7 oz. | Skin type: all

Why it’s great: You might be thinking: if I’m putting moisturizer on my face, can’t I add it to my eyes as well? The short answer is no because the skin around the eye is thinner and more easily prone to aging. That’s why I happen to love a serum around the eyes. This one is great because it contains caffeine for de-puffing, vitamin C for brightening dark circles, and peptides for lots of hydrating plumpness. I have a feeling you’ll love the cool feel of the roller ball.

Hot Tip: Leave it in the fridge for an even deeper de-puffing effect.

How to use it: In the morning, once you’ve washed your face, roll underneath your eyes. Applying eye cream should always come before moisturizing.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: For those with sensitive skin, be careful not to apply any other products to the under eye when using because it can irritate the skin.

Type of Formula: Cleanser | Usage: Massage across the face with water morning and night |  Size: 0.5 oz. | Skin type: all

Why it’s great: Why not make things easy and combine your SPF with your moisturizer? I love this one from Brickell because it comes in zinc form with a high SPF count of 45. If you’re getting a lot of sun exposure each day, aim for an SPF of at least 30. As a moisturizer, it provides all the necessary elements like sunflower oil, which soothes and strengthens the skin. Plus, it also contains green tea, which is a natural antioxidant, and vitamin E, for fighting free radicals.

How to use it: Once your skin is cleansed and dry, apply generously over the entire face.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Thick texture doesn’t smooth over too well on darker skin tones. Consider Paula’s Choice Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50.

Type of Formula: SPF Moisturizer | Usage: Apply to clean, dry skin every morning |  Size: 8 oz. | Skin type: all

What is Retinol?: Because of its strength, it’s worth noting what exactly it is and what it does to the skin. Retinol is a form of vitamin A used to treat acne and signs of aging. It does this by rapidly increasing skin cell turnover, helping to unclog pores, exfoliate the skin, and increase collagen production. The strongest forms require a prescription, but many OTC products include small amounts of retinol.

Why it’s great: Adapalene is a type of retinoid similar to retinol in that it unclogs pores and increases cell turnover. It’s also the main ingredient in Differin gel, the only FDA-approved adapalene for treating acne. As someone who has struggled with acne off and on for years, I love this stuff. It’s gentle and didn’t make my skin a wreck during ‘purging’ like tretinoin did.

How to use it: Apply to cleansed, dry skin once a day. Start small, using a tiny-pea-sized drop gently rubbed all over the face, especially paying attention to problem areas. If you find it to be too irritating initially, apply a moisturizer first, then apply Differin afterward.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Retinoids can be extremely drying, so if you already have dry skin, use them with caution. Start by applying a small, pea-size amount once or twice a week and increase with time according to how your skin adjusts.

Type of Formula: Retinoid | Usage: Apply a pea-sized amount to cleansed skin at night |  Size: 0.5 oz. and 1.6 oz. | Skin type: all

Why it’s great: Few other ingredients draw out gunk from the pores quite like mineral-rich mud. It has an exceptional detoxifying effect on the skin. I love this face mask over straight bentonite clay because the mineral-infused formula contains jojoba oil and vitamin E which are gentle and nourishing for the skin. When applying this mask once a week, or twice for oilier skin types, it will visibility tighten and soothe the skin and treat acne and blackheads by cleaning out pores and making them appear smaller.

How to use it: Apply in a thin layer to clean skin. Leave on for 10 minutes and remove using warm water or a warm, wet face cloth.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This mask (and most clay masks in general) can be drying. Be sure to follow up with a moisturizer.

Type of Formula: Mask | Usage: Apply once or twice a week to clean skin |  Size: 8.8 oz | Skin type: All

Finding Your Skin Type

Normal 

You have normal skin if it doesn’t appear too shiny at any point in the day on any portion of your face. You rarely, if ever, react adversely to skin products, you don’t have problem areas, and your skin typically feels hydrated and comfortable. When it comes to products, you generally have free reign, though you’ll still want to steer clear of comedogenic formulations.

Dry

Those with dry skin likely experience a tight feeling on the face, especially after cleansing. Your skin is often flaky, and may even feel slightly rough to the touch. This means it’s not retaining enough moisture. Look for hydrating ingredients in your products. You can utilize an oil or milk cleanser, a thicker cream-like moisturizer, and serums that add an extra boost of barrier protection and hydration, like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.

Oily

Oily skin is categorized by excess sebum production that leaves a greasy shine on the face, especially in the T-zone. All of that extra oil is often accompanied by acne. When the skin is oily, it is easier for dirt and pollutants to get trapped in the pores, causing breakouts and inflammation. You’ll want light, acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide BHAs and AHAs in your products, and you may benefit from retinol in your regimen. Don’t forget to moisturize, however.

Combination

You likely have combination skin if some parts of your face are oily, like your T-zone, while others are dry, like your cheeks. Having combination skin can make finding the right products somewhat difficult because you typically need different ingredients for oily skin vs. dry skin. You’ll likely want to use a cleanser for normal skin but perhaps pick up a purifying toner to run along your T-zone. Fortunately, beauty stores like Sephora have an entire section of their website devoted to combination-friendly products.

Sensitive 

Sensitive skin is sort of a catch-all term for those with either dry, problem skin that is prone to irritation, be it from the environment or products, or oily skin that is likely due to a gut or hormonal imbalance. Sensitive skin shouldn’t use too many active ingredients in one go to avoid unnecessary irritation. You’ll want to avoid harsh chemicals and long lists of ingredients. Stick to natural ingredients and those you know you’re not allergic to/irritated by.

Buying Considerations for Men’s Skincare Products

Type of product

Not all of the best men’s skincare products are the same. Some are meant for cleansing, others for adding in special ingredients, or moisturizing. Products that do it all can be extremely helpful, like a 3-in-1 cleanser or a moisturizer with SPF already in it. These can be cost-effective and cut down on clutter in your bathroom. Ultimately, all most men need is a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. A good skin-boosting mask on occasion doesn’t hurt, either.

Skin type

Your skin type is probably the most important factor to consider when searching for the best skin care products for men. Whether your skin is normal, oily, dry, or a combination, you’ll want to shop accordingly to treat the natural condition of your skin while avoiding causing other problems. Fortunately, every skin care product is labeled with the skin type that it works best for.

Value

This might not seem like an issue, but if you’re searching for the best skincare products for men on a budget, size, and cost matter. Some products might be great, but rest assured, there are cheaper ones that pack a similar punch. Pay attention to the amount of ounces you’re getting for the price. If it seems too high, consider searching for other products with the same ingredients. Fortunately, every item on this list was considered according to its value.

Why you should trust us

I’m a fashion and grooming writer at Fashionbeans, meaning I compare, test, and research all things clothing, beauty, and other men’s essentials. For this review, I researched a host of trusted sources and even reviewed my own bathroom cabinet (including my husband’s) to understand what truly makes a great quality product that meets the utmost in function and current style. I started off with hundreds of considerations and narrowed it down to the top 10 that will best fit a range of discerning consumers. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find the best skincare products.

Final Verdict 

The best skincare products for men should be effective, affordable, and work for most skin types. Ultimately, the best skincare product for men is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser because it’s gentle for sensitive skin, provides the skin with natural antioxidants, and strengthens the skin’s barrier, all while effectively removing dirt, oil, and other impurities without stripping the skin.