Elevate Your Grooming: Smart Skincare Choices
The Enduring Power of Trusted Brands
Some brands have earned their widespread recognition for good reason. They've been pioneers in the men's grooming sector, refining their expertise in creating outstanding skincare products over many decades. Many of these companies have successfully launched lines specifically for men, while others have consistently improved their classic formulas. These brands are far from mundane and should not be overlooked; they were perfecting their craft long before most people even considered a skincare routine. They deserve a place in your bathroom cabinet, offering dependable and straightforward choices when you need reliable products.
Dove Men+Care: Balancing Clinical and Natural
When Dove introduced the Dove Men+Care collection over a decade ago, it coincided with the growing demand for men's grooming products, as men sought options designed specifically for their needs. Dove Men+Care quickly became a popular grooming choice by incorporating dermatologist-recommended ingredients into effective skin cleansers, haircare, and deodorants. The new all-over deodorant, a trending product, is particularly impressive. It effectively prevents odor, glides on smoothly without residue, and contains natural ingredients like arrowroot, all while being free of parabens. Their cold-pressed soap bars are another highlight: plant-based, pleasantly scented, and easy-lathering. By combining clinical-grade ingredients with natural elements, Dove Men+Care produces grooming essentials that are both efficient and widely available.
Neutrogena: Science-Backed Skincare for All
Most individuals reading this will likely be familiar with Neutrogena. With over 90 years as a pharmacy staple, their scientifically supported skincare combines clinical efficacy with minimalist, straightforward packaging—a winning formula that has endured over time. While their product range caters to all skin types, they truly excel in their skincare offerings. Many young people, especially teenagers with acne-prone skin, probably turned to Neutrogena to manage breakouts, particularly with the help of salicylic acid. There's a consistent quality across their entire range, from sunscreens and serums to creams, cleansers, retinols, and face masks. Of course, not all serums and moisturizers are created equally; those with dry, oily, or combination skin have distinct requirements, and the brand provides products for everyone—making grooming accessible to all. Neutrogena is recognized for its gender-inclusive approach, so everyone in your household can benefit from having their serums or cleansers available at the bathroom sink.
Nivea: A Century of Grooming Excellence
Nivea stands as another time-tested brand with nearly a century of history. Nivea for Men, which once featured packaging reminiscent of 80s Volkswagens, eventually evolved into Nivea Men and has since become a staple in countless men’s bathroom cabinets. Nivea Men primarily focuses on skincare, body washes, lotions, and shave creams. Their Sensitive Face & Beard Moisture Gel lathers more effectively than many products costing half as much. For the 40% of men with sensitive skin, Nivea Men also offers a specially formulated line that includes a face wash, gel, balm, and lotion. With a new face care line set to launch in 2025, this grooming institution shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to help men manage their anti-aging skincare routines.
Old Spice: Timeless Effectiveness in Grooming
Old Spice has consistently been a top-selling antiperspirant and deodorant brand for good reason. With 85 years of experience, most men are familiar with their Original, Classic Sport, and newer scents like Fiji. But Old Spice offers more than just deodorants; their product range includes cleansers, shampoos, and hair stylers, and their body wash was the first mass-market option specifically designed for men. The brand boasts a rich history and continues to innovate with new, on-trend products, such as their all-over Total Body Deodorant. While it's not necessary to replace all your grooming products with Old Spice, their effectiveness and straightforward approach make them a reliable choice for body washes or deodorants.
Aveeno: The Power of Oat Science for Skin Health
Aveeno has mastered body lotions, and its hallmark lies in its groundbreaking work with oat science, a true blessing for individuals with dry skin or eczema. Through clinical studies, Aveeno discovered the extensive benefits of oats: their soothing properties, their ability to support a healthy skin microbiome, and their role in strengthening the moisture barrier. However, Aveeno offers far more than just body lotion. They also provide a range of effective moisturizers, cleansers, and body washes. Their latest innovation, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Cream, is ideal for when your skin requires deeper hydration, especially as we transition into the colder autumn and winter months.
Driving Innovation in Skincare
While many established grooming pioneers are also innovators, the brands detailed below build upon existing foundations, creating truly unique offerings. Some specialize in specific areas like shaving or facial cleansing, while others harness scientific research and patented ingredients to advance skincare. Regardless of their approach, each brand excels in its own way, whether within a particular niche or across a broader spectrum. Any of these choices would be a reliable option to enhance your grooming routine.
La Roche-Posay: Advanced Science for Skin
La Roche-Posay may sound overtly luxurious, but unlike some brands focused heavily on marketing, it genuinely delivers on its promises. Their Thermal Spring Water, sourced from the brand’s center in France, is a key ingredient in many of their formulations and is celebrated for its calming, antioxidant properties. La Roche-Posay is committed to scientific progress and proprietary ingredients, and while their face washes, serums, sunscreens, and moisturizers are highly favored, they also excel in innovation. Their MelaB3 Cleanser, for instance, utilizes Melasyl, an exclusive ingredient designed to treat discoloration and dark spots. All their Anthelios sunscreens incorporate Cell-Ox technology, an antioxidant that offers protection against free radicals caused by UV rays. But don't let the scientific complexity deter you—this sophisticated brand caters to everyone, whether they seek brightening effects or solutions for fine lines.
CeraVe: Accessible, Science-Backed Skincare Essentials
CeraVe launched in 2005 with three foundational products: Moisturizing Cream, Daily Moisturizing Lotion, and Hydrating Facial Cleanser—all of which remain among their top sellers today. Since then, they have become a benchmark for face washes, known for their efficacy, affordability, and widespread accessibility. Developed in collaboration with dermatologists, CeraVe has consistently prioritized a formula-first approach, focusing on effective active ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and peptides, all offered at an accessible price point rather than relying on elaborate, premium packaging. The brand's signature component is a blend of three essential ceramides, which work to seal in moisture, fend off irritants, and maintain the skin's natural protective barrier—foundational benefits that underpin many products promising "anti-aging" effects (often at a much higher cost). Beyond face washes, CeraVe is also adept at moisturizers, offering solutions for oil control, skin renewal, and SPF 30 and 50 variations, as well as eye creams. In essence, CeraVe provides a moisturizer or face wash tailored to every skin type.
Cetaphil: Gentle Care, Expertly Developed
What began as a simple cleansing solution over 75 years ago has evolved into a staple face wash that has undoubtedly graced the bathroom sinks of many. Cetaphil is celebrated for its sensitive skin and gentle cleansing formulations that hydrate without overly stripping the skin. The sheer range of specialized skincare products they offer can be extensive: oil-removing, fragrance-free, redness relief, foaming, exfoliating, and makeup-removing—the list goes on, but essentially, they have a cleanser or cream for nearly every skin type. Cetaphil also provides dependable lotions, serums, and highly underrated hand and body balms. For facial cleansing and overall skin health, Cetaphil truly embodies the "dermatologist recommended" standard, having been instrumental in its development.
Vanicream: Purity for Sensitive Skin
Those with sensitive skin (and I count myself among them) consistently praise Vanicream for its straightforward ingredient list, which meticulously excludes common irritants like dyes, fragrances, and parabens, ensuring that only essential and effective components remain. The brand covers all the fundamental categories of skincare products, but its facial-focused items are particularly noteworthy. These are dermatologist-tested and ideally suited for individuals with dry skin.
e.l.f.: Affordable Innovation in Skincare
If you're more familiar with e.l.f. through the women in your life (or anyone you know who uses makeup), you're likely in the majority. However, for a brand primarily known for its affordable makeup, e.l.f. also excels at formulating skincare products that are equally budget-friendly yet highly effective. Their products primarily focus on the active ingredients within the container, with less emphasis on branding and elaborate packaging to keep them accessible for people to invest in their skincare routines. We particularly favor the brand's vitamin C serum, as well as its incredibly inexpensive eye cream, which helps keep fine lines at bay, even after several late nights.
Olay: A Legacy of Skincare Science
Olay will always hold its position as a pioneer in the skincare industry, providing a broad spectrum of face and body products that address various skin concerns. Today, it is highly regarded for its anti-aging offerings, but the brand caters to diverse needs, ranging from acne solutions to sun protection. Every product undergoes clinical testing, utilizing scientifically validated formulas to ensure both short-term and long-term efficacy.
Method: Clean, Effective, and Sustainable Grooming
Method initially gained recognition for its cleaning products—sprays and cleansers formulated without toxic ingredients—with a strong emphasis on natural composition. Their success was significant, and now, it's hard to spot Method’s distinctive packaging without recalling Target’s signature red bullseye. Since then, they’ve branched out into a successful men’s grooming line built on the same principles as their cleaning products: clean, natural ingredients that simply get the job done. The packaging is practical, much like the brand itself. The men’s line, while not extensive—primarily consisting of body wash, shampoo, and deodorant—offers subtly effective grooming essentials for the environmentally conscious man who values simplicity.
Native: Pioneering Natural Deodorant and Beyond
Like other brands on this list have their strengths, perhaps no other mass-market brand has revolutionized the deodorant sector quite like Native. You’ve likely encountered their deodorant sticks at Target or Walgreens, identifiable by their distinct packaging and varied colored fonts indicating the scent. Native was among the first to move away from chemical-laden, generic-smelling traditional deodorants, instead focusing on thoughtfully crafted fragrances—some even approaching complex scent profiles. Consider scents like sea salt and cedar, black oak and amber, or citrus and herbal musk. This brand also instills confidence when applying deodorant. They are transparent about their minimal ingredients and offer plastic-free packaging options. Native has since expanded into body wash, shampoo, and even sunscreen, and they recently introduced an all-over body deodorant line.
The Niche Innovators: New Entrants with Distinctive Offerings
The booming men’s grooming market has paved the way for a new wave of brands tailored specifically for men. You've likely noticed them at stores like Target, where the grooming aisle, once dominated by uniformity, now showcases a variety of specialized products. Many men are seeking originality and quality in their skincare as much as they do in their clothing, and these brands are a direct response to this demand—not only through their packaging and accessible pricing but also through their tangible results. While these newer brands may not have the historical lineage of established names, they bring a unique approach, and their effectiveness is undeniable.
Byoma: Revolutionizing Skin Barrier Health
If there's one positive outcome from the recent global events, it’s the emergence of Byoma. Founded in 2022, this skincare brand leverages scientifically supported formulations and accessible ingredients to create products that bolster the skin barrier. Too often, skincare companies aim to strip the skin of elements crucial for its health, such as its natural oils, leading to long-term skin issues. Byoma, in contrast, is dedicated to restoring the skin's barrier, enabling it to heal itself and maintain a healthier appearance for longer. Moreover, the brand has managed to retain its affordability without compromising the efficacy of its products.
Duke Cannon: Rugged Essentials for the Modern Man
Since its inception in 2011, Duke Cannon has steadily cultivated a devoted fan base. It all began with the Big Ass Brick of Soap, with many loyal users attesting to the substantial cleansing bar's impressive longevity, exceptional lather, and diverse range of appealing scents. Duke Cannon embraces a no-frills, rugged masculinity, making even the most skincare-hesitant men comfortable with enhancing their grooming routine. But their offerings extend beyond soap; Duke Cannon has since expanded its product line to include body and face washes, shaving creams, hand lotions, lip balms, and even colognes.
Harry's: Redefining the Shaving Experience and Beyond
When Harry’s first emerged, most men gave little thought to their shaving routine, often relying on a can of shaving cream and a disposable razor. Harry’s introduced a much-needed improvement while maintaining an affordable price point. They transformed the shaving experience with superior creams, balms, gels, and sleek, iconic razor handles—a stark contrast to the overly engineered, race-car-inspired razors that cluttered shelves. These products brought a sense of refinement and simplicity to your bathroom, protecting the skin barrier and effectively tackling even the most stubborn facial hair. Harry’s has since expanded beyond shaving, venturing into skincare, body care, and hair care with products like cooling eye sticks and lip balms, though shaving remains their flagship offering. When in doubt, simply look for their distinctive blue packaging; it’s hard to miss.
Every Man Jack: Natural and Sustainable Grooming Solutions
With its distinctive wood-paneled packaging, Every Man Jack has become a prominent feature in stores like Target, offering an accessible yet artisanal aesthetic that resonates with many men. The brand provides a comprehensive range of products, from beard care to skincare, but its most popular offerings include body care and deodorants, notably their new all-over body deodorants, all formulated with naturally derived ingredients. As someone who has covered colognes for much of my career, I can attest that Every Man Jack delivers impressive scents, ranging from cedarwood to sandalwood and sea salt—fragrances not typically expected from a grooming line. Every Man Jack also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, having pledged to use 100% sustainable packaging by 2025, incorporating recycled materials and refillable options. So, you can feel good about using their products too, Jack.
Papatui: The Rock's Authentic and Hard-Working Grooming Line
We understand—another celebrity attempting to capitalize on the men's grooming market. However, The Rock's grooming line, Papatui, is genuinely exceptional, effective, and authentic, much like the man himself. Developed over three years, the line was created in collaboration with the high-end fragrance house DSM-Firmenich to produce scents such as Sandalwood Suede, Lush Coconut, and Cedar Sport. Papatui offers a comprehensive range of products, from facial cleansers and toners to eye gels, lotions, antiperspirants, and my personal favorite—the body cleansing bar, which is paraben-free, vegan, and leaves my skin feeling thoroughly exfoliated. Unsurprisingly, the line also includes a tattoo balm designed to hydrate and protect fresh ink, because, well, it’s The Rock, and we'd expect nothing less from him.
Jack Black: Luxury Grooming, Now Accessible
Jack Black might be the most specialized brand on this list, available at various retailers including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Target, Sephora, and Amazon. When Jack Black entered the grooming scene two decades ago, few product lines were created specifically for men or directly addressed their needs, so the brand filled that void—and that was just the beginning. Their lip balm, housed in its iconic cobalt blue tube, quickly became a go-to choice for people everywhere, transforming lip balm into a statement rather than a basic necessity. Since then, they’ve expanded to offer a complete skincare line, providing everything from vitamin C serums and deodorants to cleansers, scrubs, and shampoos, all designed to help you wake up feeling refreshed. And, of course, they continue to release new, and sometimes limited-edition, versions of their now-classic lip balm.