The Manual Grooming Awards 2023: The Absolute Best Grooming Products for Men
The men’s grooming aisle can be a daunting place. Body wash, moisturizer, face cream, conditioners – every product seems to have a never-ending list of ingredients, many you probably can’t pronounce and with no way to discern what’s important.
Is retinol marketing buzz, or is it truly beneficial for your skin? (Spoiler: Retinol is great for your skin.)
Like most, you don’t want to spend your time painstakingly researching and testing every product. You probably want a go-to list you can reference any time and know you’re getting the best product advice backed by research. So that’s what we did.
Our 2023 Grooming Awards covers just about every corner of the grooming space you can think of, with excellent product recommendations in each category. Our team chose only the best products, all vetted and tested. We even verified our findings with experts to make sure these products are dermatologist-approved.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for skincare products to rejuvenate your skin, the best in beard care, a new way to add volume and shine to your hair, deodorant that can help you avoid any social faux pas, or oral hygiene products that will protect your teeth for years to come — the winners of The Manual’s 2023 Grooming Awards are all best-in-class products.
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Best Aftershave
Nivea Sensitive Post Shave Balm
Sensitive skin is a difficult problem to navigate when you’re scraping a razor-sharp blade across it. But Nivea makes it easier with this post-shave balm that fights the five signs of shave irritation — burning, micro cuts, dryness, tightness, and stubble itch. It fights shave irritation with Vitamin E, soothing natural Chamomile, and Witch Hazel.
Best Beard Balm
Pisterzi Solid Serum
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile product than this solid serum. It can be used as a pre-shave balm to soften your beard, protect against irritation and redness, nourishes longer beards, and can moisturize the skin when applied daily. If you need the perfect product for your bathroom shelf, look no further than Pisterzi Solid Serum.
Best Beard Brushes
Cremo 100% Boar Bristle Beard Brush
When grooming your beard with a brush, make sure that you select one that uses natural materials. This brush from Cremo utilizes boar bristles, naturally absorbing and evenly distributing products and oils throughout your beard— a great affordable option. The wooden handle adds a nice, classic look to the product.
BEST Beard Masks
Bro Mask
This isn’t the same facemask your girl uses, it’s specifically designed for men. Your face is different from a woman’s, and Jaxon Lane proves it by offering this product in two parts so you can use only the top half to avoid your beard. It targets dull skin, redness, and irritation; using hydrogel to let the best ingredients absorb into the skin.
Best Beard Oil
Kiehl’s Grooming Solutions Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil
When you want the best, choose the brand that’s been doing it the longest. Since 1851 Kiehl’s has been making the best male apothecaries. Their Grooming Solutions Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil continues with that proud tradition. A lightweight beard oil that nourishes beard hairs and the skin underneath, it’s considered 99.8% naturally derived.
BEST Beard Trimmer
Panasonic Men’s Trimmer ER-SB40-K
The Panasonic ER-SB40-K beard trimmer does everything that you need when it comes to beard trimming. This trimmer can adjust to the length you love for your beard with nineteen different settings. Ergonomic grip and 60-minute run-time are hard to beat, and a waterproof body that you can run under water for easy cleaning.
Best Beard Wash
Jack Black Beard Wash
This Jack Black beard wash with aloe, and panthenol is just about as solid as they come. The best beard washes help to cleanse the beard without overly drying them out, help to condition the hairs, and can help nourish the skin underneath. This beard wash does all that with a pleasant subtle scent, too.
BEST Bump Treatment
Jack Black Bump Fix Razor Bump & Ingrown Hair Solution
Blackheads, razor burns, and ingrown hairs can ruin any day and create extreme discomfort. Jack Black has found a way to heal them all with the use of three acids and three extracts to remove dead skin cells and pore-clogging oils. Add this to your post-shaving routine for the best-looking skin you could ask for.
Best Electric Razor
Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face + Body Electric Trimmer and Shaver
Your face isn’t the only place on your body that deserves to be treated with a close and comfortable shave. This 360 blade flexes in every direction so it never leaves your skin, avoiding all of those pesky rogue hairs left behind. Ensure you look your best above and below the neck with this 5-in-1 comb and 60-minute runtime.
BEST Pre Shave Oil
Bevel Pre-Shave Oil
Adding a protective lubricative layer is a great way to protect your skin from painful nicks, annoying irritation, pesky dark spots, and unsightly patches. This pre-shave oil by Bevel softens your hair, making it easier for you to glide your razor across your skin and create a more comfortable shave.
Best Pre-Shave Product
The Art of Shaving Pre-Shaving Gel
The perfect product, especially for those prone to having sensitive skin, this pre-shave gel from The Art of Shaving is designed to create a hydrating barrier on your skin to help protect itself from the sharp blades, making for a gliding shave experience. Being fragrance-free is vital to keeping skin irritation at bay.
BEST Razor
Gillette Bugatti Heated Razor
There are cheap, dull-looking drugstore disposable razors, and then there is the eye-catching GilletteLabs Heated Razor Bugatti edition. The world’s first heated razor creates a butter-smooth shave experience, while the Bugatti-blue edition razor creates a talking piece for your bathroom countertop.
Best Shave Cream
Jack Black Supreme Cream
Shaving your face is made easier and more comfortable with this elegant cream by Jack Black that lifts your hair from your face and adding a protective layer. The three hydrating layers between your face and the blade reduce razor burn, irritation, and nicks for a close, comfortable, and pain-free shave.
BEST Shaving Gel
Nivea Men’s Shave Gel for Sensitive Skin
You really can’t go wrong with this classic. As someone with sensitive skin around my jaw and neck, there are few products out there that protect my skin like this one. This light gel goes on smoothly and doesn’t contain any artificial scents that cause irritation. If you struggle with razor burn or irritation, this is the gel for you.
Best Acne Spray
Neutrogena Stubborn Body Acne Spray
Nothing is worse than feeling like you can’t take your shirt off at the beach or in a locker room because of embarrassing body acne. Neutrogena is solving the problem with their stubborn body acne spray, which penetrates deep into your pores to help clear skin and keep you looking great when you go sans shirt.
Best Aloe Vera Gel
Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Gel
The summer is here, which means it is only a matter of time before you hit the beach, river, lake, or pool. Of course, it would be best to protect your skin with the proper SPF. But if you can’t and you end up with a painful sunburn, you can turn to this After Sun Cooldown Gel. Vitamin E and soothing aloe will ease your pain and prevent peels.
Best Antiperspirant
Degree Unlimited SmartAdapt Tech Clean Dry Spray
Unlimited by Degree lives up to its name with a whole 96 hours of protection against odors and inconvenient perspiration. This industry-breaking product sports the groundbreaking SmartAdapt technology, developed to respond to stress sweat, heat, and sport. Whether you are climbing mountains or the corporate ladder, you will stay dry and fresh.
BEST Bar Soap
Dove Men+Care ‘Deep Clean’ Bar Soap
You lead an active life, and you need a soap that can keep up. Between work, errands and exercising, you need a Dove Men + Care body and face bar to deliver a true clean. With exfoliators to remove dead skin cells and moisturizers to keep from stripping your skin, this soap can handle just about anything you care to throw at it.
Best Body Acne
Neutrogena Body Clear Oil Free Acne Body Scrub
Body acne can crop up unexpectedly- and you know what they say about an ounce of prevention. Make sure you’re covering all your skincare bases wit this classic body scrub. Not only will it keep your skin smooth and radiant by exfoliating to remove the old, dead layer (yikes), but the saliclyic acid will make sure acne stays away.
BEST Body Exfoliator
Necessaire The Body Exfoliator
As the winner of 15 awards over the past 4 years, this body exfoliator is perfect for Keratosis Pilaris, rough and dry patches, and ingrown hairs. Necessaire’s effective exfoliating treatment breaks down charcoal once a week to detox the skin. All the while Volcanic Pumice and multiple acids and other ingredients help to resurface your skin.
Best Body Groomer
Wahl Manscaper
When it comes to below-the-belt trimming, it can be easy to get yourself into a prickly situation. This trimmer by Wahl sports a proprietary wrap-around safety guard and hand-crafted, finely ground stainless steel blades that keep your buddies safe from nicks. You can’t be too careful when treating your nether region to a trim.
BEST Body Grooming Kit
Gillette Intimate Essentials Kit
It’s high time we take the time to really give our below-the-belt region the attention it deserves when we are grooming. This is the perfect set to get you started with a gentle trimmer, a multi-blade razor designed for a close shave, pubic shave cream with cleanser, and an anti-chafe stick for the best grooming you will get.
Best Travel body grooming
Braun All-in-One
Braun knows better than most that men have a duty to take care of the hair on their bodies, from the top of their head to their toes. This All-in-One trimmer offers 13 different pieces and 40 different length settings to ensure that every man has the ability to have the best groomed hair, beard, and body scaping they can.
BEST Body Lotion
Nivea Maximum Hydration Nourishing Lotion
Your skin can get extremely dry as the seasons change, and Nivea has designed this Maximum Hydration Nourishing lotion specifically formulated for men. This 3-in-1 moisturizer absorbs in seconds to give you a hydrated skin on your face, body, and hands without the usual greasy feel. One of the best dermatologically approved lotions on the market.
Best Body Lotion for Common Skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Daily Repair Moisturizing Lotion
After discovering this lotion, I’ll be hard-pressed to go back to using any others. It is super light to the touch and doesn’t clog the pores on your skin like other heavier lotions. La Roche-Posay’s quick rise in the skincare game is warranted. Don’t call them a trend — the quality of this brand is evident even for beginners.
BEST Body Lotion for Dry Skin
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Lotion
A lot of people first discovering the benefits of skincare go directly to Kiehl’s, and that’s for good reason. This body care essential pairs luxury with affordability, providing a rich lather with only the best ingredients. Cocoa butter acts as the only additional scent for this lotion, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Best Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin
Kiehl’s Original Musk Body Lotion
Sometimes overlooked, a body lotion is a must-have for men, especially during the dry and cold winter months. This lotion from Kiehl’s is one that you must try. Featuring their original, sensuous musk scent, this lotion will ensure your skin is well-hydrated all day long with a fast-absorbing, lightweight formulation.
BEST Body Powder
Brickell Stay Fresh Body Powder
Hard workers like you deserve the best of the best. Whether you are working long hours or putting in extended time in the gym, this body powder will keep your skin calm and dry. The talc-free formula soothes and repairs skin that is damaged by sweat and chafing. All while relieving burning and itching.
BEST Body Scrub
Drunk Elephant Sugared Koffie Almond Milk Body Scrub
Want to treat your skin to the finer luxuries in grooming? Try a body scrub. This scrub from Drunk Elephant has everything you need in a product. Scrubs gently cleanse away dead skin cells to reveal the freshest skin underneath. Skin-nourishing almond milk and the anti-oxidant-rich coffee seeds are the two powerhouses in this one — a must-own.
BEST Body Tool
Dove Men+Care Shower Tool
Ditch the hand towel and use one of these next time you’re in the shower. Trust me, you’ll thank us later. This exfoliating shower tool is a step up from your standard loofah, meaning it won’t fall apart after three uses. Use it on your face or body for a more thorough clean feeling with a sudsy lather.
Best Body Treatment
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Body Treatment
So you have lived a life of sun and exploration. Your time on the open water, on the yacht, or in the bright sun of exploration harbor some of your best memories, but that doesn’t mean your skin didn’t pay the price. This discoloration body treatment is the best in the business for removing sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
BEST Body Treatment for Rough Skin
Derma-E Vitamin E 12,000 IU Cream
If you are a man that spends his time working in the harsh weather of the seasons, your skin takes a beating. The dry and cracked effects of the winter winds or the oily sweat soaked days of the summer sun don’t stand a chance against this fast-acting cream. It absorbs quickly to keep you from feeling sticky.
BEST Body Wash
Nivea Men Sensitive Skin 3-in-1 Body Wash
For the guy that doesn’t have time to mess around with long showers or to juggle multiple products, Nivea provides this 3-in-1 body wash. The soap-free product uses bamboo extract and almond oil to gently clean your skin and leave behind a slight citrus smell, leaving your skin nourished and you feeling fresh for the day.
BEST Body Wash for Acne
Men+Care Advanced Care Acne Clear Face + Body Wash
If you want to prevent acne and blemishes, you need to cleanse every day. But if you cleanse too much you can dry out your skin and introduce a whole new host of problems. Dove understands this and therefore created this Acne Clear Face and Body Wash, which cleanses with salicylic acid and triple moisturizes to cover all the bases.
Best Body Wipes
Oars + Alps Cooling + Cleansing Wipes
Whether you had a long day at the office, are just finishing out a quick workout at the gym, or have just wrapped up an evening out, a nice shower is not always feasible. Enter Oars + Alps cooling and cleansing body wipes. Quick and convenient, these are the perfect on-the-go travel necessity for the modern man to help you feel fresh anywhere.
BEST DEODORANT
Dove Men+Care Antiperspirant Deodorant Stick Clean Comfort
Finding a balance between moisturizing and antiperspirant has been the job of deodorants for years. While many have attempted to perfect the process, Dove has come about as close as you can get by making this option with 1/4 moisturizing cream to keep your underarms hydrated while giving you 72 hours of protection.
BEST Spray Deodorant
Old Spice Fiji Aluminum Free Dry Spray Deodorant
Some of us don’t like sticks or gels to rub under our arms, leaving behind a film that can transfer to your dark-colored shirt and ruin your day. For these men, this Old Spice spray deodorant is the perfect alternative; it’s aluminum-free protects you 24/7, and leaves behind an island scent of Fuji and palm trees.
BEST Exfoliating Body Wash
Bevel Men’s Natural Exfoliating Body Wash
While most of us may remember to exfoliate our faces occasionally, we tend to neglect the rest of our bodies at times. Bevel’s natural exfoliating body wash can help you scrub old and dead skin cells from the rest of your body, revealing your freshest skin. A subtle musk scent will have you feeling clean and smooth as ever.
Best Foot Treatment
Aveda Foot Relief Foot Cream
As men, we work hard. Some of us are on our feet all day and they take a beating. There is no worse feeling than trying to put on a pair of socks and feeling the rough skin of callused and dry feet. This foot relief from Aveda soothes and moisturizes your feet so you can stay active and strong all day long.
BEST Fragrance
Tom Ford Costa Azzurra Parfum
Bold, confident, fresh, airy, magnetic, casual yet put together: Tom Ford’s Costa Azzurra Parfum is you on your best day, bottled. With notes of bright Italian lemon, cedar, deep, rich oak and warm amber, Costa Azzurra is sunny enough to act as a pick-me-up, and complex enough to keep you interested. Consider it the perfect balancing act.
BEST Body Spray
Axe Fine Fragrance Collection
There’s nothing more fun than turning an expectation on its head. Make jaws drop by casually telling people your cool new scent is part of Axe’s new fine fragrance collection. Delicious scents such as Pure Coconut, Golden Mango and Aqua Bergamot will transform your post-shower self into a deliciously fresh-smelling magnet.
BEST Groin DEODORANT
Anthony No Sweat Body Defense
We all sweat. We work hard, play sports, hit the gym. Being active is what keeps us healthy and looking our best. That means that we sweat and that is natural, but that doesn’t mean we have to put up with it all the time. This talc-free cream-to-powder formula will keep you dry and prevent chafing for supreme comfort during the sweatiest moments.
Best Hand Cream
Niveo Men Crème – Multipurpose Cream for Men
Nivea is great all-around for men exploring skincare for the first time, or just men who have sensitive skin and need a bare bones moisturizer. This lotion is fast-absorbing and won’t give you that sticky, oily feeling after usage. Usually unscented, Nivea is great for dry skin or guys who get hand calluses from the gym.
BEST Hand Lotion
Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer
You use your hands for virtually everything throughout your day. They show affection, they offer a first impression, they are supremely important. Take care of them with this industrial strength healer and moisturizer that uses vitamins A & E along with the best ingredients that diminishes tough calluses and heal unsightly cuticles.
BEST Hand Sanitizer
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
Mrs. Meyer’s is known for their cleaning products, which is why they should be trusted to create a more natural hand sanitizer spray that will kill germs while keeping your hands smelling and feeling fresh. I enjoy using Mrs. Meyers throughout my home, and this has been a handy addition to my collection.
BEST Hand Soap
Molton Brown Fine Liquid Hand Wash
Step up your bathroom soap and you step up the whole room. Molton Brown Fine Liquid Hand Wash. Sophisticated scents such as Lime and Patchouli, Orange and Bergamot and Coastal Cypress and Sea Fennell turn hand washing into a sensory pleasure. Clear, striking shades of orange, ocean blue and leafy green add that extra touch of style.
Best Nail & Cuticle Oil
Orly Breathable Cuticle Oil
It’s no fun having dry, shaggy, unruly cuticles that tempt you to chew- hands down, everyone! Orly’s Breathable Cuticle Oil absorbs fast, and like it says in the name, it’s breathable, meaning it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly. Nourish, hydrate and protect with Vitamin E, Jojoba and Argan oils anytime your nails are looking a bit rough.
BEST Nail Polish
OPI Nail Polish
No manicure set is complete without OPI. Period. A beauty industry giant with hundreds of gorgeous long-lasting shades, bottles of OPI can be found backstage at fashion shows, on movie sets and in ordinary homes and salons. No other brand matches their up-to the-moment colors and finishes while remaining as accessible and affordable.
BEST Manicure Set
Wolf Project Manicure Set
There are tools for the house, tools for the car, and tools for the shop. As men, we seem to have tools for everything, why not your nails? This set is sleek and convenient, including a nail clipper, nail scissors, tweezers, and a file. All of it is collected in a sleek leather wallet for easy travel.
BEST Scrub Bar
Ursa Major Morning Mojo Bar Soap
The ultimate way to start your day is by utilizing this energizing and exfoliating bar soap from Ursa Major. Invigorating peppermint extract formula helps to stimulate and wake you up from your dead slumber of a mood. A rich and creamy cleanse helps to soothe and smooth tired skin. Just lather, rinse, and let the mojo roll.
BEST Shower Steamers
Cleverfy Shower Steamers
Life is stressful enough without having to stress out about finding a way to stress out less. Instead, let Cleverfy break your stress in the shower with aromatherapy. This six-pack includes lavender for relaxing, lemongrass for calming, orange for mood-boosting, eucalyptus for easy breathing, pomegranate to clear your mind, and cooling peppermint.
Best Sunscreen Body Spray
Sun Bum Sunscreen Spray
A great full coverage sun screen. Rather oily, but effective especially if you rub throughout your skin after spraying yourself down. Smells much better than other sunscreen brands, which is the big draw of the Sun Bum brand. SPF 50 specifically should keep you free from burns if used properly and applied before and throughout sun exposure. skin. Just lather, rinse, and let the mojo roll.
BEST Sunscreen
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen
This mineral sunscreen will keep you wholly protected from the sun. At 50 SPF, you’re getting some of the best protection out there under the Sun Bum brand name. This sunscreen is great for extended periods in the sun or for daily usage, especially if you like where you’re at with your tan this season.
BEST Sunscreen with Body Lotion
Banana Boat Light As Air Lotion SPF 50+
The sun may be essential for getting your daily vitamin D and boosting your mood on a daily basis, but those rays can also be harmful if you get too much. The solution is this Air Lotion from Banana Boat that absorbs quickly and protects you from the sun’s harmful rays for 80 minutes, in or out of the water.
BEST Tattoo Gel
Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel
New body art needs and deserves special care. Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel. Anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing and hydrating ingredients turn aftercare into a pleasure. Free from petroleum-based ingredients and mineral oils, Mad Rabbit is sensitive skin friendly and has minimalist packaging that’s almost as cool as your new ink.
BEST Toiletry Kits
Aer Travel Kit
For the guy that is always on the move and has become accustomed to travel-size shampoos and conditioners, here is the toiletry kit to make your life easier. A ballistic nylon exterior and lined interior pockets make it perfect to carry all of your travel necessities and is tailor-made for those of you paying for precheck.
Best Self Tanner
St.Tropez Classic Self Tanner Bronzer Mousse Foam
Just because you work too hard to spend a week working on your tan every month or so in Jamaica, doesn’t mean you can’t look like you do when you need to. This bronzer from St. Tropez is foolproof and natural looking. Once applied, it will adapt to your skin tone quickly and give you a scent-free, natural-looking tan for up to ten days.
BEST Acne Product
Neutrogena Acne and Redness Facial Cleanser
Let’s be honest; acne sucks, no matter your age. Dirt and grime buildup on the face, along with bacteria, can cause acne for some. Having a face wash to combat those are imperative. Neutrogena’s oil-free acne wash with salicylic acid helps to combat breakouts, while the aloe and chamomile extracts help to soothe irritated skin.
BEST Anti-Aging
Wolf Project Anti Age System
Every man needs a great skin routine if you want to look as good as the likes of George Clooney when you are older. The Anti-Age System from the Wolf Project is a great start with four products that will keep you looking young and fresh well into your grandfather years. The kit includes eye and face masks, a cleanser, and moisturizing spray.
BEST Antioxidant Serum
Ursa Major Mountain Glow Golden Serum
Face serums offer the best opportunity for the fountain of youth, bottled. This Mountain Glow Golden Serum from Ursa Major contains over 44 active ingredients to cover all the bases of your skin needs, all for a fraction of the cost of other designers, high-end brands. The result is radiant and healthier-looking skin – liquid gold in a bottle.
Best Balancing Toner
TreeActiv Balancing Herbal Toner
Acids, oils, hydration, men’s skin is a complicated thing. That’s why it is best to leave it to the experts and this Balancing Herbal Toner is the only product you’ll need to help you find the balance your skin needs to keep it healthy and luxurious all week long. Oh, and just as an added bonus, it fights acne too!
BEST Clay Masks
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Face Mask
Gone are the days when women were only reaping the benefits of using clay masks for ultimate pore-cleansing abilities. Now there are masks a plenty for men, and Kiehl’s has the best around. Being a Kaolin clay mask, it deep cleanses the skin, helping to detoxify impurities, minimizing pores, and leaving behind beautiful-looking skin.
BEST Cleanser
Paula’s Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Some facial cleansers are too harsh on the skin, overly drying them out, causing skin damage. The ultra-gentle skin cleanser from Paula’s Choice is an excellent pick for all skin types for its ability to remove impurities, leaving your face feeling silky-smooth. It also has prebiotic sugars to help protect your skin’s microbiome.
BEST Concealer
Tom Ford Concealer For Men
A high-quality concealer like this one from Tom Ford is your best friend when important photos and big events rear their heads. This sleek twist-up concealer stick boasts an ultra-fine, blendable texture to help disguise under-eye circles, redness, acne or minor skin irritation. Click, blend and go.
Best Exfoliating Mask
Wolf Project Detox Mud Face Sheet Mask
If you question whether or not a facemask to protect your skin is something that men should do, you should also ask yourself if acne, breakouts, and overly dry or oily skin are what men should accept. Now that we have that clear, Wolf Project’s Detox Mud Mask is the one you need to look your best at all times.
BEST Eye Cream
Derma-E Pure Biome Balancing Eye Cream
Long flight? Late night? Both? Reach for Derma-E’s hydrating and soothing eye cream, which comes housed in a slant-tipped applicator for ease of application. This rich yet balanced eye cream is cruelty-free, vegan and designed to renew, balance and moisturize the delicate skin under the eyes with balancing probiotics and Marine Blue-Green Algae.
BEST Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Lumin Dark Circle Defense
We are building empires, which doesn’t always mean we get the amount of sleep we need to always look sharp. Dark circles under your eyes and crows feet make us look like we are run ragged and at the end of our ropes. This Dark Circle Defense from Lumin smoothes your crows feet and fights those dark circles to keep you always looking fresh.
BEST Eye Patch
Lumin Anti-Fatigue Eye Patch
Whether you are deeply stressed or sleep deprived, the skin under your eyes will betray your condition. This Anti-Fatigue Eye Patch from Lumin uses Caffeine, Centella Asiatica, and Hyaluronic Acid to fight the effects of both problems. It deeply hydrates the skin under your eyes, brightens your peepers, and helps to diminish puffiness.
Best Face Cleanser
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser
Just like the rest of your body, your face needs to be cleaned regularly. But it needs its own personal cleanser to make sure it gets treated right. This Ceramic Slip Cleanser from Sunday Riley pulls out the harmful impurities that clog pores and cause breakouts while pulling in hydration and making your facial skin the best its ever been.
BEST Face Exfoliator
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Face Scrub
I love all forms of the Kiehl’s Facial Fuel, and the face scrub is no exception. More of a gel than a cream, Kiehl’s makes an exceptionally light product that leaves you feeling fresh and energized after. You only need to use this about once per week, a low maintenance addition to anybody’s routine.
BEST Face Mask
Lumin Intensive Reconditioning Mask
The skin under your eyes is some of the most sensitive on your entire body. This Intensive Reconditioning Face Mask from Lumin clears your pores of harmful impurities while fortifying that sensitive skin and uses anti-oxident rich ginger extract to battle the effects of aging, all while protecting the sensitive under-eye skin.
BEST Face Primer
Glossier Futuredew
Busy men need to find every shortcut they can to keep them healthy, sharp, and strong. Unfortunately for your largest organ, that means skincare often gets overlooked. This Futuredew from Glossier acts as a shortcut on days you can’t go through your full routine. Nourishing oils and plant-based extracts give you a gleaming fresh from the spa look.
Best Face Scrub
Paula’s Choice The UnScrub
You have to be careful when washing the skin on your face, while getting rid of the dirt and grime that clog your pores, you don’t want to strip the skin of the helpful oils and protective layers. The UnScrub by Paula’s Choice uses natural dissolving beads to remove the things you don’t need while protecting the things you do.
BEST Face SPF
Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30
If your face verges on the side of oily, this is a perfect face sunscreen for year-round protection. Oil-free and gentle on skin, the Neutrogena Liquid Lotion goes on lightly and works pretty much all day long. A little goes a long way with this product, but you’ll want to keep going back for more.
BEST Face Tool
Wolf Project Face Roller
You have likely seen someone in your life using a face roller and wondered what the point was. Well rolling this bad boy across your skin stimulates blood flow to make your skin look brighter, and also promotes a decrease in puffiness. This Face Roller from Wolf Project is sleek, manly, and effective.
BEST Face Treatment
Derma-E Pure Biome Balancing Cream
If you are struggling to find the right skincare routine for you, it is likely because you are having hard time balancing what to remove and what to increase. This Balancing Cream from Derma E is designed to help your face find the perfect balance and ease your uncomfortable sensitive skin with its synergistic biotic formula.
BEST Face Wash
Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash
Gentle and exfoliating is not a combination of properties often exhibited by the same face wash. The fantastic face wash from Ursa Major is somehow that and then some. This wash is a lightweight lather using a chemical exfoliant via AHA to gently remove impurities, leaving behind a better pH-balanced face. Almost a better you.
BEST Facial Massagers
Therabody Theraface Pro
The next in line for at-home revolutionary treatments, the Therabody TheraFace PRO brings the skin care professional’s office to your bathroom. Beauty products only work skin deep, and the TheraFace PRO works on that and those underneath. It packs eight different treatments, like LED light therapy, percussive, and microcurrent.
BEST Head Shaver
Remington Balder Pro Head Shaver
There is something about a guy that can rock the bald look. Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, and Jason Statham are the picture of masculinity while sporting the clean shaved look. This Remington Balder Pro with the five dual tracks and max skin contact won’t put you on their level in all ways, but having a perfectly sculpted dome is a great start.
BEST Hydrating Serum
Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid + Collagen Activating Serum
Your skin has a protective barrier that keeps dirt and grime from tearing the skin and clogging the pores. You need to protect that layer and this Skin Barrier and Collagen Activating Serum is tailor-made for that purpose. The 10 potent active ingredients are proven to plump, firm, and reduce fine lines.
BEST Lip Balm
Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1
This is a great standard lip balm for anybody to keep in their back pocket. A little goes along way, as with most products in the Kiehl’s brand. It’s a bit oily, which is perfect if you want your lips to have a healthy glow after usage. For me this lip balm is always a no-brainer stocking stuffer that anybody would love to receive.
BEST Lip Balm with SPF
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30
This sunscreen is perfect for the summertime. Easily accessible in most drugstores, the Sun Bum Lip Balm is more than enough to protect your lips during a day to the beach. As mentioned before, the Sun Bum brand definitely smells (and in this instance, tastes) better than many others on the market, making it popular for kids and families.
BEST Moisturizer
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer
I really love the consistency of this face moisturizer. It’s water based, making a lotion that’s much lighter and gentler on sensitive skin. It feels cold to the touch, leaving your face feeling fresh and moisturized after just one usage. I particularly like to pair this with their similar Hydro Boost body gel cream.
BEST Night Creams
Geologie Retinol Night Cream
Want to know the easiest and best way to reduce the likes of fine lines and wrinkles? Retinol is the answer. Geologie’s retinol night cream can assist in everything from acne and wrinkles to reducing oily skin, all while you get a restful night’s sleep. This is a great product, especially for sensitive skin who want anti-aging benefits.
BEST Pimple Patches
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original Acne Patches
Big event? Important meeting? Hot date? A huge zit can pull focus and make you feel like a nervous kid again. Hero Cosmetics Acne Patches to the rescue. Simply pop a patch over your new blemish before bed, and overnight, the aptly named Mighty Patch will pull the gunk out of your zit while flattening and minimizing redness. Now that’s a hero.
BEST Redness Reducer
SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
Looking young is about moisturizing. This Phyto A+ Brighting moisturizing beats all the competition by using an oil-free botanical blend. It is perfect for all skin types and will brighten by reducing spots by 20%. It smoothes your skin by reducing skin texture by 19%. And Clarifies by reducing pore-clogging oils by nearly 30%.
BEST Retionl Product
Sunday Riley Sunday Riley A High-Dose Retinoid Serum
Retinoid serums are a potent secret weapon to fight aging without investing a lot of time or effort. Sunday Riley, a top-tier skincare brand, offers this powerhouse retinoid serum blended with green algae cactus extract, white honey and other botanical extracts to improve the look of congested pores and sun-damaged skin.
BEST Sunscreen Stick
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 70
What’s the worst part about being outside in the summer? The irritating task of applying sunscreen. But it is better than the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, so opt instead for this Mineral Sunscreen Stick from Bare Republic. No greasy cream application or wind-ruined spray attempts. Roll it on and forget it.
BEST Toner
Lumin Skin-Purifying Toner
A hidden secret to many men, toners are a great way to help balance your skin’s facial pH. They can also help eliminate dirt and oil — the perfect product after a cleanser and before a moisturizer. Lumin’s alcohol-free toner helps to brighten and balance out facial complexion impurities, such as red spots.
BEST Vitamin C Serum
Geologie Vitamin C+E Ferulic Serum
Of course, all skin care routines focus on a specific job, but maybe one of the most important is protecting the skin from the day’s attacks. this Ferulic Serum from Geologie is the best of the best protective ingredient for great-looking skin. With consistent use, it can reduce the effects of aging on skin like fine lines and spots.
BEST All In One Trimmer
Wahl Ultimate Clipper
When you need a choice of clippers, is there any other pick besides Wahl? The ultimate all-in-one trimmer, the Ultimate Clipper does it all with a 100-minute run time sans cord, has a powerful motor for perfect hair styling, and comes with a nose and ear hair attachment with a spotlight — a total package.
BEST Anti-Thinning Serum
Nutrafol Growth Activator Hair Serum
Nutrafol makes all-natural products and supplements to replace potentially harmful prescription medication in the multi-billion dollar thinning hair industry. This serum is one of their latest, game-changing products — lightweight and quick absorbing, featuring Ashwagandha exosomes, this serum boosts cell renewal for thicker-looking hair.
BEST Conditioner
Dove Men+Care Real Bio-Mimetic Care Conditioner Reconstruct
Damaged hair can look frizzy, ratty, and generally unkempt. This is where the Bio-Mimetic Reconstruct Conditioner from Dove comes into play. It uses all-natural ingredients to visibly repair damaged hair and even make it seven times stronger to avoid future breakage by mimicking the hair’s natural hair oils.
Best Curly Hair Cleanser
Hairstory New Wash Original
If you haven’t heard about or know what a co-wash is, it’s high time you start using one. Shampoos are damaging; this cleansing hair wash cream will replace that and your conditioner. No harsh and damaging foams or detergents — just a gently cleansing wash with an excellent scent for your happiest and healthiest hair yet.
BEST Curly Hair Styler
Aveda Men Pure-Formance Liquid Pomade
Yes, that’s right, you didn’t know you needed a liquid pomade in your life until now. This lightweight liquid complex pomade is a great option, especially for those with wavy or curly hair. A little goes a very long way, so use sparingly, a moderate hold, and can help maintain and reduce unruly hair volume.
BEST Dandruff Shampoo
Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense Sensitive Shampoo
Some of the best outfits you can wear include black shirts or dark jackets, but their slimming and elegant effects can be ruined by dandruff. This Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Shampoo features prescription strength dandruff fighting power, including 35% more than previous products. All while being gentle on sensitive scalps.
BEST Deep Conditioner
Sun Bum Hair Mask
Just like there are masks for your face, there are also masks for your hair. The occasional deep cleansing and conditioning masks help to stimulate and revitalize lifeless hair. Simply message into shampooed, wet hair, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, and rinse. The result is voluminous-looking and softer-feeling hair.
Best Dry Shampoo
ACT+ACRE Plant-Based Dry Shampoo
Road trips, long flights and long days call for a pick-me-up for your hair. Shake out a bit of this earth-friendly plant-based dry shampoo for a huge boost. Fear not, it blends seamlessly into all hair colors, absorbing oil, removing odors and adding volume. It also delivers nourishing Fulvic Acid to keep your scalp microbiome in balance.
BEST Hair Clippers
Philips Norelco Flex and Pivot Multipurpose Trimmer
If you are needing to find something to tame your mane, trim your beard, and keep your body hair under control, there are trimmers a plenty. However, if you want a product to help you also focus on your often-forgotten ear and nose hair, this multi groomer from Philips Norelco features 13 pieces, including the all important nose and ear trimmer.
BEST Hair Color Product
Just for Men 1-Day Beard & Brow Color
Even if some people say they love the salt and pepper look on a seasoned and wise man, there is an undeniable feeling that you are in the back half of your life when you start seeing the grey in your beard. This Just for Men 1-Day Beard & Brow Color will keep you looking and feeling youthful in just ten minutes.
BEST Hair Dyer
Dyson Supersonic™ Hair Dryer
Just like there are masks for your face, there are also masks for your hair. The occasional deep cleansing and conditioning masks help to stimulate and revitalize lifeless hair. Simply message into shampooed, wet hair, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, and rinse. The result is voluminous-looking and softer-feeling hair.
Best Hair Gel
Dove Men+Care Taming Gel
If you struggle with thinning or flat hair, this Taming Gel from Dove will not only give you a complete polished and stylish look, but it will also fortify your hair from root to tip. The effects will be a much thicker and luxurious volume to your hair. There is nothing better than voluminous style to give you confidence for the day.
BEST Hair Paste
Bumble and Bumble Sumo Tech
An excellent molding hair paste, the Bumble and Bumble Sumotech is a great option for those with short to medium-length hairstyles. It offers just enough flexibility as it is also partly a cream and wax, all mixed in one. Low shine and a great-smelling scent make this a perfect medium-hold styling product.
BEST Hair Remover
Nad’s for Men Hair Removal Cream
You may not have the time to trim or shave every day. If you are too busy to break out the trimmer or the razor every day, then opt for a longer lasting hair removal option, this Hair Removal Cream from Nad’s. Just put it on and let it go to work for 72 hours, leaving you polished and smooth for three days.
BEST Hair Supplements
Nutrafol For Men Full Support
Not all of us can rock the bald look the way Bruce Willis. Therefore, when we start to thin out, it is best to pick up a product to reverse the process. Nutrafol’s Hair Serum and Supplements uses their 100% drug-free Nutraceutical and natural ingredients to target the root causes of balding. Nothing will keep your hair thicker.
Best Hair Wax
STMNT Wax Powder
Of course you have used hair sprays, gels, pomades, and waxes, but this wax powder give a truly unique experience that allows you to get the hold of a wax without the sticky finish. The powder is easily applied and once it is worked in will hold like a paste and offer a semi-matte finish, keeping you impeccibally stylish.
BEST Hairspray
Men’s Hair Spray by American Crew
Looking for an excellent grooming spray that doesn’t overly weigh your hair down, leaving it feeling greasy? Look no further and opt for this grooming spray from American Crew. This spray can help to condition and smoothly maintain hair control for a softer feeling. The more you spray, the more hold you get.
BEST Ingrown Hair Treatment
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution
Skin irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs can all counteract the positive effect of shaving and make you supremely uncomfortable. On top of remedying all of these problems, The Skin Care Solution from Tend Skin can also be used as an aftershave and a face toner. Making it the most incredibly versatile product on your shelf.
BEST Multi Use Product
Philips Norelco Series 9000 All-In-One Trimmer
Sure, you can go to the barber every few weeks, but you’re going to have to take care of the rest of your hair yourself. The best way to do that is to pick up an all-in-one trimmer like this one from Philips Norelco. It includes 21 pieces that give you all you need to keep your head, face, and body hair under control.
Best Pomade
Aveda Brilliant™ Anti-Humectant Pomade
Too much hydration is actually a problem for some people, and picking a good anti-humectant pomade is a great way to avoid the frizziness and flyaways. If you live in a humid climate, this is a great product from Aveda to fix your problems with frizzy hair and give you a put together and polished look.
BEST Scalp Treatment
Aveda Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
Even the best products can leave residue and buildup behind, leaving behind an itchy and uncomfortable scalp. Aveda comes to the rescue with an exfoliating scalp treatment that instantly removes annoying product buildup, sebum, and other scalp pollutants without irritating the moisturizing barrier and creating a cooling sensation.
Blu Atlas Shampoo
You won’t find a more important product for your hair than the shampoo in your shower. This
BEST 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
Old Spice Thickening 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner
If you are looking for a thick and glorious mane, this Old Spice Thickening 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner is your first step to a voluminous head of hair that will become the envy of all those around you. Not only will it thicken your hair, but it will also help you keep what you already have by protecting the hair shafts from abrasive forces
Best Styling Cream
Bumble and Bumble Brilliantine
Bumble and Bumble make first-rate hair products and are the preferred choice for numerous stylists. Their oil-based styling cream, Brilliantine, is a solid choice for those with medium-length hair who want to add shine and silk to their luscious locks. This cream can help minimize hair frizz and keep flyaways in check.
BEST Texturizer
Murdock of London Sea Salt Spray
Hair always looks modelesque following a full beach day. Sea salt sprays help to encapsulate that look in a bottle. The Murdock sea salt spray helps to instantly thicken hair with a shine-free finish, allowing you to form and stylize your hair, whether you want that perfect beach wind look, or something more refined.
BEST Volumizer
Daimon Barber Daimon Barber Texture Tonic
So many men are known for their luxurious locks, and you too can have some of the best hair in your group with the best product. This texture tonic from Daimon barber, either as a pre-styler or heat activated, is designed to thicken your hairs from root to tip and create a managable but voluminous mane to rival the best in Hollywood.
BEST Electric Toothbrush
Philips Sonicare 4100 Series Power Toothbrush
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to buy a top-of-the-line toothbrush. The affordable 4100 series electric toothbrush from Philips Sonicare helps to reduce plaque up to five times better than manual brushing alone and has a built-in sensor to help protect your teeth and gums from over-scrubbing.
BEST Floss
Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Comfort Plus Dental Floss
The superior form of all Oral-B flosses. Truthfully I don’t know what goes into the making of floss, but this one isn’t sharp or stringy like some other flosses. The mint flavor gives you a fresh, clean feeling after flossing and is a little more subtle than their prior blue boxes. Give this one a try if you haven’t already.
BEST Manual Toothbrush
Oral-B Clic Manual Toothbrush
When it comes down to it, oral health begins and ends with brushing. And it doesn’t matter how well you brush if you don’t have the right tools to get the job done. Oral B is the number one brand in brushes, and this Clic is the best in manual brushes you can get. Angled bristles and patented tech are the perfect combo with the magnetic holder.
Best Mouthwash
Scope Refreshable Mouthwash Tabs
Mouthwash is a great way to fight bad breath and gingivitis, but it isn’t exactly convenient. It is largely best used in the morning or evening during your brushing routine. But these Scope Refreshables take freshness to a whole new, convenient level by giving you simple mouthwash ability anywhere and everywhere.
BEST Toothpaste
Crest Pro Health Toothpaste, Clean Mint
It’s hard to beat an industry standard. For years, Crest has been the biggest name in the toothpaste game, and they are continuing their dominance in giving the world clean teeth and bright smiles. There is just something about the minty fresh feeling of Crest Pro-Health Mint that gives the all-in-one attention to the 8 areas dentists check most.
BEST Water Flosser
Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 Cordless
Let’s face it; flossing is the one thing that dentists tell us to do that we typically get in trouble for skipping. Lucky for us, the Phillips Sonicare 3000 makes it easy enough that we no longer have any legitimate excuse not to do it. Quad-stream technology removes 99.9 % of plaque and pulse waves ensure you don’t miss a spot.
BEST Whitening Product
Crest 3DWhitestrips 1 Hour Express + LED Light Teeth Whitening Kit
Confidence makes up for a lot in life, and a great smile will give any man the kind of confidence to accomplish almost anything. If you’re trying whiten your teeth at home, there is one product that stands above the rest. In one short hour, the LED lighting will weaken stains and the Crest 3D Whitestrips lighten your teeth 30 levels.
MEET The Judges
Beth G. Goldstein
Beth G. Goldstein, M.D., F.A.A.D, is the founding partner of Central Dermatology Center, one of the largest physician-led dermatology practices in North Carolina, serving Sanford, Raleigh, Cary, Pittsboro, Durham, and Chapel Hill, NC. She focuses on treating skin cancers and emphasizes providing the best experience and outcome possible for the patient. With more than 32 years of dermatology experience, she has developed a focus on surgical dermatology, including Mohs surgery. In addition, she is the co founder of Skinvest, Inc. whose mission is to help men have their healthiest skin.
Courtney Rubin
As co-founder and Chief Medical Officer at Fig.1, Dr. Courtney Rubin selects science-backed ingredients to formulate products that meet dermatological standards and provide solutions to every skin need. In addition to overseeing clinical trials, Courtney identifies the changing skincare needs of real customers to ensure Fig.1’s product line excels in efficacy and sustainability for an affordable price. Courtney is board-certified dermatologist and practicing physician at Comprehensive Dermatology of Pasadena. She completed her dermatology training, MD and Master of Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania, where she served as chief resident. She has also served on the board of the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
Jeremy Brauer
Dr. Jeremy Brauer is an internationally recognized New York dermatologist with board certification and fellowship training in Mohs micrographic, laser, and cosmetic surgery. He is the founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser. He has been invited to speak around the world about his research, which has been published in many of the field’s leading publications. Dr. Brauer strives to provide the highest quality of care and an exceptional patient experience utilizing state of the art technology and techniques.
Manuela Valenti
Manuela Valenti, former psychologist, award-winning international contemporary artist, and chemist is the CEO and founder of by valenti ORGANICS, an award-winning, cruelty free, no BS natural skincare brand. With over 10 years in the industry, and with a focus on sustainability, environmental consciousness, clean ingredients, and effective formulations, Manuela has redefined what natural, non-toxic, truly effective skincare is all about.
Rafal Pielak
Rafal Pielak is the co-founder and CEO of Soteri Skin, a skincare innovation for sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis & chronic skin conditions. He received his Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Harvard Medical School and went on to complete his postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley. Earlier in his career, he concentrated on viruses, the immune system, and therapeutics development. Later he joined L’Oreal and helped establish L’Oreal Technology Incubator in San Francisco, where he led a product innovation team for over 7 years, working on products for brands like La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and SkinCeuticals.