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The Manual Selects: Our Favorite Grooming Products This 2021

Great grooming takes work. That’s why The Manual team tests and vets countless soaps, moisturizers, colognes, and more to find the best personal care products for men, so you don’t have to. Every month, our writers highlight some of their favorites. Read on to learn more.

Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator

Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator
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“As someone who has sensitive skin, I love using Aesop’s gentle moisturizer, which is low on irritating ingredients, reduces redness, and leaves my skin feeling refreshed.” — Ty Gaskins

Buy at Aesop

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The Ordinary AHA and BHA Peeling Solution

The Ordinary AHA and BHA Peeling Solution
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“Since we can’t see our aestheticians, this is the perfect 10-minute exfoliating facial for my at-home treatments.” — James Love II

Buy at Ulta

John Masters Organics Calendula Hydrating and Toning Mask

John Masters Organics Calendula Hydrating and Toning Mask
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“The first product to ever make my husband say, unprompted, ‘Your skin looks amazing. What did you just do?'” — Chelsea Batten

Buy at John Masters Organics

RE:P Organic Cotton Treatment Toning Pad

REP Organic Toning Pad
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“After cleansing, I use these toner pads from Korean skincare brand Re:p, and they leave my skin feeling very refreshed; almost like I’ve just had a facial.” — John Jones

Buy at Ulta

Osea Malibu Blemish Balm

Osea Malibu Blemish Balm
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“Banish all thoughts of nostril-burning, tacky-feeling, dermis-drying blemish cream. Osea’s version is like an acne stealth operative, blending unnoticed into your skin and making pimples subtly disappear.” — Chelsea Batten

Buy at Osea

Oribe Signature Conditioner

Oribe Signature Conditioner
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“Pre-quarantine, one of the many reasons I loved going to Barry’s Bootcamp classes was so I could use their Oribe products. This conditioner is one of my favorites.” — Vanessa Powell

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

Kiehl’s Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum

Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum
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“Kiehl’s just launched a serum that lives up its name. I’ve been using it for the past few weeks, and I’ve already noticed my skin’s texture improve.” — Christian Gollayan

Buy at Kiehl's

Hellen NYC Bath Brew

Hellen NYC Bath Brew
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“Each of these bath formulas uses a proprietary combination of premium-grade salts, oils, flowers, and even semiprecious stones to help clear energy blocks and strengthen your inner being. If you like your grooming rituals with a side of woo-woo, you need this right now.” — Chelsea Batten

Buy at Hellen NYC

Dior Homme Eau de Toilette

Dior Homme Eau de Toilette
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“I’m obsessed with Dior Homme’s latest fragrance, which smells like a luxurious cabin. A great father’s day gift.” — Christian Gollayan

Buy at Sephora

Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash

Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash
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This cleanser is perfect for oil-prone skin like mine. The foam also adds some fun to my skincare routine.” — James Love II

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

Seen Shampoo

SEEN Shampoo
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Shampoos and conditioners can be really irritating for guys with sensitive skin, which is why I’ve been really loving this haircare line by Seen, which was developed by dermatologists. This shampoo doesn’t clog your pores, and is made with natural ingredients.” — Christian Gollayan

Buy at Seen

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Anforh: A new solution for fine hair, shaped by 55K+ men’s feedback
Anforh by Robin James tackles fine & thinning hair with smart, targeted solutions
Robin James and Anfor product

For more than a decade, Robin James has been educating men about grooming products through Man For Himself, the leading men’s grooming platform he founded. Now, after testing countless products, he’s taking a new step: launching his own hair care line, Anforh.

This launch stems from what James identified as a gap in the market. After surveying more than 55,000 men, he uncovered a striking insight: 44% struggle with fine or thinning hair. Anforh’s product line, sustainably formulated and manufactured in the UK, is designed to address this issue for men — or anyone looking for great hair.

Read more
Is polyglutamic acid the new super hydration ingredient in skincare?
Polyglutamic acid is revolutionary when it comes to moisturizing
Polyglutamic Acid

The skincare world is full of hero ingredients that do yeoman’s duty in a variety of products, but there's always a "next big thing" ingredient waiting to work its wonders.  Hyaluronic acid has been the king of the hill for some time when it comes to moisturizing, but now there's a new contender for the throne.
It’s called polyglutamic acid — PGA for short, and it’s getting a lot of play for one major reason. It’s five times more hydrating than hydraluronic acid (HA), so it’s definitely got a lot to offer, and PGA is starting to turn up in an increasing number of products.
It is, new, though, so there’s a lot to unpack. Specifically, what benefits can you get from PGA? Where is it from, and how is it sourced? Is it easy to add to your skincare routine, or are there some hoops you need to jump through to do that?

Just what is polyglutamic acid?

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Packing light? These 5 travel-size colognes are worth the space in your dopp kit
Smell sharp without weighing down your dopp kit
Man applies spray cologne and smells the fragrance

Packing for a trip means making smart choices — especially when it comes to grooming. If cologne is part of your daily routine, hauling around a full-size bottle just isn’t practical. That’s where travel-size spray colognes come in: same great scent, just in a compact, easy-to-pack version.

And it’s not just about convenience. According to fragrance expert Ben Krigler, sprays with alcohol remain the most stable and long-lasting option, which makes these travel-ready versions even more appealing.

Read more