If “skin care for men” is a perennially open tab on your browser—or simply putting more thought into your skin care routine is on your 2026 resolution list—we’ve got you covered. The foundation of a solid skin care routine is fairly standard for most guys, and can be summed up in four essential to-dos: cleanse, hydrate, rejuvenate, and protect. In practice, that means a great face cleanser, a well-formulated moisturizer, a daily SPF, an occasional exfoliator, and, as a bonus, a retinol, which has become a new baseline skin-renewing essential.
The products below span accessible to elevated, mixing newer names with proven skin care stalwarts. While skin types vary from dry to acne-prone to sensitive—and we flag a few standouts for those concerns—think of this as a straightforward, universal primer for most dudes. There’s dermatologist-backed guidance at the end, and from there, you can layer in extras like serums or eye creams as needed. Stick with one or two picks from each category, and you’ll have a routine that keeps skin healthy, balanced, and refreshed for 2026.
- The Best Overall Face Wash: Church California Botanical Clay Cleanser, $50 | Read More
- The Best Foaming Face Wash: Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash, $32 | Read More
- The Acne Treatment Face Wash: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Pore Clearing Acne Cleanser,
$13$10 | Read More - The Best Gentle Daily Face Wash: Horace Purifying Face Cleanser, $17 | Read More
- The Best Overall Moisturizer: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, $25 | Read More
- The Best Night Cream: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Omega Rich Cloud Cream, $62 | Read More
- The Elevated Upgrade Moisturizer: YCODE Mattifying Moisturiser, $55 | Read More
- The Best Accessible Everyday Moisturizer: CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion,
$20$15 | Read More - The Best Overall Exfoliator: Malin+Goetz Jojoba Face Scrub, $38 | Read More
- The Best Chemical Exfoliator: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $94 | Read More
- The Best Dual-Purpose Elevated Exfoliator: Yon-Ka Paris Mens Foaming Scrub, $44 | Read More
- The Best Physical & Chemical Exfoliator: Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste, $59 | Read More
- The Best Overall SPF: Freaks of Nature Daily Defender SPF30, $35 | Read More
- The Best Dermatologist-Approved SPF: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46, $45 | Read More
- The Best Dual-Purpose SPF: Geologie Broad-Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF30 Moisturizer, $39 | Read More
- The Best Elevated SPF: Youth to the People Youthscreen, $30 | Read More
- The Best Retinol Lotion: Dividends The Retinol, $79 | Read More
- The Best Retinol Serum: Onekind Radical Repair Retinol Reinvent Serum, $66 | Read More
The Best Men’s Skin Care Products, According to GQ
The Face Washes
I could wax poetic about my affinity for Church California’s Clay Cleanser, and we’ve sung its praises plenty. This California-based grooming brand does luxe yet laid-back better than most, with a vibe that feels equal parts indie, earthy, and refined. The cleanser reflects that ethos with a creamy, clay-based formula that lathers like a frothy mud mask, detoxifying, cleansing, and toning all in one go. Between the artful, thoughtful dispenser and that fantastic, wild-harvested scent, you’ll find yourself looking forward to an otherwise mundane task, and while it comes with a premium price, a little goes a long way. Pro Tip: Leave it on for about 10 minutes, and it moonlights as a quick face mask when you need a little extra TLC.
If you're going to put “fantastic” in the name of your product, you'd better have the goods to back it up. Luckily, Ursa Major's flagship face wash is exactly that. From moisturizing rice seed to soothing aloe, the ingredient list is basically a who's who of excellent skin care components. The cleanser (which smells exceptional, by the way) has a gel-like consistency that quickly and effectively foams up to get into every single pore, clearing out all the gunk and nastiness that's accumulated. Despite its super-foaming properties, it doesn't dry out your skin, leaving it feeling fresh and nourished once you've rinsed it all away. As an added bonus, the cleanser also has a gentle exfoliating factor, which won't nix the need for a separate exfoliant, but will give your skin the bright, smooth appearance you'd think you could only achieve through Photoshop.
A specialized daily face wash is essential for keeping breakouts at bay. Enter Cetaphil's Gentle Clear Pore Cleanser, a newer innovation from this trusted department-store skin care stalwart. Powered by 2% salicylic acid, it targets acne and blackheads while exfoliating and clearing pores. True to Cetaphil form, it's also friendly to sensitive skin, with a moisturizing formula that leaves your face feeling soft and hydrated, not stripped. And, it's easy to find at Amazon and Target with a price point that's as easygoing as the formula.
Accessible yet artisanal? Check. High quality without the sticker shock? Check. Unscented, suitable for most skin types, and made with over 98 percent natural ingredients? Check, check, check. This stellar face cleanser comes from the reigning champs of accessible, hip skin care: Horace. The formula from the Parisian favorite looks like volcanic goo at first, then froths into a deeply satisfying cleanse that leaves skin feeling squeaky clean. It leans on charcoal to purify, aloe to soften, zinc PCA to regulate oil, and plant-derived glycerin to keep skin balanced.
The Moisturizers
There are a zillion moisturizers out there, and as a dutiful grooming editor, I’ve tried just about that many. That said, narrowing it down to a few universally appealing standouts isn’t hard if you know the brands and what they do best. La Roche-Posay knows skin care, pairing derm-approved clinical effectiveness with approachability. This one hydrates like heck thanks to tried-and-true ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin, helping repair and reinforce the skin barrier—especially clutch for cold, windy commutes. The texture lands in the medium-viscosity zone, absorbing quickly while soothing dryness. It’s potent enough that you won’t need to reapply midday, yet gentle enough to work for nearly every skin type.
I am constantly recommending this hall-of-fame-caliber night cream. (In fact, it might be my most recommended product ever.) It goes on dense but feels ultra-light on my grimy and acne-prone skin, but always has me looking well rested and replenished by morning. I chalk that up to its fatty acid-dense recipe, which keeps skin looking firm and full, so you never wake with sullen, suffocated complexion. It's especially great in air-conditioned rooms or in peak winter (even with that heat cranked up) since it blankets your skin and prevents moisture loss. If you're a texture person like me, then you'll also love its whip-like consistency.
Buzzy YCode, which launched in 2025 and debuted at Nordstrom, keeps things curated with just four products, all centered on microalgae-powered skin care. The concept isn’t new, but here it works almost like a mood ring for your skin. This Moisturizer adapts on the fly, dialing down shine when you’re oily and supporting hydration when you’re not. The ingredient list is minimal and effective, anchored by chlorella vulgaris (the algae) extract to regulate oil, sodium hyaluronate (a potent form of hyaluronic acid) for hydration, and collagen-supporting peptides for firmness. Add in the brand’s apothecary-cool aesthetic and a scent-free, featherlight texture, and it sums up why caring for your skin in 2026 is not an outlier, but a baseline flex.
If you’re just getting into the skin care game, there’s no shame in starting with a department-store OG, and CeraVe is a stellar place to begin. We consistently feature it for a few simple reasons: dermatologist credibility, broad trust and recognition, and a price that won’t wreck your budget. Most importantly, it’s a dependable, no-nonsense moisturizer that simply works. The lightweight formula hits the hydration trifecta, using ceramides to help restore the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid to draw moisture, and niacinamide to calm irritation. Add in easy availability on Amazon or at any drugstore, and it’s about as fuss-free as good skin care gets.
The Exfoliators
I’ve tested my fair share of physical exfoliators, but this Malin+Goetz scrub always stays in rotation. It’s a classic take on a traditional scrub that doesn’t just buff and refresh, it also keeps skin comfortable. Instead of harsh shells or jagged particles that can cause micro-abrasions, it uses smooth, biodegradable jojoba beads with natural rice powder to lift away dead skin without compromising your barrier. The texture hits that sweet spot: satisfyingly scrubby and not harsh. Glycerin rounds things out by balancing all that sloughing with hydration, making it great for all skin types and a go-to weekly reset when skin feels dull, congested, or rough.
Dr. Dennis Gross might be one of the most famous dermatologists, and it's for good reason: Doc knows how to make a good skin care product. The brand offers a popular two-step chemical exfoliant (it's also available in super-strength and gentle), which utilizes five doses of AHAs and BHAs to dissolve dead skin, excess sebum, and dirt and debris so that skin is left smooth and even. The two-step process is simple: Use the first wipe exfoliate and smooth, and then immediately follow with the second wipe to neutralize premature aging. Over time, your skin will start to look like it's gone back in time, and all it took was a two-minute process every day.
Yon-Ka remains a cult favorite among skin care insiders, with its men’s line quietly gaining recognition in the U.S. The lineup is curated and premium, with a willingness to think outside the box. Case in point is this exemplary exfoliator-meets-foaming scrub. It uses bamboo silica and jojoba beads for a gentler exfoliation, but the experience is not your typical face scrub. The texture is airy and lightweight, activating into a foamy hybrid that cleans as it exfoliates for a more spa-like feel. The formula contains spades of skin care support, including zinc to help balance oil, algae extract for hydration, and licorice extract for soothing, a signature ingredient found throughout much of the brand’s dialed-in men’s line.
Exfoliators generally fall into two camps: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators use textured granules to manually buff away dead skin, while chemical exfoliators rely on acids like AHAs or BHAs to dissolve buildup and brighten the complexion. Aesop does both brilliantly. This super-soft cream uses ultra-fine, barely-there quartz beads to gently slough away dead skin, paired with lactic acid to promote cell turnover and smooth texture, plus antioxidant-rich rosemary to help protect skin. A little goes a long way with this paste, and while it has a nourishing feel, you’ll still want to cap use at twice a week. And of course, because it’s Aesop, the aroma is herbaceously excellent.
The SPF’s
Sunscreen is a must anytime you’re outside for extended stretches (even on cloudy days) as prolonged sun exposure remains the number one cause of premature skin damage. Look for a broad-spectrum formula that protects against UVA and UVB rays, has an SPF of 30 or higher, and layers easily over a moisturizer. Freaks of Nature checks all those boxes and is the current premier cool-dude sunscreen. Daily Defender lives up to the name. This broad-spectrum SPF 30 is formulated for everyday wear, leaves no white cast, is fragrance-free, supports skin, and makes sunscreen feel less like a chore and more like part of the skin care routine.
For a derm-backed clinical select, EltaMD is exemplary. This broad-spectrum SPF goes on clear and is especially well suited for oily or breakout-prone skin, as well as irritated or rosacea-prone complexions, thanks to its ultra-lightweight, non-comedogenic formula. It blurs the line between clinical skin care and sunscreen, leaning on skin-centric niacinamide to help calm, smooth, and hydrate while protecting. With zinc oxide–based SPF 46, a soothing feel, and an almost moisturizer-like finish, EltaMD feels equal parts sunscreen and calming facial treatment.
Think of this Geologie sunscreen as a moisturizer-meets-SPF, delivering serious hydration alongside SPF 30 protection. The oil- and fragrance-free formula glides on with a soft, mattifying finish, while two skin care heavy hitters, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, hydrate, soothe, and support the skin barrier. It’s lightweight enough to layer over a separate moisturizer if you prefer to keep your steps distinct. And at $19, it makes committing to a daily SPF easy, with a few extra skin care perks baked in.
Like all things Youth to the People, this sunscreen is formulated for all skin types and shades, with a skin care-first approach rooted in botanicals and vitamins. The texture is milky and moisturizing, powered by kale and green tea extracts, plus dandelion root to boost radiance, and vitamin E to hydrate and soothe. The finish leaves no cast, and like the others above, it’s very much skin care-meets-sunscreen, delivering hydration alongside protection. And while no sunscreen blocks everything, SPF 60 is a powerful ally if you’re spending extended time outside. Bonus points for the cool, mini tube, which packs easily.
The Retinols
The fact that buzzy baseline brand Dividends includes retinol in its tightly curated lineup (alongside face wash, moisturizer, and SPF) says a lot. Retinol isn’t a niche skin care flex anymore; it’s officially part of the baseline. The formula is designed with beginners in mind, using microencapsulated retinol paired with antioxidants to help minimize early redness or peeling. The orangey, cream-lotion texture glides on easily, the pump makes dosing foolproof (two to three pumps max), and it layers cleanly under moisturizer. Start twice a week, stay consistent, and smoother texture and brighter-looking skin won’t be far behind.
OneKind’s whole MO is retinol, but it reimagines how it’s delivered with an advanced, research-backed formula that boosts absorption and dials back the burn. This serum pairs retinol linoleate with an advanced algae-based retinoid (yes, two) to smooth fine lines, refine texture, and even tone. Peptides, squalane, and snow mushroom cushion and hydrate the skin, making it more forgiving for sensitive types. Housed in a frosted glass bottle, the lightweight serum sinks in fast, layers seamlessly under moisturizer, and feels calming yet clinical, making for an easy retinol upgrade in any skin care arsenal.
The Simplest Skin Care Routine for Men
A rock-solid foundational skin care routine should be your absolute baseline, and it really only involves three to four products; you can combine some of the below into dual-purpose formulas.
Face Wash
Wash, rinse, repeat—morning and night, as the first step in your regimen. Do it after sleeping on your gnarly pillows all night, and after a long day’s buildup of sweat, oil, and grime. Don’t put a lot of agency into this product beyond purifying, cleansing, and soothing purposes (and sometimes, exfoliating purposes, too). “Many active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants are more effective as leave-on products since they require time to penetrate the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brandon Kirsch, founder of Kirsch Dermatology in Naples, FL. “In other words, they are not likely to be effective when formulated in cleansers.”
Exfoliation
There are various ways to remove dead skin cells from your mug, namely “chemical” acids and physical scrubs. Some face washes even have exfoliating properties. Exfoliant intensities vary, and typically shouldn’t be used daily. Follow the brand’s advice, and the doctor’s too: “While many people like physical exfoliants, I usually recommend the daily use of chemical ones,” says Kirsch. “Chemical exfoliants like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) work by gently dissolving dead skin cells, offering a more uniform exfoliation. In addition, they tend to be less abrasive than physical exfoliants (like scrubs), reducing the risk of micro-tears in the skin.”
Moisturizer
Moisturizer provides skin with nourishing, hydrating benefits so everything stays soft, but it also builds up skin’s barrier-like defenses to help trap moisture inside, and to block skin-aging pollutants from getting inside.
SPF
You need to apply SPF every day—that is, if you want the best steady and lasting defense against skin-aging UV rays. Trust us here: the simple act of applying facial SPF each morning will knock 10 years off your mug by the time you’re 50 or 60. And, like our top moisturizer on the list below, you can often combine these two steps together (with SPF-packed moisturizers) to get your dose of SPF 30+. Dr. Kirsch, who touts “sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen” as his top skin care mantra, advises reapplying your SPF two to three times daily, too, since its strength wears off after a couple hours.
Retinol Treatment
Up there with peptides and collagen, retinol is a final boss of buzzy skin care terms. Most guys have at least heard of it, and for good reason. It’s become the gold standard for wrinkle prevention, cell turnover, and smoothing fine lines, which is why it now shows up in many baseline routines. That said, you need to ease in. Retinol can cause peeling, redness, and irritation if you rush it, and it also makes skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily SPF is non-negotiable. Start slow, twice a week at most, then build up gradually if you see fit. Pair it with one of the moisturizers above and you’ve officially graduated to skin care savvy.
How to Choose the Right Skin Care Products for You
There are two key parts of building out your skin care regimen: a base routine (something all men should be doing), then customizing it based on skin-specific needs or wants. Let’s hear from our industry experts.
Target universal skin needs.
There are four core steps that every guy should be following: twice-daily cleansing, twice-daily moisturizing, ad-hoc exfoliation, and daily (or thrice daily!) SPF applications. If you can manage that, then you’re already going to see terrific results throughout the years (mostly by not noticing any acceleration of skin damage and lost resilience).
I do think the SPF part bears repeating, too: “Using sunscreen daily should become a consistent habit, just like brushing your teeth,” says Maureen Gaspard, licensed medical esthetician and Director of Esthetics at Seaside Skin Care in San Clemente, CA. “We get exposed to damaging UV rays while in the car and running errands. Adding sunscreen to your daily moisturizer will protect your skin all day, especially when we find ourselves out in the elements.”
And remember, this regimen doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, some of your dermatologists’ favorite products are going to be those mass-made drugstore options, since those brands usually have the muscle to research and formulate top-performing formulas which suit the largest groups of users. There’s no shame in having a vanity chock-full of CeraVe, Cetaphil, Dove Men+Care, etc.
Use active ingredients to address specific needs.
With the foundation in place, you can target things specific to you, or make adjustments to that foundation based on your skin’s oil levels, recovery time, proneness to acne, eye-area needs (like dark circles or puffiness), sensitivities, and so forth.
For Oily Skin
If you have hyperactive sebum glands—as many men do have—then you need to craft a balancing regimen that doesn’t in turn dry out the skin. “Use a gentle cleanser to avoid over-stripping natural oils, and incorporate into your routine a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer,” says Dr. Kirsch. “Salicylic acid can help with oil control and clogged pores, and niacinamide can regulate oil production as well.”
For Dry Skin
Double down on everything with the words “hydrating” or “moisturizing” or “barrier supporting” in its description—because you need to make up for a dearth of sebum production in the skin, or whichever environmental factors are depleting your skin of its moisture reserves. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalene can help attract moisture into the skin’s depths, while heavier moisturizing creams and balms can trap those ingredients inside—and prevent added loss from the air around you. Prioritize ceramides for added barrier functions, as well as SPF to keep skin resilient, and maybe slumber with a humidifier in the bedroom to make sure you aren’t a sitting duck in an otherwise bone-dry environment.
For Acne-Prone Skin
Kirsch recommends regular cleansing and gentle exfoliation in order to keep pores clear of dirt, dead skin, and bacteria. “Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid washes are especially effective against acne,” he says. (The former is especially good for targeting bacterial-based acne). “Also, prescription and over-the-counter retinoids can help with cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. Always look for products described as non-comedogenic. Perhaps most importantly, avoid picking or popping pimples, and regularly clean things like phone screens and pillowcases to reduce the potential for bacterial transfer.”
For Sensitive Skin
Since sensitive skin can also be oily, or dry, or acne-prone, you need to make smart tweaks to your regimen that honor any and all of these variables. Your skin may not tolerate active ingredients like retinoids, and exfoliating acids, so search for alternatives for those things, like naturally-sourced bakuchiol which can provide similar anti-aging benefits as retinoids, or poly hydroxy acids, which provide much gentler surface exfoliation than common exfoliating acids. Avoid added/artificial fragrance in any product, too, as it is a common allergen for sensitive skin types. And of course, prioritize anti-inflammatory, soothing, barrier-boosting, and hydrating ingredients across the board.
For Aging Skin
“As our skin ages, it loses collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, lipids and more,” explains Micaela Bartash, board-certified physician assistant at Contour Aesthetics & Wellness in Mt. Pleasant, SC. “Skin thins and sags, loses moisture and the barrier becomes impaired. Skin care products and treatments aimed at combating these losses can help restore a more youthful appearance to the skin. Assuming that someone is already using daily SPF, a medical grade prescription strength retinoid would be the best investment. This multitasker reduces wrinkles, roughness, dark spots, clogged pores, inflammation and more.”
Your Skin Care for Men FAQ, Answered
What skin care products should a man use?
While every guy should use skin care products that target his skin type (like oily skin, dry skin, acne-prone skin, etc), the baseline for everyone is to choose a twice-daily cleanser, a twice-daily moisturizer, a periodic exfoliant, and a daily SPF.
What is the best skin care for a 30-year old man?
Oddly specific, but we feel you! Skin care needs change as we age, but in general, a 30-year-old should be using SPF every day to prevent an accelerated decline in skin resilience and firmness, as well as a nighttime retinoid that helps improve cellular turnover (and is an anti-aging, anti-acne miracle worker). Beyond that, every guy needs the baseline cleanser, moisturizer, and exfoliant—at every age.
What are the best face products for men with acne?
The best face products for men with acne will be non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores, and will wear light on skin. The overall regimen will incorporate pore-clearing ingredients at some point, too, like a salicylic acid serum or cleanser to free up trapped skin cells and backed-up oil inside the pores.
How We Tested
When it comes to building a solid skin care routine, the magic isn’t in any single hero product; it’s in how the pieces work together. A great face wash sets the foundation; a well-formulated moisturizer keeps skin balanced and hydrated; exfoliation helps maintain texture and tone; and daily SPF is non-negotiable for protecting all that work. The key is understanding what your skin needs and choosing products you’ll use consistently, not chasing trends or overloading your routine. Every product above is one I’ve tested, rotated, and lived with. They’re thoughtfully formulated, easy to use, and effective, made by experienced brands I know and trust. And they should work for most skin types. There are countless products out there but consider any of the above a solid foundation for building a simple skin care routine.
Meet the Experts
- Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brandon Kirsch, founder of Kirsch Dermatology in Naples, FL
- Maureen Gaspard, licensed medical esthetician and Director of Esthetics at Seaside Skin Care in San Clemente, CA
- Micaela Bartash, board-certified physician assistant at Contour Aesthetics & Wellness in Mt. Pleasant, SC
