The Best Men’s Skincare Products of 2024
The word “skincare” tends to be followed immediately by “routine” for a reason. Put another way, consistency is key, and finding the right products for your skin type and concerns — from facial moisturizers and sunscreens to serums and cleansers — is the very first step. The good news? There are plenty of products to choose from. The bad news? The decision fatigue can feel overwhelming. But the products below, hand-picked by SPY editors, are worth anyone’s time and money, no matter how much of each they want to spend.
Baxter of California Daily Face Wash
Here’s a face wash that satisfies just about every skin type. Its benefits are tied to its gentle but hardworking formula: Coconut-derived surfactants cleanse without irritating the skin, while aloe and allantoin provide soothing support. It’s invigorating to use in the morning, too — there’s a dash of caffeine to thank for that — and it builds into a generous, comforting lather, which is also easy to massage through facial hair for a full-on refresh.
Anthony Day Cream SPF 30
One would assume Anthony’s moisturizer was applying for the Ivy Leagues with its resumé: It not only provides an essential SPF layer to thwart skin-aging UV rays, but its formula also smooths the complexion, thanks to its use of natural alpha-hydroxy acids like sugar cane, licorice root, and citrus extracts. From there, nourishing panthenol and an antioxidant-rich trio of vitamins (A, C, and E) round out its ingredient list. Really, there’s not much more one can expect from a moisturizer — though the jury’s out on whether or not this one can write a college admissions essay.
Brickell Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream
Brickell’s dense moisturizer isn’t necessarily a dedicated nighttime hydrator — it works well on dry complexions around the clock — but all skin types would benefit from a layer of it before bed. First off, it helps seal in moisture during sleep, which is particularly useful in cold weather, as well as in heated or air-conditioned rooms. Its formula also contains hyaluronic acid (to attract extra moisture) and DMAE (dimethylethanolamine), a natural compound that can help tighten the skin, according to the brand. Pro tip: Use it as an eye cream for a quick lift in that area, too.
Huron Eye Cream
This roll-on serum is chock-full of active ingredients — from caffeine and coffee seed extract to niacinamide and snow mushroom extract — that work to counter dark circles, puffiness, and aging skin. The result is stronger and better-nourished skin around the eyes — which, famously, is some of the most delicate skin on the body. Apply it morning and night to keep your complexion looking brighter and more alert.
Protocol Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C is easily one of the best ingredients one can seek out as a topical skincare supplement; in the right serum, it floods the skin with antioxidants to prevent damage caused by everyday exposure to toxins and pollution. But one difficult thing about Vitamin C is its volatility — it’s hard to ensure that the ingredient stays effective, given that exposure to light and air can compromise it severely. That’s why Protocol’s airtight vessel is so superb: Its pump bottle traps the serum inside a light- and air-proof pouch for maximum efficacy and skin-fortifying, complexion-brightening results.
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Sleepair Intensive Soothing Repair Mask
Apply this overnight mask for an extra effort towards cell replenishment, especially if the skin needs soothing and discoloration correction. It’s also a centerpiece of Dr. Jart+’s superb Cicapair skincare line, which uses the remedial ingredient cica grass (AKA centella asiatica leaf extract). Cica’s anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, barrier-boosting, and collagen-stimulating benefits all seep into the skin during the night. Pair that with the body’s own regenerative cycle, and this mask acts like a cheat code for calmer, brighter, firmer, and clearer skin.
Geologie Retinol Night Cream (3-Concentration)
The vitamin A-derived ingredient retinol isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for clearer, smoother skin. High concentrations of the ingredient may disagree with certain skin types (especially in the first weeks of use, while the skin adjusts to its presence). That’s why Geologie’s trio of retinol topicals is so outstanding: You can graduate from one level of concentration to the next, or downgrade based on your skin’s tolerance of the anti-aging and anti-acne ingredient. Just remember: Retinol’s results are visible after three or more months of use. If it’s your first time at the retinol rodeo, start with the brand’s 0.1% recipe and apply it every second or third night.
The INKEY List PHA Toner
It’s all too easy to over-exfoliate, which makes it hard to endorse a single exfoliating ingredient for all skin types. Some people need a pore-penetrating ingredient like salicylic acid to flush out trapped cells and oil buildup, while others need a high concentration of alpha-hydroxy acids (like lactic acid and glycolic acid) to buff away dead skin cells. That’s why The INKEY List’s poly-hydroxy acid toner is so exceptional: it’s effective but gentle enough for sensitive skin. It even cools on contact thanks to aloe extract.
Supergoop PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 for Face and Body
Supergoop!’s sunscreen lotion goes with us everywhere — literally. First off, it provides generous sun defense with its broad-spectrum SPF 50 shield, which protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays. From there, its formula, which is appropriate for both face and body, is also lightweight, non-greasy, and sweat- and water-resistant for 80 minutes. It’s a standout product from a standout brand.
Adam Hurly
ContributorAdam is a grooming writer with a decade of experience on the beat. He also covers the travel industry. In addition to Spy, Adam has written for nearly all notable men's outlets, like GQ, Esquire…