Whether you are looking for an effective and healthy skincare routine for men OR if you are looking for that perfect Father’s Day gift…you’ve come to the right place! Here are my top 3 picks for skincare for men (plus skincare routines and ways to save).
This post is generously sponsored by The Good, a skincare line that holds several ethical and sustainable certifications, including MADE SAFE and ECOCERT COSMOS NATURAL. As always, The New Knew only works with brands who we trust are making the world a better place.
I met my husband in 2001. I was working as a bartender at Bennigans…and so was he. Full stop. 20 years later, it’s safe to say that I’ve SEEN my husband’s skincare routine evolve from nonexistent to…let’s call it minimal.
I don’t think he would have ever gotten into skincare per se, but since I own every square foot of the bathroom, the idea has grown on him over the years. Like osmosis. It was bound to happen.
Case in point, this past year he tried face oils for the first time and after about a week he actually said, “I can’t believe I ever left the house without moisturizing my face first!” And I’m like, “I know, right?!” 😜
So now that he’s in like Flynn with oils, he’s gotten to the point where he asks for refills and lets me know when he’s run out.
There are a couple lines that cater to men’s skincare that I love refilling his one-inch section of the bathroom counter with.
Of course men can use any skin care they want—it doesn’t have to be geared toward men specifically. BUT, I think he’s gotta feel good about using it. To me, this can mean many things but I think the packaging plays a role here and so does the type of product too. My husband uses a face oil now, but I think most men (and I know I’m going out on a limb here) probably want a traditional cleanser and a traditional moisturizer. (Nicolle chimes in here: “My husband won’t touch a balm or an oil. It’s gotta be a cream or a lotion, full stop.”)
So, with that in mind, I’m listing out my top three men’s skincare line recommendations. All of these lines are approachable, easy to use and one is even formulated specifically for men. I’m also including a budget option because (say it with me) better beauty should not be exclusive.
Best Skincare for Men
Caldera + Lab
Caldera + Lab is my top pick for a men’s skincare line. It’s easy enough for a novice to use and enjoy but also technically mind blowing. Any skincare guru would go goo-goo-gah-gah over their ingredients, sourcing and efficacy.
Caldera + Lab has three products:
- The Clean Slate – A mildly foaming cleanser formulated with probiotics, that mildly exfoliates and soothes.
- The Base Layer – A medium-weight, fragrance-free cream that hydrates and fortifies the skin barrier, intended for use in the morning.
- The Good – A fast-absorbing, antioxidant powerhouse face oil/moisturizer named “the holy grail of face serums” by GQ (intended for use at night).
One of the things that makes Caldera + Lab stand out is that they are one of the first luxury skincare lines geared towards men. Their packaging is sleek, their cream is fragrance-free, their cleanser foams a bit…they basically offer a turn-key, effective skincare routine that’s not intimidating—which I think is important when it comes to men’s skincare.
Moving past first impressions, and looking at the ingredients, Caldera + Lab does everything right here too. We are seeing a priority placed on wild harvested, organic and non-GMO ingredients.
For example, The Good alone is formulated with 27 active botanicals (nothing more, nothing less) that target collagen production, smoother skin, clearer skin and protection from environmental stressors, while delivering all of the antioxidants. Plus it’s scented with a little bit of frankincense, which I personally enjoy.
Here’s what I would recommend for an effective Caldara + Lab skincare routine for men to repair and protect skin that you can use both day and night:
- Step 1: The Clean Slate (cleanser)
- Step 2: The Base Layer (cream moisturizer) in the morning and The Good (oil moisturizer) at night.
Either way you slice it, this is a simple and effective skincare routine that will leave skin glowing.
One tip I give my husband is to apply moisturizer to a damp face—this helps to actually hydrate skin (especially when using a face oil that has no water!).
Code TNK15 will save you 15% sitewide at Caldera + Lab!
The Good is also USA-made in an ECOCERT COSMOS Certified facility out of Jackson, Wyoming, MADE SAFE Certified and B Corp certified.
RELATED: Read more on clean beauty certifications here.
Ursa Major
The other line I love recommending for men is Ursa Major. The first rule of thumb to creating an effective skincare routine is CONSISTENCY. And this unassuming, no-frills brand is easy to use, effective and sneaky luxury that’s great for any age, gender and skin type.
Based out of Vermont and named after the largest visible constellation in the northern sky, Ursa Major encourages everyone to find their true north, which “is not a place but a feeling.”
Here’s what I would recommend for an effective Ursa Major skincare routine designed to balance and brighten skin that you can use both day and night:
- Step 1: Fantastic Face Wash – A gentle foaming cleanser that won’t strip the skin.
- Step 2: Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum – A treatment to add hydration and brighten skin.
- Step 3: Golden Hour Recovery Cream – A lightweight cream moisturizer that soothes, hydrates and reduces redness.
Of course you can skip the Vitamin C Serum if you choose, but I think you will see it makes a big difference. You can also grab all of these bundled and save here.
Lastly, Ursa Major isn’t just another pretty face. They are also B Corp Certified. B Corps are mission-driven companies that go above and beyond profit to use business as a force for good.
RELATED: Check out more of my personal Ursa Major faves here.
Budget Pick: Acure
With most Acure products coming in at under $10, I’m excited to recommend this accessible line as a healthy and a more affordable solution. Acure is also convenient as a grab-and-go option as it can also be found at some drug stores, groceries and Target.
Acure has a huge line but let’s keep it simple.
Here’s what I would recommend for an effective Acure skincare routine designed to brighten and hydrate skin that you can use both day and night:
- Step 1: Brightening Cleansing Gel – A foaming cleanser that won’t strip the skin.
- Step 2: Brightening Vitamin C and Ferulic Acid Serum – A lightweight treatment to brighten dull skin.
- Step 3: Brightening Day Cream – Moisturize and protect with this lightweight cream.
Again, you can tighten it up and skip the Vitamin C treatment, but I think you will see it can make a big impact.
These three will give you an effective skincare routine for less than $50 total.
What’s your favorite healthy men’s skincare line?
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