To find the best men’s skincare products of the year, Fortune evaluated texture and feel, application, comfort, and long-term results. Read on for our testers’ full reviews of the men’s skincare products, along with how we tested them, what to consider when shopping, and more.

Best Men’s Skincare Products of 2026

• Best Overall: Particle Face Cream 
• Best Anti-Aging Skincare for Men: Caldera + Lab The Regimen Rich 
• Best Skincare Kit for Men: Horace The Complete Face Kit
• Best Daily Moisturizer for Men: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30
• Best Drugstore: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
• Best for Beginners: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Best Men’s Skincare Products Comparison Table

Skincare Product	Type	Key Ingredients	Main Concerns Addressed	Skincare Kit?	When to Use	Price
Particle Face Cream	Face cream	Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, acetyl hexapeptide-8, squalane, caffeine, urea, lactic acid, allantoin, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E, coffee seed extract, and shea butter	Undereye bags, dark spots	No	AM and PM	$69
Caldera + Lab The Regimen Rich	Skincare system	Cleanser, moisturizer, serum	Skincare system	Yes	AM and PM	$220
Horace The Complete Face Kit	Skincare system	Moisturizer, face scrub, purifying mask, undereye moisturizer	Skincare system	Yes	AM and PM	$105
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30	Sunscreen	Glacial glycoprotein, fountain plant	Sun protection	No	AM	$39
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser	Face wash	Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide	Cleanses face	No	AM and PM	Varies by retailer, around $19.99
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel	Moisturizer	Hyaluronic acid	Hydrates face	No	AM and PM	Varies by retailer, around $25

Particle Face Cream
Type	Face cream
Key Ingredients	Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, acetyl hexapeptide-8, squalane, caffeine, urea, lactic acid, allantoin, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E, coffee seed extract, and shea butter
Main Concerns Addressed	Undereye bags, dark spots
Skincare Kit?	No
When to Use	AM and PM
Price	$69
Caldera + Lab The Regimen Rich
Type	Skincare system
Key Ingredients	Cleanser, moisturizer, serum
Main Concerns Addressed	Skincare system
Skincare Kit?	Yes
When to Use	AM and PM
Price	$220
Horace The Complete Face Kit
Type	Skincare system
Key Ingredients	Moisturizer, face scrub, purifying mask, undereye moisturizer
Main Concerns Addressed	Skincare system
Skincare Kit?	Yes
When to Use	AM and PM
Price	$105
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30
Type	Sunscreen
Key Ingredients	Glacial glycoprotein, fountain plant
Main Concerns Addressed	Sun protection
Skincare Kit?	No
When to Use	AM
Price	$39
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Type	Face wash
Key Ingredients	Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide
Main Concerns Addressed	Cleanses face
Skincare Kit?	No
When to Use	AM and PM
Price	Varies by retailer, around $19.99
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
Type	Moisturizer
Key Ingredients	Hyaluronic acid
Main Concerns Addressed	Hydrates face
Skincare Kit?	No
When to Use	AM and PM
Price	Varies by retailer, around $25

Best Overall: Particle Face Cream

Our Thoughts on Particle Men’s Face Cream

Particle Face Cream is our pick for the best overall men’s skincare because it’s an anti-aging moisturizer that the brand advertises as a six-in-one solution. The “12 premium ingredients” include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, acetyl hexapeptide-8, squalane, caffeine, urea, lactic acid, allantoin, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E, coffee seed extract, and shea butter, though exact amounts are not listed.

Our tester, Demetre, tried Particle Face Cream. He has dry skin, and his primary skin concerns are dryness, dullness, and aging/fine lines. Demetre rated the application of this product a 4.5 out of 5. “It spread evenly across my face. I needed two pumps of the face cream; it layered well with other products,” he said.

When it comes to texture and feel, our tester rated this face cream a 4 out of 5. “The face cream is rich, but not greasy. It absorbed quickly,” Demetre said. Hydration earned a 5 out of 5. Demetre noted that his skin felt immediately more comfortable after applying this face cream and that the hydration he felt also lasted all day.

Our tester noticed that his skin looked and felt more hydrated while he tested this face cream (for one week). “I’ve gotten compliments on my skin, which is nice. I haven’t noticed any breakouts or congestion while using it, and overall, the balance of my skin seems to be improved,” Demetre said. He rated the overall effectiveness a 4.5 out of 5.

Specs

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, acetyl hexapeptide-8, squalane, caffeine, urea, lactic acid, allantoin, jojoba seed oil, vitamin E, coffee seed extract, and shea butter
• Main concern addressed: Diminishes undereye bags, fends off dark spots
• When to use: AM and PM

Best Anti-Aging Skincare for Men: Caldera + Lab The Regimen Rich

Our Thoughts on Caldera + Lab The Regimen Rich

Caldera + Lab’s The Regimen Rich is our pick for the best anti-aging skincare for men because it’s a full skincare system, including a balancing cleanser, anti-aging rich moisturizer, and anti-aging rich serum. This is an easy way for male professionals to get their skincare needs taken care of with one system; it’s made to support all-around skin health.

Andrew tested The Regimen Rich. “I have used individual face washes and lotions before; however, this was my first time using a kit that included a face wash, a lotion, and an anti-aging serum. Caldera + Lab’s directions are very clear and noted on each bottle. I started with the face wash called ‘The Clean Slate,’” he said. 

He added: “One pump seemed to give me enough face wash, and I immediately noticed the fresh lemony scent. It was refreshing and natural-smelling, not overpowering or artificial. The texture felt very smooth, and it lathered easily as I washed my face. I was able to rinse the face wash easily, and my face felt clean and refreshed after using it.” He rated the texture and feel a 4.5 out of 5.

Our tester continued: “The next product I used is called ‘The Base Layer.’ The Base Layer is an anti-aging moisturizer that uses plant stem cells, which had me intrigued. This lotion is thicker and reminded me of a hair product, but it spread and absorbed into my face easily and quickly. The lotion had the same lemony scent as the face wash, which was nice, as they can be used together without competing scents. My skin felt hydrated after using it; however, I did notice it felt more oily than it had previously. I have started to use this every other day as it says it gives 48 hours of protection.” He rated the scent a 5 out of 5.

He added, “‘The Good’ is Caldera + Labs’ anti-aging serum. I have never used a serum like this before, but the instructions made it simple.” Andrew rated the directions a 4.5 out of 5. 

Our tester also observed: “A little goes a long way with this, as I used three drops to easily cover my entire face. The serum is definitely the oiliest in the skincare system. It took about an hour for it to feel completely natural. If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, this might not be the best option. Overall, I do like how it makes my skin feel, and over time I have noticed it feels more refreshed. My wife also commented that my skin looks fresher and less dull after using these products.”

Specs

• Key ingredients: Kit components include a cleanser, anti-aging moisturizer and serum
• Main concern addressed: Anti-aging
• When to use: AM and PM

Best Skincare Kit for Men: Horace The Complete Face Kit

Our Thoughts on Horace The Complete Face Kit

Horace’s The Complete Face Kit is our pick for the best skincare kit for men. It includes a mattifying face moisturizer, a gentle face scrub, an under-eye moisturizer, and a purifying face mask. We like that all of the skincare components you may need are bundled together, making it convenient for busy executives who want a coordinated routine and want to avoid shopping for products separately. 

Andrew tested Horace’s The Complete Face Kit, starting with the face scrub. He said, “It comes in a squeezable tube and came out very firm and solid, which was a bit of a surprise. It was light brown in color, like an earthy clay, and had visible exfoliants in the fingertip-sized portion I used. The texture loosened up when I washed my face, and it was very smooth. I liked the addition of the exfoliant, combining two products I use daily into one,” Andrew said. “It rinsed well, and my face still felt hydrated after drying. Overall, I would give this product a 4 out of 5 for texture, a 5 out of 5 for usability, and 5 out of 5 for finish. I also liked that it was odorless and neutral from a fragrance standpoint.”

The second product that Andrew tried was the face mask, which came in the same toothpaste-style tube as the face scrub. “I used the same fingertip-sized portion. It is blue, so be prepared to look somewhat Smurf-ish for the 10 to15 minutes during use,” Andrew said. “It spread smoothly and evenly across my face, and the blue color made it easy to see where I had applied it. The face mask felt good as I wore it, and it had a faint, clay-like odor, but it wasn’t unpleasant. It rinsed cleanly, and my skin felt smooth and refreshed afterward. I would give this product a 5 out of 5 for usability, a 4.5 out of 5 for scent, a 5 out of 5 for texture, and 5 out of 5 for finish.”

Andrew then tried the face moisturizer. “This product came in a tube as well and was easy to squeeze and control the amount used. It is glossy in appearance and spreads evenly and smoothly across my face,” he said. “I noticed more of a fragrance with the moisturizer than I did with the face mask or face scrub. It smelled kind of like baby powder, but not in a good way. I didn’t love the scent, but after a minute I stopped noticing it. It didn’t leave me feeling fresh, though, as a lotion would. I would give this a 5 out of 5 for usability, a 2 out of 5 for scent, a 4 out of 5 for texture, and a 3 out of 5 for finish.”

The last product our tester tried was the under-eye moisturizer. “This product came in a smaller squeezable tube with a metal tip/applicator. This was very easy to use, and you need a very small amount under the eye. I then applied the lotion evenly with the tip, which felt cool and refreshing. The eye moisturizer absorbed well, and I noticed my eyes feeling fresher in the morning. I would give this a 5/5 for usability, a 5 out of 5 for scent as it is unscented, and a 5 out of 5 for texture and finish,” Andrew said.

“Overall, I liked this kit. However, the lotion was not my favorite. It is very affordable for what you get, though ($105), so it offers a good value. I would recommend this kit to others and would consider buying it for long-term use,” our tester said.

Specs

• Key ingredients: Kit components include moisturizer, face scrub, purifying mask, undereye moisturizer
• Main concern addressed: Hydration
• When to use: AM and PM

Best Daily Moisturizer for Men: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30

Our Thoughts on Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30 is our pick for the best daily moisturizer for men because it includes SPF 30, so you only need one step instead of two. It absorbs in minutes; our tester waited only about one minute between applying the moisturizer and starting the rest of her skincare routine. We recommend this face cream to busy professionals because it’s exceptionally easy to apply, lasts throughout the day, and is easy to take along in a work bag or with you on your travels.

Logan tested Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30 and rated it 4.5 out of 5 for application. “This product spreads really easily, and it does not require much. I use only a little drop on my finger and spread it across my whole face,” he said.

When it comes to texture and feel, Logan rated this facial cream a 5 out of 5. “This cream is really lightweight, and it doesn’t feel greasy or sticky. It also dries down completely, and I don’t feel it on my skin throughout the day,” he said. This is great for those who don’t want to feel any residue from their sunscreen.  

Our tester was overall pleased with the Kiehl’s product, rating it a 4.5 out of 5 for practical performance. “I feel this product protects well for standard, daily use,” said Logan. However, he added, “I think I would opt for something a bit thicker for beach volleyball or another long sport in the sun. But for my daily dog walking, it works great.”

Specs

• Key ingredients: Glacial glycoprotein, fountain plant
• Main concern addressed: Sun protection and overall hydration 
• When to use: AM

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Our Thoughts on CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is our pick for the best face wash for acne because it controls oil without making your face feel tight or stripped of all hydration. It includes ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, all of which may help your face feel more comfortable. Our tester noticed less congestion on her jawline as well.

Our tester, Sarah, tried CeraVe’s facial cleanser. She’s got combination skin: her T-zone tends to get oily throughout the day, but around her mouth tends to be dry. Sarah rated the texture and feel of this facial cleanser a 3.5 out of 5. “It foams up once you add water, though the texture is on the thicker side compared to what you’d expect from a foaming formula,” she said. “It spreads across the skin fine, though it takes a little extra time rinsing to fully get it off your face. I wouldn’t say it’s uncomfortable during use; it’s just pretty thick.”

“Washing with this cleanser got a lot of oil out of my face, which was nice. My skin felt clean afterward, and I didn’t get a tight feeling that I’ve had in the past from other cleansers. I didn’t need to scrub excessively to get there, though because of the thicker texture, I did find myself rinsing a bit longer than usual to make sure everything was fully off,” our tester said, rating the cleansing performance a 4 out of 5.

Sarah rated her long-term results a 4.5 out of 5. “My skin has felt more balanced,” she said. “The oil production throughout the day feels more controlled without that stripped, dry feeling. I feel like my pores aren’t clogged along my jawline as they have been.”

Specs

• Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide
• Main concern addressed: Cleanses face
• When to use: AM and PM

Best for Beginners: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Our Thoughts on Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel is our pick for the best men’s skincare product for beginners because it’s a lightweight gel moisturizer that comes in a jar and is easy to use. Our tester, Greg, said, “It spreads easily across your face, and there is not a ton of product needed. A little bit feels like it goes a long way. I liked how smooth it was when I was putting it on, and I was able to cover my whole face and neck with just a small scoop.” We think this product is a great way to enter the world of skincare.

When it comes to texture and feel, Greg rated this moisturizer a 5 out of 5. “It is a very lightweight cream that dries fast. It does not feel heavy and does not leave your skin feeling greasy or oily. Once dried, it feels very natural to your skin,” he said. It took a few minutes to fully absorb into his skin.

Despite taking a little while to absorb (perhaps saved for your nighttime routine rather than during the morning rush), Greg said it was worth it because of the long-term effects, which he rated 4 out of 5. “It provided good protection to my skin the whole day, and I did not need to constantly reapply.” Greg added, “Again, it feels very light and breathable. It did not cause any irritation and did not clog any of my pores.”

The product can be found easily at most drugstores and at an affordable price, meaning there’s no need to order online and wait. It’s great for busy leaders who want to pick up their moisturizer on the way to or from the office.

Specs

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
• Main concern addressed: Hydration
• When to use: AM and PM

How to Build a Basic Men’s Skincare Routine

“Here’s how to build a basic men’s skincare routine,” said Dr. Frank Agullo, MD, FACS, board-certified plastic surgeon in El Paso, Texas.

1. Wash your face in the morning and at night. Use a gentle cleanser. Harsh soaps, especially bar soaps, can leave your skin feeling dry and tight.
2. Use a serum with vitamin C in the morning. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect skin from damage caused by the sun and pollution.
3. Use a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days and even if you work indoors.
4. At night, add a retinoid two or three nights a week at first, then build up to most nights as your skin adjusts.

Is Men’s Skincare Different from Women’s?

“The basics are the same. Men’s skin is thicker, has more oil, and has more collagen, so it tends to show wrinkles later. But shaving every day irritates the skin, causes razor bumps, and can make it sensitive to strong products.”

“Men also tend to get more sun over the years and wear less sunscreen. So I tell men to shave with the grain, use a fresh blade, and skip aftershaves that are heavy in alcohol,” said Dr. Agullo.

Why the Right Skincare Products Matter to Professionals

We think that the right skincare routine will fit around your workday, not add more complications to it. If you’re rushing to a meeting, presenting, or traveling, our top picks offer options for whatever the situation may be.

If you travel frequently, a moisturizer with a sunscreen makes it so you can pack one less product. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30 does just that and is available in two sizes. Our tester thought it layered well with other skincare products, too.

If you’re on camera or presenting, consider Particle Face Cream. It’s a rich moisturizer without a greasy finish. Our tester liked it because the cream absorbed quickly, and his skin felt comfortable all day.

If you’re preparing for a major professional event, our tester loved the under-eye moisturizer that comes as part of Horace’s The Complete Face Kit. The moisturizer had a refreshing feel, and our tester enjoyed its cooling applicator.

If you’re building a routine on a budget, both CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser and Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel are affordable and could be combined as part of your regimen. Our CeraVe tester noticed their skin felt more balanced without being tight, and our Neutrogena tester liked its lasting hydration and lightweight texture.

If you’re looking for a premium formula that’s part of a coordinated routine, try Caldera + Lab The Regimen Rich, which includes a cleanser, moisturizer, and a serum. Our tester liked its refreshing citrus scent. 

The most useful routine for leaders and decision-makers is one that is a balance of convenience, skin comfort, and consistency.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Men’s Skincare Products

Here’s how we tested and selected the best men’s skincare products.

Texture and Feel

Testers noted if the skincare products felt sticky, tacky, gel-like, creamy, heavy, or lightweight on their skin. They also considered how long the products took to fully absorb. Testers rated texture and feel on a scale of 1 to 5.

Skin Comfort

Testers rated the comfort of the men’s skincare products on their skin on a scale of 1 to 5. They noted whether the products used caused any redness, irritation, stinging, or sensitivity.

Effectiveness 

Testers provided feedback on how long they used the men’s skincare products and how quickly (or not) they saw results, and rated effectiveness on a scale of 1 to 5.

How to Find the Best Skincare Products for You

Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best men’s skincare for you.

Your Skin Type

We recommend that you always do a patch test for any new skincare product to check how it feels on your skin. If you have dry skin, consider using a skincare product that has added ingredients for moisture and barrier support (like hyaluronic acid or glycerin). If you have sensitive skin, try simple, fragrance-and-alcohol-free skincare products.

Key Ingredients

There are multiple types of skincare products that work for different skin goals. We recommend using a facial cleanser with hydrating ingredients, like ceramides and niacinamide. Depending on what skin concerns you’d like to address, consider the ingredients in toners, anti-aging serums, sunscreens, and more before choosing the best product for your skin.

Primary Skin Concerns 

Make note of the primary skin concerns you’d like to address with men’s skincare products: acne, dehydration, aging/fine lines, excess oil, uneven texture, redness, dark spots, or dullness.

Your Daily Skincare Routine 

“I think the most important thing, speaking from my own experience with my skin regimen, is to keep it simple,” said Dr. Agullo. “I am 50, and when I meet with my aestheticians to review my skincare routine, if they start recommending more than four or five products, I lose interest, and I know I won’t stick to the plan. I want something quick and easy.”

That being said, consider how many products you’d like to use for your daily skincare routine, and what you’ll realistically stick with.

Fortune’s Final Thoughts

The best skincare for you will fit your skin, budget, and lifestyle. Using a ton of products is not necessarily the solution. It’s best to find products you enjoy using and can stick with. As Dr. Agullo emphasized, keeping your routine simple can make it easier to maintain.

Particle Face Cream is our best overall pick, as it absorbs quickly and has lasting hydration. For a coordinated routine, consider Caldera + Lab The Regimen Rich, though it may be too oily for some folks. If you want a skincare set that’s more than just the basics, try Horace’s The Complete Face Kit.

If you’d like to combine sunscreen with moisturizer, consider Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30. Two drugstore options are CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, a cleanser that doesn’t strip your skin, or Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel for a lower cost and gel formula.

As always. Fortune recommends that you speak with your dermatologist or healthcare professional about your skin, potential routine, and any prescriptions. 

Frequently asked questions

What order should men apply skincare products in?

“In the morning, use them in this order: cleanser, serum, moisturizer, sunscreen (unless your moisturizer already has SPF in it),” said Dr. Agullo. “At night, use a cleanser, retinoid, then moisturizer. Rule of thumb: go from thinnest consistency to thickest. And if you’re a morning shaver, put your serum on after you shave, not before.

When should men start using anti-aging products?

“Use sunscreen now, no matter your age; it’ll do more to prevent aging than any other product you can buy,” said Dr. Agullo. “Start using a retinoid in your late 20s or early 30s. That’s when you’ll start to notice collagen loss, leading to fine lines around the eyes and on the forehead. But starting in your 40s can help, too. It’s never too late.”

How long does it take to see results from a skincare routine?

“A cleanser and moisturizer will have your skin looking and feeling better within days,” said Dr. Agullo. “Vitamin C can help even out skin tone in about four to eight weeks. Retinoids take the longest: two to three months for smoother skin texture and six months or longer to see a difference in fine lines. That’s why so many guys quit too soon, especially in the first few weeks, when the skin can get a little dry and flaky from a retinoid.”