We at Men’s Health take skin care very seriously. Yep, our passion for our pores comes as we realise that health is more universal than a six pack and the whitest teeth.
But with promises such as tighter, firmer and brighter looking skin in just days, the skincare aisle can seem complicated and overwhelming – especially for men.
The good news? The men’s grooming industry is exploding. There are now plenty of brands out there for every guy, but cutting through the noise to find what actually works can be a hassle.
When in doubt, try home-grown brands that put a focus on sustainable ingredients and practices. Less is more when it comes to skincare, and it’s always best to opt for expertly formulated products that have some street cred to them.
To get you started on a path to clearer, brighter skin, check out one of these awesome skincare brands, all offering up simple yet realistic solutions for the biggest organ on your body.
Bulldog Skincare
Named after a man’s best friend, Bulldog Skincare focuses on using natural origin ingredients (like the aloe vera), and combining them with carefully selected, man-made ingredients to offer superb performance at an affordable price. They do awesome starter bundles so are a great for getting started in skincare.
Hunter Lab Co.
Since 2015, Hunter Lab has redefined gender-inclusive skincare right out of Melbourne. Their range is formulated naturally and transparently without any synthetic or chemical ingredients, and offer a slew of products that feature essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
SKiN by Gillette
Even if you know nothing about men’s skincare products, you probably already know the name Gillette. SKin by Gillette is the brand’s more curated men’s skincare line that leverages Korean skincare technology (that’s a great thing, trust us) to created some pretty badass formulas. On offer are a range of cleaners, facemasks, shaving essentials and more.
Appelles Apothecary & Lab
Name ring a bell? Well, if you’ve stayed in just about any luxury hotel in Australia before you’d be well aware of Appelles. The premium Australian skincare based out of Sydney combines native botanical extracts, pure essential oils and powerful vitamins. They mainly focus on hand and body creams so you can care for the skin beyond your face.
Antipodes
An award-winning plant-powered beauty and certified-organic skincare brand with products made in New Zealand, Antipodes formulations are good for your skin and for the planet. The clean beauty brand (meaning they only sustainable ingredients from renewable sources) have everything from toners to exfoliators and eye creams. Their website is also super helpful for finding the best product for your skin issues.
Aesop
Vegan and cruelty-free, Australian label Aesop is loved by men the world over thanks to its impressively broad range of unisex products that cover everything from skincare and hair care to fragrance and home. We love their beard oils and cleansers.
Patricks
Knowing he could do better than the calibre of products he was selling in his Sydney salon, founder Patrick “called a formulations lab, then his mum for a $5k loan, and started Patricks products.” With a simple and relatable motto that reads “fuck ups, failures and fortune”, it’s no wonder the local label has seen such success. They have an awesome diamonds scrub, and their anti-ageing products are some of the best on the market.
Triumph & Disaster
If you love a rich, earthy aroma- this is for you. Triumph & Disaster is a cruelty-free skincare brand that has a bit of old-fashioned charm about itself. The brand aims to take you back to simpler times with its portfolio of must-have products including an awesome cult eye serum.
Biology
Biology is an Aussie brand that is all about a laid-back lifestyle and passion for the ocean. Their great quality products are designed to complement your routine with uncomplicated yet effective clean formulations like their super light body lotion.
Baxter Of California
Since it was first established in 1965, this celebrated California-based grooming brand has cemented itself as one of the more popular and accessible names when it comes to men’s grooming products. Standout products include their Super Shape Anti-Ageing cream (a unique gel-cream texture ft. vigna extract and apricot oil) and their Skin Concentrate BHA (a powerful and concentrated serum that visibly reduces acne-causing bacteria and blemishes).
Grown Alchemist
Founded by brothers Keston and Jeremy Mujis, this ethical Australian skincare brand is certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free and non-toxic. Not only is the packaging elite, but products such as the Regenerating Night Cream and Age-Spot Corrector consistently get five-star reviews.
Kiehl’s
Another super well-known brand in the skincare space, Kiehl’s was launched in 1921 by pharmacist John Kiehl and since then has been formulating a range of Uber-popular products. Their men’s-specific range is all about keeping your complexion clean, clear and firm in just a few basic steps. We love their eye cream and face wash.
Mr.
Aussie Hugh Jackman might be a fan of the brand, but don’t let his debonair ways fool you. With natural ingredients derived from indigenous Australian plants these products are for the everyman. Try the chamomile cleanser, which reduces inflammation and removes any pore-clogging impurities that accumulated throughout your day.
Charles + Lee
Australian-made and surprisingly affordable, Charles + Lee is a cruelty-free skincare brand that creates no-nonsense, easily accessible, vegan products that ease each and every one of your skin concerns.
Menshealth.com.au provides reviews and recommendations to help you find the right product. Products you purchase through links on this page may earn us a small commission.
Related:
Gender neutral fragrances are the way forward and here’s why
Niacinamide is a skin-care multitasker – here’s why you need to try it out
