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It's very important that men use skincare products specially designed for men since men's skins have some distinctive characteristics that make them unique from those of women's, such as being thicker, having more oil glands, and having bigger pores, among others. From cleansers to serums, you get so many different choices for skincare products that it could get confusing to pick.
Worry not, as we've made this handy-dandy buying guide to help you in choosing the right men's skincare products, and we've also asked for some comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Maria Elinor Grace "Meg" Sison. Lastly, we prepared our top 10 list to get you started in developing your own skincare routine!
Dr. Sison is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in the Philippines and sees both medical and cosmetic dermatological cases on skin, hair, and nails.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
The most important consideration when choosing any skincare product is its suitability towards your skin. First, determine your skin type. Then, make sure to pick the products that are indicated for your skin type, either through the ingredients list or the label of the product.
If you notice that your skin tends to become greasier and shinier than normal, you must have oily skin. For oily skin, you would generally want something that effectively addresses the oil on your skin, while not causing excessive dryness.
As much as possible, go for light, water-based products, such as lotions, so as not to add more oil to your skin. Also, look for products that are oil-free and non-comedogenic, as these products don't clog your pores.
Some of the ingredients to go for when dealing with oily skin include clays and charcoal, which both help in absorbing oil and mattifying your skin. Additionally, formulations with salicylic acid may help in the management of acne due to its ability to chemically exfoliate your skin and reduce oiliness!
For cleansers, look for those that are in gel format or foaming cleansers that can remove excess sebum without causing your skin to become dry. You can also opt for skincare products with salicylic acid because it can help with oil control, and it can also minimize the appearance of large pores.
For moisturizers, look for gel moisturizers, emulsions, or lightweight lotions that contain more humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Finally, for sunscreens, choose products that are in gel or fluid format with SPF of at least 30, and these should also be broad-spectrum.
Dry skin is characterized by having a dull and rough complexion. You'll want to counter your dry skin with some moisture and hydration. When applicable, opt for heavier products, such as creams, as these serve either to hold in the moisture of your skin or to draw moisture from the environment and onto your skin.
In terms of ingredients, you may opt for hyaluronic acid and glycerin, two humectants that draw water from the atmosphere towards the outer portion of your skin, leaving it moisturized without feeling greasy. Ceramides, on the other hand, are great since they keep your skin intact, thereby, allowing your skin to effectively seal in moisture. Panthenol is also another great ingredient for hydrating the skin.
Dry skin has rough patches and flaking. Choose cleansers in milk or cream format because they do not strip off the skin's natural lipids. A lipid-free cleanser is also a great option.
For moisturizers, choose those with more occlusives like lanolin or shea butter and emollients like ceramides. Moisturizers and sunscreens in cream formats are recommended for dry skin. Choose sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, petrolatum, etc.
If your skin is the type that becomes oily at the T-zone area while your cheeks and temples remain dry, then you most likely have combination skin. To tackle this, try out lighter formulations, such as products that you would use for oily skin. Trial and error is the name of the game here, so make sure to observe how your skin reacts with lighter formulations.
If you feel that lighter products leave your skin feeling too dry, start trying out the heavier products. Ultimately, you would want to stick to a well-balanced skincare regimen that leaves your skin not too greasy and not too dry.
Combination skin is characterized by an oily T-zone with some dry patches on the face. Lightweight lotions, emulsions, or gel formats would work well for those with combination skin, especially during warm, humid weather.
If your skin still has dry patches even after using these skincare products, you can also spot treat the dry patches with cream-based moisturizers to achieve the ideal level of moisturization.
Sensitive skin is characterized as being easily irritated, itchy, or inflamed. When it comes to sensitive skin, potentially irritating ingredients are the things that you have to watch out for. And take note that it doesn't matter if a product is “natural” or not, as both natural and synthetic natural ingredients may potentially cause your sensitive skin to flare up.
Go for formulations that are explicitly designed for sensitive skin, as these usually feature ingredients that are less likely to cause hypersensitivity. Some irritating ingredients to avoid include alcohol, fragrances, and sulfates. A good rule of thumb is that the fewer ingredients a formulation has, the less likely it will cause irritations.
Not all ingredients are bad for sensitive skins, though. Examples of these include aloe vera, allantoin, Centella Asiatica, calendula, and chamomile extract, both of which work to soothe your skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties. These are especially great for those sensitive skins that often exhibit redness.
Those with sensitive skin react easily to skincare products, and they experience burning, itching, or stinging sensation. Choose skincare products with a short ingredients list and are fragrance-free since these are less likely to cause irritations.
Look also for soothing ingredients like green tea, colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and chamomile, to name a few. Make sure to patch test first and observe for signs of irritation before using a particular product on a large area.
Normal skin is described as skin that is neither too dry nor too oily. Since normal skin is considered to be the middle ground of all skin types, you can use almost any kind of skincare product for it, depending on what you feel your skin needs for the day.
Normal skin is characterized by being soft and supple, with minimal blemishes. It does not react easily to skincare products and you can use any format (gel, cream, lotion, emulsion). Make sure that the skincare products are not too harsh or drying for the skin.
Your skincare regimen does not need to be complicated. Sticking to the essentials will make it easy for you to be consistent with your daily routine.
A skincare routine will always start with a good and reliable facial cleanser. Your facial cleanser serves to remove the oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that have accumulated on your skin, which ultimately makes it easier for your next skincare product to penetrate and act on your skin.
Facial cleansers are commonly available for different skin types. Go for those that correspond to your skin type. Always aim for facial cleansers that are strong enough to cleanse your face, while staying mild enough at the same time, so that they don't leave your face dry or strip off moisture.
Cleansing is the first step in our skincare routine. It aids in the removal of dirt, sweat, sebum, and unwanted materials from our skin. Choice of cleanser depends on skin type, skin concern, personal preference, and budget. Choose cleansers that are pH balanced (slightly acidic) which do not strip off the skin's natural lipids.
After cleansing your face, the next move would usually be to apply toner. Toner is a water-like formulation that contains different active ingredients. Toners are usually applied to the skin with the use of a cotton ball.
Toners serve different functions. They further cleanse your face and readjust your face's pH to the optimal value, leaving it ready for the next skincare product that you will be applying, such as moisturizers. Aside from this, some toners also have a specific function, some of which include treatment for acne, management of oily skin, hydration, anti-aging, and many more.
Toners were originally intended to remove soap residue left behind on the face from the use of lye-based soaps & hard water. However, advancements in cleansers have already been made in such a way that no residue is left behind after cleansing. Toners are optional, but nowadays, they are used for the purpose of hydrating the skin or as mild exfoliants.
Regardless of your skin type, your skin could definitely use a moisturizer. A moisturizer keeps your skin hydrated, making it healthy and more resistant to other skin issues such as inflammation, wrinkles, and premature aging. Just make sure that you get the one that corresponds to your skin type.
Moisturizers help maintain our skin barrier and prevent transepidermal water loss from the outermost layers of the skin. A good moisturizer has the right amounts of occlusives, humectants, and emollients that keep our skin hydrated and nourished.
Facial serums are definitely some of the more obscure skincare products. They are very important, though. Facial serums are concentrated formulations that are designed to deliver essential nutrients to your skin. Ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides, zinc PCA, and many more.
Facial serums are typically used to address specific skin issues. For example, some facial serums are specially formulated to address wrinkles and dark spots, while others are mainly for managing acne. With the different kinds of serums out there, you're sure to find the one for you!
Serums are highly concentrated formulations that are meant to be applied in small amounts. They can either be oil or water-based. They may contain antioxidants, retinol, niacinamide, AHAs, BHAs, hyaluronic acid, peptides, to name a few. Consult a board-certified dermatologist to guide you in choosing the right serum based on what your skin needs.
A usual apprehension against body lotions is that they tend to leave a greasy feel and that they have a "feminine scent". Fortunately, it's quite easy to find body lotions nowadays that are both non-greasy and fragrance-free, at the same time.
Body lotions are actually moisturizers that spread easily and are made for large areas. They also contain various occlusives, humectants, and emollients to prevent moisture loss from the skin. There are a lot of body lotions in the market that are non-greasy and fragrance-free that can be used by men. Body lotions are best applied within 3 minutes after bathing to seal in the moisture in the skin, and they should be applied several times a day as needed.
The general rule of thumb is that you should go for formulations with at least SPF 30 for effective sun protection. And while dedicated sunscreens are the more commonly known formulations with SPF, many serums, facial moisturizers, and body lotions have SPF ratings, as well!
These combination products are great to have, as you're hitting 2 birds with one stone! Just make sure to apply a generous amount to ensure that you're getting maximum protection from those UV rays!
Sunscreens are must-haves in every skincare routine. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. It should also be at least SPF 30 and water-resistant.
Apply 1/2 teaspoon of sunscreen on the face and neck and 1 shot glass for the exposed skin not covered by clothing to ensure that the correct amount is applied. Remember to seek shade when the UV rays are the most intense (10 am to 4 pm), wear UV protective eyewear, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV protective clothing whenever applicable.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product Type | Skin Type | Key Ingredients | Amount | ||||||
1 | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | ₱294 Low | Best Dermatologist-Tested Cleanser for All Skin Types | Cleanser | Suitable for All Skin Types, Including Dry and Sensitive Skin | Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Pantolactone, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid | 118 mL | ||
2 | Cerave Moisturizing Cream | ₱799 Mid | Restores the Skin’s Protective Barrier and Delivers Long-Lasting Hydration | Moisturizer | Normal to Dry Skin | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, MVE Delivery Technology | 56 mL | ||
3 | Kiehl's Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner | ₱2,526.3 High | Cleans and Soothes Skin Without Stripping Away Moisture | Toner | Normal-to-Oily Skin Types, Including Sensitive and Acne-Prone Skin Types | Calendula Extract and Calendula Petals, Glycerin, Allantoin | 500 mL | ||
4 | Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen | ₱606 Mid | Formulated With HELIOPLEX Technology to Protect the Skin From Harmful UVA and UVB Rays | Sunscreen | All Skin Types | Helioplex, Homosalate Benzophenone-3 | 88 mL | ||
5 | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | ₱899 High Mid | Facial Serum to Get Rid of Dark Marks and Blemishes | Serum | All Skin Types | Niacinamide, Zinc PCA | 60 mL | ||
6 | Oxecure Acne Clear Facial Cleanser | ₱399 Low Mid | Salicylic Acid-Infused Face Wash That’s Ideal for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin | Cleanser | Oily, Acne-prone | 1.5% Salicylic Acid, Oat Extract, Calendular Synerplex, Kakadu Plum Extract | 120 mL | ||
7 | Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel | ₱552 Mid | A Water-Based Sunscreen That Provides Micro UV Protection for the Face and Body | Sunscreen | All Skin Types | Aqua Micro Capsule | 90 | ||
8 | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (+) | ₱970 High Mid | Fights Blemishes and Imperfections for Clear, Acne-Free Skin | Acne Spot Treatment | Oily, Acne-prone | 5.5% Benzoyl Peroxide, Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, Glycerin, Silica | 40 mL | ||
9 | Face Republic Cica Gel Moisturizer | ₱322 Low Mid | Formulated With Cica to Instantly Soothe Troubled Skin | Moisturizer | All Skin Types | Centella Asiatica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol | 50 mL | ||
10 | Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | ₱615 Mid | Powerful Formula Infused With Salicylic Acid and Green Tea, Perfect for Oily Skin | Toner | All Skin Types | Salicylic Acid, Green Tea Extract | 118 mL |
Coming from a brand that many Filipinos trust, this cleanser from Cetaphil gently cleans no matter what your skin type is! It is packed with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin, so it will not leave your skin feeling dry and flaky. These ingredients also help protect your skin barrier so it is free from irritation, roughness, and tightness.
The best thing about this cleanser is that dermatologists have tested it, so it also works for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. Moreover, it is free from fragrances and parabens and is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. With all that said, it's a foolproof and safe choice for anyone.
Product Type | Cleanser |
---|---|
Skin Type | Suitable for All Skin Types, Including Dry and Sensitive Skin |
Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Pantolactone, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid |
Amount | 118 mL |
Enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this non-comedogenic moisturizer targets dry skin woes and restores the skin's natural barrier without clogging pores. Another selling point of this product is its seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association, which affirms that it's gentle and non-irritating, even for those with skin allergies.
More than that, CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream provides 24-hour hydration—this is all thanks to its MVE technology, which continually releases moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin nourished all day. It's also oil-free, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic. Customers describe the consistency as smooth and creamy, saying it helps them with different skin concerns, too.
Product Type | Moisturizer |
---|---|
Skin Type | Normal to Dry Skin |
Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, MVE Delivery Technology |
Amount | 56 mL |
Product Type | Toner |
---|---|
Skin Type | Normal-to-Oily Skin Types, Including Sensitive and Acne-Prone Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Calendula Extract and Calendula Petals, Glycerin, Allantoin |
Amount | 500 mL |
Product Type | Sunscreen |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Helioplex, Homosalate Benzophenone-3 |
Amount | 88 mL |
Do you have a couple of facial blemishes that just won't go away? Consider grabbing this Niacinamide + Zinc serum from The Ordinary, a water-based serum that has been specially formulated to enhance skin brightness, improve skin texture, and fortify the skin barrier over time.
Simply put, this product helps you achieve that even, blemish-free complexion that we all would love to have. Another great thing is it has quite an affordable price for a quality serum. Just take note that while this is indicated for scars and blemishes, it's not an acne treatment.
Product Type | Serum |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Zinc PCA |
Amount | 60 mL |
Product Type | Cleanser |
---|---|
Skin Type | Oily, Acne-prone |
Key Ingredients | 1.5% Salicylic Acid, Oat Extract, Calendular Synerplex, Kakadu Plum Extract |
Amount | 120 mL |
Your body needs sun protection just as much as your face does—good thing Biore has the perfect solution! This water-based sunscreen provides adequate protection for both your face and body. Formulated with the Micro Defense UV formula and an SPF rating of 50+ and PA++++, it offers full skin coverage at a micro-level, so you're sure to get maximum sun protection.
Moreover, this gel sunscreen contains Aqua Micro Capsules that deliver hydration to your skin without leaving it feeling greasy or heavy. Several reviewers have also raved about this sunscreen, as it offers the perfect balance of maximum sun protection and moisturizing benefits.
Product Type | Sunscreen |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Aqua Micro Capsule |
Amount | 90 |
Product Type | Acne Spot Treatment |
---|---|
Skin Type | Oily, Acne-prone |
Key Ingredients | 5.5% Benzoyl Peroxide, Lipo-Hydroxy Acid, Glycerin, Silica |
Amount | 40 mL |
Centella Asiatica, or Cica, is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare because of its skin-soothing properties. And you'll be glad to know this ingredient is present in this moisturizer, along with tea tree. As a result, it helps calm down and repair troubled skin. It's optimal for those with acne-prone skin as it can soothe red and inflamed skin from breakouts.
This moisturizer comes in a gel texture that is light and refreshing on the skin, making it ideal for oily skin as well. Many users also like that it has a consistency that easily gets absorbed and feels comfortable to wear under makeup. If you're looking for something to help hydrate your skin to balance oil-water levels without irritating it, this is a good pick!
Product Type | Moisturizer |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Centella Asiatica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Allantoin, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol |
Amount | 50 mL |
If you're looking for something that can help you combat dull and congested skin, Paula's Choice has something for you. This exfoliant contains salicylic acid that does an excellent job of removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, leaving you with a more even complexion and smoother skin.
It also comes with green tea extract that helps soothe irritations. Plus, its sodium hydroxide inclusion balances your skin's pH levels. Users appreciate the product as well for its ability to improve skin texture and tone, with some noting its gentle, non-irritating nature, too.
Product Type | Toner |
---|---|
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Green Tea Extract |
Amount | 118 mL |
After reading all that information, you might still have some burning questions you want to be answered. To help you in that regard, we asked Dr. Meg some of the most asked questions on the web, and here are her answers!
Men's skincare is essentially the same as women's skincare. They also need to use cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens to take care of their skin.
The best time to use skincare products starts at a young age. They can already use mild cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens suited for their skin type. As they age, they can slowly incorporate skincare products based on what their skin needs.
Not necessarily. Skincare is not gender-based, and men can use whatever skincare products they need even if the label does not indicate it's "for men."
Avoid trying out several skincare products all at the same time to minimize breakouts and skin irritation. Make sure to always consult a board-certified dermatologist to guide you in choosing the right skincare products for you, especially if you have skin concerns.
So you've started taking care of your skin, but why stop there? Check out these other grooming products and tools to help you look, smell, and feel your best in every occasion!
Author: Adriel Coseip
Re-editor: Samantha Tidalgo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Cetaphil|Gentle Skin Cleanser
No. 2: Cerave|Moisturizing Cream
No. 3: Kiehl's|Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
No. 4: Neutrogena|Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
No. 5: The Ordinary|Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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