8 Grooming Products Every Man Should Be Using
Social media loves an excessive grooming routine. On TikTok, the ‘Everything Shower’ turns a basic ritual into an hours-long full-body spa, while ‘slugging’ involves slathering the face with very heavy ointment to achieve maximum hydration. At the same time, the male trend for ‘looksmaxxing’ covers everything from weird tongue workouts to extreme bone smashing to achieve chiselled features.
While these trends range from overkill to downright dangerous, at the other end of the spectrum, doing the bare minimum won’t take care of your present – or future – self either. There’s a happy medium between a bathroom routine that’s stocked like a Superdrug and one with monastic restraint.
“The best skincare routine is the one you can maintain,” says Gregor Jaspers, founder of The Grey. “Keep it simple with products that are rich in ingredients and suited to your skin type and needs.”
Harley Street aesthetic doctor and skincare founder, Dr David Jack, agrees. “A minimal routine that someone actually follows is far more helpful than a maximal routine that is used sporadically,” he explains. “Skin responds to consistency and tolerance over the longer term rather than overstimulation with products that aren’t designed to be used together. The key thing for skin health is ensuring it has the biochemical building blocks it needs to function well over time.”
This means that each decade requires its own skincare blueprint. “In your 20s, the focus is about prevention. Your 30s are about cellular signalling; collagen production has already started to decline by this point. In your 40s, the routine becomes more strategic rather than complicated,” says Dr Jack.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need to add more steps to your current skincare routine, but you do need to pay attention to whether the core active ingredients are right for you now. Depending on your skin’s changing needs, how should your grooming routine look in your 20s, 30s, and 40s?
The right skincare for your age
In your 20s
“The focus should be about using skin care primarily to prevent future damage,” says Dr Jack. “This includes cleansing properly, wearing SPF daily and introducing a lightweight antioxidant product to support barrier function and oil regulation. Retinoids at this stage are good for long-term prevention of issues related to sun exposure.”
As with most things in life, less is more. “Over-treating at this stage tends to create irritation without meaningful long-term benefit,” says Dr Jack. Gregor Jaspers concurs, “skin at this age can be acne-prone, so avoid harsh cleansers and extreme exfoliants.”
In your 30s
“This is when the first signs of ageing, stress, and lifestyle choices like alcohol and diet will start to show,” says Jaspers. “Now is the time to focus on strengthening and correcting your skin. In addition to a cleanser, use a face cream that addresses hydration and anti-ageing.”
“At this stage, I always ensure patients introduce a vitamin A derivative at night,” says Dr Jack, “collagen production has already started to decline by this point, and retinoids remain the most evidence-based way of influencing skin cells to behave in a more youthful way.”
In your 40s
“Higher strength retinoids are usually better tolerated at this age and more central. Hydration becomes increasingly important as testosterone levels reduce and areas like the neck, hands, and body – where ageing can feel disproportionate if ignored – become more of a focus. Go easy on exfoliation, which often does more harm to the skin’s barrier at this stage,” advises Dr Jack.
Gregor Jaspers agrees: “In your forties, increase the strength of the products you use. Choose a heavier face cream with anti-ageing ingredients, and use an eye cream that targets wrinkles. SPF remains essential. Add stronger serums, such as those with retinols and peptides, alongside your vitamin C serum for maximum results.”
The 8 Products Every Man Should Use
Below is your daily ride-or-die face-and-body routine. From this base, you can add face or body products such as toners, scrubs and weekly masks or treatments, depending on your skin type and concerns.
Essential 1: Facial Cleanser
Skincare begins and ends with clean skin. A dedicated facial cleanser trumps regular soap, wet wipes (please, no), or shower gel for several reasons.
Face wash is typically formulated to remove sunscreen, grime, and pollution and to deep-clean pores without disturbing the skin’s natural pH balance and barrier.
Soap tends to be more alkaline and contains harsh sulfates, which can cause irritation, dryness, and overproduction of oil, leading to spots and breakouts (yes, your ‘oily’ skin might just be imbalanced).
“Over-cleansing or using harsh surfactants disrupts the barrier, increases trans-epidermal water loss and drives low-grade inflammation, which quietly undermines everything else you are trying to achieve,” says Dr Jack. “Cleansing supports the skin’s ability to regulate itself and allows active ingredients applied afterwards to work more effectively.”
You want something gentle that maintains the skin’s barrier and pH and is tailored to your specific skin type. Gel and low-foaming formulas tend to suit oily or younger skin and normal/dry skin types in summer, while cream, oil, or milky-based formulas tend to suit drier or mature skin types, or normal/combination skin in winter.
Cleansers with dissolvable or natural beads, or with exfoliating salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid (AHAs), work for all skin types and eliminate the need for an additional facial scrub in your lineup.
We like:
Dr David Jack Supernova Anti-oxidant Cleansing Gel, £45
Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Face Cleanser, £33
Harry’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser, £8
Horace Purifying Face Cleanser, £13
The Grey Charcoal Face Wash, €59
Aesop Parsley Seed Cleanser, £30
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser, £18.49
Paula’s Choice Ultra-Gentle Cleanser, £26
Lab Series Multi-Action Face Wash, £26
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser, £26.50
Essential 2: Moisturiser with SPF
If you don’t use SPF 30 or higher every day, rain or shine, the best time to start is now. “A well-formulated sunscreen remains the most important active ingredient of all,” Dr David Jack explains.
“It prevents the damage that necessitates everything else, yet is still too often framed as optional rather than foundational. From a skin health point of view, if you do nothing else for your skin, using a broad-spectrum, high-factor SPF moisturiser every single morning will have the greatest long-term impact.”
“Ultraviolet radiation is the dominant environmental factor driving skin ageing. Daily exposure, even in the UK and on overcast days, leads to cumulative DNA damage, collagen degradation and chronic low-grade inflammation in the skin, so a well-formulated SPF that protects against both UVA (which accelerates ageing) and UVB (which drives sunburn and skin cancer) is exceptionally important.”
Other essential ingredients in a daily hydrator include vitamin C for brightness and even skin tone, and plumping hyaluronic acid and peptides for elasticity and to strengthen the skin barrier.
A daily moisturiser with SPF reduces bathroom clutter and helps you maintain a reliable routine, making it less likely you’ll skip sun protection.
We like:
The Grey Daily Face Protect SPF 50, €59
Paula’s Choice 5% Vitamin C Sheer Moisturiser SPF 50, £46
Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C C-Tetra Cream SPF 30, £60
Dr David Jack All Day Long Daily Defence SPF 50+ Moisturiser, £95
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30, £37
Murad Superactive Moisturiser SPF 50: Brightening, £55
Horace Mattifying Moisturizer SPF30, £19
Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturiser SPF 30, £64
Essential 3: High Performance Serum
The body enters maintenance mode during sleep, so an overnight serum helps support cell renewal, remove free radicals, and repair the skin barrier. “This is the time to feed your skin what it lacks,” says Gregor Jaspers.
“Dry skin needs hyaluronic acid. For strength and barrier repair, use niacinamide, bakuchiol (an antioxidant), and peptides for anti-ageing. Use an AHA for skin impurities and cell turnover.”
Dr David Jack also recommends antioxidant formulas with vitamin C, E and niacinamide. “Modern skin exists in a constant state of oxidative stress. Anti-oxidants help neutralise these reactive oxygen species before they damage lipids, proteins and DNA within the skin.”
“Retinoid at night is essential,” says Dr Jack. “They are probably the single most evidence-based group of ingredients we have in skincare for improving skin function and health over the long term. They work at a cellular level by influencing gene expression, increasing collagen production, normalising epidermal turnover and improving skin texture and tone. Used consistently and sensibly, retinoids help future-proof the skin.”
We like:
Paula’s Choice Cellular Youth Longevity Serum, £65
Medik8 Niacinamide Peptides, £49
Ole Henriksen Double Rewind Pro-Grade 0.3% Retinol Serum, £59
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% B5 Original Formulation, £7.90
Lab Series Daily Rescue Repair Serum, £58
Murad Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment, £105
Rituals Bakuchiol Natural Booster, £22.90
Aroma-Zone Hyaluronic Acid 3.5% Serum, £6.50
Horace Bio-Retinol+Argireline Peptide Serum, £24
Cetaphil Repair & Renew Serum PM, £26.50
Essential 4: Eye Treatment
“As your eyes will start to show age, use an effective eye cream now,” advises Gregor Jaspers. The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate, so it requires special treatment and extra hydration to stay smooth. Puffiness and dark circles can occur at any age.
Beware of using excessively rich or heavy formulas, as this can cause milia. While harmless, these hard, white keratin bumps can be difficult to remove because they are under the skin.
The best eye products lock in moisture overnight, while cooling metal applicators help tighten and brighten for an overall more rested and healthier look in the morning.
We like:
Grown Alchemist Regenerating Eye Cream, £52
Horace Moisturising Eye Contour, £20
Harry’s Brightening Eye Cream, £6.50
Lab Series Anti-Age MAX LS Eye Treatment, £47
BIOEFFECT EGF Power Eye Cream, £119
Dr David Jack Stellar Meso Renew Eye Cream, £95
Kat Burki Rose Hip Intense Recovery Eye Serum, £114
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment, £50
Dr Hauschka Eye Balm, £33
Buly 1803 Vide Poche Toning Eye Serum, €30
Essential 5: Body Wash
It’s easy to neglect the skin from the neck down, but eventually it will start to show. As Dr David Jack pointed out, as testosterone levels decrease, the effects of ageing can become more noticeable on other parts of the body.
“A good body cleanser sits firmly in the category of very worthwhile, particularly from the perspective of barrier health,” he says.
Versus traditional soap, contemporary body washes contain skincare actives that can help tackle breakouts, itchy, dry or flaky skin, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, and keratosis pilaris (aka bumpy ‘chicken skin’), and they provide superior scent profiles.
How you lather up – lower legs, full legs or no legs – is another hot debate. However, all cracks and crevices must be thoroughly scrubbed; don’t just assume the suds that wash down there will do the job.
We like:
Hello Klean Blank Space Anti-KP Body Wash, £20
Johnny Slicks Beast Wash Frosted Pine Body Wash, £22
Uni Skin Shield Body Wash Praiano Garden, £33
Nécessaire The Body Wash Olibanum, £38
Commune Seymour Body Wash, £65
Horace Oud Rose Moisturising Shower Gel, £9
Jo Malone London Enrich Shower Cream, £25
Harry’s Wildlands Body Wash, £5.50
Dr Squatch Pine Tar Exfoliating Body Wash, £15
Rituals Sport Foaming Shower Gel, £10.90
Essential 6: Deodorant
You smell. We all do. The rise of hybrid working has had an interesting impact on grooming routines. It’s made it easier to mooch about and whiff a bit.
Slackers who only put on their best selves for the days they’re at the office need to spare a thought for the people they live with. Even the most remote working hermit has to interact with society, so basic personal hygiene remains a civic duty, and a show of consideration to everyone around you.
We like:
Rollr Vetiver Deodorant, £35
Nécessaire The Deodorant Eucalyptus, £22
Patrick’s ND1 Natural Deodorant, £38
Dr Squatch Sierra Storm Deodorant, £12
Native Sea Salt & Cedar Deodorant Stick, £11.99
AKT The Deodorant Balm SC.01, £21
Uni Natural Skin Soothing Deodorant Ischia Sunset, £32
SALT & STONE Bergamot & Hinoki Deodorant, £20
L’Occitane Cèdre Encens Stick Deodorant, £19
Floris London No.89 Deodorant, £32
Essential 7: Signature Scent
Finding your fragrance identity is the finishing touch to every outfit, leaving a lasting impression. The rule is always to find your own, at least within your inner circle. Never copy the one your friend wears – people get touchy and territorial about ‘their’ fragrance.
“It is important to discover a fragrance that conveys your style, or is a reflection of your personality,” says master perfumer and founder of ROJA London, Roja Dove. “Trust your own nose.”
He also offers this sage advice on how to wear it: “Spray scent on the wrists; we use our hands and arms when we speak, and it is movement that brings scent to life. One of the most beautiful places for scent is in the clavicle. As you move your head, you have the pleasure of smelling it, but also if someone comes to greet you, they will too.
“Spray four or five times in the same spot, a few centimetres from your skin. The scent will last for much longer. Ultimately, take the time to find the scent that expresses who you are.”
We like to sample on our wrists (blotters don’t reveal how it smells on the skin), leave it on without washing it off, and sleep on it. The next morning, if we’re coming back for more and it has lasted well, there’s a good chance it’s a keeper.
By all means, build a collection with choices to suit seasons, moods and occasions, but your signature should be the one you reliably wear the most throughout the year. Need a starting point? Sniff out these enduringly popular scents and go from there.
We like:
Acqua di Parma Colonia Eau de Cologne, £158 for 100ml
Hermès Terre d’Hermès Eau de Toilette, £108 for 100ml
Dior Sauvage Eau de Toilette £107 for 100ml
Creed Aventus, £310 for 100ml
Montblanc Explorer Eau de Parfum, £85 for 100ml
Chanel Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette, £109 for 100ml
ROJA London Elysium Pour Homme Eau de Parfum, £285 for 100ml
Louis Vuitton Imagination Eau de Parfum, £260 for 100ml
Jo Malone Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense, £164 for 100ml
Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Eau de Parfum, £255 for 70ml
Essential 8: Dental Floss
If the eyes are the window to the soul, the gums are the express train to the brain and heart. The health benefits of diligent flossing extend far beyond pearly whites.
Keeping your gums healthy and free from inflammation helps prevent all the fun stuff like cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and dementia. Gum disease, if left unchecked, allows bacteria to spread through the bloodstream, causing chronic inflammation and the buildup of arterial plaque.
Regular flossing means a cleaner mouth and fresher breath, less discomfort during hygiene appointments, and a lower risk of developing chronic disease.
So, get stuck in between those teeth, because there’s no better ROI in your health than this grooming purchase.
We like:
The Humble Co. Floss Picks, £3
Waken Daily Care Dental Floss, £3.50
Georganics Bionylon Floss, £4.90
Pärla Plastic Free Floss, £4.50
Waterpik Cordless Pulse, £44.99
Ordo Hydro Sonic Water Flosser, £59.99
Grin White Charcoal Flosspyx, £7.14
