The 20 best men's skin care products on Amazon, according to dermatologists

CNN

03-07-2025

Men's Amazon skin care quick picks
A cleanser that won't strip your skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
A bestselling exfoliant: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
A moisturizer that punches above its price: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
The best sunscreen we've tested: Murad Multivitamin Clear Coat Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 With some of the best men's skin care available on Amazon, an affordable skin care regimen is just a few clicks away. Yet only 11% of men have a daily skin care routine, according to a 2023 CivicScience survey.
If you count yourself among the majority of guys slacking on grooming, this guide will fix that. Ahead, you'll find everything you need to take care of your skin, including dermatologist- and editor-approved Amazon skin care products that ship straight to your door.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
With its wide availability and derm-approved formulas, La Roche-Posay has become a mainstay in our skin care guides, and the brand's Toleriane cleansers continue that trend. 'This daily gentle cleanser is made with prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide and ceramides to effectively wash away dirt, oil and pollutants while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier,' said Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. Order it if you have normal or dry skin.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
La Roche-Posay's Purifying Cleanser boasts a similar formula with a little extra cleansing oomph for oilier skin types. 'In my experience, men prefer a foaming cleanser, and this one checks all the boxes in terms of leaving the skin feeling refreshed without stripping the barrier,' said Catie Boucher, a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm.
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, directed men with normal to oily skin to Cetaphil's Daily Facial Cleanser. 'It contains glycerin, vitamin B3 and vitamin B5, so it won't leave the skin feeling dry while still adequately cleansing,' she said.
Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Daily Cleanser
If there's one product I credit with keeping my skin (mostly) clear, it's this drugstore face wash. Infused with 1% salicylic acid, the foaming formula breaks down excess oil without completely stripping the skin, making it an excellent choice for oily, acne-prone skin types. Read our review
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
CeraVe is everywhere, and for good reason. Not only are its products affordable and available at most stores, but they also receive high praise from derms like Dr. Noah Gratch, a board-certified dermatologist at MCDS Dermatology. He said CeraVe's Foaming Cleanser works for all skin types, thanks to its fragrance-free, oil-regulating formula that won't dry out the skin.
Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub
Part cleanser, part exfoliator, Kiehl's Facial Fuel Scrub removes dead skin and pollutants while also softening facial hair for a closer shave. As soothing as the menthol and vitamin E formula is, Gratch recommends only using it twice a week.
CeraVe Acne Control Gel
This AHA- and BHA-based gel from CeraVe is Boucher's pick for exfoliation, as it helps 'decongest the pores' while calming and hydrating the skin with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Be sure to wear sunscreen after applying.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment
'A few months ago, my brother asked me for the name of my dermatologist so he could get his skin in order ahead of his wedding,' associate deals editor Elena Matarazzo said. The derm's advice? Try this serum to reduce blemishes and pore size. 'He's been using it ever since, along with a gentle cleanser from the brand, and has seen noticeable differences on his cheeks, which were a major problem area during his initial consult with the doctor.'
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This Amazon bestseller earns a nod from Garshick. With active ingredients like salicylic acid, it helps to fight ingrown hairs, smooth the skin and unclog pores, according to the dermatologist. Start by using it every other day, followed by daily or twice-daily applications.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
'Used just one to two times a week, this exfoliating treatment eliminates dull skin, removes buildup and reveals smoother, healthier-looking skin,' Camp said. The anti-aging treatment works with the help of ingredients like lactic and salicylic acid, plus soothing aloe vera, honey and vitamin E.
The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner
'Though it's not one of beauty editor Sophie Shaw's top products from The Ordinary, I do love the hydrating qualities of this affordable toner,' associate testing writer Joe Bloss said. After cleansing with a face wash, toners like this one can remove dead skin and offer a moisture boost.
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
I'm testing this formula for an upcoming story on the best men's moisturizers, and though I've used it before, I'm once again stunned by The Ordinary's price-to-quality ratio. For less than a latte, you get an excellent face moisturizer with clean ingredients that works for nearly all skin types. If you pick one moisturizer, make it this one.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Men looking for a do-it-all moisturizer they can apply everywhere should consider this cream, which topped our testing pool in our review of the best moisturizers for dry skin. Gratch likes that it's lightweight and fragrance-free, so it won't clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Free from dyes, fragrances and other irritating ingredients, Vanicream's moisturizer should be a go-to for anyone with eczema or extra-sensitive skin. Camp also commends the product's rich but lightweight texture, which he said is 'formulated with hyaluronic acid and five key ceramides to retain moisture and leave skin feeling soft.'
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Serum
'For men who prefer more of a serum, La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 is a great option as it allows for easy application, especially for men with facial hair who feel moisturizers get caught in their beard,' Boucher said. She also recommends CeraVe's Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Gel Cream
Greasy skin? Try Neutrogena's gel cream, which Garshick said provides moisture while feeling weightless. In our drugstore moisturizer review, our tester confirmed that the gel is very lightweight, making it a great choice for sweltering hot weather and those with normal or combination skin. For best results, apply it to damp skin.
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+
Men's skin is more susceptible to sun damage, Gratch said, so it's vital to add sunscreen to your routine. Neutrogena's Sport Face Sunscreen is his choice, thanks to its lightweight formula that doesn't clog pores.
Murad Multivitamin Clear Coat Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
After our panel tested 25 sunscreens, Murad's lightweight gel stunned us with its invisible application and nourishing skin-perfecting ingredients. It's expensive, but one tester said that just a little bit of the potent formula goes a long way.Read our review
Andalou Naturals Daily Shade + Blue Light Defense Facial Lotion SPF 30
In our roundup of the best face sunscreens, Garshick called this one of her favorite formulas, praising its broad-spectrum protection and its moisture-boosting ingredients.
Supergoop! Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
Guys may be reluctant to use tinted sunscreen because it seems like makeup, but I've used this formula for years and can confidently say the tint is imperceptible. On top of its invisible, matte application, it's wonderfully light, soaking into greasy skin without adding any oil or heft. The only con is the price. The following FAQs have been answered by clinicians Dr. Brendan Camp and Catie Boucher.
What is the highest-rated men's skin care product on Amazon?
What is the highest-rated men's skin care product on Amazon?
If you filter skin care products by gender on Amazon and sort by bestsellers, you'll find top-rated products from brands like Thayers, Dove Men and Harry's, as well as viral hits like Medicube and Hero Cosmetics. But I'd use our clinicians' picks to steer you in the right direction, given they have the expertise to surface products with science-based ingredients.
What is the best daily skin care routine for men?
What is the best daily skin care routine for men?
A skin care routine doesn't have to be complicated. If you want to stick to the basics, Camp suggests a simple three-step approach. In the morning, cleanse, moisturize and apply sunscreen. (Remember that a moisturizer with SPF can serve two purposes.) In the evening, repeat the same process but skip the sun protection. You can add other products — like toners and exfoliants — gradually, Camp added.
Skin care kits can also be a good starting point, as they often include everything needed for a well-rounded daily regimen.
Still lost? Don't be afraid to ask for help, Boucher said. 'Beyond those essential foundational products, it can be very helpful to schedule a consult with a professional to learn more about how you can best care for your skin in the long term.'
Are there differences between men's and women's skin?
Are there differences between men's and women's skin?
In general, men and women tend to share the same skin care concerns, Boucher said, though guys with facial hair may gravitate to lighter formulations that won't get caught in their beards.
There are, however, some physiological differences. 'The main differences between men's and women's skin is the fact that, as a general rule, men's skin is thicker and produces more oil,' she said. 'While these are key differences to keep in mind when choosing skin care products, marketing tends to put men into a 'one size fits all' box when it comes to their routine.'
For this article, I consulted the following four clinicians to gain their professional insights on men's skin care.
Catie Boucher, board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm
Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York
Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and New Jersey
Dr. Noah Gratch, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this guide, associate writer Maxwell Shukuya leaned on board-certified clinicians and hands-on testing to compile a list of the best men's skin care available on Amazon. Shukuya also brings his own experience as a product tester, having written guides on mineral sunscreens, drugstore face washes and sustainable skin care.