12 Skincare Products Male Dermatologists Swear By

Walk into any skincare aisle and you’ll find yourself staring down a wall of promises: brighter, tighter, smoother, clearer. Serums for this, creams for that, and topicals claiming to do everything short of paying your taxes. The problem isn’t a lack of options—it’s too many.

To help you navigate the necessities from the noise, we went straight to guys who treat skin for a living. Below, see what male dermatologists actually use and recommend most to get their—and now your—skin at its peak.

A good cleanser’s the backbone of any simple skincare routine to wash off excess oil, dirt, and debris—yet you don’t need anything fancy to get the job done. Jason H. Miller, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in Freehold, New Jersey, recommends this drugstore staple from Vanicream that won’t dry out or strip your skin. “It is non-comedogenic [it won’t clog your pores] and helps balance the skin’s pH, supporting a more optimal barrier function,” he says. Plus, it’s free from allergens and potential irritants like fragrance, dye, and parabens. “It’s no frills and no fuss, but gets the job done well.”

Vanicream

Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vitamin C serums brighten the skin, address hyperpigmentation, stimulate collagen to combat fine lines and wrinkles, and protect against UV and environmental damage. It does it all—and this cult-favorite option is the heavy hitter of the bunch. (Not to mention it launched a thousand dupes once its patent expired in 2025.) “It is a pricey item,” says Carson Kirkpatrick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York, “but for the quality of product you get, it is worth it.” Plus, CE Ferulic took home top honors in our 2025 Grooming Awards. (And according to GQ’s associate commerce editor, a few drops a day will make you look like you take really good care of your skin.)

SkinCeuticals

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Mother Science is the first and only brand that centers its formulas around malassezin: a naturally occurring molecule on the skin that not only fades the appearance of dark spots but also helps yield a smoother, firmer, more resilient complexion. The brand’s hero product “does the work of an antioxidant fighting sun damage but also packs a punch for hyperpigmentation,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. (P.S. Our grooming and wellness director also champions the brand’s Retinol Synergist for nighttime use.)

Mother Science

Molecular Hero Dark Spot Serum

Pretty much all derms agree that retinol—and its more potent counterparts, like retinal and tretinoin—are the gold standard for anti-aging. David Kim, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Soho Dermatology in New York City, recommends this gentle retinal to combat signs of aging without making your skin dry and angry (common side effects of these powerful topicals). “It helps with fine lines and wrinkles and boosts collagen production,” he says.

Many men have combination-to-oily skin and dislike moisturizers due to shine, says Ethan Wonuk Hwang, MD, a cosmetic physician and the director of Cheongdam Lebelle Clinic in Seoul, South Korea. However, this mattifying moisturizer can help temper down sebum—courtesy of zinc, vitamin B6, and salicylic acid—to help you look less greasy and more balanced. “This product works well for men who experience midday shine, dislike heavy creams, and want smoother skin texture,” he says.

Bioderma

Sebium MAT Control Cream

Another great drugstore staple that proves that a great moisturizer doesn’t need to come with a luxury markup. According to Dr. Hartman, it’s a favorite among men since it offers “just enough hydration to ward off oil overcompensation without feeling heavy or looking greasy.”

La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Mat Daily Moisturizer for Oily Skin

If your skin skews more temperamental, you’ll find relief with this barrier-repairing moisturizer that’s suitable for oily to dry skin. “It’s a super lightweight gel moisturizer with 5 percent urea to hydrate the skin without clogging the pores,” says Dr. Kim. He adds that it’s also great for men prone to breakouts.

Zeroid

Richenic Cream with Urea 5%

Dr. Miller cites this oil-free moisturizer as a tried-and-true favorite, especially for men with rosacea or sensitive skin. “Developed with ceramides (the lipids that are naturally found in the skin barrier) and hyaluronic acid (a humectant that holds moisture in the skin), it uses multiple pathways to improve skin hydration, calm, and soothe,” he says. It also packs niacinamide, an ingredient that regulates sebum production, reduces the appearance of pores, strengthens the skin barrier, and then some.

CeraVe

PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

Daily sunscreen use is non-negotiable if you want balanced, healthy skin that holds up over time. According to Dr. Miller, the best sunscreen is one that you’ll actually commit to wearing daily (yes, even during winter or when it’s cloudy). For him, EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 stands out from the competition. “It’s not as thick and chalky as other zinc-based products,” he says. “Micronized particles give it a lighter feel, making it easier to smooth over facial skin, stubble, or unshaven facial hair.” He adds that the fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula works well on oily and acne-prone skin and won’t leave a white cast on most skin tones.

Elta MD

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Consistent sunscreen use is the best way to prevent visible signs of aging, says Dr. Kirkpatrick. Like most derms, he recommends daily application to all of his patients. His go-to is the Unseen Sunscreen by Supergoop!, which lives up to its name. “I’ve found that many other sunscreens are heavy, but this one has a lightweight, clear formula that I can’t feel on my skin,” he says. It’s also suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Supergoop!

Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

Developed by Dr. Kim himself, this lightweight and silky mineral sunscreen is packed with ingredients that’ll restore even the most sensitive complexions. “Panthenol and centella asiatica calm and soothe your skin under the sun,” he says. Bonus: These skin-loving ingredients just might reduce the need for additional calming products in your routine.

Lightsaver

Triplesome Serum SPF 40

Dr. Hwang is a fan of this Korean sunscreen not only for its protection from UV damage but also due to its barrier-friendly formula, which supports long-term skin health. It features restorative ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and soothing allantoin—all of which can help guys who over-cleanse, shave daily, or have barrier damage. “This version is also useful for men with visible flushing, post-exercise redness, or mild rosacea,” he adds.

Aestura

Derma UV365 Barrier Hydro Mineral Sunscreen