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AskMen’s Grooming Awards are back with the best product, treatment, and device recommendations for making sure you look your absolute best in 2022. Whether you’re looking for a hair trimmer that actually works, a new daily serum, or something to keep you smelling fresh, we’ve got you covered.
Grooming expert Joey Skladany combed through thousands of products from the past 12 months and handpicked those that deserved some time in the spotlight. Everything is recommended and tested by beauty industry experts, dermatologists, and most importantly, consumers.
These are AskMen’s top picks for the best face care products in 2022.
You’ll be happy to meet Soko Glam’s critically acclaimed, sorbet-like balm that melts away impurities before applying the products of your nightly skincare routine. It boasts skin-softening and -protecting sea buckthorn oil, as well as persimmon extract, olive oil, and vitamin E, so consider it Step 1 after a day of extreme temperatures and air pollution.
Farmacy shines most with its oil-free, pH-balanced foaming cleanser, which accommodates skin that flip-flops between oily and dry. Purifying moringa leaves your face feeling refreshed, while papaya exfoliates, and green clay removes surface buildup. Now these are some greens we can really get behind!
Japan-based Tatcha wows with this gentle yet effective cream cleanser that’s perfect for guys dealing with dry skin. Its nutrient-rich rice byproduct includes skin-strengthening vitamins A, B2, B12, and E, as well as moisturizing proteins that soften the surface to yield a luminous, smooth epidermis.
Cactus extract and three types of clay are the secret ingredients behind Cardon’s oil- and dirt-stripping formula, which ultimately helps to prevent breakouts and protect sensitive skin. Its wonderfully invigorating citrus and musk scent is just the icing on the cake.
Youth to the People does what it promises, rejuvenating your skin with this uber-popular, 100-percent vegan cleanser that features familiar superfood ingredients like kale, green tea, and spinach. That tremendous trio adds moisture to sensitive faces with anti-inflammatory properties, as well as skin-loving, plant-based phytonutrients, making it a medicine-cabinet must for anyone reluctant to incorporate new products.
We love a drugstore option that is as affordable as it is effective, and PanOxyl more than delivers with its Acne Foaming Face Wash. This fast-acting foam contains a whopping 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria, while shrinking already-formed pimples.
Pharrell was surely happy to put out his line’s most talked-about product: the Rice Powder Cleanser. This baby is a dream. Combining fruit alpha hydroxy acids, geranium, and snow mushrooms, it’s cruelty-free, fragrance-free, vegan, dermatologist-tested and eco-friendly, providing quick results when it comes to purifying, balancing, and brightening skin.
We’re not saying you have to have volcanic sand and crushed diamonds in your face scrub, but when given the option, we’ll never turn down Patricks FS1 Anti-Aging variety, which in addition to its high-profile ingredients, is jam-packed with anti-aging peptides, multivitamins and anti-irritants to grant you smooth, clear, and nourished skin.
Clinically proven to accelerate skin’s natural cell turnover, this jar of lactic acid and probiotic ferment complex-based pads is a quick and easy way to remove dead skin cells and encourage smoother, brighter, more radiant skin. Simply use every morning and evening after cleansing — it won’t strip the skin and cause it to dry out.
Alcohol-free and made with a blend of organic witch hazel, blood orange and lavender oils, this delicate toner brightens and firms skin while minimizing pores and bringing balance to oil-prone T-zones. It’s also a great pre- or post-shave addition to help suppress inflammation in more sensitive areas.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum is anything but ordinary. Its 10% formulation exfoliates beneath the surface to provide just enough superficial peeling to unearth new, refreshed, smooth skin that looks as if you just underwent an expensive spa or laser treatment — when all you did was buy an $8 serum.
We’re drunk in love with Drunk Elephant’s superfood-heavy retinol cream. It’s a kiss goodbye to fine lines, sun damage, and wrinkles (at least temporarily). The company also makes a commitment to recycling that we can completely get behind. Simply pop off the top, unscrew the clear vial, and recycle the vial and outer container to do your part in protecting our planet.
Your future is bright with this Perricone MD serum. It’s a beauty routine must-have for anyone who wants dark spots and discoloration faded over time. The potent blend also contains squalene and rosemary leaf extract, which hydrate and tighten the skin before you apply your favorite moisturizer.
Queer and employee-owned and -operated Wiselands made a significant mark in the beauty space with a line of gender-neutral products using only the most sustainable and natural ingredients. We’re big fans of the Daily Rosemary Cleanser, which not only calms and hydrates, but also plumps and firms, with added flaxseed extract to keep skin looking full and youthful.
Find out more at Wiselands.world
No need to travel to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon to get a faceful of its famous clay — it’s now a product that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. Silica mud not only purifies and deep-cleanses, but also strengthens the skin by reducing pore visibility and improving complexion. This is a particularly wonderful product for anyone who experiences drying skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Fruit enzyme technology is all the rage right now, and Ernest Supplies has capitalized on the pore-opening qualities of papaya and pineapple enzymes, the buffing effects of caffeine-rich guarana seeds, and the skin-smoothing capabilities of antioxidant-rich acai pulp. It’s kind of like a fruit basket for your face, but without any of the chopping, slicing, or juicing.
Formulated with an organic base of botanical juices instead of excess water and alcohol, Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Peel Face Mask also boasts hydrating aloe leaf juice, exfoliating willow bark, and actual apple juice that contains powerful antioxidants to promote healthy-looking skin.
The alpha hydroxy acid in this treasured mask not only helps to exfoliate your skin and its tone, but also reduces signs of aging by firming and revitalizing the surface in only 10 minutes. Consider it a temporary facelift — sans the hefty price tag found in a plastic surgeon’s office.
Clinically proven to reduce visible redness and discomfort, this mask is a game-changer for men with notoriously sensitive skin. It cools on contact and is jam-packed with botanicals to calm aggravated areas like your cheeks, neck, and forehead after workouts, laser procedures, travel, and environmental exposure.
When applied, this may be the creepiest your face has ever looked (wrinkled beyond recognition), but the results are mind-blowing. Utilizing patented Octolift technology, the “all-in-one” facial reveals a brighter and softer surface that is photograph-ready for any special event. Just ask all of the A-list celebrities like Kim Kardashian who swear by it.
$110 at Hanacure.com
Harvested sustainably from the barley plant, BioEffect gleans epidermal growth factors that communicate with cells to repair and rejuvenate damaged skin. This award-winning serum not only supports your natural collagen production, but also reduces the appearance of unwanted fine lines and wrinkles, making it a mandatory step in the morning skincare routine of guys trying to stave off signs of aging.
This tube provides the skin-smoothing retinol your face craves after a standard cleanse-and-tone routine. Lock it in with your favorite moisturizer and wake up to radically improved surface texture, with the added benefit of antioxidant protection to combat the elements of your busy day.
Eye bags, begone! Geologie’s Dark & Puffy Under Eye Cream targets puffy, dark circles with caffeine and kojic acid so you’ll show zero signs of sleep deprivation or a hangover. (And that’s something you can’t really put a price on after a long weekend of letting loose and having to begrudgingly return to the office.)
It’s a pricey investment, but one dab of Lancome’s Absolue Eye Premium Bx goes a long way. Its patented Pro-Xylane blend helps to restore moisture and luminosity while replenishing the dryness that forms in your natural eye contour. The result: bright, rejuvenated eyes — without the need for a week-long vacation (or venti iced coffee).
Melt away stubborn acne with Blume’s tried-and-true acne oil. It features a zit-fighting blend of rosehip, blue tansy, tamanu, and black cumin seed that work in tandem to soothe, calm, and prevent unexpected breakouts. You can also apply it to break-out prone areas of your body after taking a bath or shower for similar results.
That pesky pimple doesn’t stand a chance against this potent drying lotion, which coats the inflamed area and shrinks it, almost magically, overnight. It’s the perfect treatment for any cyst or whitehead that unexpectedly creeps up before your big day.
Vintner’s Daughter has produced a meticulously-manufactured, category-defining face oil. Formulated with 22 of the world’s most nutrient-rich botanicals, like avocado and lavender, this product nourishes, revitalizes, soothes, and balances — all without clogging pores.
Want 24-hour moisturization? Look no further than Kiehl’s most popular moisturizer, which uses squalene and glycerin to keep your skin feeling baby-soft, but not greasy-looking. This product is a staple in the brand’s extensive line, and rightfully so — it works.
Not only is CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion a dermatologist top pick, but it’s not restricted to your face, either. The oil-free formula can also be applied to the rest of your body; its triple ceramide combo will lock in moisture and restore your skin’s protective barrier all over.
Hyaluronic acid takes center stage in Neutrogena’s affordable water-based moisturizer, which has garnered thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon for a reason. This medicine cabinet must-have will be a go-to for those whose cracked or flaky skin that is in desperate need of a hydration boost.
This American-made staple is essential for anyone who seeks a mattifying, vegan formula that will inhibit the potential of future breakouts, all while keeping their skin oil-free, soft and hydrated.
This one is difficult to pronounce, but easy to use. Backed by world-renowned dermatologists, La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is pretty much unparalleled when it comes to moisturizing results. And luckily, it can be applied morning and night without the fear of over-doing it and looking like you’ve fallen head-first into an oil slick.
With this bad boy, not only do you get the benefit of protected skin, but Disco has incorporated anti-aging tripeptide to bid wrinkle-causing sunshine adieu, all while promoting a more youthful glow. (The only glow your skin needs, frankly, since it’s not the result of damaging UV rays).
You’ll be calling yourself Superman as you dodge the sun’s harmful UV rays with Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen. The cult favorite is practically an invisible addition to any skincare routine with a weightless, scentless, velvety blend of ingredients that also mattify your skin for all-day wear.
Murad uses face-mapping technology to create a custom serum to accommodate your skin’s unique needs. Whether it’s anti-aging, blemish-control, or deep hydration, the bottle’s label even prints your name, benefits, and the date it was manufactured so that your skincare experience is even more personalized. It’s perfect for those who like to feel extra special.
Find out more at Murad.com
A floss pick is essential in removing and scraping food from hard-to-reach places, but many brands’ picks break or shred in the process, which kind of defeats the purpose. DenTek’s Advanced Clean Floss Picks are, by far, the sturdiest on the market, so you can dig right into those molars with ease and without frustration.
We appreciate everything MamaP stands for, with their line of Earth-friendly, soft-headed toothbrushes. Each product is carbon-neutral, with a compostable bamboo handle and box, utilizing 95 percent less plastic than standard models. Most importantly, it’s lightweight, comfortable, and lined with durable bristles to prevent dreaded plaque buildup.
Powerful but gentle vibrations help to rid your mouth of plaque and bacteria, but it’s this small round brush’s Smart Pressure Sensor that really sold us. The technology prevents users from brushing too hard, which ultimately protects gums and enamel. There are also seven smart modes (including one for brushing your tongue) to tailor your tooth-brushing experience around your specific intentions.
There are a lot of toothpastes out there, but the best of them provide guaranteed cavity protection, and Colgate lives up to its promise with the presence of active fluoride. The long-lasting fresh breath it offers is simply an added bonus, but a welcome one.
Nothing on the market compares to the pearly white smile that Crest’s no-nonsense 3D Whitestrips provide after only a few easy rounds. In fact, most professional treatments can’t yield the same results, which surely makes dentists infuriated — but financial advisors very happy.
What we love most about Snow’s At-Home Teeth-Whitening Kit is that it comes with a whopping 75-plus treatments — so that you can use it whenever your heart (or mouth) desires. Its shape and gel is also designed with sensitive teeth in mind, to rid your fangs of stains associated with coffee, cigarette smoking, and wine.
If you’re tired of the harshness of mainstream mouthwashes, which seemingly burn away the bacteria to produce refreshing, minty breath, look no further than TheraBreath. It’s a gentle formula that maintains a clean state for literal hours on end after ridding your mouth of dryness and bad odors. Try some of this and breathe easy — literally.
Warning: Jack Black’s Intense Therapy Lip Balm may lead to chronic make-out sessions. The emollient balm, enriched with conditioners and antioxidants, makes your lips so smooth that kissing them is practically irresistible.
Unruly brow hairs can put a damper on any grooming routine, which is why we turn to Meloway’s Brow Creation Gel to tame them. The brand’s innovative brush also helps to fill and thicken (if you opt for a tinted variety) so that your brows match the hair on your beard and/or head.
Lots of guys feel like they could use a little enhancement in the cheek, jaw, and under-eye areas, and Juvederm delivers with a hyaluronic acid gel that can provide anywhere from nine months to a year of facial correction, lifting, or accentuation. Be sure to discuss your beauty goals with a board-certified dermatologist who is experienced with the injectable first, however.
Find out more at Juvederm.com
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