The Best Skincare Sets for Men, According to Grooming Experts
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Pragmatic, process-oriented men who value efficiency can be difficult to buy gifts for. A skincare set, however, is an excellent middle ground between pampering and practicality and is a perfect present for novice and seasoned grooming enthusiasts alike.
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The best skincare sets for men cover all the bases of skincare necessities — cleanser, moisturizer, SPF — with the added element of discovery for a new brand or product. If he’s new to self-care, then there’s a chance to build a long-lasting (and lifelong!) regimen.
And while gifting season only comes a few times a year — holidays, birthdays, anniversaries — a skincare regimen happens twice daily, every day. Gifting a man a skincare set is setting him up for success on a daily basis. Read on for a roster of the best sets, curated by a handful of experts who SPY trusts, including our resident grooming expert.
Here’s what they’re using and recommending, each of which makes a terrific gift (to oneself, or someone else).
What to Look for in a Men’s Skincare Set
Skincare is overcomplicated most of the time. It can be very simple, and purchasing a skincare set distills down what could be hours of back and forth into just the essentials.
The most important thing is to find a kit that matches the user’s skin type and needs. “Type” refers to one’s oil levels or lack thereof. Someone with dry skin wants products that both trap and supercharge existing moisture, while individuals with oily skin want lighter products that won’t suffocate pores. In terms of “needs,” everyone should be using a product that treats and prevents acne, boosts firmness in aging skin, and protects skin from UV rays.
Also, don’t buy a skincare set with products out of budget for the recipient. Consistency is crucial with any skincare regimen, and buying products they can’t repurchase and use for years isn’t helpful.
From a CEO: A Kit that Prolongs Youth
Peter Marler, CEO of Robin Golf, maker and purveyor of masterful golf clubs
Cardon Skincare Essentials Skincare Set + Bamboo Charcoal Sheet Masks
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Kit Includes: Purifying Clay Cleanser, Daily SPF30 Moisturizer, Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer
Skin Types: All (especially oily)
Marler has been using Cardon since 2019 (right near the brand’s onset, really). He maintains a monthly subscription to this essentials kit (which includes the cleanser SPY gave a Grooming Award in 2023). “To put it simply, I love Cardon’s products. They make my skin look and feel amazing. I use the clay face and SPF moisturizer every morning and the hydro boost every evening,” he says. “And on Sunday evenings I make a martini and put on the brand’s charcoal face mask as a little pre-week treat myself ritual.”
Alas, that mask is sold separately, but like Marler, people can subscribe to routine deliveries. Marler also attributes this routine to the fact that he is often mistaken as the younger sibling when standing next to his brother (despite being three years older).
From a Founder: A Set That Revives Tired, Stressed Skin
Stephen Zieminski, founder of Naked Nutrition, providers of transparent and straightforward supplements
Brickell Men's Products Daily Advanced Face Care Routine
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Kit Includes: Clarifying Gel Face Wash, Renewing Face Scrub, Daily Essential Face Moisturizer
Skin Types: Normal to oily
Here’s a naturally-sourced, no-BS kit skincare kit that matches the fast-paced lifestyle of Ziemenski as well as the ethos of his company. “Running a health-focused business like Naked Nutrition demands a lot of my time and energy, and I rely on products that keep up with my busy lifestyle,” he says.
“Brickell’s kit keeps my skin revitalized, especially after long days and countless meetings” He cites this kit for a confidence boost when running the company, too. “My routine is more than just skincare; it’s a rejuvenating experience inside and out.”
From a Dermatologist: Two Kits to Tackle Acne and Aging
Board-certified dermatologist Kunal Malik of Spring Street Dermatology in NYC.
Skinfix Barrier+ BarrierFIX Trio
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Kit Includes: Triple Lipid + Collagen Activating Serum, Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, Triple Lipid + Collagen Eye Treatment
Skin Type: Aging
Malik recommends this kit to anyone concerned about signs of aging like looser skin, dark spots, and fine lines. “It addresses those signs of aging and uses active ingredients known for their anti-aging properties,” he says. He points to peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants (like vitamin C or E), alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and niacinamide — all of which are packed into this 3-product kit and reinforce the skin barrier. “These ingredients help to reduce wrinkles, increase collagen production, hydrate the skin, and improve overall skin texture,” he explains.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Acne Treatment System
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Kit Includes: Effaclar Medicated Gel Treatment, Effaclar Clarifying Solution, Effaclar Duo Dual Acting Acne Treatment
Skin Types: Acne-prone
Echoing many dermatologists’ top brand picks, Malik also loves La Roche Posay’s Effaclar lineup for targeting blemish-prone skin. “The medicated gel cleanser uses 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and prevent breakouts, while the clarifying solution uses 0.5% salicylic acid [for similar benefits].” The Duo takes it one step further by adding 5.5% benzoyl peroxide to target bacterial and chronic acne. “These products target the underlying causes of acne, such as excess oil, bacteria, inflammation, and clogged pores, plus they’re free of ingredients like alcohol, fragrances, or oils that can irritate the skin and potentially worsen acne,” adds Malik.
From a Celebrity Groomer: A Red-Carpet-Ready, Top-Shelf Set
Celebrity groomer Josh Knight, whose clients include Paul Mescal, and Will Poulter
The Grey Essentials Set
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Kit Includes: Charcoal Face Wash, 3-in-1 Face Cream, Daily Face Protect
Skin Types: All
The universality of Grey’s skincare set allows Knight to use it on all of his clients, no matter their skincare type or any sensitivities. “It wears light but is still moisturizing,” he says. “I need to keep my bag light, so a kit like this allows me to work quickly and without worry of allergies.”
“It also gives me a workable foundation for any concealer, powder, or makeup that I have to add for a photo shoot or red carpet appearance.” Hey, if it’s good enough for Paul Mescal’s skin…
From a Grooming Writer: A Scented Set, Plus Two High-Performance Picks
Seasoned grooming writer and editor Adam Hurly (eh, that’s me—switching to first person now). I’ve been on this beat for over a decade, trying all the new products as they hit the market.
Dior Sauvage Ritual Set
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Kit Includes: Sauvage Face Cleanser & Mask, Sauvage Moisturizer for Face & Beard, Sauvage EDT
Skin Types: All, except sensitive
This “skincare” set includes the bestselling Sauvage Eau de Toilette fragrance, as well as a cleanser and moisturizer in the same scent. Most skin types will tolerate scented products just fine (except sensitive types), and what I love about a set like this is that the beautiful fragrance follows you everywhere. Showers become aromatherapy, and you can fall to sleep with the subtlest Sauvage essence lingering in the air. You can even go sans cologne one day, and let the subtlety of the moisturizer and cleanser do all the light lifting.
Drmtlgy Anti-Aging Bundle
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Kit Includes: Needle-less Serum, Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46, Peptide Night Cream
Skin Types: Aging
Here’s a brand I get frequent endorsements for from my most trusted dermatology sources. I love that it includes the most important elements of a proactive anti-aging regimen: SPF moisturizer for daily use, a firming and barrier-boosting serum chock full of peptides and ceramides, as well as a deeply concentrated night moisturizer. The moisturizer is also tinted and blends in with most skin tones to provide a more matte, balancing complexion.
Patricks Skincare Essentials
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Skin Types: All (especially aging and dry)
I realize this “kit” is just two products, but it’s two Patricks products, so it’s blue-ribbon caliber stuff. Few brands pack as many ingredients into every part of their regimen as Patricks does, almost like combining a treatment serum into the rest of the routine. This makes for an extremely high-performance and minimalist regimen. The moisturizer harnesses hyaluronic acid, creatine, and squalane simultaneously for softer, firmer, brighter, and more resilient skin every single day.
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