When the self-care subject comes up, men’s grooming typically isn’t addressed. Skincare for women dominates the culture, while men face legions of gender-based stigmas.
Well, at the risk of sounding like a men’s rights activist, self-care and grooming products are just as indispensable to men as they are to women, which is why we need to highlight the brands that focus on serving this demographic –especially Black men.
In any case, Black men’s skin concerns tend to differ from their male counterparts for a myriad of reasons – overactive oil glands, hormonal peculiarities, hair texture, lifestyles, and the most common issue in black skin, hyperpigmentation.
Because of this, and just in case you need a little boost while on the hunt for dark skin-friendly grooming products, below are some globally acclaimed Black-owned grooming products that you should stock up on ASAP! Thank me later.
Scotch Porter Smoothing Beard Serum, $19.99
Photo credit: Scotch Porter
Want in on a secret? I can’t believe I’m actually about to put this down in writing, but – this beard serum is the real deal. Formulated with dry, coarse stubbles in mind, the avocado and jojoba seed oils in this serum nourish your beard with essential fats and vitamins that lock in moisture, leaving your imperial smooth, shiny, and frizz-free.
Pro Tip: Combine with your favorite beard conditioner and balm to style and knock it off the park.
Chloe + Chad Lemongrass Body Wash, $28
The online skincare authority lauds this pick from Chloe + Chad for its mood-boosting benefits. Loaded with refreshing lemongrass essential oil, this body wash makes for the perfect everyday pick-me-up. It literally helps you start and end the day in an empire state of mind.
It also incorporates coconut, grapeseed, olive, and sunflower seed oils plus panthenol, all of which help replenish dehydrated skin, while the oat extract provides itch relief.
Bevel Razor + Shave Cream Bundle, $85.45
Photo credit: Bevel
Bevel calls this bundle the grooming starter pack, and honestly, this set lives up to its reputation.
It comes with a sturdy, double-edge razor (and 20 replacement blades) that helps keep the ingrown and patchy stubbles at bay; the Bevel Shave Cream offers a nourishing, soothing, and fortifying shave thanks to aloe and vitamin E; and the Pre-Shave Oil preps your skin to prevent any nicks and tugs.
It also comes with a Post Shave Balm that soothes the skin while battling inflammation and promoting healing. It makes for the perfect men’s gift for your dad, partner, son, or birthday self-treat!
Mantl Invisible Daily SPF 30, $24.30
Photo credit: MANTL
Convinced you’ll never find an SPF you love? This one is for you. Designed specifically with balding and bald men in mind, this lightweight sunscreen is the perfect daily shield from the harmful effects of sunlight and blue light on your skin.
It also contains hydrating ingredients, which lather your skin moisture and safeguard it from environmental stressors. Talk about the perfect serum-SPF combo.
And did I mention it gives you a matte finish? No grease, no streak, no problem.
Aaron Wallace 3-Step Haircare System, $39
Photo credit: Amazon
News flash: a healthy mane starts with scalpcare, and this formula offers that and more.
Composed of a Hydrating Hair & Beard Shampoo, plus Conditioner and Moisturizer infused with mango butter and black seed oil, this haircare set gently cleanses, detangles, hydrates, and helps minimize hair breakage.
The signature amber and bergamot-infused scent (which is so inviting you might skip cologne) is the icing on the cake.
Fredrick Benjamin Complete Shaving Regimen, $36
Photo credit: Fredrick Benjamin
Netizens recommend this grooming products set if you want to halt beard itch and embrace botanicals for their ultra-hydration and skin-soothing benefits.
It consists of an Easy Priming Skin & Beard Oil that provides a bump-free shaving experience, a Hydro Glaze Cooling Shave Gel that contains healing and moisturizing aloe vera, and a dermatologist-approved Post-Shave Bump Clear Treatment that uses witch hazel and sunflower seed oil to soften and hydrate dry, sensitive skin.
Ceylon Skincare Set, $80
Photo credit: Ceylon
If you’ve been struggling with acne, hyperpigmentation, or oily skin, this grooming products set is for you. Consisting of a gentle tea tree cleanser, witch hazel toner, and hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizer, this kit from Ceylon takes the stress out of creating a solid skincare routine.
The cleanser uses aloe vera’s natural soothing and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce sebum production and blast blemishes. The coix seed and witch hazel toner help fight all forms of acne-causing bacteria.
The moisturizer uses hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention, AHAs (lactic and glycolic acid) to improve overall skin texture, and niacinamide to control oil production, enhance skin clarity, and reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging.
Chris Collins Renaissance Man, $175
Photo credit: Chris Collins
After one whiff of this Chris Collins pick, you’ll become addicted. Inspired by a time of renewed creativity in Manhattan, the fragrance combines bergamot and marine accords, honey heart notes, and Tonka Bean base notes to give you an energetic, emotional scent.
Rock it on your vacay, date night with your partner, or investor meeting for that confidence boost.