WALK DOWN any men’s grooming aisle and you’re bound to see a slew of products you’ve never seen before. Every year, more and more products launch that claim to streamline your routine, save you time and, most importantly, help you look better and feel cleaner. These products advertise breakthrough ingredients and cutting edge innovations, all of which are purported to make your life easier. But how do you know which are actually worth your time—and money?
That’s where we come in. Our team of intrepid testers put over 200 of these new products through their paces. They slathered, lathered, scrubbed and rubbed all kinds of products for months to figure out which actually lived up to their claims and which fell short. The result is the 2023 Men’s Health Grooming Awards—the very best products to take your grooming routine to the next level.
Jump to each section:
Don’t be deceived by how lightweight this conditioner looks and feels. The powerful ingredients, including pH-balancing Apple Cider Vinegar, work magic to smooth and hydrate your hair without weighing it down or a hint of greasiness.
Even if you don’t have dandruff, this shampoo controls itchiness, reduces oil, and soothes with botanical ingredients.
Testers found this cleanser left their curly hair clean feeling, but still super soft without a hint of that dry, crispy stripped feeling. It’s especially good when followed up with the Essential Moisture Conditioner for a double whammy of curl-enhancing moisture.
The whipped cream-style nozzle of the bottle sprays out a mousse-like cream that’s feather-light in your hair, but moisturized dry strands instantly for unmatched curl definition without any of the crispiness you might get from other mousses or gels.
There’s enough hold in this paste to style your do, but it won’t leave any residue or weigh it down. Plus, scalp-friendly ingredients help keep a healthy balance without irritation-causing buildup.
Combining the best qualities of a hair cream and a pomade, this innovative product delivers the smoothing and shaping effects of cream with the hold and texture of a pomade for a less greasy, natural finish.
With ingredients that help address all four phases of the hair growth cycle, including DHT blockers to reduce shedding, this refillable spray can also be used as a styler to pump up the volume and texture of your hair without added weight.
Testers were blown away not only by how well this hairspray locks in your style without any crunchiness or shellacked look, but also that there isn’t even a hint of that weird chemically hairspray smell you might be used to.
This professional-level home clipper kit contains everything you need to keep your style fresh at home, whether you’re a DIYer or just trying to keep it tight between cuts. Multiple length attachments, an adjustable blade, the ability to use it corded or cordless, 90 minutes of battery power, the list goes on.
Not only does this ultra-sleek hair dryer make barely a whisper when it’s powered up, but it dries hair at lightning speed with less heat thanks to Smart-X technology. That means healthier hair and less time in front of the mirror.
It always comes back to the Multigroom when you want a precise and quick trim anywhere on your body. Powerful enough to clean up your fade between cuts but gentle enough to use below the neck (or belt), this trimmer and attachments give you a custom trim every time.
A creamy body wash that keeps your skin clean and deeply moisturized. It’s lightly fragranced, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin or compete with your cologne.
A tiny squeeze of this thick cream is enough to smooth and moisturize even the driest, crustiest hands thanks to the nourishing botanically-derived fatty acids in the formula. What we really like, however, is the earthy, mysterious aroma inspired by the California desert.
Somehow, this fragrance-free deodorant keeps under arm stink at bay all day without masking it with another scent. Maybe it’s the clay and tapioca starch or the probiotics or even the skin-hydrating botanical extracts. Whatever it is, it works.
The ultra-fine crystals in this scrub smooth away rough patches wherever they are on your body, like your elbows and knees, and rinse off easily without getting caught in your body hair (if you know, you know).
Taking a trimmer downstairs is always a little scary, but this one is specially designed to trim your nether regions with minimal risk. The closely spaced blades reduce nicks, cuts and tugging and there is even a sensitive comb for added protection if you need it.
This wax service, designed for men, can help you feel and stay cleaner and less sweaty down there. Once you get over the initial awkwardness, it’s a game changer.
Unlike traditional cleansers, this one removes dirt but doesn’t disrupt your skin’s barrier. “My skin feels incredible after every use,” raved one tester.
Using this as a final step in your morning skincare routine kills two birds with one stone. It’s a deeply hydrating moisturizer packed with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and skin-fortifying ceramides, but also has invisible SPF for all-important UV protection.
A few swipes of these single-use peel pads a couple times a week not only help remove dull buildup on your skin to make it look brighter, but can also help lighten hyperpigmentation, reduce the look of pores and way more, no matter what your skin type.
There’s a lot to love about this hydrating and nourishing serum. Apart from infusing your skin with moisture, it also helps strengthen your skin barrier for added protection and delivers antioxidant benefits, too. The lightweight texture makes it ideal for a variety of environments.
If you feel like your skin looks shiny or greasy again mere hours after washing your face, apply this alcohol-free toner after a cleanse to keep oil at bay. It helps provide hydration to rebalance your skin after cleansing as well as oil-fighting ingredients to help manage shine.
This soothing, milky serum contains salicylic acid to help fight zits, blackheads, and blemishes without leaving your skin angry.
Forget those alcohol-laced creams that leave your skin dry and irritated. This rich shaving cream is packed with hydrating oils and plant extracts to not only give you the smoothest shave out there, but leaves your skin soft and moisturized as well.
The sturdy, ergonomically designed razor features rubber dots for an enhanced grip. It’s a contemporary take on a classic that still fits your Harry’s cartridges.
This no-bull beard trimmer cuts with precision. Also, the attachable ten-position guide comb makes it easy to toggle between different lengths without changing guards.
Slap some of this onto your mug after you shave to help calm down freshly shaved skin (thanks to soothing chamomile) and reduce the risk of razor bumps and ingrown hairs (thanks to exfoliating glycolic acid).
The new version of this powerhouse electric razor has a 360-degree flex blade that moves with the contours of your face.
Delivering a deep, sparkling clean, the toothpaste in this recyclable tube has a fresh, minty flavor and aloe that soothes gums.
The top notch plaque-removing, teeth-cleaning powers of this electric toothbrush would make it a winner no matter what, but the replaceable heads that help reduce plastic waste seal the deal.
There’s no burn to this alcohol-free mouthwash, and it comes with two refills for way less waste.
Multiple modes and intensity settings allow this cordless water flosser to deep-clean—even if you have sensitive gums.
With notes of lavender, ginger, and denim, this smooth, subtle fragrance reminds you of the long weekend you definitely need.
Swipe on this ultra- lightweight, clear sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays with absolutely no goop or white cast.
It smells bright and clean and totally unlike any body sprays from your teen years. Plus, it deodorizes.
Garrett Munce writes about men’s style and grooming. He’s written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.
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