There are few worse feelings than being feasted on by mosquitos with no defense. To make matters worse, the options for protection consist of sticky, noxious sprays, iffy “invisible” fences, or candles with limited reach. I’m always prepared with sprays and plenty of bug-repellant outlet plugs on vacation, but the former always makes me anxious. 

I’m not too worried about this stuff usually — I use aluminum-packed antiperspirants and chemical sunscreens, after all — but the bug sprays don’t sit right. Maybe it’s the overwhelming smell of citronella, or the goopiness that they give skin — either way, I loathe applying them anywhere on my body, especially my face. Enter: Heretic’s duo of organic bug repellents that are both rich in essential oils and worth the pretty penny they cost. 

There’s The Entomologist Serum, a pure-oil blend, as well as The Entomologist Spray, which combines sugarcane alcohol, water, and a roster of essential oils (The Entomologist Spray). They have distinct scents, but both products contain cedarwood, geranium, and thyme oils, as well as rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint, cinnamon, and clove oil. 

The smells of both are neutral, pleasant even, when compared to the olfactory experience of most bug sprays. 

More importantly, both products blend in beautifully. The serum in particular doesn’t weigh down the skin. It’s an oil that is labeled as a serum, but the soybean base absorbs and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy and slick. 

I stop at my neck when applying it, since I’ve got acne-prone skin and soybean oil has a high comedogenic rating. In other words, it can clog pores more easily than other ingredients, so for me, this one is purely a neck-down product. 

Compared to the average bug spray one can buy at Costco, this serum is expensive. The container isn’t very large, either, (just 1 fluid ounce) so I save it for close-to-home use when the windows are open or we’re out on the balcony and I don’t want to lather up in chemicals. It’s great for ankle protection on summer walks, or arm and neck defense when you’re just in a t-shirt. 

I use the spray more generously. It’s 1.7 fluid ounces. and massages into the skin easily so it can cover a lot of real estate. I like to apply it to facial blind spots, like around the ears and along the jawline — anywhere a sneaky bugger might post up without my noticing. 

Due to its alcohol base, I don’t spritz it around the center of my mug, at risk of drying the skin out. It’s not drying on other body parts, though; it’s just that the face is more susceptible to this stuff. 

Heretic "The Entomologist" Serum 100% Organic Bug Repellent

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$45.00

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Heretic’s “The Entomologist” Serum is 100% organic bug repellent, designed to absorb quickly into the skin without causing a greasy or irritated feeling.

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Does it work? Yes, and I’m impressed. So far, I’m bite-free at the height of feasting season, after a month of steady use. 

The big caveat is I’m nearing the end of my $45 supply after only a few months, and we’re not through summer quite yet. Heretic’s products are expensive, but they’re nice to have on hand when hosting friends in the evening for drinks or balcony chats. It’s much nicer to offer them this than, say, a DEET spray that they’ll feel all evening. With Heretic’s two options, I don’t actually feel the need to shower it off ASAP; one feels like a nice body oil, and the other feels like a really luxe, nourishing hand sanitizer. 

You might also like: Diptyque’s citronella body spray. This product isn’t budget-friendly either, at $58 for just over 3 ounces, but it has the perfect lemongrass-geranium scent in a lightweight spray that also doesn’t feel goopy on skin. Is it citronella-y? Yes, per the lemongrass. But is it the best expression therein? Oh yes. And the 3.4-ounce bottle should last a while.

I’ve worked from home for nearly eight years, and have managed to deflect about 98% of the meetings requested of me. Despite fancying myself as the grooming expert, I don’t like having to “look presentable” when I’m not leaving my house. But every so often, a mandatory video call requires me to look my best, and I prioritize a few key skincare products: concealer, eye cream, and a serum or mask that makes my skin glow. And lately, that last category is Narcyss’ (literally) brilliant sheet masks, or Le Fix Emergency Facial Mask – Intense Hydration as Narcyss calls them. 

Narcyss Le Fix Emergency Facial Mask

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$24.99

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$29.00 (3-Pack)

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The name is spot on. These emergency facial treatments can have your skin looking its healthiest and most radiant in just 10 minutes. They quickly remedy severely dry skin or a dull complexion in the same way eye patches can reduce dark circles, depuff, and firm. They drown your skin with hyaluronic acid and bamboo extract, both of which help maintain the added hydration and nourishment throughout the day. 

They come in different varieties with distinct benefits: detoxing, hydrating, firming, and exfoliating. The Le Fix Intense Hydration masks leave skin photo-ready with a “dewy” complexion that’s unmistakable. I know that many men don’t necessarily see the benefit of having dewy/glowy/brilliant/bright skin, but I can assure you, that’s when it looks its healthiest. It’s also distinct from having greasy skin, where the sebum from your pores turns you into a bike reflector. With the Narcyss’ mask, the light catches your skin at every angle, and makes it glisten.

I suggest using the Narcyss mask in the morning, after cleansing, so you don’t sleep away the same-day benefits. Narcyss is also one of the few brands who has separated their sheet masks into two pieces so men with facial hair don’t waste the lower half on a sticky beard. One half can stick to the forehead, nose, and cheekbones, and you can massage the serum from the rest of the mask beneath your whiskers as best as possible. The sachet has lots of extra serum inside, too, so don’t let it go to waste. Tip it upside down to catch the serum and massage it into your lower face, neck, hands, ashy elbows, and knees.

This serum feels denser than most popular morning serums, but it’s breathable, so it won’t suffocate your skin. That said, Narcyss’ serum has a lingering presence; like, I still feel it hours later, which is probably why my skin stays glowy many hours after each use. 

They’re excellent for a last-minute, “emergency” reset, but I wouldn’t recommend them for daily use because of the elevated price tag. The cost is $29 for 3 masks which is well above the standard $2 single-use masks available in the CVS checkout line.

If you have daily Zoom meetings or are a serial dater, then having brilliant skin should be achieved via other means. I recommend nightly retinol use, daily SPF defense, routine chemical exfoliation, and a good Vitamin C serum. I know it all adds up, but those things will give you 30-90 days’ use each, and you can expect incredible results after about 90 days — just be sure to keep it up after the fact if you want to maintain results.

Even with a good regimen in place, there are occasional emergencies. Hey, I’m the grooming expert and if I experience them, so will you. I’m stocked on my Le Fix masks, and wholeheartedly endorse the same for you.

The vast world of skincare is divided into two camps: the behemoth library of brands that cater to women’s sensibilities, and a modest number of male skincare brands with neutral-toned bottles and scents like “oak moss.” This discrepancy may lead some men accompanying their partners to Ulta on Sundays to question whether or not they can use these bright, bubbly brands themselves. 

The answer is yes, they certainly can, and perhaps they should. 

The beauty and personal care industry is worth over $500 billion globally, and women’s products make up a much larger piece of that pie. The demand for niche skincare products isn’t as high amongst men, but marketing is partially to blame. 

“Men can definitely use skincare from brands marketed toward women,” said Dr. Dendy Engelman, a New York-based dermatologist. “Although the packaging and marketing may be geared towards women, skincare formulations target skin concerns that are universal. The ingredients and benefits are not exclusive to men or women.”

Curious men who are interested in expanding their skincare routines beyond basic products with lumber-adjacent scents shouldn’t miss out on top-tier products just because they’re sold in bright pink packaging. The active ingredients are the same, and with high-quality products, the potencies are tantamount as well. 

 “There are only small differences between the two skin types in a very general sense. Men tend to have oilier skin and thicker skin but that’s not to say that some men don’t have dry skin or have thinner skin, and all of our skin thins out and dries up as we age,” said Adam Hurly, an expert grooming writer who has tested thousands of products over a decade plus of work in the field

“Men will fall within that spectrum at different times in their lives and there’s a good chance that the women’s product is just marketed with a font or a color scheme that suits women or with a scent that might skew feminine.” 

Female-focused brands tend to have a wide swath of products, from the basics to niche active ingredient serums designed to target puffy under eyes, even skin tone, provide extra moisture, and chemically exfoliate. 

“Women have embraced cosmetics in a very different way from men, historically,” said Hurly. “Men are much less curious about [skincare] and are function-forward. They want something that works and if they can’t tell how it’s working they get impatient. A cleanser makes sense because their skin doesn’t feel as gross. They’re not as stinky if they use a soap. Things just have to function and have this immediate benefit.”  

It’s because of this that many skincare brands marketed toward men cover the basics and little else, leaving men with few options for expanding their routines into the elaborate, complex regimens their girlfriends, partners, friends, or influencers in their feed have. 

But masculine sensibilities around skincare are shifting, and it’s time for men to roam the aisles at Sephora, too. “There’s no shortage of male customers! There are as many of them as there are women, statistically, but I think a big part of it too is a lot of women are buying the products for the men. It’s probably the women driving the purchases in at least half of relationships, if I had to guess,” said Hurly. 

While female skincare brands aren’t necessarily superior or more potent, there are too many expertly-formulated, effective female-oriented skincare brands available for men to miss out because they lack knowledge or guidance. 

Each of the brands below comes recommended by an expert and sells products all men should consider when looking to build up or enhance their skincare routines. 

“Most skincare brands I love are gender-neutral and have high-quality, potent formulations that benefit all skin types. Some of my favorite go-to brands are ISDIN, Skinceuticals, and SkinBetter Science,” said Dr. Engelman. 

Hurly shared a plethora of his favorite brands, as well as go-to products based on his years of testing. 

Herbivore

Herbivore is a very feminine-looking brand, but their formulas would be powerful on any skin type. 

“I love Herbivore, they’re one of my favorites,” said Hurly. “The active ingredients they’re using are very clear. Some of the core SKUs I love from Herbivore include their exfoliating serums and their bakuchiol night cream.” 

“I get good results from them and I love the packaging and I love the branding. It’s stuff I’m genuinely excited to have on my vanity in my bathroom.” 

Herbivore Moon Fruit Retinol Alternative Sleep Mask

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$54.00

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$48.00

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Bakuchiol is an alternative to retinol, and this cream is designed to be worn at night when the skin can best absorb it and experience the benefits. It’s hydrating and formulated to lighten the appearance of wrinkles.

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Herbivore Prism AHA + BHA Exfoliating Glow Serum

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$44.99 $54.00

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$54.00

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This exfoliating serum is made with both alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids for double the power and smooths and hydrates skin at the same time. It’s designed to be used at night, up to every other night, and paired with retinol on off nights for skin cell removal and renewal.

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Biossance

“They feel a little more feminine to me, and I really like them. I’ve probably used a few of their products in the last few years, and their squalane is one of my favorites,” said Hurly. 

Biossance  Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum

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$67.12

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$50.00

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Squalane is super hydrating, and this serum is perfect for men with dry skin who want even more moisture than the average cream can provide. It can be used in the morning and evening, and stacked on top of other active ingredients to lock them in. 

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The Ordinary

Hurly is mixed on some of The Ordinary’s products but noted that their exfoliating serums are great additives to existing products. 

“They have a lactic acid 10% serum that I love. I love their little serums because their formulas are direct and precise enough that you can almost use them as boosters in your moisturizer,” said Hurly.

“They’re so potent that they’ll roll off your hand so I’ll take a moisturizer and drop something in. The hyaluronic acid that they have is good. We’re using their foaming cleanser right now that I really really love. Sometimes the viscosity of the product or how it wears on my product feels sub-par so I need to add it to another product.”

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + Ha 2% 30ml

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$17.00 $29.99

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$8.90

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The Ordinary is known for concentrated, potent formulas that don’t contain any unnecessary, filler ingredients. Their price tags are also much lower than other brands for that reason. Their lactic acid is a great gentle exfoliator and can help prevent ingrown hairs between shaves. This formula is powerful, so you only need a few drops for it to work properly, and it can be mixed in with a moisturizer or cream. 

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The Ordinary Facial Treatment: 2% Hyaluronic Acid & Niacinamide Bundle

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$22.50 $29.99

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This serum bundle contains both a hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, two beneficial ingredients for moisturizing and improving skin tone. Niacinamide, when used consistently, can improve skin’s protective barrier, hyaluronic acid delivers multi-depth hydration more efficiently than the standard moisturizer. 

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La Roche Posay

“La Roche Posay is a big thumbs up for me. Here in Germany, they’re in all the pharmacies. I often go off of cues from dermatologists and this is a top brand for so many of the ones I interview. My affinity for them has really grown out of what the experts say,” said Hurly. 

“If I need a product in a pinch and I’m away from home and I don’t have my normal pile of things to choose from, that’s for sure one of the brands that I’d go for.”

La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen, SPF 60

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$36.99

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$28.99

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Hurly recommends this as a “one formula fits all” sunscreen that’s great for both the face and body as well as sensitive and fair skin. It’s water-resistant, so it’s great for workouts and will satisfy most people who aren’t looking for mineral sunscreen. 

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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Retinoid Acne Treatment

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$35.99

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$35.99

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This Adapalene Gel is “one of the best OTC retinoids you can get, specifically for targeting acne,” said Hurly. It’s oil and fragrance-free, so it’s formulated for minimal irritation, and the vitamin A derivatives promote skin cell turnover. 

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La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleansers

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$7.99 - $16.99

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An effective cleanser doesn’t have to be expensive, and both the gentle and foaming cleanser from La Roche Posay proves that. “Any brand that gets prescriptive with its formulas is doing something right. This pair has been recommended to me by so many dermatologists, that I now just associate them as ‘the doctors’ favorites,’” said Hurly. 

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Paula’s Choice

“Big thumbs up. Ugh, I love them. The ingredient focus that they have. The depth. Their roster is stacked. If you can’t find what you need from Paula’s Choice, don’t use anything at all,” said Hurly. He touted the CLEAR assortment as a “paint-by-number” remedy for getting rid of acne. It makes it that easy. 

“The brand feels more skewed towards women, but they’re really focused on function, which is what appeals to most male consumers. So it satisfies so many people. Also, they have so many products and cover all the bases for different skin types, needs, goals, etc.” 

Paula's Choice Niacinamide Booster

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$49.00

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$49.00

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Both the peptide and niacinamide boosters from Paula’s Choice are among Hurly’s top picks from the brand for a balanced complexion and firm skin. They can be mixed in with other products, like a moisturizer and eye cream, for an extra bit of nutrients. 

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Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster

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$58.00

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$58.00

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Paula’s Choice’s multi-peptide booster contains six pro-collagen peptides that deliver nutrients to multiple layers of the skin. It’s formulated to visibly smooth lines within 15 minutes and absorb into the skin easily with a lightweight texture.

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Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting BHA Liquid Exfoliant

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$34.00

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$13.00

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This is their most popular product worldwide because it’s one of the best liquid exfoliants you can get. The BHA (beta hydroxy acid) removes layers of dead skin so retinol can encourage cell turnover more easily. 

“Like all of Paula’s Choices’ products, it does the assigned task efficiently and thoroughly,” said Hurly. “They’re the best one-stop-shop in skincare.”

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Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant is notorious for their brightly-colored, large, and somewhat bulky packaging. Rather than extraneous marketing, Hurly shared insight into how their product design alludes to the quality of the product inside. 

“Their product design is really smart, and it’s a brand you can really trust for having a fresh product,” said Hurly. 

“They do a really good job of making sure what you’re using is at its full potency as long as possible. For me, if a brand is going through that much trouble to invest in its vessels, that is saying a lot about what they want you to experience from the product.”

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum

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$78.00

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Drunk Elephant’s vitamin C is one of the most potent, effective formulas available. It’s expensive, but it evens both skin tone and texture, and the bottle is opaque and doesn’t expose the formula to oxygen which spoils it very quickly. 

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Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

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$56.99

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$68.00

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Multiple SPY editors, including Hurly, recommend this Protini Moisturizer from Drunk Elephant because of its lightweight feel and nutrient-packed formula. It’s hydrating without feeling too heavy and comes in a pumping canister designed for less wasted product. 

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The Superiority of Female Haircare Brands

Hurly also mentioned that while skincare is a great area for men to explore, female hair care is where the real substantive differences are. The breadth of female hair care products is designed to address a variety of different issues, something the selection of men’s products doesn’t do as well. 

“To that tune, a lot of hair care brands are the ones that men really need to consider switching over to. Men’s haircare brands are so one-size-fits-all and it’s so frustrating to me,” said Hurly. 

“What if you have super curly hair or super thin hair and the conditioner weighs you down? So I think men should switch over to women’s hair brands.” 

He had a few brands in particular that he recommended, and encouraged all men to consider visiting a salon, or at least adopting salon-grade products at home. 

“Pattern Beauty or Living Proof, Kerastase is for everyone,” said Hurly. 

A lot of those salon brands are good. It’s salon vs. barbershop. Like a lot of men don’t want to go into a salon because they don’t realize what a hairstyle is versus a haircut,” said Hurly. And so it’s that same dichotomy between the brands. I wish everyone would use Kevin Murphy and all these incredible salon brands but they don’t.” 

Roman, the telemedicine site that offers prescriptions and over-the-counter solutions for hair care, fertility, and weight loss — and other common health issues among men — is now offering prescriptions for oral minoxidil. Minoxidil is the name of the drug commercially known as Rogaine, and it exists in both an oral and topical form. The oral form may be more effective than the foam applied directly to the scalp, according to the latest research, and now anyone can get a prescription from Roman for as little as $30/month. 

Oral Minoxidil — Quarterly Delivery

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$30/Month

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Oral minoxidil is considered an “off-label” drug by the FDA for male pattern baldness. It’s taken orally, daily, and should be stored at room temperature.

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What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil was developed to treat hypertension in the 1970s, but the topical version is now the only FDA-approved drug for treating androgenic alopecia, or hair loss. Oral minoxidil is considered “off-label” and still only available with a prescription. They both contain the same active ingredient, just administered in different forms. 

Minoxidil is a vasodilator that helps hair follicles withstand Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), or testosterone, high levels of which can cause hair loss in men. It helps increase the amount of time hair spends in the growth phase, also known as the anagen phase, so there are more new hairs on the head at any given time. It also shortens the telogen phase, or the “resting” phase, for hair. Initially, this shift in the hair’s natural progression can cause hair to shed temporarily, but after about 8 weeks most users begin to see results. 

The exact ways in which it achieves this is still a bit of a mystery, but a 24-week randomized study out of São Paulo, Brazil concluded that oral minoxidil is more effective than the topical version with fewer side effects. 

Two groups were each given minoxidil, one in the form of a 1-milligram pill and the other in a 5% concentration foam. While they both spurred the same amount of hair growth, measured in density at the conclusion of the six-week study, the oral treatment caused less hair shedding. 

Because of the way it works, it can cause low blood pressure and leg swelling, so it’s important to disclose any and all health issues with the doctor when inquiring about a prescription. 

SPY’s hair loss experts, alongside licensed dermatologists, ranked it among the two best hair loss treatments for men, the other of which is finasteride, for its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. It’s one of the least expensive and most beneficial hair loss treatments available, and now the more effective version is available online without a visit to the doctor’s office. 

Oral minoxidil is a tablet taken daily. For most men, it starts to work after eight weeks. After filling out a brief survey about your hair loss and health profile, Roman’s team of doctors review it over the course of 24 hours. If the drug is a fit for you and your needs, you’ll receive a minoxidil prescription and can order a subscription through Roman for $30/month. The drug is delivered quarterly. 

Four of the most popular toilet paper brands — including Charmin and Seventh Generation — tested positive for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (otherwise known as PFAS, fluorinated toxic chemicals, or “forever” chemicals) according to a new report from Environmental Health News. 

The agency, in partnership with the environmental wellness blog Mamavation, tested 17 different toilet paper brands in an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified lab and found PFAS in four popular waste paper products. PFAS, otherwise known as “forever” chemicals, build up in the body and never break down, and may cause cancer, birth defects, and infertility. 

Charmin Ultra Soft Toilet Paper, Seventh Generation 100% Recycled Bath Tissue, Tushy Bamboo Toilet Paper, and Who Gives a Crap Bamboo Toilet Paper all contained levels of fluorine ranging from 10 parts per million (ppm) to 35 ppm. For context, guidelines released by the EPA in 2022 noted that levels as low as 0.004-0.02 ppt can cause adverse health effects. 

The PFAS levels in these toilet paper products are low, so replacing them with another brand in your bathroom will do some good, but not a lot. The degree of exposure through the skin is mild compared to, say, in drinking water, which contains PFAS in all 50 states according to an EPA report released in 2022. The chemicals have been found in everything from tap water to nonstick cooking products, so limiting overall exposure is key.

Numerous studies conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) showed that PFAS can absorb through the skin, and a study conducted across schools of public health in the U.S. and Singapore linked them to fertility issues in women. 

Can they also affect a man’s ability to conceive? Dr. Justin Houman, Director of Men’s Health at Towers Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Towers, explained to SPY that while this new report is concerning, data surrounding PFAS and fertility are limited. 

“Research on the effects of PFAS on fertility is ongoing, and while the evidence is not yet fully conclusive, there are concerns regarding potential adverse effects,” said Houman. “Some studies suggest that exposure to high levels of PFAS might be associated with hormonal disruptions which can lead to reproductive system abnormalities. These effects could potentially lead to difficulties with conception and fertility issues.” 

He also said many factors impact the degree to which PFAS are absorbed through the skin. “The degree of absorption may vary depending on factors such as the specific PFAS compound, its concentration, and the duration of contact,” said Houman. The amount of time toilet paper is in contact with the skin is quite brief, and surface-level, compared to a piece of fish cooked on a nonstick pan sealed with toxic chemicals, for example. 

He also said that toilet paper’s effect on men’s fertility is not an immediate concern. 

“While toilet paper may contain trace amounts of PFAS due to its manufacturing process or certain additives, the levels are typically low and may not pose an immediate threat to fertility,” said Houman. “However, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential cumulative exposure to PFAS from multiple sources. As a precautionary measure, individuals concerned about PFAS exposure should opt for products that are certified as PFAS-free or seek alternatives without unnecessary chemical additives.” 

The best way to avoid PFAS, based on the information that’s currently available, is to opt for something more eco-friendly and made with fewer chemicals. Bamboo toilet paper is a great alternative. The following options are what SPY editors recommend. 

Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper 3 PLY – Eco Friendly, Sustainable Toilet Tissue

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$29.99 $32.99

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Typically, toilet paper made out of eco-friendly materials like bamboo is stiff, thin, and not comfortable to use. Betterway’s toilet paper is designed with three layers and is designed not to irritate sensitive skin. 

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Repurpose 100% Bamboo Toilet Paper (3 Ply)

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$26.99

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This toilet paper is made with FSC-certified bamboo that’s harvested responsibly, and since bamboo regrows in 3-4 months after it’s cut compared to the year plus it can take for a tree to grow, it’s much more sustainable. It also comes in waste-free packaging, making it an even more environmentally-friendly choice. 

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Cottonelle Ultra Clean Toilet Paper with Active CleaningRipples Texture, Strong Bath Tissue

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$27.59

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Avoiding PFAS doesn’t have to mean using only recycled, eco-friendly toilet paper. Mamavation also tested Cottonelle’s products alongside the brands above and did not detect concerning levels of toxic chemicals. This soft, plush option comes with 24 mega rolls per pack (the equivalent of 132 regular rolls) and is septic-safe. 

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TUSHY Classic 3.0 Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment

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$109.00

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Another option for avoiding PFAS in the bathroom is to cut out toilet paper entirely with a bidet. This 3.0 model from Tushy attaches directly to the toilet with no plumbing attachment required, and it has a self-cleaning nozzle that requires minimal maintenance. 

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Swapping products is a preventative step, but Houman said that any couples experiencing ongoing fertility issues should seek help from a reproductive specialist. 

Eighty percent of men experience some form of hair loss at some point in their lifetime. Genetics have a say in how soon, how quickly, how severe, and in what pattern each person experiences hair loss, but it comes for every guy eventually. 

Dr. Jeannette Graf, a dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine, said that one’s testosterone levels aren’t the precise thing to blame, either; rather, it’s the hair follicles’ sensitivity to DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, a testosterone byproduct that accelerates hair loss. It gathers at the follicles, shrinks them, and shortens the growth cycle of hairs. Most men’s hair loss treatments are aimed at stopping and/or reversing this exact process. What varies is how quickly they’re able to do so, and at what cost.

What the Experts Say

Early intervention is important, no matter how severe one’s hair loss is or may be. “By the time a man is 30, there’s a high probability that he’s already noticed thinning in some areas,” said Graf. “This is why taking preventative measures by your late 20s is the safest bet especially if you know you’re prone to hair loss genetically.” 

If treatment starts after visible signs of loss, then it is only possible to revive those follicles that have gone dormant in the past year or two. Hair lost at the crown is possible to bring back, while hair lost to recession is not. (Again, genetics dictate what types of hair loss one experiences and how aggressively.)

Once treatment starts, Graf said to wait 3-6 months for visible results, and if one is using it preventatively, to trust that it’s working. She said results will vary depending on how severe the initial hair loss was, but keeping up with treatments is important so hair loss doesn’t resume. 

In recent years, the number of men’s hair loss treatments available has only increased and gotten more effective. Keep reading to learn the cost-benefit of each one, with insights from dermatologists and surgeons.

Most Accessible and Cost-Effective:

Minoxidil and Finasteride

Oral and topical options abound—with one serious warning.

With expertise from board-certified dermatologists Rina Weimann of Schweiger Dermatology in North Wales, PA, and Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali of Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in NYC.  

Minoxidil and finasteride are usually mentioned hand in hand, as they’re generics for drugs that emerged at the same time: Rogaine and Propecia. The popularity of these two methods grew thanks to telemedicine sites like hims, Ro, and Keeps, but these medicines are also available through dermatology clinics, and minoxidil is available over the counter. Some studies about finasteride have shown it can cause side effects related to sexual health including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. If these symptoms start after beginning usage, speak with a urologist right away. 

Until recently, the oral form of finasteride and topical form of minoxidil were the most popular amongst consumers. Recently, the script has flipped, and topical finasteride’s shorter list of side effects has made it more popular and oral minoxidil has become the preferred version because it’s more effective.  

Minoxidil is a vasodilator that helps increase hair follicle fortification so they can better withstand DHT. It also increases the amount of time hair spends in its growth phase, the overall effect being more hairs on the head at a given time. There are two formula concentrations, 5% and 2%, and Dr. Weimann recommends both male and female patients use the 5% formulation. 

Typical Cost: Topical Minoxidil can be as low as $3/month, oral minoxidil is not available over the counter since it’s not FDA-approved 

Time Commitment: Short amounts of time, but often. Apply topical minoxidil around the scalp twice daily. (Morning and night are the easiest intervals.) Take oral minoxidil once daily.

Minoxidil

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How minoxidil works: Minoxidil is a vasodilator, which means it opens up the blood vessels and improves nutrient delivery. In terms of hair retention, this means the follicles get much more fortification and can better withstand the threat of DHT. Minoxidil increases the amount of time hair spends in its growth phase, and shortens the amount of time spent in resting phases. (So hairs stay anchored longer and grow back sooner; the overall effect is that more hairs are on the head at a given time.) Men should use the 5% formula, while women are advised to use 2%. (Dr. Weimann recommends both male and female patients use the 5% formulation as she finds it more effective.) Minoxidil is especially advised for people experiencing thinning around the crown.

Typical cost: Topical minoxidil can cost as low as $3/month (like from Kirkland/Costco). Oral minoxidil is also extremely inexpensive, but cannot be purchased over the counter since it’s not cleared by the FDA. It’s quite easy to obtain from dermatologists and will not cost much. (It is the generic for Loniten, also a vasodilator, and is taken daily in 1.25 mg tablets.) Ro sells it for $30/month as well, though a local doctor’s office can prescribe it for much cheaper.

Time commitment: Apply topical minoxidil twice daily around the scalp. (Morning and night are the easiest intervals.) Oral minoxidil is taken once daily.

Chief complaints: Topical minoxidil can make some hair a little tacky. Oral minoxidil can increase hair growth all around the body— depending on one’s definition of #bodgoals this could be a benefit. Minoxidil will also cause initial shedding in the first months; this is natural and should be endured; it’s effectively re-starting each of those hairs’ growth cycles. It’s likely that only the minoxidil user will notice the excessive shedding; it’s not noticeable to others.

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How finasteride works: Finasteride directly targets DHT. It inhibits the conversion of testosterone into DHT, effectively preventing any shrinking of hair follicles in the first place. Topical finasteride more closely targets DHT’s role in the scalp and follicles and has less of an impact on its DHT’s presence throughout the body than oral finasteride. Finasteride is especially advised for people experiencing a hairline recession.

Typical cost: A non-branded prescription through a local dermatologist might cost $10 or $15 per month with insurance. (Check GoodRx to get the best deal in any area.) Chic telemedicine sites might charge 3-5 times that amount. Topical finasteride is harder to provide a precise price for, because many of the readily available formulas today are actually hybrids of minoxidil and finasteride (like Keeps and hims). As such, they can run upwards of $60 per month but also negate the need to take both drugs separately. Some standalone topical finasteride options do exist, like through XYON.

Time commitment: Finasteride is taken once a day, whether orally or topically.

Chief complaints: Here’s a very important caveat for finasteride: One study reports that 2.1-3.8% of finasteride users can experience sexual side effects, either through decreased libido or with difficulty achieving erections. Other studies promote topical finasteride as a way to get the benefits of the drug without the side effects (since it isn’t as widely circulated in the blood). If these side effects start, speak immediately with a dermatologist and consider switching to topical or staying away from finasteride. In most cases, side effects should go away soon after treatment stops.

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The Doctors’ Take on Minoxidil and Finasteride

Bhanusali considers minoxidil the gold standard for hair loss treatments. As for choosing between oral and topical routes, it depends on the patient. “Topical is fine if you are consistent. The main issue is that many aren’t (which I can understand). Oral minoxidil is a great option but there are always more side effects with oral meds vs. topical.” (Again, while rare, minoxidil does have side effects as a vasodilator, so people with heart or blood pressure concerns should be cautious, and anyone on existing vasodilator medicines should absolutely avoid it.)

For anyone interested in a compound topical minoxidil/finasteride product (a singular product with both medicines), Weimann reminds that topical use is usually not as effective as oral options. So, while it’s likely someone will achieve success with a hybrid topical product, it may not be quite as effective if they were to take daily minoxidil and/or finasteride pills. “The role of topical minoxidil and finasteride may be useful when it comes to maintaining hair growth after starting oral finasteride and/or oral minoxidil,” she said. “For those interested in not being on an oral medication long-term, using the topical compounded minoxidil and finasteride in clinical studies has been shown to promote continued hair growth and minimize hair shedding after discontinuation of an oral form of the medication.” So, consider starting with oral finasteride at the very least (alongside oral or topical minoxidil), and assuming no side effects, wane off of it after a couple of years (just as our writer did).

Effective But Expensive Upgrades:

PRP (Plasma Injections) and LLLT (Laser Caps)

Costly treatments that bear fruit. One, in particular, is worth the investment.

With expertise from Dr. Alan J. Bauman, Founder, CEO and Medical Director of Bauman Medical Hair Transplant & Hair Loss Treatment Center. 

Two other common hair loss treatments that are often mentioned together are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). However, they aren’t similar at all; it’s more so that these two used to be treatments that required visits to the doctor, and now they’re available via convenient, at-home devices. 

PRP

How PRP works: At a PRP session, you give a couple of vials of blood at a dermatology or hair restoration clinic, and then it’s placed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma out. This plasma contains a person’s unique growth factors, which can be injected into the scalp to give follicles some serious muscle (just as growth factors can be injected into joints for tissue repair or at the site of wounds for thorough recovery). “The powerful growth factors in PRP are chemical bio-signals utilized by the body for tissue regeneration and repair,” says Bauman. “Many of the growth factors and other signals stored inside platelets are utilized by the body to stimulate blood flow and collagen production and are also implicated in signaling the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicle.” 

Typical cost: A single PRP can range from $1,000-$3,500 per session, depending on the tech and equipment, skill level of the doctor/clinic, and location

Time commitment: Not all PRP treatments are created equal, Bauman said. Most will require patients to come in monthly for three consecutive months (and up to six months) to enjoy benefits that last up to 18 months, while more advanced and sophisticated options allow a single dose to last 10-18 months. However, PRP sessions will need to resume indefinitely in order to keep seeing results. The frequency of each person’s visits will vary based on their needs and their doctors’ advice. A single session doesn’t take long—between 30 minutes to an hour to allow for blood withdrawal, the plasma extraction, and the injections.

Chief complaints: The cost, of course. Also, it can be a little uncomfortable having a syringe punch at the scalp dozens of times and then endure a few days of fuzzy numbness up there. (No drinking in the days leading up to or following.)

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How LLLT works: By sending low-energy red and near-infrared laser light into the scalp, LLLT stimulates tissue regeneration and follicular virility. The wavelengths of these lights are between 600–950 nanometers, which are fine enough to penetrate skin without any side effects. LLLT accelerates the growth phase of hair and also prolongs the growth phase (before hairs enter resting and shedding phases), and it shortens the amount of time hair spends in its resting phase. Studies also suggest that LLLT boosts circulation in the scalp, and might even reduce the accumulation of DHT around the follicles. 

While LLLT used to be a clinical treatment, at-home devices are now available. The at-home devices are less powerful, but because users can use them more often at home the benefits are the same. 

Typical cost: Clinical treatments can cost thousands of dollars over the course of a year. “Before at-home devices were available, we charged $4000 annually for treatments 3 times per week for 30 minutes per treatment,” Bauman says. Now his office only sells an at-home device, which might have a high price tag ($5,200) but it pays for itself after a year and a half of use. Usually, the cost of an at-home device is based on the number of diodes it has, as well as the intensity of the light it emits, plus things like product design and material quality. Some lower-cost options hover closer to $1,000.

Time commitment: Clinical sessions might require 30 minutes as many as three times per week, for at least 6 months (or ongoing for routine upkeep). At-home options might require the same cadence, although some devices are intended to be used for just 5 minutes daily (like Bauman’s) in order to match those clinical results. 

Chief complaints: It can be hard to incorporate LLLT into one’s routine, no matter if done at home or in a clinic. And the price is daunting too, though it starts to look more attractive when weighing out the longevity of a device versus what clinical treatments might cost.

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The Doctor’s Take on PRP and LLLT

Bauman typically recommends multi-therapy treatments for his patients—that is, pairing things like PRP and LLLT with one another, or with minoxidil and/or finasteride. “In order for you to know exactly what treatment is working, how well it’s working, and what areas of your scalp are responding, you need to have regularly scheduled, accurate measurements of hair density and hair caliber, including Hair Mass Index evaluations,” he said. 

At-home LLLT might actually be the less expensive option compared to minoxidil and finasteride in the long run, Bauman said. “While minoxidil and finasteride may get better results for some patients versus LLLT, the cost for those drugs is ongoing, plus there may be side effects for some patients. In those cases, LLLT is a better option and it’s 100% drug-free and side-effect free.” He adds that getting a high-quality at-home device with a lifetime warranty is one of the best investments anyone can make for their hair retention.

The Final Frontier, With Fluctuating Costs: Hair Transplants

These actually look great now. Just don’t consider it a “last resort”. 

With expertise from Dr. William Yates, Founder of Hair Transplantation and Restoration Clinic in Chicago.

How Hair Transplants Work: Fullness is achieved by taking follicles (also known as “grafts”)  from the back and sides of the head—which aren’t genetically predisposed to shedding, unlike the hair on top of the head. The grafts are extracted individually and no longer leave permanent scars. Then they’re sorted according to each graft’s growth count (between 1-4 hairs per follicle) and implanted individually on top of the head, at a precise angle to mimic natural appearance. Yates doesn’t advise getting more than 3,000 grafts per session, though that’s enough for most people to get desired coverage. Some people will get two or even three separate transplants spread across 3-6 months if they need more grafts; having two transplants is usually the limit before the back and sides start to look too sparse. (Yates usually caps things between 6-10K grafts per patient.)

It’s also important to have healthy and ample “donor” hair in order to achieve realistic results, says Yates. And guys need to be realistic about what’s feasible. Hairs can then be extracted from the neck and chest, but the quality of hair differs with these, and can only be used to visually “fill in” the hair up top. “How far is too far?,” you may ask yourself if you end up at this point.  “Chest and body hair generally does not produce quality hair on the scalp,” Yates said. “Underarm and pubic hair can be used, too, but beard hair is the second best option [after actual head hairs].”

Calling hair transplants a “treatment” is a bit of a stretch. They aren’t a conclusive solution, nor are they a last resort for people whose loss is extremely progressed. Rather, hair transplants are best performed on people who have enough hair up top to help “fill in” as opposed to one giant blanket cover. They’re also only recommended for people who have been taking other treatments (and have seen success) for a year or more, so that the canvas is as naturally full as it can be prior to the procedure.

Also, since the transplanted hairs cannot thin and fall like the native hairs up there, it’s important to continue previous treatments following the transplant. Think of it like this: If treatments are discontinued, then regular male-pattern hair loss will continue, leaving behind just the transplanted hairs indefinitely. In this way, a hair transplant is a commitment to a lifetime of hair loss treatments.

Lastly, for any curly hair patterns (especially coarse, coiled hair), it’s important to visit a doctor who’s practiced in the transplantation of your particular curl pattern (and advertises such). 

Typical cost: The cost of hair transplants varies wildly based on the number of grafts, the technology used, the experience and reputation of the clinic/surgeon, and often location. Often, a transplant in Manhattan NYC or Beverly Hills will certainly be more expensive than one in Oklahoma City. But the doctor may also be more practiced and have access to newer technologies. Many people will travel to cosmetic surgery hotspots like Mexico and Turkey, too, where the density of doctors and quality of care can keep pace with large US markets, but at a fraction of the cost. What costs $8,000-$20,000 in the US might range from $2,000-$8,000 in Istanbul, for example (and might even include hotel/car transfers). 

Time commitment: Aside from pre-transplant exams or consultations, the procedure usually lasts 6-8 hours and will also require a next-day appointment to undress the wounds and check on the scalp’s reaction. Patients will be given adequate antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and painkilling meds so that the process is painless (they also get light local anesthesia during the procedure itself, which makes the 6-8 hours feel like one or two). Most people can return to work the next day if they want to, but they’ll look odd and should at least stay home for a few days to recover while any swelling subsides and the wounds scab over.

Transplanted hairs will fall within a month of implantation, and then regrow within 4-6 months. Yates says the first sprouts should reappear in two months, though, with all of them fully expressed within a year. In this first month though, avoid direct water pressure or hot water on the scalp, and direct sun exposure and intense sweating. Expect some compromises in daily life until the transplanted hairs begin to fall out.

Chief complaints: Where to begin? While the results these days are fantastic (spoken firsthand by this writer), it’s just an inconvenient and awkward process, from the facial swelling to the slog that is waiting for the hairs to grow back, not to mention the itch in the month or two after the procedure. It can be taxing to think of a lifetime of hair loss treatments, too, but if a full head of hair is important, then it’s absolutely worth it. Don’t skimp on a cheap doctor either, but do weigh international options if local prices feel out of range. 

The Doctor’s Take on Hair Transplants

Yates stresses the importance of using other treatments before committing to a hair transplant. These treatments will also enhance the results: “I always encourage patients to take or use something to help stabilize hair loss due to male pattern baldness,” he said. “A commitment on the client’s part to use a non-surgical treatment will help their overall density as long as possible. We don’t recommend stopping the non-surgical treatments such as finasteride, minoxidil, LLLT or PRP after a transplant.” He recommends taking as many of these non-surgical treatments as one is willing to take; there is no harm in pairing all four of the above options.

Hair transplants may meet their match from emerging technologies in coming decades, Yates said. And other treatments could become obsolete, too. “Regenerative medicine with stem cell therapy is already being used for anti-aging and hair loss with success. Genetic manipulation is a potential in the future, too, where the genes for baldness are deleted entirely.”

How to Proceed: SPY’s Recommendation

Given the above insights from these surgeons and dermatologists, here is the best recommendation for proceeding with hair loss treatments:

1. Start as early as possible (mid-20s onward) with minoxidil and/or finasteride. Gauge the response to these medicines, especially monitoring oral finasteride use for potential side effects. Use generic non-branded prescriptions for the least expensive approach. 

While oral versions of both medicines will yield better results, doctors do suggest switching to topical options after this same onboarding period as a more targeted way of maintaining results (and while minimizing potential side effects associated with oral options). 

2. Introduce LLLT in the mid-30s, if it’s in the budget. Get an at-home device. It’s expensive, yes, but is a terrific way to keep follicles fortified for the decades ahead. While a $5,000+ device might feel especially costly, some in the $1,500-3,000 range can still produce good results. 

Continue using minoxidil/finasteride alongside LLLT.

3. Add PRP if you’re mega-rich. It’s expensive. It works, yes, but it’s SPY’s least-favorite option on this list from a cost-benefit perspective. 

4. Only consider a transplant after 1-2 years of minoxidil and/or finasteride use. It’s important to see “the full potential” of your hair before resorting to surgical (and expensive) means. Shop around for ideal prices both domestically and abroad, but only choose a clinic with an excellent reputation—and not just one that they are advertising for themselves. Do the research to really find out.

We all groom. We lather, swipe, pluck, brush, trim, scrub, brush, swish, and spray. Whether we do so in the airplane lavatory or in a private sanctuary dotted with full bottles of Aesop wonderserums, we all make a bit of an effort and build something resembling a routine. 

Routines are great. They are the touchstones of daily life. That said, routines need routine maintenance. Products need to be switched out. New tools need to be switched on.

The men’s grooming space is dynamic. Innovation leads to domination in no time at all. Brands go from obscure to ubiquitous quickly if their goop does what it promises to do – softening beards, curling hair, smoothing skin…. That’s why SPY editors are constantly trying everything from toothbrushes, to floss, to toothpaste to beard trimmers to beard balms to bald head shavers to bath bombs. Every year, we use a lot of horrible, gunky, malfunctioning products and a handful of amazing solutions. The 2023 SPY Grooming Awards is a celebration of outstanding, joyful solutions. 

We’ve divided our picks into seven distinct categories: Hair Care, Skincare, Shaving, Hygiene, Dental Care, Head Care (read: stuff for bald dudes), and Indulgences. Each category contains truly exciting new products.

Hair Care

Proper hair care is essential to conserving and caring for locks — whether they’re a source of anxiety, pride, or indifference. For men who aren’t currently in the market for a bald head shaver, we’ve selected our favorite haircare products for achieving clean, smooth, and soft tresses from root to tip. 

See the Winners

Skincare

The vast, complex world of skincare has become gargantuan. Sure, every man’s skin is different but the number of must-have products is actually small. A good cleanser, SPF, and moisturizer will get most men 90% of the way there. Everything else is a nice bonus. 

Here are our favorite basic products, and our selects for the pampering add-ons that’ll achieve that “dewy bedtime” look your girlfriend nails every night.

See the Winners

Shaving

We’ve got picks for men who like an old-fashioned shave, and men who lean electric, as well as aftercare selections for fighting irritation, which seems inevitable, but isn’t. Trimmer engineering is now advancing faster than automotive engineering and we’re fine with it. 

See the Winners

Head Care

Headcare is haircare for bald men, as maintaining a smooth-shaven dome takes careful tact with the right tools. Each product was hand-picked by SPY’s resident bald editor who has honed his regimen over years post-receding-hairline.  

See the Winners

Hygiene

Every crevice needs attention, and we’ve got picks for every body’s nooks. Finding a body wash that doesn’t strip moisture, moisturizers that don’t clog, and deodorants that clog without sticking wasn’t easy, but we’re here. 

See the Winners

Dental Care

A great toothbrush doesn’t need to be electric, but it probably should be. Water flossers aren’t excessive. Mouthwash can brighten a mood. SPY editors are very selective about their dental routines, and everything below has been vetted by, literally, hundreds of teeth. 

See the Winners

Indulgences

We groom so we don’t smell. But we also groom to feel soothed, to satisfy an ache, to have fun. SPY is a pro-bath organization so bath bombs, face masks, and nail care kits also have spots in the medicine cabinet. Here are the ones worth indulging in. 

See the Winners

It pays to indulge. DIY pedicures are worth the hype. Bath salts and a candle can dig you out of most emotional pits. Even non-bro bros can enjoy the Bro Mask. After a grueling day where somehow nothing went right and then there was a train delay, these are the products SPY editors use to soothe.

BEST BUBBLE BATH

Aromafloria Muscle Soak Recover Bubble Bath

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Inside you, there are two wolves: one wolf spends his day pumping iron at the gym and the other wolf enjoys a nice long bubble bath at the end of the day. This is a product that’ll satisfy both. Aromafloria’s Muscle Soak Recover Bubble Bath is two products in one. The first product is a post-workout soak for sore muscles, and the second is a fun bubble bath. This bubble baths blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and Lemongrass essential oils soothes your body while the bubbles soothe and distract the mind from the stresses of mammalian existence. 

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BEST BATH BOMB

The Bath Bomb Co.

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‘Kaboom’ is my favorite word for the sound an explosion makes. In fact, it’s what I shout whenever I plop a bath bomb into my tub. Kaboom! It’s a bath BOMB, after all, not a bath ball or a bath plume. These 7.5-ounce grenades of comfort will turn your bath into a bubbling cauldron of oh yeahhh. You know these bombs are “for men” because they’re not glittery or cotton candy color. No. These bath bombs are black, like the night. Like a ninja stalking the night.

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BEST SCENTED CANDLE

Diptyque Feu De Bois (Wood Fire) Candle

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There are some scents that transport me to simpler times, and the smell of a crackling wood fire is one of those. Ah, yes, I remember when I was a young lumberjack. If sickly-sweet or spicey smells don’t comfort you, may I suggest Diptyque’s Feu De Bois, which is French for ‘wood fire?” These hand-poured paraffin wax candles stink like a chimney working hard in winter. It’s a pleasant, cozy, smoky smell, the opposite of those more traditional, perfumed candles that make your room smell like chemical cupcakes.

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BEST BATH SALTS

Maude Soak No. 1

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Salt is good for steaks and baths, and in a perfect world, one could eat a steak while taking a bath. But this world isn’t perfect, is it? No, friend, it isn’t. But Maude Bath Soak No. 1 can help heal it a little bit. All it takes is a scoop of these hand-harvested salt crystals from the Dead Sea tossed into warm water, and then, voila, minerals like magnesium, potassium, sulfur, zinc, and more get to work loosening up your mortal coil, with the help of musky scents like amber, cedar leaf, and lemongrass.

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BEST FACE MASK

Jaxon Lane Bro Mask

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Here’s the thing: you don’t have to identify as a bro if you want to wear a Jaxon Lane Bro Mask. Anyone can wear a Bro Mask. There is no law against it. But if you really are a bro who wants to care for his skin and is comforted by gendered marketing that suggests this mask is ONLY for bros, then you know what? So be it. These hydrogel sheet masks are a favorite amongst SPY editors because they add glow and firmness to tired, sagging skin in no time. The sheets come in two pieces, so people with facial hair can use half! 

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BEST FACE MASK

Aesop's Primrose Cleansing Masque

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This product has a price tag that begs the question of its results. Can it really be worth this price tag? The answer is yes, 100 times over. Aesop’s Primrose Cleansing Masque is truly one of a kind. It has a clean, cooling tingle at the beginning and leaves the face feeling cleaner, nourished, and richer after the last rinses. The brand has a portfolio of all-vegan products and this one delivers replenishing vegetable oils to the skin. 

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BEST FOOT SOAK

Mod Pod Men's Relax Bourbon Foot Soak

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Do you like to relax? Do you like bourbon? Do you have aching feet? Oh boy, if you answered yes to those three questions I’ve got a treat for you. Modern Podiatrist’s Bourbon Scented Foot Soak for Men is an anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory mix of Epsom salt, citric acid, and a trio of essential oils: tea tree, vanilla, and pipe tobacco. It also smells like sweet, delicious bourbon, which is a bit on-the-nose for a men’s site but we can’t help it. Quiet your barking dogs with this healing soak.

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BEST NAIL CARE KIT

Scully & Scully Men's Luxury Calfskin Manicure Sets

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Again, you don’t have to be a man to buy a product that says “men” on it. There are gender neutral options that’ll clip your nails just fine, but this kit is special. It’s hard to go wrong with Scully & Scully’s elegant calfskin manicure sets for men. The stylish 5″ x 7″  leather case snaps open and shut, keeping the stainless steel nail clippers, scissors, and tweezers inside safe. There’s also a shoehorn and a pocketknife, which aren’t really grooming-specific but they are cool.

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BEST HAIR MASK

Olaplex Nº.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

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What is a hair mask? Great question. It’s not what you wear when you work spooning mac and cheese onto trays at a cafeteria, first of all. It’s like a super hair conditioner that strengthens and moisturizes your hair. And before you can say, “my hair is strong and moist enough,” you’re wrong. Your hair can’t be strong and moisturized enough. That’s where Olaplex’s Nº.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask comes in. Made for all hair types, No. 8 promises a product made from all-natural ingredients that will give your mane shine and bounce. 

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If you can’t remember the last time you went to the dentist, consider this your reminder. Proper dental care doesn’t have to be boring and dull, but it’s also okay if floss isn’t the most exciting product on the counter. SPY editors are very particular about their teeth cleaning, and these products are approved by their (collective) hundreds of teeth.

BEST TOOTHBRUSH

Philips One by Sonicare

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With all the high-powered, Bluetooth-activated brushes out there, it begs the question: Does tooth brushing need to be this hi-tech? Our answer is no, and while Philips has some of the most impressive toothbrushes from that lot — with apps that track brushing behaviors and whatnot — this back-to-basics pick deserves some serious flowers. 

Let’s not get complicated about teeth brushing. This one is the best upgrade from manual brushing you can make without spending $100+ on a machine that won’t do as much as consistent flossing. It’s comfortable to use, is battery-powered making it great for travel and has a 2-minute timer.

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BEST TOOTHPASTE

Selahatin Whitening Toothpaste

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Sweden-born Selahatin is doing something special in the oral care category; its toothpastes, mouthwashes, and oral sprays have delicious flavor profiles not unlike a top-tier fragrance. We think of them as the artisanal mixologists of the dental care world, and are quite impressed with their recent offerings. 

There’s the honey-sweet Hypnotist with a refreshing kick of peppermint and anise, as well as the zesty cocktail of lime, lemon, salt, and peppermint that is Blue Forever. Eukalypse will probably garner the most fans, for its medley of eucalyptus, peppermint, and honey. Give them all a try to find a flavor that satisfies best; it’s as rewarding as finding a signature cologne.

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BEST TEETH WHITENING

MOON Midnight Enamel Care Dissolving Whitening Strips

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These whitening strips are impressively effective, very easy to use, and less painful than other options we’ve tried. Apply MOON’s strips to a freshly brushed smile just before bed, and they hug themselves to the contours of the public-facing teeth so that no crevice is left unwhitened. They’ve got hydroxyapatite to protect and fortify enamel, plus a bit of lavender and chamomile to soothe teeth and gums (and to promote a more satisfying slumber at that). Expect noticeable results after just a week of wear, but magnified brightness at the end of the 4-week supply (assuming two strips are used each night).

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BEST FLOSS

Boka Ela Mint Floss

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$6.00

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Boka’s floss runs laps around the drugstore alternatives. It’s thick — but not rope-like — and slides through teeth thanks to a vegetable wax coating. That wax carries a minty freshness that lingers on the gums after use, too. This wax never frays, and is one of the sturdiest for navigating things like crowded teeth, trapped popcorn kernels, and fixed retainers. It’s also free of Teflon and petroleum, which isn’t something many drugstore brands can boast about. 

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BEST MOUTHWASH

SmartMouth The Original Activated Mouthwash

Buy Now at walmart

$9.84

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$35.61

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SmartMouth is the absolute, hands-down best way to kill bad morning breath or to prevent mid-day coffee breath. It is powered by zinc ions that neutralize any odorous bacteria throughout the mouth and prevent them from proliferating for 12 hours after the fact. Use it before work or a big date for reassurance (and to spare colleagues or make a stellar first impression). Best of all, and the distinguishing factor that separated this option from others, is this clinical-grade clean is also free of alcohol so it won’t parch the mouth after use. 

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BEST DENTAL CARE KIT

Quip Smart Custom Bundle

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$161.00

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Dental care is intimate. It’s specific. It’s borderline religious. That’s why grooming kits that assume that every buyer wants or needs the exact same solution are bogus. Not Quip. Quip lets customers opt in or out of every component of their kit, so you can stay loyal to any go-to toothpaste and floss if you want to. The brush’s slim profile packs a lot of power in something ½ the width of the standard Panasonic, and they regularly send head refills. They also have floss, fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and xylitol gum for people who want to purchase it all in one swoop. This is an award of a kit, but it’s also awarding a brand for respecting the sanctity of customization. God bless.

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BEST WATER FLOSSER

Smile Direct Club Large Water Flosser

Buy Now at smile direct club

$40.00

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$39.98

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When it comes to water flossers, not many brands can go toe-to-toe (or is it tooth-to-tooth?) with WaterPik, but Smile Direct Club is in that elite club and has them bested in our book. This one’s tank holds up to 90 seconds of water, which can be delivered in three different pulse settings (regular, slowed, and pulsing), adjusting to each user’s preference. And none of those settings is paltry; even the slower one has more oomph than most other brands’ best attempt. Still, this device doesn’t replace the actual floss itself—no water flosser should—but it’s terrific at blasting away plaque that otherwise builds up steadily around the gums and between the teeth.

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Proper hygiene is grooming’s sensible side, but that doesn’t mean the products have to be boring. Coifing mooses and $80 candles are great and all, but every guy also needs a go-to body wash for darker crevices. We groom to take care of ourselves and also to not smell bad. The following products remove smell and add something a little extra too.

BEST DEODORANT

Ursa Major Hello Hinoki Spray Deodorant

Buy Now AT URSA MAJOR

$20.00

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$20.00

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Picking a natural deodorant for this category winner may seem far-fetched, but this brand is worth the potential eye roll. We’re picking a deodorant, rather than an antiperspirant, so we were mainly focused on odor control rather than moisture management. Many uber-natural deodorants are either ineffective or equally as irritating as synthetic ones, but Ursa Major’s soothing vegan recipe is powerful against odor. Almost unbelievably so, given the simplicity of its ingredients. 

Hello Hinoki calms skin with hinoki cypress and sage extract and defends against odor accumulation with lemon tea tree oil and ferment extract. It isn’t designed to mitigate moisture buildup as much as other alternatives (including Ursa Majors’ own roll-on sticks), but this one is great at controlling odor without causing a rash or clogging pores.

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BEST BODY WASH

Basic Maintenance Lab The Body Wash

Buy Now at basic maintenance

$44.00

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Buy Now at fendrihan

$39.00

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Basic Maintenance Lab focuses on simple but effective formulas, and is one of the best new collections of products from the past year. This body wash is exemplary of that entire roster — with soothing aloe, allantoin, chamomile, moisturizing and antimicrobial jojoba oil, plus nourishing Vitamin E — among a handful of other actives. One pump builds a generous, cushioning lather, and leaves skin better than it was found in the first place. It’s also that’s just one of the brand’s top-tier foundational offerings.

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BEST BODY WASH

Axe Green Geranium Body Wash

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$5.97

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Let’s be clear, Axe has earned its reputation as the noxiously over-applied grooming brand of pubescent boys and frat guys. Their scents are strong and marketing even more exorbitant. But their Green Geranium body wash, tested recently by SPY editors in a routine revisit to a medicine cabinet staple, was restored to its former favorite position. It has a rich lather and thick consistency that’s satisfying to scrub with but doesn’t leave a film on the skin after a rinse. 
And to top it off, the scent is long-lasting — thanks to notes of Moroccan spearmint, French lavender, and Canadian Fir Balsam.

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BEST BODY LOTION

Jack Black Cool Moisture Body Lotion

Buy Now at jack black

$32.00

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$32.00

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Buy Now at sephora

$32.00

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Sure, smooth skin feels great, but with Jack Black’s body lotion, it also means you get a tingly menthyl-powered buzz all around the body. Spidey senses that are also moisturizing sent this product over the top in our book. And since we’re doing our due diligence, the ingredients are top-notch as well. It deploys macadamia nut oil, soy protein, jojoba oil, and Vitamin E for heavy-duty nourishment. 

The lightweight lotion won’t suffocate pores and remedies everything from cracked heels to ashy elbows and even enflamed nailbeds overnight. A product that actually works all over the body is rare, and Jack Black’s option is a tier above basic drugstore brands without getting too fancy. It’s best applied in the evening after a shower, before a relaxing scroll or novel chapter. It’s also great to carry in a backpack for applying to slightly damp, freshly-washed hands so it can lock in moisture.

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BEST SHOWER EXFOLIANT

Anthony Sea Kelp Body Scrub

Buy Now at anthony

$30.00

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Buy Now at grooming lounge

$30.00

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A shower exfoliant is not a necessary product in a grooming routine, but a decadent product should still be made with high-performing ingredients. We weren’t just looking for any old volcanic ash concoction that would scrape calves for this award, we wanted a product that felt worth the extraneousness. Anyone who’s tried scoop-out body scrubs knows how easy it is to waste the product; what costs $50 can disappear in three applications. Not with Anthony, though. For 30 bones, this one is easy to portion, prolong, and massage across large areas of skin for maximum use. Its water-gel base cools with aloe and nourishes with kelp extract, while pumice and sea salt crystals slough away dead skin cells from shoulders to toe. Our editors also found it effective on target problem areas — callused feet, dry hands, or buildup around the ankles. 

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