For Australian men dealing with sun exposure, humidity, air-conditioning, shaving irritation and dry winter weather, this less-is-more philosophy is particularly appealing. The Ordinary takes a refreshingly different approach. Its formulations are ingredient-led, accessibly priced and presented without unnecessary theatre. Here are five products already earning favour among male users and how to incorporate them into a practical routine.
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
A good skincare routine starts with cleansing, but that doesn’t mean stripping the face until it feels tight. The Glucoside Foaming Cleanser is a lightweight, gel-like cleanser designed to remove dirt and environmental impurities while helping maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. The Ordinary describes it as suitable for improving the appearance of clarity, texture, radiance and suppleness.
It is especially useful for men who want a clean finish without the heavy fragrance or harshness often associated with traditional men’s face washes.
How to use it: Massage a small amount onto a wet face morning and evening, then rinse. It can also be used after training, but avoid repeatedly cleansing throughout the day if your skin becomes dry or irritated.
Best for: Most skin types, particularly men wanting a straightforward everyday cleanser.
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
This is one of The Ordinary’s most recognised formulations and with good reason. The water-based serum combines niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, with zinc PCA. It is designed to improve skin brightness and smoothness, support the skin barrier and reduce the appearance of excess oil over time.
For men experiencing shine across the forehead and nose, uneven-looking texture or congestion, it can be a useful addition without making the routine feel overly elaborate. It is not an acne medication, but it may help skin look more balanced and refined.
How to use it: Apply a few drops after cleansing and before moisturiser, morning or evening. Start once daily if you are new to active skincare.
Best for: Oily and combination skin, visible shine, uneven tone and rough-looking texture.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
Moisturiser is not an optional extra reserved for dry skin. Shaving, sun, wind and air-conditioning can all affect the skin barrier even when the face appears oily.
Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA is a non-greasy surface hydrator formulated with components naturally found in the skin, including amino acids, fatty acids, triglycerides, urea and hyaluronic acid. It provides straightforward hydration without leaving the face feeling heavily coated.
The finish makes it particularly practical for men who dislike rich creams or need something that sits comfortably beneath sunscreen.
How to use it: Apply after serums, morning and evening. During warmer weather, use a smaller amount; in winter, apply more generously to dry areas.
Best for: Almost everyone, particularly men with dehydrated, tight or post-shave skin.
Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
Hair density is an increasingly important part of men’s grooming, and this concentrated leave-in scalp serum offers a cosmetic approach to making hair appear thicker, denser and healthier.
The lightweight formula combines peptide technologies with plant-derived extracts in a water-based serum. It does not promise to cure hair loss, and men experiencing sudden or significant shedding should speak with a GP or dermatologist. As a grooming product, however, it offers an easy way to support the appearance and condition of the scalp and hair.
Consistency is essential. This is not a product to apply twice and abandon; it needs to become part of the nightly routine.
How to use it: Apply a few drops to a clean, dry scalp once daily, ideally at bedtime. Massage it in thoroughly and leave it on.
Best for: Men concerned about hair that looks thinner, less full or lacking in density.
Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm
Lip care is often overlooked until lips are already dry, cracked or uncomfortable. In Australia, exposure to sun, wind, salt water and air-conditioning makes a dependable balm worth carrying year-round.
Squalane + Amino Acids Lip Balm is designed to hydrate, soften and nourish the lips. It can also be applied to small areas of persistent dryness, including cuticles and elbows, making it a useful multi-purpose product for travel, the office or the gym bag.
The product does not replace sun protection. When outdoors, particularly during the Australian summer, pair it with or choose a dedicated broad-spectrum SPF lip product.
How to use it: Apply whenever lips feel dry, and use more generously before bed.
Best for: Dry or weather-exposed lips and men wanting one compact product for multiple dry areas.
The MENSTYLEPOWER Verdict
Start with the cleanser, moisturiser and an SPF 50+ sunscreen. Yes sunscreen! Even though we are men from down under that doesn’t mean we are exempt from the sun’s dangerous rays. Add the niacinamide serum if oil and texture are concerns, and introduce the hair-density serum when scalp and hair appearance are priorities. It is an intelligent, uncomplicated grooming system and proof that effective skincare does not need to be expensive, heavily fragranced or difficult to understand. One other tip, if you have hair loss, make sure you get some infrared light via a device on your scalp without product. It is gravely underrated!