Let’s get this out of the way: retinol works. It’s one of the most studied skincare ingredients out there. It can reduce wrinkles, speed up cell turnover, and improve skin texture.
But here’s the part most guys never hear: it’s not always the best choice for your skin — especially your skin.
The Retinol Reality Check
Retinol is strong. Too strong, sometimes. It can cause redness, dryness, flaking, and increased sensitivity to the sun. And if you’re shaving regularly, already dealing with irritation, or just starting a skincare routine — that’s a recipe for disaster.
Add in the fact that men’s skin is thicker, oilier, and often more reactive due to daily shaving, and suddenly retinol doesn’t sound like the miracle fix it’s hyped up to be.
Clean Ingredients, Smart Formulations
Instead of throwing the kitchen sink at your face, we focus on clean, effective ingredients that respect your skin’s natural balance — and get results without wrecking your barrier.
Look for:
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Bakuchiol – a plant-based retinol alternative that delivers smoother skin without the irritation.
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Niacinamide – calms inflammation, evens out tone, and strengthens your skin barrier.
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Willow bark extract – a natural source of salicylic acid that clears pores and fights breakouts gently.
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Centella Asiatica (aka Cica) – reduces redness and promotes healing, especially after shaving.
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Vitamin C – brightens, firms, and protects your skin from environmental stressors.
The Henkey’s Way
We’re not anti-retinol. We’re pro you.
We even have products with retinol. Here's what we look for: it better be paired with hydrating, barrier-supporting ingredients and clearly labeled for night use. (And yeah, you still need SPF in the morning.)
But most guys? You don’t need to start there. You need clean, effective ingredients that work with your skin — not against it. That’s why we vet every product on our shelves to make sure it delivers results and respects your biology.
Your face isn’t a science experiment. It’s how you show up in the world. So skip the flaking, ditch the drama, and get products that actually work for you.
Sources & Further Reading:
Bakuchiol: A Retinol-Like Functional Compound Revealed by Gene Expression Profiling and Clinically Proven to Have Anti-Aging Effects
Healthline: Retinol vs. Bakuchiol – What's the Difference?
The Role of Niacinamide in Dermatology
The Cosmeceutical Role of Centella Asiatica
An Update on Vitamin C in Skin Care
Why We Recommend Clean Ingredients Over Retinol (Yeah, We Said It)
Let’s get this out of the way: retinol works. It’s one of the most studied skincare ingredients out there. It can reduce wrinkles, speed up cell turnover, and improve skin texture.
But here’s the part most guys never hear: it’s not always the best choice for your skin — especially your skin.
The Retinol Reality Check
Retinol is strong. Too strong, sometimes. It can cause redness, dryness, flaking, and increased sensitivity to the sun. And if you’re shaving regularly, already dealing with irritation, or just starting a skincare routine — that’s a recipe for disaster.
Add in the fact that men’s skin is thicker, oilier, and often more reactive due to daily shaving, and suddenly retinol doesn’t sound like the miracle fix it’s hyped up to be.
Clean Ingredients, Smart Formulations
Instead of throwing the kitchen sink at your face, we focus on clean, effective ingredients that respect your skin’s natural balance — and get results without wrecking your barrier.
Look for:
The Henkey’s Way
We’re not anti-retinol. We’re pro you.
We even have products with retinol. Here's what we look for: it better be paired with hydrating, barrier-supporting ingredients and clearly labeled for night use. (And yeah, you still need SPF in the morning.)
But most guys? You don’t need to start there. You need clean, effective ingredients that work with your skin — not against it. That’s why we vet every product on our shelves to make sure it delivers results and respects your biology.
Your face isn’t a science experiment. It’s how you show up in the world. So skip the flaking, ditch the drama, and get products that actually work for you.
Sources & Further Reading:
Bakuchiol: A Retinol-Like Functional Compound Revealed by Gene Expression Profiling and Clinically Proven to Have Anti-Aging Effects
Healthline: Retinol vs. Bakuchiol – What's the Difference?
The Role of Niacinamide in Dermatology
The Cosmeceutical Role of Centella Asiatica
An Update on Vitamin C in Skin Care