How far will men go to look better? From peptides to eye-color-change surgeries, 2026 has familiarized us with an ever-growing list of extreme methods for self-improvement. But sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest difference: A silky face cream, a reliable hair mousse, or an irresistible fragrance can go a long way toward boosting your confidence and, in the process, making you feel your best. No invasive procedures or experimental injections necessary.
We at the GQ offices are constantly testing new products, and over the course of 2026 we’ve slathered on many an antiaging moisturizer, smoothed our jaws with a Jetsons-level gua sha, and snipped our body hair with highly precise trimmers. We also scoured all corners of the grooming world, from a face wash made on a 13th-century Tuscan estate to an odor-eliminating hand wash developed by Michelin-starred chefs in Los Angeles. The result is a comprehensive list of stylish, unique goops, sprays, foams, and wellness tech worthy of your medicine cabinet.
Our criteria for the GQ Grooming Awards remains the same as it has been in the decade-plus that we’ve been testing products: Innovation and efficacy were tantamount, followed by ease of use and intuitive, stylish packaging. For the most part we kept our choices limited to new releases, with a few small exceptions for less novel products we just couldn’t put down. The following guide also offers a wide range of price points—from low-key, affordable drugstore staples to high-end cult faves worth splurging on or gifting. Grooming shouldn’t be a constant practice of self-correction. It can be a small daily ritual that allows for playfulness, discovery, and joy. Go ahead and get your feet wet. —Tyler Chin
In This Guide
The Best Facial Care
GQ
