Is Prettyboy Worth It? Our Verdict After One Month.

5 min readI FIRST CAME across Prettyboy the same way I discovered my current kettlebell circuit—scrolling Instagram. The brand’s relatable backstory of the co-founders’ struggles with long-term skin issues like redness and acne, paired with its minimal fuss, give-it-to-me-straight approach, immediately caught my eye.As someone who tests skincare for a living, my Instagram feed has become unsurprisingly littered with skincare brands and products to the point that I wouldn’t blame the guy currently glancing over my shoulder at my phone for mistaking me for a Sephora talent scout.This volume of moisturizers, serums, body washes, cleansers, and other products can, of course, be overwhelming—which is why I write a recurring column rounding up the new releases actually worth buying—but there is one thing I always zero in on when discovering a brand for the first time that helps me determine if it’s legit or a quick, trend-hopping money grab: the ingredients.Prettyboy passed this test with flying, skin-boosting colors. So I put the lineup to the test, evaluating whether the packed formula was effective and how it felt on my skin.PrettyBoy Revival Gel MoisturizerPrettyboy Fresh Start Gentle Face CleanserPrettyboy Face Revival Gel Moisturizer & Fresh Start Gentle Face Cleanser BundleProduct LineupPrettyboy has two products: Revival Recovery Gel Moisturizer and Fresh Start Gentle Gel Cleanser. You’ll notice both are gel-based, and that’s by design. Prettyboy clearly prioritizes products that are gentle and safe for sensitive skin, which is further evidenced by each being fragrance-free and the moisturizer receiving the National Eczema Association seal of acceptance.The gel consistency of these products also helps each be fast-absorbing and easy to incorporate into your routine. One of the central conceits of Prettyboy is that skincare doesn’t need to be complicated, and this pair offers a streamlined two-step routine ideal for men who are new to this stuff or overwhelmed by options.Sean ZuckerThe formulas then act as an ingredient list equivalent to pulling up 80s Celtics and Lakers highlights on YouTube for your younger brother who’s just getting into the NBA. It’s a collection of many of the all-time greats all present at the same time, working as an introduction to why this stuff matters. The moisturizer focuses specifically on seven core ingredients, most of which, if you’ve ever Googled “best skincare ingredients for men,” you’re probably familiar with.SHOP PRETTYBOY ON AMAZONThere’s hyaluronic acid to hydrate, niacinamide to reduce redness, and squalane to soothe. Panthenol and glycerin are also there for additional hydration, as well as ceramides to boost the skin barrier and apple fruit extract to brighten skin. The cleanser has a similar ingredient roster led by niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, with added amino acids for mild exfoliation. The moisturizer is $38 for 1.2 oz, and the cleanser is $21 for 5 oz—or you can buy them together in a $59 package.Feel and EffectivenessBoth the moisturizer and cleanser nail the assignment of being gentle. For a month, I used both and neither ever aggravated my skin or caused any irritation whatsoever. The Fresh Start has been particularly useful of late, as a refreshing post-sun face wash that wipes away sweat and lingering SPF without drying out my skin or leaving my face feeling tight.Sean ZuckerIt’s weightless with a decent lather that never struggles to get in between my beard hairs (though I usually had to use an additional pump as my beard is pretty thick). It’s a straightforward gel face wash that effectively cleanses skin without issue. At $21, especially for those with sensitive skin, it’s a great deal.The Revival Moisturizer, however, is what really has me excited about Prettyboy as a whole and where the brand could go next. This cream is no joke. The consistency reminds me a lot of Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, which I’ve declared the best moisturizer for men full stop, and Versed Dew Point, the best moisturizer for summer. Similar to those two stalwarts in my bathroom cabinet, Revival has a silky texture that absorbs in seconds.This is also great for summer, as thicker creams can feel heavy on your face as temperatures rise. But Prettyboy’s powerhouse collection of ingredients helps separate it from the pack. After only a month of use, my face has been noticeably less red and smoother. I also tend to fall victim to phantom pimples this time of year (thanks surely to increased sweating), but with this cream I haven’t seen any over the past four weeks.The only major downside is the size. I used two pumps twice a day and got a month out of it, which, to be clear, is exactly how Prettyboy advertises the container will last. Still, the similarly sized and textured Versed lasts longer than that and costs roughly a third as much. But that’s designed as more of one step in your skincare routine, while Prettyboy’s Revival is formulated to go hand in hand with the cleanser as all you need for healthy skin.Sean ZuckerAnd that’s the real selling point of Prettyboy as a whole. The brand is best for men new to skincare or overwhelmed by the current widespread, ever-expanding landscape of options. You can find these ingredients elsewhere, but they would likely be spread out between several products, many of which aren’t as lightweight as these two. With Revival and Fresh Start, you don’t need to add a serum to your routine or deal with heavy creams and harsh cleansers.Final Verdict: Is Prettyboy Worth It? Prettyboy takes a streamlined approach to skincare with just two fragrance-free, sensitive-skin-friendly products: a gentle gel cleanser and a fast-absorbing gel moisturizer. Both feature proven ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, while the standout Revival Recovery Gel Moisturizer adds ceramides, squalane, and more to hydrate, soothe redness, and strengthen the skin barrier. If you’re looking for an easy two-step skincare regimen designed specifically for men, Prettyboy has created the perfect pair.SHOP PRETTYBOY ON AMAZONOther Moisturizers and Cleansers We Like Best Moisturizer for SummerVersed Dew Point Gel MoisturizerNeutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Face MoisturizerBest Cleanser for Sensitive SkinLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face CleanserMore of Our Favorite SkincareMoisturizers for Oily Skin | Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin | Moisturizers With SPF | Moisturizers for Combination Skin | Moisturizers for Dry Skin | Body Lotions | Night Creams | Foot Creams | Eye Creams | Body Washes for Dry Skin | Bar Soaps | Natural Soaps | Biodegradable Soaps | Face Washes | Moisturizing Body Washes | Deodorants | Sunscreen for Working Out | Skincare BrandsSean Zucker is the Grooming and Reviews Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck.