1. Upgrated Diode Laser Hair Removal for Dark Skin Tones, DermRays 1064nm Laser Hair Removal, Permanent Reduction in Hair Regrowth for Women and Men, V6S Suitable for Deep Skin Tone

Best Laser Hair Removal Device Overall​

DermRays Laser Hair Removal​

Pros

Great for dark skin
Good for darker skin tones
Effective on light and dark skin tones
1064nm laser is universally acknowledged as safest for dark skin tones, best for dark and black skin types
Suitable for all skin types​Cons

Long treatment times
Checkered track markings on skin​

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ALSO READ: 10 Best LED Face Masks to Address Wrinkles, Acne, and More

2. LYSMOSKI Laser Hair Removal for Women and Men, Ice-Cooling IPL Hair Removal Device for Armpits Legs Arms Face Bikini Line, Nearly Painless, Effective & Long-Lasting Hair Removal from Home, Rose LS7

Best at-home hair removal device overall​

LYSMOSKI IPL Hair Removal Device​

Pros

Speed mode to glide along skin
Device is comfortable to hold and use
Smart accessory that eliminates pain
Nearly painless
Wide cooling head for painless treatment​Cons

Not effective on darker skin tones
Very long cord​

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3. Laser Hair Removal with 5℃ Ice Cooling, Painless IPL Laser Hair Removal Device 3 In 1 Ubroo At Home Hair Remover Machine for Women Men Electrolysis Permanent Epilator on Face Body Depilation (Gold)

Best affordable IPL hair removal device​

Ubroo Ice Cooling Hair Removal​

Pros

Can use corded or cordless
Ice cooling technology
Cooling technology helps make treatments more comfortable
Lowers treatment temperature
Automatic skin cooling​Cons

Can be tedious for full-body treatments
Some reviews mentioned the cooling temperatures of the device weren’t consistently cold​

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4. Braun IPL Long-Lasting Hair Removal for Women and Men, Silk Expert Pro 5 PL5137 with Venus Swirl Razor, Long-Lasting Reduction in Hair Regrowth for Body & Face, Corded, PL5137

The best IPL for full body use​

Braun Silk Expert Pro 5​

Pros

No batteries or charging necessary
Can be used while plugged in
Smart IPL technology adjusts to your skin
SensoAdapt technology ensures safe and effective treatments​Cons

Bulky
Requires cord for use​

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5. Ulike Laser Hair Removal for Women and Men, Air+ IPL Hair Removal Device with Ice-Cooling Technology for Nearly Painless Result, Safe&Long-Lasting for Reducing in Hair Growth for Body & Face

Best for large areas​

Ulike Laser Hair Removal​

Pros

Great for those with sensitive skin
Safe for all skin tones
Works on face and body
No battery charging required
Personalized Treatment Plan from the Lumea App​Cons

Requires charging between uses
Needs to be plugged in​

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6. Permanent Hair Removal, MiSMON IPL Hair Removal for Women/Men, at-Home Hair Removal Machine for Bikini/Legs/Underarm/Arm/Body with Skin Color Sensor – Safe and Effective Technology

The best IPL hair removal device for large areas​

MiSMON IPL Hair Removal​

Pros

25 adjustable levels
Skincare sensor for personalized treatments
FDA cleared
Works on long-lasting hair types
Safe for use on most skin tones​Cons

Power cord isn’t very long
Power cord limits mobility​

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7. FOREO PEACH 2 IPL Hair Removal Device – Fast & Pain free Permanent Hair Removal – For Full Body & Face – Skin Cooling System – Silicone Shield – Alternative to Laser Hair Removal – Customizable

Best unique IPL hair removal device​

FOREO Fast & Pain free IPL Hair Removal Device​

Pros

5 different intensity levels
Good battery life
IPL doesn’t hurt
Customizable treatments
Five intensity levels, with ability to set your own level​Cons

Only cordless when fully charged
May not work on all skin tones​

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8. Smoothskin Pure Fit IPL Laser Hair Removal Device, for Body & Face, Long-Lasting Hair Removal from Home, Alternative to Laser, with Precision Head

Best IPL hair removal device for large areas​

Smoothskin Laser Hair Removal Device​

Pros

SmartSense tech ensures the right intensity for your skin
Built-in skin tone sensor
Safety sensors for eyes
Tailored to your skin tone
Can be used with or without a cord​Cons

Won’t work on darker skin or lighter hair
Can be difficult to use​

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9. Braun IPL Silk·Expert Pro 5 PL5347 Latest Generation IPL, Holiday Gifts for Women and Men, Hair Removal System with Wide Head and Two Precision Heads

The best laser hair removal device overall​

Braun Silk·Expert Pro 5 Hair Removal System​

Pros

Safe for light to dark skin tones
Can be used with or without a cord
Can be used while plugged in
Can be used on any part of the body
2-yr. limited warranty with 100-day trial​Cons

Bulky size
Can’t be used while charging​

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10. JOVS Laser Hair Removal, [24J Energy] IPL Hair Removal for Women and Men, 37°F Painless Sapphire Ice-Cooling Tech, 6 Modes for Whole Body Hair Removal Device, 2 in 1 Skin Rejuvenation, 330° Rotation

Best at-home laser for face​

JOVS Sapphire Ice-Cooling Hair Removal Device​

Pros

Works for entire body
Rotates 330 degrees for easy handling
IPL and OPT technologies
2-in-1 device
Safety features include a smart skin sensor and cooling system​Cons

Small treatment window
Bulkier than other hair removal devices​

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For the modern man, grooming goes beyond just a haircut and cologne—it’s about embracing rituals that enhance confidence, reflect personal style, and honor culture. Across Africa, grooming practices are deeply rooted in tradition, often blending natural ingredients with techniques passed down through generations.

Today, these timeless rituals are experiencing a luxury revival—where Afrocentric grooming meets contemporary refinement. From shea butter moisturizers to artisan beard oils infused with African botanicals, this guide explores the ultimate Afrocentric grooming rituals for men who value both style and heritage.

1. The Shea Butter Skin Ritual

Shea butter, sourced from West Africa, is a powerhouse of hydration and skin renewal. Rich in vitamins A and E, it softens rough skin while protecting against dryness—perfect for colder months.

• How to Use: Apply after showering for long-lasting moisture. Choose whipped shea butter blended with essential oils like sandalwood or frankincense.

ALSO READ: 10 Luxury African-Inspired Grooming Picks for Men

2. African Black Soap Cleansing Ritual

Known as Ose Dudu in Yoruba culture, African black soap is made from plantain skins, cocoa pods, and shea butter. It deeply cleanses, unclogs pores, and evens skin tone.

• How to Use: Use as a daily facial cleanser or body wash.
• Luxury Upgrade: Look for artisan black soap infused with aloe vera or honey.

3. Beard Care with African Oils

A well-groomed beard signals refinement. African oils like baobab, argan, and marula provide natural shine and growth support.

• How to Use: Massage a few drops into the beard after washing.
• Luxury Upgrade: Go for beard kits that include oils, balms, and wooden combs.

4. The Hammam & Steam Ritual

North African hammam traditions inspire a luxurious detox routine. Steam baths open pores, followed by exfoliation using a kessa glove and natural soap.

• How to Try at Home: Use a facial steamer or hot towel, then exfoliate with Moroccan black soap.
• Luxury Upgrade: Pair with an argan oil massage post-steam.

5. Afrocentric Fragrance Ritual

Scent is an essential part of luxury grooming. African-inspired fragrances often feature bold notes like oud, myrrh, patchouli, and frankincense.

• How to Use: Layer with body butter or oil for longer-lasting scent.
• Luxury Upgrade: Opt for niche perfume houses that create Afrocentric-inspired colognes.

6. Hair Care Rituals with Indigenous Ingredients

Healthy hair is central to men’s grooming. African ingredients like castor oil (Jamaica/Africa), moringa, and hibiscus nourish the scalp and strengthen hair.

• How to Use: Apply as weekly scalp oil treatment or daily moisturizer.
• Luxury Upgrade: Choose organic blends with multiple oils for maximum nourishment.

ALSO READ : 20 Best Self-Care Products Amazon Picks

7. Traditional Shaving Rituals with a Modern Twist 🪒

In many African cultures, grooming included traditional shaving ceremonies. Today, men can adopt natural shaving routines using herbal balms and aftershaves.

• How to Use: Swap chemical foams for natural shave soaps with aloe and shea butter.
• Luxury Upgrade: Invest in a handcrafted safety razor with a mahogany handle.

8. Body Care Ritual: Exfoliation & Massage

Exfoliation has long been part of African grooming, from sugar scrubs in West Africa to salt scrubs in East Africa. Pairing this with massage enhances circulation and relaxation.

• How to Use: Exfoliate once or twice a week using sugar, coffee, or baobab scrubs.
• Luxury Upgrade: Follow with a hot stone or oil massage for ultimate indulgence.

Conclusion

Grooming isn’t just about looking good—it’s about honoring tradition while embracing modern sophistication. With Afrocentric rituals, men can create a routine that’s natural, luxurious, and deeply rooted in heritage.

From the simplicity of shea butter moisturizing to the opulence of oud-based fragrances, these practices elevate grooming into an experience.

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Daily Face Moisturizer, For Oily Skin with Ceramide and Niacinamide for All Skin Tones, Oil Free, Non-Comedogenic

Best Face Moisturizer for Combination Skin​

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer​

Pros

Oil-free and noncomedogenic
Fragrance-free
Made with sensitive skin in mind
Good for oily or sensitive skin types​Cons

Notable smell
Not very matte​

2. Differin Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid, Restorative Night Moisturizer by the Makers of Differin Gel, Gentle Skin Care for Acne Prone Sensitive Skin, 2.5 oz (Packaging May Vary)

Best Retinoid Alternative Night Cream​

Differin Gentle Moisturizer​

Pros

Fragrance-free
Gentle on skin
Contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin
Developed by the makers of Differin Gel
Restorative night cream that works well with Differin gel, per many reviewers​Cons

May not be effective for severe acne
Can be greasy​

3. Cetaphil Face Moisturizer, Gentle Clear Mattifying Acne Moisturizer With 0.5% Salicylic Acid, Hydrates and Treats Sensitive Acne Prone Skin, Skin Care for Sensitive Skin, 3oz

Best fragrance-free moisturizer for acne​

Cetaphil Acne Moisturizer​

Pros

Made for sensitive, acne-prone skin
Fragrance-free
Won’t make acne worse
Provides additional acne treatment​Cons

Lacks SPF
Not the best if you have acne on your body​

4. Skinfix Barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream: Formulated with Niacinamide & Peptides, Ideal for Oily and Blemish-Prone Skin, Restores Skin Barrier, 1.7 oz

Best gel cream for oily skin​

Skinfix Gel Cream​

Pros

Ease of use
Designed for oily skin
Works for oily, acne-prone skin
Great for oily skin
Supported by clinical studies​Cons

Texture can feel sticky
May not be moisturizing enough for dry skin​

5. Paula’s Choice CLEAR Oil-Free Moisturizer, Lightweight Face Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin, Pore-Minimizing Niacinamide, Soothing Antioxidants, Ceramides to Calm Redness

Best Lightweight Acne Moisturizer​

Paula’s Antioxidant Moisturizer​

Pros

Works well with other acne treatments
Fragrance-free
Textured skin-approved
Helpful for dry skin​

Cons

Packaging can be unsanitary
Can feel heavy on the skin​

6. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 | Oil-Free Face Moisturizer with SPF | Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide & Ceramides | Non-Comedogenic | Broad Spectrum Sunscreen | 3 Ounce

Best drugstore daily moisturizer with SPF​

CeraVe AM Sunscreen​

Pros

Built-in broad spectrum SPF 30
Excellent for sensitive skin
Contains broad spectrum sunscreen
Oil-free formulation
Ceramides help strengthen the skin’s barrier

​Cons

Can feel heavy
May leave white cast​

7. COSRX Snail Mucin 92% Moisturizer, Daily Repair Face Gel Cream Tube Type for Dry, Sensitive Skin, Not Tested on Animals, No Parabens, No Sulfates, No Phthalates, Korean Skin Care (7.05Fl Oz / 200g)

The best snail mucin moisturizer​

COSRX Snail Mucin Moisturizer​

Pros

200g format available
Very moisturizing
Great for dry, sensitive skin
Snail mucin is a great humectant and hydrator
Snail mucin is highly moisturizing​

Cons

Some people may not like the stickiness of the gel-like texture
Can feel sticky due to high percentage of mucin​

8. LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Intensive Moisturizer with Peptides + Squalane: Eczema-Prone Skin, Barrier-Boosting, Nourish, Dryness

Best K-Beauty Moisturizer for Oily Skin​

LANEIGE Water Bank Blue​

Pros

Not just another moisturizer
Suitable for sensitive skin and eczema
Extra-large 50 ml size
Moisture level is perfect for all daytime needs
Great for sensitive skin​

Cons

Glass jar packaging
Heavy fragrance​

9. LANEIGE Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Gel Moisturizer: with Mint Extract, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested

Best lightweight gel moisturizer​

LANEIGE Mint Extract Hyaluronic Gel​

Pros

Lightweight and gentle for sensitive skin types
Gel texture is lightweight and cooling
Hypoallergenic
Lightweight, cooling gel texture
Super light and doesn’t make skin look oily​Cons

Only available at select locations
Lightweight texture may not be heavy enough for dry skin​

10. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer With Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid – Formulated Without Common Irritants for Those with Sensitive Skin, 3 fl oz (Pack of 1)

Best lightweight moisturiser​

Pros

​Mild formula with 5 ceramides and hyaluronic acid
Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Affordable for a sensitive skin-friendly product
Fragrance-, lanolin-, and paraben-free
Great for sensitive skin

Cons

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer​

11. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer, Fragrance Free, Pro Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin C to Reduce Wrinkles, Firm & Brighten Skin, 2.55 Oz

Best Drugstore Retinol Cream​

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Moisturizer​

Pros

Can leave skin feeling greasy
Some may experience redness or irritation from retinolGood for retinol beginners
Fragrance free
Contains Pro-Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamin C
Contains Pro-Retinol, a retinoid and wrinkle fighter
Fragrance-free​

Cons

​Contains fragrance
Jar packaging

12. Neutrogena Retinol Face Moisturizer, Rapid Wrinkle Repair, Daily Anti-Aging Face Cream with Retinol & Hyaluronic Acid to Fight Fine Lines, Wrinkles, & Dark Spots, 1.7 oz

Best drugstore retinol moisturizer​

Pros

Softens and moisturizes
Contains Hyaluronic Acid to help with hydration
Improves the look of the entire
Hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump skin
Moisturizes and hydrates skin​

Cons

Some users may experience irritation or redness
Can cause redness and peeling​

13. Hada Labo Tokyo Plumping Gel Cream, Facial Moisturizer, Clinically Proven to Provide 24-Hour Moisture in One Use, Super HyaluronicAcid, Ceramides, Collagen, No Parabens, Dyes or Fragrance, 1.76 oz

Best drugstore gel moisturizer​

Pros

Travel-friendly
Clinically shown to provide 24-hour moisture
Contains collagen, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid
Free from fragrance, mineral oil, and parabens
Excellent value​

Cons

Jar packaging
Hada Labo Tokyo​

14. CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream | Niacinamide, Peptide Complex, and Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer for Face | 1.7 Ounce, Packaging may Vary

The best retinol night cream​

Pros

​Contains ceramides and niacinamide for moisturizing and barrier repair
Ceramides help strengthen skin’s natural skin barrier
Suitable for sensitive skin
Works while you sleep
Rich texture that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy

Cons

CeraVe Night Cream​

15. Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream with Pump Dispenser – 16 fl oz (1 lb) – Moisturizer Formulated Without Common Irritants for Those with Sensitive Skin

Best unscented body lotion​​

Pros

​Pump dispenser available
Affordable at $1.06 per ounce
Pump dispenser included
Recommended by dermatologists
Superb for people with highly sensitive skin

Cons

Best moisturizer for sensitive skinVanicream Skin Cream​

ALSO READ: 20 Best Self-Care Products Amazon Picks

16. First Aid Beauty – Ultra Repair Cream, Intense Hydration Whipped Colloidal Oatmeal, Clinically Proven to Strengthen Skin Barrier in 7 Days & Helps Relieve Eczema, Luxury Moisturizer, 6 oz + Bonus, 2ct

Pros

​Effective for sensitive skin and conditions like eczema
Can be used on face and body
Safe for sensitive skin
Gentle for sensitive skin

Cons

Best lip maskFirst Aid Beauty Eczema Relief Cream​

17. LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask: Nourish, Hydrate, Vitamin C, Murumuru & Shea Butter, Antioxidants, Flaky, Dry Lips

Pros

​Comes with a cute little spatula
Soothing fragrance
Variety of antioxidants
Works well as a daily balm
Gentle, pleasant fragrance

Cons

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping MaskPigmented formula
Mask-like fragrance​

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