I 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.
The Products
Revival Gel Moisturizer — $38
Fresh Start Gentle Face Cleanser — $21
Revival Gel Moisturizer & Fresh Start Gentle Face Cleanser Bundle — $55
Prettyboy’s ingredient-forward approach and straightforward branding make it a brand worth paying attention to, particularly for men dealing with persistent skin concerns like redness or acne who want effective results without a complicated routine.
