Top Men’s Grooming Products 2025: Meet the ELLE Beauty Grand Prix Finalists
Innovation, sustainability, and performance define this year’s most celebrated men’s grooming products.
Summary: The ELLE Beauty Grand Prix has unveiled its 2025 finalists, spotlighting the men’s grooming products shaping how we care for skin, hair, and beards. From luxury skincare to budget-friendly grooming essentials, the lineup reflects a shift toward high-performance formulas, eco-conscious packaging, and inclusivity. But beyond the glossy awards, the selections also signal broader industry changes worth exploring.
Why the ELLE Beauty Grand Prix Matters
The ELLE Beauty Grand Prix, established over two decades ago, is one of the most respected awards in the beauty industry. Products are tested by panels of experts and everyday users across multiple countries before finalists are chosen. This year’s men’s grooming category drew special attention because:
- Men’s skincare is booming. The global men’s grooming market is expected to reach $115 billion by 2028 (Statista), driven by demand for skincare routines that go beyond shaving cream and aftershave.
- Sustainability is now non-negotiable. Brands are being recognized not only for performance but also for how responsibly they source ingredients and package products.
- Male grooming has gone mainstream. What was once niche is now part of everyday self-care, reshaping cultural perceptions of masculinity.
Industry analyst Mark Tungate, author of Branded Male, notes, “We’ve reached a point where men no longer see grooming as vanity but as part of health and well-being.”
The Standout Finalists of 2025
While ELLE has not yet named the winners, the finalists highlight the themes shaping the year. Some of the most talked-about contenders include:
- Best Skincare: A hydrating serum from La Roche-Posay, praised for balancing sensitive skin without heavy fragrance.
- Best Hair Product: A multi-tasking styling cream from Aveda Men, which doubles as a leave-in conditioner.
- Best Beard Care: An organic beard oil by Bulldog Skincare, packaged in recycled plastic.
- Best Innovation: A waterless face wash stick by a Korean indie brand, designed for travel and gym bags.
Behind-the-Scenes: How Testing Happens
Products aren’t just evaluated by beauty editors. Hundreds of everyday men test them at home over several weeks. They fill out detailed reports on texture, scent, effectiveness, and usability. According to ELLE, this democratic process ensures the winners aren’t just hyped-up marketing favorites but genuinely effective solutions.
What These Trends Say About the Future of Men’s Grooming
The Grand Prix finalists do more than highlight good products. They tell us where the men’s grooming market is heading:
- Ingredient transparency: Consumers want to know exactly what goes into their products. Expect more clear labeling and dermatologist-backed claims.
- Sustainable design: From refillable deodorants to biodegradable razor handles, eco-consciousness is now a baseline expectation.
- Inclusivity and diversity: Brands are formulating for a wider range of skin types, tones, and hair textures, expanding the definition of men’s beauty.
- Tech-driven solutions: Devices like LED masks and AI-powered skincare recommendations are no longer limited to women’s beauty aisles.
Public response to the finalists on social media has been enthusiastic, with many users praising the diversity of price points. “Finally, an award show that includes products I can actually afford,” one Reddit commenter noted.
If you’re curious about how grooming tools are evolving alongside skincare, check out our guide to the best grooming gadgets of 2025.
Why It Matters Beyond the Beauty Industry
At first glance, grooming awards may seem like surface-level celebration. But in reality, these choices shape consumer spending, retail trends, and even cultural narratives about self-care. For example:
- Drugstore brands benefit when their affordable products are spotlighted alongside luxury labels.
- Small indie brands gain visibility they could never buy with marketing budgets alone.
- Conversations about men’s mental health often tie into grooming, with self-care routines linked to confidence and stress reduction (American Psychological Association).
The long-term impact? A grooming industry that is more sustainable, diverse, and inclusive—while continuing to grow at record speed.
Final Takeaway
The 2025 ELLE Beauty Grand Prix men’s grooming finalists reflect a market in transformation. The real winners aren’t just the products themselves but the consumers who gain access to better, more responsible choices. As men embrace self-care with the same seriousness women always have, these awards help normalize a healthier, more confident approach to daily routines.
Looking forward, the question isn’t whether men’s grooming will keep growing—but how quickly it will redefine the beauty industry as a whole.
