NEW YORK – Jan 23, 2026 – As expectations for the best skincare for men continue to rise, ingredient transparency and proven efficacy are increasingly defining the category — and Strive is helping lead that shift. The chemist-founded men’s skincare brand has been recognized among the Best Skincare Brands for Men of 2026, earning AOL Product of the Month (August 2025) honors and editorial coverage from Men’s Health for its science-backed approach and results-driven formulations.
As more consumers search for the best skincare for men, brands that clearly disclose active ingredient levels and formulation logic are increasingly standing out.
This momentum reflects a broader shift in male grooming. Industry research indicates that more than half of U.S. men now use facial skincare products, representing significant growth over the past several years as men become more educated about ingredients and efficacy.
Founded by cosmetic chemist Angel Olavarria, Strive was built to address a long-standing gap in men’s skincare: meaningful active ingredient levels. Many men’s moisturizers contain 1% or less niacinamide, despite studies showing that 4–5% is the range associated with visible benefits such as brightening the appearance of dark circles, supporting the skin barrier, and improving oil regulation.
Strive’s Miracle Facial Moisturizer is formulated with 4% niacinamide, aligned with clinically relevant usage and designed for concerns like dullness and uneven tone. The formula is further supported by alpha-arbutin to help visibly brighten dark spots, ceramides to support barrier function and moisturization, bisabolol to help soothe irritation, and centella asiatica to reduce the appearance of redness. This reflects what modern consumers are looking for when evaluating the best skincare for men: transparency, real efficacy, and performance per dollar.
“Guys wouldn’t buy protein powder without knowing how many grams of protein they’re getting,” said Olavarria. “Yet skincare is often sold without clarity on active ingredient levels. That’s buying on vibes and hoping it works — not science.”
By formulating with clinically relevant inclusion levels across its lineup, Strive delivers up to 5× the active ingredient concentration of many competing men’s skincare products, offering greater performance per dollar without unnecessary steps or marketing gimmicks. This same philosophy applies when consumers compare the best men’s face moisturizer, where meaningful active levels matter far more than branding or buzzwords.
As men evaluate everything from moisturizers to the best face wash for men, ingredient transparency and active concentration are becoming key decision factors.
Why Strive Is Redefining What the Best Skincare for Men Looks Like
• Chemist-Founded & Formulated
Strive was founded by a cosmetic chemist with over a decade of formulation experience. Olavarria is a graduate of the Institute of Personal Care Science and a member of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, bringing professional formulation standards directly to consumers.
• Ingredient Transparency
Strive clearly communicates what each active ingredient does and why it is included at meaningful levels, empowering informed decision-making.
• Up to 5× Higher Active Concentrations
Products are formulated to prioritize efficacy, often delivering significantly higher active ingredient levels than comparable men’s skincare offerings.
• Science-Backed, Not Trend-Driven
Ingredient selection is guided by published research and real-world performance, not buzzwords or social media hype.
• Simplified, Results-First Skincare
Formulas target visible concerns such as dullness, uneven tone, irritation, and early signs of aging without overcomplicating routines.
About Strive
Strive is a New York City–based men’s skincare brand founded by a professional cosmetic chemist. Built on the belief that effective skincare requires the right ingredients at the right amounts, Strive creates science-backed essentials designed to deliver visible results with full transparency and no misleading claims.
Media Contact
Company Name: Strive
Contact Person: Angel Olavarria
Email: Send Email
Phone: 917-512-3220
City: New York
State: NY
Country: United States
Website: https://striveskin.com