Best Skincare Products for Looksmaxxing: The Ultimate Science-Backed Routine
The complete looksmaxxing skincare stack for 2025. From tretinoin to GHK-Cu peptides, here's exactly what products you need and how to build a routine that actually works.
If you've spent any time on looksmaxxing TikTok or forums like Looksmax.org, you know skincare isn't optional. It's foundational. Clear, healthy skin is the canvas everything else builds on.
This guide breaks down the exact products you need for a complete skinmaxxing routine. No fluff. Just what actually works based on clinical research and community-tested results.
But first, we need to talk about why most skincare products aren't built for people who are actually optimizing.
The Problem With Most Skincare
Here's what we learned building RAWDOG Skincare: most products on the market are designed for the average consumer, not for people serious about optimization.
They're filled with seed oils, cheap fillers, and inflammatory ingredients that might not cause obvious problems but work against your goals. When you're looksmaxxing, you're not just trying to avoid breakouts. You're trying to optimize everything: skin texture, barrier function, collagen production, inflammation levels.
Whole body health impacts your looksmaxxing results. The same seed oils causing systemic inflammation in your diet are sitting in your moisturizer, absorbing through your skin. The same cheap preservatives disrupting your gut are in your cleanser.
Why We Built RAWDOG
We couldn't find products that met our non-negotiables:
| Our Standard | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| No seed oils | Inflammatory, disrupts barrier function, absorbs systemically |
| Tallow-based | Biomimetic formula that matches human sebum |
| Clinical concentrations | Actives at levels that actually work, not label decoration |
| Peptides in eye cream | Almost no men's products have these |
| No PEGs, microplastics, silicones | No unnecessary chemicals compromising whole body health |
| No synthetic fragrances | No hormone disruptors hiding behind "fragrance" |
You can use whatever products you want. But understand that ingredient quality matters more than most people realize, especially when you're optimizing.
What NOT To Do: Mistakes Destroying Your Skin
Before we get into what to use, let's talk about what's probably sabotaging your results right now.
Stop Washing Your Face With Soap or Shampoo
This is embarrassingly common. Bar soap and shampoo are formulated for your body and hair, not your face.
| Product | Typical pH | Your Skin's pH |
|---|---|---|
| Bar soap | 9-10 | 4.5-5.5 |
| Shampoo | 5-7 | 4.5-5.5 |
| Facial cleanser | 4.5-6.5 | 4.5-5.5 |
Using soap or shampoo on your face:
- Strips your natural oils completely
- Destroys your acid mantle (your skin's protective barrier)
- Causes your skin to overcompensate by producing MORE oil
- Leads to dryness, irritation, and breakouts simultaneously
If you're washing your face with whatever bar is in the shower, you're actively working against yourself.
Ingredients to Avoid
Seed Oils
- Listed as: Soybean, sunflower, canola, safflower, grapeseed oil
- Why it's bad: High in linoleic acid, prone to oxidation, inflammatory, disrupts barrier function, absorbs into bloodstream
PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
- Listed as: PEG-anything (PEG-100, PEG-40, etc.)
- Why it's bad: Petroleum-derived penetration enhancers, often contaminated with carcinogenic impurities
Microplastics
- Listed as: Polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, nylon
- Why it's bad: Don't biodegrade, accumulate in body, zero benefit
Silicones
- Listed as: Dimethicone, cyclomethicone, anything ending in -cone
- Why it's bad: Fake smoothness from plastic film coating, traps debris and bacteria
Synthetic Fragrances
- Listed as: "Fragrance," "Parfum"
- Why it's bad: Can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, common irritants and hormone disruptors
Drying Alcohols
- Listed as: Alcohol denat., SD alcohol
- Why it's bad: Damages barrier function, accelerates aging (different from beneficial fatty alcohols like cetyl alcohol)
Parabens
- Listed as: Methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben
- Why it's bad: Linked to hormone disruption
Behaviors to Stop
| Bad Habit | Why It Hurts You |
|---|---|
| Over-exfoliating | Using AHAs, BHAs, and retinoids together destroys your barrier |
| Hot water on face | Strips oils and damages barrier function |
| Touching your face | Transfers bacteria, oil, and dirt constantly |
| Skipping moisturizer (oily skin) | Dehydrated skin overcompensates with MORE oil |
| Switching products constantly | Skin needs 6-12 weeks to adapt; you never see results |
The Skinmaxxing Hierarchy
Master each tier before advancing:
| Tier | Category | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Non-Negotiables | Cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, tretinoin |
| 2 | Optimization | Vitamin C serum, eye cream, chemical exfoliants |
| 3 | Advanced | GHK-Cu injectables, Melanotan II injectables |
Most people never need to go past Tier 2.
Morning Routine: The Complete Stack
Step 1: Cleanser
Your cleanser removes overnight sebum, dead skin cells, and prepares skin for actives. BHA (salicylic acid) is key if you deal with sebaceous filaments or congested pores. It's oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate into pores and dissolve sebum plugs.
Our Pick: RAWDOG Face Cleanser — $39
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| BHA included | Controls sebaceous filaments (most cleansers skip this) |
| Olivem 1000 | Biomimetic emulsifier matching your skin's lipid structure |
| Seed oil-free | No inflammatory oils absorbing into your body |
| LexFeel N-Series | Silicone-free texture that won't trap debris |
| No PEGs, no synthetic fragrance | Clean formula, no compromise |
Budget Alternative: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser — $15
Acceptable starting point with ceramides. Contains seed oils, no BHA. Fine while you figure out your routine.
Step 2: Vitamin C Serum
Your morning antioxidant defense. Neutralizes free radicals, brightens skin, stimulates collagen synthesis.
Gold Standard Formulation (Duke Parameters):
- 15-20% L-ascorbic acid
- pH below 3.5
- Vitamin E + ferulic acid for stability
Current Options
| Product | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Timeless 20% Vitamin C + E + Ferulic | $25 | Follows Duke Parameters, must refrigerate |
| SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic | $182 | The original, well-researched, debatable if worth 7x |
RAWDOG vitamin C serum coming soon. Same philosophy: clinical concentrations, no seed oils, no PEGs. Sign up at justrawdogit.com.
Protocol: Apply to clean, dry skin. Wait 1-2 minutes before next step.
Step 3: Moisturizer
Moisturizer maintains barrier function through three mechanisms:
| Mechanism | What It Does | Common Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Humectants | Draw water into skin | Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, NMFs |
| Emollients | Fill gaps between cells | Oils, fatty acids, ceramides |
| Occlusives | Prevent water loss | Petrolatum, tallow, waxes |
Most moisturizers rely on one mechanism and fill the rest with cheap seed oils.
Our Pick: RAWDOG Face Moisturizer — $45
| Ingredient | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Tallow Base | Biomimetic fatty acid profile (37-43% oleic, 24-32% palmitic, 20-25% stearic) | Matches human sebum; your skin recognizes it |
| Aquaderm SP (NMF Complex) | Sodium PCA, sodium lactate, urea, fructose, glycine, niacinamide, inositol | Replenishes what your skin naturally produces |
| Ceramide III | 0.05-1% clinical concentration, biofermentation-produced | Statistically significant hydration lasting 6 days |
| Seed Oil-Free | No soybean, sunflower, canola, safflower | No inflammatory oils absorbing systemically |
Budget Alternative: CeraVe PM — $15
Has ceramides and niacinamide. Also has seed oils, no NMF complex, no tallow. Acceptable if budget is tight.
Step 4: Sunscreen (Non-Negotiable)
UV exposure causes approximately 80% of visible skin aging. This isn't optional.
Current Options
| Product | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60 | $37 | Community favorite, minimal white cast |
| EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 | $45 | Acne-prone skin, mineral-based |
| Eucerin Oil Control SPF 50 | $15 | Oily skin, budget option |
RAWDOG mineral sunscreen coming soon. Seed oil-free, mineral-based, no chemical filters with questionable safety profiles. Sign up at justrawdogit.com.
Protocol: Apply as final morning step. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors. SPF 30 minimum, SPF 50 preferred.
Evening Routine: Where Results Happen
Step 1: Cleanser
Same as morning. Double cleanse if you wore sunscreen (oil cleanser first, then regular cleanser).
Step 2: Tretinoin (Prescription Retinoid)
The most evidence-backed anti-aging ingredient available.
The Research:
- Systematic review: Significant improvement in all clinical signs of photodamage, continuing over 24 months
- NEJM study: 80% increase in collagen I formation vs 14% decrease with placebo
How to Get It
Tretinoin is prescription-only in the US. Telehealth makes this easy:
| Service | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apostrophe | $25-50/month | Straightforward |
| Curology | $20-40/month | Custom formulations |
| Nurx | $25-35/month | Budget option |
Strengths
| Strength | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.025% | Beginner | Start here |
| 0.05% | Standard | Maintenance dose |
| 0.1% | Advanced | Maximum strength |
Protocol
- Start slow: 2-3 nights per week
- Amount: Pea-sized for entire face
- Application: On dry skin
- Wait: 20-30 minutes before moisturizer
- Build up: Increase frequency over 8-12 weeks
- Expect purging: Weeks 2-4 often look worse before better
Alternative: Adapalene/Differin (OTC). Less effective but better tolerated.
Step 3: Eye Cream
The periorbital area has thinner skin, fewer oil glands, and different aging patterns. Generic moisturizer isn't optimized here.
The Problem: Almost every men's eye cream is just caffeine in a jar. Caffeine temporarily reduces puffiness but doesn't address underlying aging.
What Actually Works: Peptides that stimulate collagen and relax muscle tension causing expression lines.
Our Pick: RAWDOG Eye Cream — $48
| Ingredient | Function | Clinical Data |
|---|---|---|
| Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) | Topical botox effect, relaxes muscle tension | Reduces crow's feet and expression lines |
| Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate | Syn-Ake mimetic (Temple Viper venom peptide) | Reduces muscle contraction |
| Arginine/Lysine Polypeptide | Signal peptide | Stimulates collagen production |
| Caffeine | Vasoconstriction | Immediate depuffing |
| Ameyezing with Zerumbone (~0.3%) | Brightening | Dark circle reduction |
Clinical results: 14-18% improvement in wrinkle reduction, elasticity, and densification within 120 minutes.
Find another men's eye cream with this peptide profile. We'll wait.
Budget Alternative: The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% — $9
Just caffeine. Temporary depuffing only. No collagen stimulation, no muscle relaxation, no long-term benefits.
Step 4: Moisturizer
Same as morning routine. Apply after tretinoin has absorbed.
Advanced Protocols: Peptides (Injectable)
For those who've mastered the basics. These are injectable protocols requiring subcutaneous administration.
This is not medical advice. Do your own research. Consult qualified professionals.
The Grey Market: Research Peptides
Injectable peptides exist in a legal grey area. They're sold as "research chemicals" not intended for human consumption.
Trusted Vendors
| Vendor | Notes |
|---|---|
| Peptide Sciences | US-based, third-party tested, gold standard |
| Modern Aminos | Newer, well-regarded, competitive pricing |
What to Look For in a Vendor
- Third-party HPLC purity testing (certificates available)
- Proper lyophilization (freeze-dried powder)
- Cold shipping for temperature-sensitive compounds
- Established reputation in peptide communities
- US-based for accountability
Supplies You'll Need
- Bacteriostatic water (for reconstitution)
- Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)
- Alcohol swabs
- Refrigerator storage (after reconstitution)
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) Injections
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide that declines from ~200 ng/ml at age 20 to ~80 ng/ml by age 60.
What the Research Shows
| Effect | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Collagen synthesis | Up to 70% increase (outperforming vitamin C and retinoic acid) |
| Structural proteins | Promotes Type I, Type III collagen, elastin, GAGs |
| Wound healing | Accelerated healing with anti-inflammatory effects |
| Gene expression | Modulates DNA repair genes |
Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Topical Option (Lower Risk, Milder Results)
| Product | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides | $30 | Budget option |
| NIOD CAIS2 | $60 | Higher concentration |
Look for "Copper Tripeptide-1" at 0.5-1% concentration. Timeline: 2-4 weeks for hydration, 8-12 weeks for collagen benefits.
Injectable Protocol
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Dosing | 1-2mg daily OR 2-4mg every other day |
| Administration | Subcutaneous (abdomen or thigh) |
| Cycle length | 4-12 weeks |
| Reconstitution | Bacteriostatic water |
| Storage | Refrigerated after mixing |
Warning: "Copper uglies" can occur from overuse (potentially from increased MMP-1 expression). Start conservative.
Melanotan II Injections
Synthetic α-MSH analog that stimulates melanin production independent of UV exposure.
Critical Disclaimer: NOT FDA approved. Safety profile controversial, particularly regarding melanoma risk. Educational purposes only.
Protocol
| Phase | Dosing | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Loading | 0.25-0.5mg | Daily for 2-3 weeks |
| Maintenance | 0.5-1mg | 1-2x weekly |
- Administration: Subcutaneous, typically abdomen
- UV requirement: 10-15 min sun exposure to activate tanning response
Side Effects
| Common | Less Common |
|---|---|
| Nausea (especially initially) | New mole formation |
| Facial flushing | Darkening of existing moles |
| Spontaneous erections | |
| Appetite suppression |
Do Not Use If:
- Personal or family history of melanoma
- Numerous or atypical moles
- Not prepared for regular dermatological monitoring
Other Peptides Worth Researching
| Peptide | Primary Use |
|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Healing, injury recovery, gut health |
| TB-500 | Healing, often stacked with BPC-157 |
Research thoroughly before considering any injectable protocol.
Daily Protocol Summary
Morning Routine
| Step | Product | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleanser | — |
| 2 | Vitamin C serum | 1-2 min |
| 3 | Eye cream | — |
| 4 | Moisturizer | — |
| 5 | Sunscreen | 2-3 min after moisturizer |
Evening Routine
| Step | Product | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cleanser | Double cleanse if wearing sunscreen |
| 2 | Tretinoin | 2-3x weekly → nightly |
| 3 | Wait | 20-30 minutes |
| 4 | Eye cream | — |
| 5 | Moisturizer | — |
Weekly
- Chemical exfoliant 1-2x (AHA or BHA)
- NOT on tretinoin nights
Quick Reference: Ingredients to Avoid
| Category | Look For | Why Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Seed Oils | Soybean, sunflower, canola, safflower, grapeseed | Inflammatory, barrier disruption |
| PEGs | PEG-100, PEG-40, etc. | Penetration enhancer, contamination |
| Microplastics | Polyethylene, polypropylene, PMMA, nylon | Body accumulation |
| Silicones | Dimethicone, -cone endings | Traps debris |
| Fragrance | "Fragrance," "Parfum" | Hormone disruptor |
| Drying Alcohols | Alcohol denat., SD alcohol | Barrier damage |
| Parabens | Methylparaben, propylparaben | Hormone disruption |
The RAWDOG Stack
| Product | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Face Cleanser | $39 | BHA, seed oil-free, no PEGs, no silicones |
| Face Moisturizer | $45 | Tallow-based, NMF complex, clinical ceramides |
| Eye Cream | $48 | Triple peptide complex (unique to market) |
| The Bundle | Save | All three, discounted |
Coming Soon:
- RAWDOG Vitamin C Serum
- RAWDOG Mineral Sunscreen (seed oil-free)
Sign up at justrawdogit.com for launch updates.
Sources
Scientific Literature:
- Tretinoin for Photoaging: Systematic Review — PMC
- Tretinoin and Collagen Formation — NEJM
- Retinoids in Skin Aging Treatment — PMC
- GHK-Cu Regenerative Actions — PMC
- GHK Peptide in Skin Regeneration — PMC
Research Peptide Vendors:
Community Resources:
Want the full looksmaxxing breakdown beyond skincare? Check out our Complete Looksmaxxing Guide covering softmaxxing, leanmaxxing, and the full optimization hierarchy. Or start with What is Looksmaxxing if you're new to the terminology.
