When Nykaa launched Nykaa Man a few years ago, I didn’t really take it seriously at first. I thought it was just another extension of the main platform, more focused on women’s products. But over time, I noticed how it grew into a proper marketplace for men’s grooming. From skincare and shaving to fragrances and hair styling, Nykaa Man has now become my go-to whenever I want to try something new. What I like most is that it has brands across every budget from everyday affordable ones to premium luxury grooming names. Over the years, I’ve experimented with quite a few of them, and I can confidently say that a handful of brands stand out both in terms of quality and value. Let me share some of the best grooming brands for men on Nykaa Man, based on my personal experiences.
1. Beardo
My first real introduction to men’s grooming beyond shaving cream was through Beardo. I remember buying their Beard Wash when I was growing out a stubble, and it really helped keep things soft and clean instead of itchy. Since then, Beardo has become almost like a starter kit brand for men’s grooming in India. The best part about Beardo is its affordability and variety. They have everything from beard oils and face washes to hair wax and perfumes. One product I keep going back to is the Beardo De-Tan Face Wash, which works decently well after a day out in the sun. It’s not the most premium face wash, but it does the job without burning a hole in my pocket. Overall, Beardo has this reputation of being accessible and beginner-friendly. If you’re just starting out with grooming and don’t want to overspend, Beardo is a solid option.
2. Bombay Shaving Company
I first tried Bombay Shaving Company’s Shaving Foam because it came in one of those gift hampers I received on my birthday. I wasn’t expecting much, but to my surprise, it was smoother and less drying than the standard foams I used before. Later, I also tried their Charcoal Face Pack, which was surprisingly refreshing. Bombay Shaving Company is slightly more polished than Beardo in terms of branding. Their packaging feels premium, and their products are made with modern men in mind stuff like charcoal, coffee, aloe vera are commonly used in their range. I personally find their razors and shaving kits really useful for gifting too. The perception around this brand is that it’s mid-range but reliable, not too pricey and not too cheap. For anyone who wants to slowly upgrade from supermarket brands without jumping into luxury territory, this is a sweet spot.
3. The Man Company
The first product I bought from The Man Company was their Beard Oil. Honestly, the first thing that pulled me in was their packaging it just looks classy, almost like something you’d find in a high-end barbershop. But it wasn’t just looks; the oil genuinely worked well in making my beard softer. Later, I tried their Charcoal Face Wash, which is one of their bestsellers. It’s strong, feels detoxifying, and definitely works better than most budget face washes I’ve used. What I like about The Man Company is that they balance natural ingredients with a premium feel. Their products aren’t exactly cheap, but they feel worth the money. In my experience, people perceive The Man Company as a step-up grooming brand. It’s for guys who want to look after themselves without going into the luxury range. Personally, it’s one of my top three grooming brands on Nykaa Man.
4. Forest Essentials Men’s Range
Now, I’ll admit, I don’t use Forest Essentials Men’s range on a daily basis. It’s expensive, and I usually reserve it for special occasions or when I feel like treating myself. The first product I tried was the Facial Cleanser for Men (Sandalwood & Orange Peel). The fragrance and feel were on a different level, it felt spa-like. Forest Essentials is an Ayurvedic luxury brand, and you can feel that difference in quality immediately. Their aftershave and moisturisers smell natural yet rich, and they don’t feel harsh on the skin. If Beardo and Bombay Shaving Company are everyday use, Forest Essentials is like that indulgence you buy for yourself once in a while. The perception here is clear: this is a luxury men’s grooming brand. Pricey, yes, but if you value indulgence and natural, high-quality formulations, it’s worth it.
5. Man Arden
I stumbled upon Man Arden while browsing for men’s hair styling products on Nykaa Man. Their Hair Wax was the first thing I bought, and I liked how it had a light hold without making my hair sticky. Later, I noticed they also make men’s body butters, face scrubs, and even serums, which is unusual for men’s brands in India. Man Arden feels like a more youth-focused, experimental brand. Their products have playful packaging, and they cover everything from daily essentials to grooming extras. One of their good ones is the Man Arden Beard & Face Wash, which works well if you have both stubble and oily skin. Overall, I think of Man Arden as a modern lifestyle brand for men in their 20s and 30s who like to try out different grooming products beyond the basics.
6. L’Oreal Men Expert
I couldn’t make this list without mentioning L’Oreal Men Expert. My first product from them was the L’Oreal Men Expert White Active Face Wash, which I bought during college days. It was widely advertised, and I wanted to see if it actually worked. While I can’t say it made me fair as the ads claimed back then, it did a great job of cleansing oily skin. Even today, L’Oreal Men Expert products feel reliable. Their moisturisers and anti-fatigue creams are especially popular. Because it’s an international brand, it carries a sense of trust and standardisation that Indian brands sometimes lack. The perception around this brand is that it’s safe, reliable, and widely recognised. If you don’t want to experiment too much and want a name you’ve heard for years, L’Oreal Men Expert is a dependable option.
Personally, I find myself using The Man Company and The Man Company and Bombay Shaving Company most regularly, with Beardo always around for quick essentials. Forest Essentials remains my luxury indulgence. Nykaa Man makes it easy to explore all these brands in one place, and that’s why I’ve stuck to it. Whether you’re just starting your grooming journey or looking to upgrade to premium care, these brands offer something for everyone.
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I started with Beardo during college because it was everywhere, but now I mostly use The Man Company for beard care. Their beard oil and face wash just feel cleaner and less synthetic. Beardo’s range is good for beginners, but once you start noticing quality differences, it’s hard to go back.
Adil, that transition you mentioned from Beardo to The Man Company is something a lot of men go through. Beardo plays an important role in introducing guys to grooming, but The Man Company elevates the experience with more refined ingredients and textures. Their beard oil, in particular, is leagues ahead in absorption and fragrance it gives that neat, well-groomed finish without feeling oily. Beardo still remains a solid brand for starters or budget-conscious users, but The Man Company definitely captures that sense of self-care and sophistication that comes with experience. You’ve described that evolution perfectly it’s a natural step-up that reflects how men’s grooming expectations have matured.
I’ve used Beardo and Man Arden, and both felt like good value for money. But I do feel Man Arden deserves more attention it’s actually one of the few brands that experiments with products like serums and body butters for men. Their Hair Wax is really underrated too, especially if you don’t like that greasy look.
That’s an good observation about Man Arden. It’s easily one of the most underrated grooming brands right now. They’ve tapped into a niche that many traditional men’s brands ignore skincare beyond the basics. The fact that they make serums, body butters, and scrubs shows they’re thinking about modern men who care about their appearance without overcomplicating it. Their Hair Wax is indeed a gem it gives that natural finish with just enough hold to stay styled. Man Arden’s youthful vibe also makes it approachable for men who are just starting to experiment with grooming beyond essentials.
I’ve been using L’Oreal Men Expert for a long time, especially their moisturisers. They just feel reliable and consistent. I think that’s what makes them stand out it’s not fancy, but it works. But now after reading this, I’m curious about The Man Company since everyone seems to have a good experience with it.