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.
Amit, I get what you mean about L’Oreal Men Expert because it is one of those brands that has earned its place through consistency. Their products feel reliable, the formulations are well-tested, and there is a global track record that makes them a safe pick for anyone who does not want to constantly switch routines. I have always felt that L’Oreal’s moisturisers and face washes are designed to be simple and effective without trying too hard, which is why so many men stick to them for years.
At the same time, The Man Company offers a different sort of experience. The textures feel more natural and the ingredient profiles have a more refined, earthy vibe without sacrificing performance. If you already like L’Oreal’s lightweight formulas, there is a good chance you will enjoy The Man Company’s beard oils or face washes because they add a bit more richness and a natural scent that feels more indulgent. It is less about replacing one with the other and more about choosing the experience you want from your routine
I’ve always been a fan of L’Oreal Men Expert, but lately, I’ve been tempted to try Indian brands more often. The Man Company and Bombay Shaving Company seem like the best places to start. What holds me back sometimes is consistency; I’ve noticed Indian brands vary a bit batch to batch.
Vamsi, that’s a very fair concern. International brands like L’Oreal have that industrial-scale consistency that’s hard to beat. But in recent years, Indian brands like The Man Company and Bombay Shaving Company have genuinely improved their quality control. They’ve also started using better packaging and more stable formulations, especially for face washes and beard oils. What gives them an edge is their understanding of Indian skin and weather they formulate products that deal with humidity, tanning, and pollution better. So while you might occasionally find minor variation, the performance you get for the price and that local adaptability makes them worth trying.
Reading this made me realize how much men’s grooming has evolved. My brother started with Beardo too, and now he swears by The Man Company. I like how Nykaa Man brings all these brands under one roof it’s so much easier to shop without second guessing. Forest Essentials is definitely a splurge, but the fragrance and textures are totally worth it for special occasions.
A few years ago it really was limited to shaving foam, aftershave, and maybe a single face wash. Now it has grown into a whole ecosystem with proper skincare, beard care, hair styling, and fragrances all having their own place. Platforms like Nykaa Man have pushed this shift by making premium and niche brands easy to discover instead of hunting for them in separate stores. Forest Essentials, especially, feels like a category of its own. Their men’s line has that luxurious, sensory experience without being too heavy or overly scented, and it makes everyday routines feel a bit more intentional. The interesting part is how much influence women have on these buying choices either through gifting or casually recommending products that end up shaping a guy’s routine. I have seen the same happen in my own circle, where someone’s sister, partner, or friend introduces them to products they would not try otherwise. So it is great that you mentioned your brother’s routine, because that kind of nudge often becomes the starting point for men exploring better grooming options.
I often gift grooming hampers to my husband, and Nykaa Man has made it so convenient. I once got him a combo from Bombay Shaving Company, and he still talks about how smooth the shaving foam felt. I think I’ll add The Man Company to my next gift list.
It’s true Nykaa Man has made gifting so much easier. Bombay Shaving Company’s hampers are actually one of their biggest strengths; they’re curated in a way that feels premium without being overpriced. The quality of their foams and razors really gives that professional barbershop feel at home. The Man Company is an excellent next step it’s elegant, effective, and looks impressive in gift sets. Their packaging alone makes it feel like a luxury present. What’s nice is that both brands have practical value too, so it’s not just about presentation it’s something he’ll actually enjoy using daily.
I really liked how you covered both affordable and premium grooming options. I’ve personally been using The Man Company’s Charcoal Face Wash for the past year, and it’s easily one of the best out there. It actually feels like a deep clean without leaving your skin dry. I tried Beardo before, but it didn’t suit my oily skin much. I’ve been planning to try Bombay Shaving Company next, mainly for their shaving kits, since I’ve heard they’re good quality for the price.
Raman, your point about The Man Company’s Charcoal Face Wash is spot on. That product has become a bit of a cult favorite among men who want a more intense yet balanced cleanse. What sets The Man Company apart is its focus on natural ingredients without compromising that premium, masculine touch it’s why so many people consider it a step-up brand. I think you will genuinely enjoy Bombay Shaving Company’s shaving kits. Their razors and foams have this smooth, hydrating quality that makes shaving less of a chore and more like a ritual. It’s good you mentioned skin type too oily or dry makes a big difference in how these products perform, especially with charcoal-based formulas.
I tried Bombay Shaving Company’s Charcoal range and honestly, it impressed me. The products feel premium but are still affordable. I agree with you that they hit that middle ground perfectly. I haven’t tried Forest Essentials yet though; that feels too luxurious for daily use.
What works in their favour is how they balance performance with approachability. The charcoal range in particular feels thoughtfully formulated. It tackles oiliness and buildup effectively but does not leave the skin feeling stripped or irritated, which is where many charcoal-based products fail. That makes it easy to use daily without second thoughts, and over time it starts feeling like a dependable part of a routine rather than an occasional upgrade. Forest Essentials sits in a very different space. It is less about functional grooming and more about the ritual and sensory experience. The textures, fragrances, and overall finish feel indulgent, almost spa-like. I agree that it does not make sense as a daily choice for most people, but using it occasionally does reset how you think about self-care. It feels intentional rather than habitual, and that difference is noticeable.
I think grooming brands for men have evolved faster than even makeup brands in some ways. I’ve seen my boyfriend go from using random soaps to a proper skincare routine with Beardo and The Man Company. I like how men are now more open about taking care of their skin.
Trisha, that’s an interesting observation, and it’s true men’s grooming has seen an incredible shift in mindset. What used to be a hush-hush thing has become mainstream. Brands like Beardo played a huge role in normalising grooming as self-care, not vanity. The Man Company and Bombay Shaving Company built on that by introducing refinement and natural care. It’s not just about looking good anymore it’s about feeling good and confident in your skin. The best part is that platforms like Nykaa Man make this change accessible. Seeing men embrace skincare routines shows real progress in how self-care is perceived in India.
I’ve used almost all these brands at some point, but the one that surprised me the most was Forest Essentials. I didn’t expect it to feel that luxurious. Even the fragrance stays for hours. Definitely not a daily-use brand, but perfect for when you want to feel a bit pampered.
Forest Essentials tends to catch people off guard that way. On paper, it looks like just another premium skincare brand, but the difference becomes obvious once you actually use it. The textures, the way the fragrance unfolds rather than hitting you all at once, and even how long it lingers on the skin all contribute to that sense of indulgence. It feels deliberate, almost ceremonial, instead of functional. I agree that it does not fit into an everyday routine for most people, and I think that actually works in its favour. Using it occasionally keeps the experience special rather than routine. It becomes something you reach for when you want to slow down or reset, not just get through a task. In that sense, the value is less about necessity and more about how it makes you feel in that moment. That is where Forest Essentials really separates itself from more utilitarian brands.