Table of Contents
About Lab Series Skincare for Men
Lab Series is a radical skincare company that makes a wide range of products exclusively for men.
What makes them unusual is that they don’t try to impose a certain lifestyle, look, or philosophy on their customers; instead of going for neutral, inclusive branding to let men shape their own image.
Lab Series for men was featured in Esquire and New York Magazine, fostering a community of 33K followers on Instagram and 150K more on Facebook with many men posting their skincare journeys and happy results.
This Lab Series Skincare review will cover how truthful the company is to its mission, what customers think of their bestsellers, pricing, and much more. Keep reading to determine whether their products are worth purchasing.
Overview of Lab Series
Lab Series Skincare for Men was founded by The Estée Lauder Companies, which, itself, was founded in the 1940s by American couple Estée and Joseph Lauder.
As a part of the Aramis and Designer Fragrances division, Lab Series has focused on skincare products specifically for men’s needs since 1987 and is now being distributed in 30 countries worldwide.
The words anti-aging and complexion are usually tailored towards women’s skincare needs, but many men also need to take care of these issues as well.
But, Lab Series Skincare has tailored the skincare process for the modern man by creating all-in-one skincare products or full routines. The brand prides itself on having 2 ways to approach male skincare, Pro LS and Max LS:
- Pro LS skincare provides fast, effective products that function as all-in-ones for everyday skincare
- Max LS is a rich, advanced system that helps to reduce the signs of aging
Under these categories, are even more collections that help you target the skincare needs you are looking to accomplish. Whether you are looking for help shaving, cleansing, or anti-aging, here are some of the collections to choose from:
- Clean
- Shave
- Moisturize
- SPF/Suncare
- Serums
- Water Lotion
- Eye & Lip
- Travel Sizes
With extreme focus and a team of skincare experts, their extensive lineup of products tackles skincare from all angles with a mission to enable the chosen lifestyles of men around the world.
Pros
- A variety of men’s skincare products including cleansers, creams, serums, and more
- 2 types of skincare used to treat different skincare concerns
- The brand is solely dedicated to men’s skin care needs
- Products are available in 30 countries
- Lab Series is a division within a well-established beauty company
- Orders between $35-$1000 can be paid in 4 installments with Afterpay
- Subscription model for regular deliveries
- Customers can choose how often they want products delivered
- 15% discount on account sign up
- Free standard shipping in US orders
- Free returns
Cons
- Limit on orders placed at a time
- Only ships within the US
- Higher-end pricing (for men’s products)
Lab Series Skincare for Men Review
Men have skincare needs, too. With many brands consistently producing skincare that doesn’t take razor burn or anti-aging into consideration, this brand breaks the mold on traditional products for a man’s needs.
When you’re ready, keep reading for a breakdown of Lab Series’ 9 best-selling skincare items. We’ll go over formulas, pricing, and why customers give them rave reviews for their skincare to determine if these products could be your next facial routine upgrade.
Be advised that the brand offers Afterpay, which allows you to pay for your products in 4 installments over time.
Lab Series Age Rescue Water-Charged Gel Cream Review
The Age Rescue Water-Charged Gel Cream is popular for one simple reason: Its Ginseng-infused formula smooths out those weary signs of aging that we’re all trying to avoid.
“HYDRA BURST COMPLEX” sounds like a supervillain plot from a Marvel movie, but don’t be fooled. This low-key cream gives men the repair and hydration power they need to maintain a youthful appearance.
Apply before bed to let the product soak into the skin overnight, or apply in the morning before your moisturizer. Lab Series’ Age Rescue Water-Charged Gel Cream comes in 1.7oz at $55.
Lab Series Solid Water Essence Review
One splash of this Lab Series face wash gives your skin a boost of moisture. The Solid Water Essence is meant to remove dirt and grime from the skin without leaving that tight, dry effect.
Caffeine and Ginseng also get rid of that fatigued look, which is always a telltale sign of an all-nighter, while also leaving your skin buffed and soft to the touch.
At the same time, antioxidants and bamboo-infused water cleanse and promote the development of youthful-looking skin.
Lab Series recommends using Solid Water Essence anytime, but it’s best applied before using one of their serums or moisturizers. You can buy it in 5oz for $54.
Lab Series Cooling Shave Cream Review
The Lab Series Cooling Shave Cream protects, invigorates, and cools all in one. A smooth concentration of cream preps your skin for the shaving razor, rinses easily, and leaves you without irritation.
Apply this directly after you shave and pair it with a light moisturizer to avoid ingrown hairs, burning, and that annoying inflamed feeling.
Its effective formula is compatible with sensitive skin, and made for men of all ages. This cult-favorite Lab Series shave cream costs $28 for 6.7oz.
Lab Series Urban Blue Detox Clay Mask Review
Okay, guys, this one is a little bit out there. You may have seen your girlfriend use this thing and temporarily transform into a painted, grey ghoul. You may have even tried it yourself.
It’s annoying and gross-feeling, yes, but it gives you a beautiful face, and who doesn’t want that?
You guessed it, we’re talking about a face mask (or clay mask, technically speaking). It contains magical elements such as Charcoal, Leaf Extracts, and Clays.
Use it to detoxify and purify your skin, getting rid of shiny oil buildups, dead skin, and dirt clogging your pores so that all you have left is clear soft skin. Customers say it also leaves a “minty sensation” if that’s your thing.
This Lab Series review is highly suspicious. The Urban Blue Detox Clay Mask may or may not turn you into a ghostly demon. Purchase a 3.4oz bottle at your own risk for $34, the choice is yours.
Lab Series MAX LS Power V Lifting Lotion Review
The Lab Series MAX LS Lotion might feel lightweight, but it’s a heavy-hitter. This 5-in-1 offering instantly hydrates, smooths out deep wrinkles, promotes natural collagen production, tones, and gives a lifted, sculptural look to the face.
Frankly, this Lab Series review wishes there was more information on the “LS Power V Technology” that drives the MAX LS Lotion. What we do know is that the brand recommends using it every morning and/or night, ideally after a cleanser and serum.
As stated before, the MAX LS skincare from Lab Series is meant to help with signs of aging, so you can rely on it to moisturize, clarify, and improve complexion. You can buy the Max LS Lotion for $88 (1.7oz).
Lab Series MAX LS Power V Lifting Serum Review
The MAX LS Power V Lifting Serum adds another layer to your anti-aging regimen. Its time-release ingredients infuse your pores with a mix of hydration, without leaving any greasy residues.
The serum promotes all-around healthy and radiant skin after only a few uses by settling deep into the pores for a light, fresh look. One customer said they had never used a serum before, but this one was “well worth the extra 10 seconds in the morning.”
The MAX LS Power V Lifting Serum is available in 1oz for $81.
Lab Series PRO LS All-In-One Hydrating Gel Review
This Lab Series was surprised to find the PRO LS Hydrating Gel rated much lower than other products. On inspection, however, the bad reviews of the Lab Series website are because this product apparently replaced another one that is greatly missed.
One happy customer reported that they “like the cool feeling when applying it.” The overall customer reaction is hard to assess due to many reviews complaining that their favorite product was discontinued.
That aside, the PRO LS Hydrating Gel is designed as an ultra-lightweight moisturizer that cools, refreshes, and soothes immediately on application. Lab Series notes that it does not leave behind any shine, instead, it absorbs oils and balances your skin to reduce acne flare-ups.
Apply the PRO LS Hydrating Gel to the face and neck after cleansing, morning and night. You can buy it in a 2.5oz bottle for $34.
Lab Series PRO LS All-In-One Face Treatment Review
The Lab Series Pro LS All-In-One Face Treatment is a global bestseller that delivers four skin benefits in one formula. The overall effect is calm, replenished, and fortified skin.
It fights lines and wrinkles over a 4-week period and slows down the aging experience, and, as with many Lab Series products, it uses patented iMatte technology to tackle sebum buildup.
The Pro LS All-In-One Face Treatment is one of Lab Series’ most affordable products, and also a customer favorite. Present a clean appearance or $33 (1.7oz).
Lab Series PRO LS Lip Tech Lip Balm Review
The PRO LS Lip Tech Lip Balm softens and conditions those blisters with nourishing agents.
Swipe on the Beeswax and Shea Butter formula for a natural finish, while Menthol cools and tingles your senses. It’s an often forgotten, but essential part of a rounded self-care routine!
Carry the PRO LS Lip Tech Lip Balm in your pocket when you’re braving chilly winters. It rings in at $12.
Lab Series Auto Pilot Review
Lab Series understands that men have hectic lifestyles. Many men do not have the time to consistently buy new products to keep up with their skincare, so this brand decided to create a subscription program to remember for them.
The Auto Pilot subscription can ship you your skincare products automatically, and with a 10% discount and free shipping for every order.
Signing up is also an easy 2-step process:
- Pick the products you need
- Choose the frequency of delivery
That’s it! Once you sign up for Auto Pilot, you can also cancel your subscription at any time and the price will vary depending upon which products you need on the daily.
Lab Series Skincare for Men Reviews: What Do Customers Think?
This Lab Series review took to the internet to see what customers were saying about the brand. As it seems, many left positive feedback about their favorite products and suggested thoughtful improvements.
First up, Man’s Flair, an online magazine dedicated to men’s style, reviewed the brand after doing a trial period with the brand’s:
- Multi-Action Face Wash
- Smooth Shave Oil
- Daily Moisture Defense Lotion
- Power Protector SPF 50
Each of these being of a different Lab Series category, the reviewer turned these products into his daily skincare routine to see if these products really live up to their promises.
Over the course of his trial, he specifically noted that the Multi-Action Face Wash “was my favorite of the products that I tested,” since the product “felt cool and invigorat[ing]” and afterward his skin “felt clean and tight.”
Whereas the Daily Moisture Defense Lotion and Power Protector SPF 50 “had a consistency and feel similar to suntan lotion (without the overpowering scent of coconut) … and provide[d] similar protection from the sun.” So far, some great results from Lab Series!
Next, the Amazon page for this brand is full of positive reviews about the brand with quite a few of their products receiving a 4.5/5 star average. Let’s see how the brand is doing overall:
- Power Pore Anti-shine & Treatment: 4.5/5 stars from 49 reviews
- Cooling Shave Cream: 4.5/5 stars from 269 reviews
- Multi-Action Face Wash: 4.5/5 stars from 153 reviews
- Age Rescue Plus Face Lotion: 4.5/5 stars from 122 reviews
- Max Ls Power V Lifting Serum: 4.5/5 stars from 41 reviews
- Max Ls Daily Renewing Cleanser: 4.5/5 stars from 126 reviews
On the brand’s official website, many of their bestsellers also scored over 4/5 stars for their effectiveness, smell, or versatility, and one 5/5 star review (seen among 39 others) for the Lab Series PRO IS reads:
“Yup, all in one treatment indeed. Left my skin felt firmer and smoother in the morning when I wake up. I suggest applying it before bedtime.” Good to know that effective all-in-one’s do in fact work!
Another 5-star reviewer for Lab Series skin care shared on Sephora, “So, I bought some of the lab series line for my boyfriend and he ended up loving it so much that he told his friend to buy it when his friend was complaining of sensitivity during shaving. It made me so proud!”
But, no skincare routine is for everyone, and the brand did have some negative feedback. Going back to the review from Men’s Flair, you may have noticed that there were no positive reviews for the Smooth Shave Oil.
The reviewer mentioned that he “was not terribly impressed with this product. I tried using it by itself and found that it left my face very oily.”
This is not uncommon among reviewers since many are not happy with the consistency or effects of some Lab Series products, but the cause of this is because of formula changes done by the brand in compliance with new skincare protocols in the US.
As one reviewer on the brand’s website summarized, this change in formula altered their skincare for the worse:
“This product has been reformulated in late 2016. … to comply with former President Obama’s ban on the use of microbeads in products. … The product no longer has the famous gritty texture it was known for and … my face doesn’t look as refreshed as it did. “
Is Lab Series Skincare for Men Worth It?
Lab Series is run by a long-standing leader in the beauty industry, and it shows. Customers across the board love their no-nonsense products and most have seen great results from products they’ve tried.
Although some Lab Series men lab products come with a high price tag, looking at you Lab Series PRO LS, customers find them well worth the price, with few criticisms. If you’re willing to spend a bit more on men’s skincare products, Lab Series is totally worth it.
Plus, many have taken advantage of the Afterpay installment plans that can help you get products you want without breaking the bank all at once.
The concerns about formula changes as well as unsavory effects are also concerning, but as with any skincare brand, this is more about your own individual skin type and preference rather than the brand being ineffective.
Before you purchase, this Lab Series skincare review recommends that you look into what ingredients work for your skin before trying a brand that may be wrong for you.
But, if you have already bought Lab Series products and they aren’t working for you, you can contact their customer service team and ask for a pre-paid return label and a full refund.
As this Lab Series review found out, there are some beautiful things about this brand. Mainly, they don’t try to sell customers with gimmicks or the latest bandwagon. Their products are effective and no-nonsense with only essential ingredients used.
Their packaging also looks like it was designed in the 50s, and their website keeps it equally simple and organized to find the type of skin care you are looking for.
These elements only go to show that Lab Series lets their products speak for themselves and only wants the best care for men’s skin. For these reasons alone, Lab Series is definitely worth the buy.
Lab Series Promotions & Discounts
It didn’t take long for this Lab Series review to find discounts: Right off the bat, signing up for their mailing list will get you an easy 15% off your first order.
If that order comes to more than $85, then you get to be part of the company’s Spring Deal and receive a free 9-piece set.
Here’s what the 9-piece Spring Set comes with:
- Lab Series Dopp Kit
- MultiAction Face Wash, 30ml
- Cooling Shave Cream, 30ml
- Rescue Water Gel Cleanser, 7ml
- Future Rescue Repair Serum, 7ml
- Rescue Water Lotion, 6ml
- Age Rescue Face Lotion, 7ml
- Pro LS All-In-One Face Treatment, 7ml
- Rescue Water Emulsion, 7ml
Additionally, Lab Series wants to know your birthday, so they can give you $15 off $75+ orders during your birthday month.
Don’t miss the 10% off on orders placed through Lab Series Auto Pilot. Note that it is only available to US residents at this time.
To sweeten the pot even more, every order comes with free samples.
Where to Buy Lab Series
Lab Series is available for purchase via LabSeries.com (US only). They also have some retail skincare partners in the US and Canada, such as:
- Sephora
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Shoppers Drug Mart
- Hudson’s Bay
- Nordstrom
- Macy’s
- Bloomingdales
If you’re more of a walkabout person, check out the Lab Series Store Locator for nearby retail stores.
FAQ
Who makes Lab Series?
The brand’s website is mysteriously lacking information on their production process.
This Lab Series review supposes such information is only provided to the corporate insiders connected to The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (the beauty behemoth that owns Lab Series, as previously mentioned in this review).
How do you use Lab Series?
On your skin, of course. Specifically, I wouldn’t recommend using the Lab Series Electric Shave Solution on your lips, but to each their own.
But their creams, serums, and masks are fairly straightforward as labeled on the brand’s website.
If you’re confused by any of the products, navigate to “Product Usage” next to the descriptions on the product pages. From there, just follow the instructions.
Is Lab Series natural?
This Lab Series review was unable to find evidence that their products are all-natural. Their website does not address this aspect or consistently lists product ingredients.
What is Lab Series’ Shipping Policy?
Currently, Lab Series only ships to the US and its territories (excluding Palau). Priority shipping orders are best placed before 3PM EST, so that they are processed on the same day.
Shipping fees depend on your checkout total. Here is a breakdown of the prices and expected delivery times:
- Standard: Free (2–5 business days)
- 2nd Day: $10–$15 (2 business days)*
- Overnight: $15–$20 (1 business day)*
*The brand notes, “Orders destined for US Territories, P.O. Boxes or APO/FPO/DPO locations are not eligible for Overnight or 2nd Day Service”.
What is Lab Series’ Return Policy?
If that Lab Series water lotion isn’t working out for you, the first thing to do is call them at 1-866-316-4819 or send an email to [email protected].
This will start the process of getting you a free return label, as well as determining whether you want a standard refund or want to make an exchange.
Follow these simple steps for a return on Lab Series for men products:
- Print the return label provided by Lab Series customer support
- Carefully pack the items you want to return into a box
- Seal the box with the prepaid label attached on the outside
- Go to a UPS store or request a UPS pickup to ship your return back to Lab Series
If your product arrived damaged, prepare your order number, email address, and phone number, then email [email protected] as soon as possible.
How to Contact Lab Series
Have a question beyond this Lab Series review? There are a few ways that customers can get in touch with the brand:
- Phone: 1-866-316-4819
- Email: [email protected]
- Fill out an online Contact Form on the website
The website’s Live Chat is also monitored weekdays 10 AM–10 PM, and weekends between 12 PM–8 PM, ET.
Phone lines are answered weekdays 8 AM–10 PM, and weekends 10 AM–8 PM ET.
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