Hims (Skincare)

What's in the box: A prescription topical such as a custom acne gel cream or a tretinoin-based anti-aging formula, refilled automatically, with optional non-prescription cleanser, moisturizer, serum or night cream.

Hims offers men's skincare through an online consultation instead of a dermatologist visit. You answer questions about your skin, your health and your goals. A licensed medical provider then reviews your answers and, if appropriate, prescribes a treatment that is mailed to you in discreet packaging. The clinical side is run in partnership with Apostrophe. Treatment areas include acne, wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and sun damage. The acne option is a custom gel cream with up to five ingredients, which can include a retinoid and topical antibiotics. The anti-aging formulas use ingredients such as tretinoin. Many of these are compounded products, and Hims notes that compounded drugs are not approved or evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality. A prescription is required. There is also a Skin Basics line that needs no prescription: a $15 cleanser, an $18 moisturizer, a $33 vitamin C serum and a $24 night wrinkle cream. Prescription refills ship automatically, and Hims says you can update, change or pause your subscription at any time. The site does not list prices for the prescription plans. Online care is convenient, but it is not the same as an in-person skin exam, so anyone with a complex or worsening skin problem should still see a dermatologist.