Cardon Skincare Review

Founded by Narae Chung and Jacqueline Oak in 2017, Cardon is a men’s skincare company that focuses on delivering well-made products at a relatively affordable price. 

But Cardon isn’t just another skincare brand for men.  Instead, what makes them so unique is the underlying ingredient tying all their products together – cactus.  Yes, cactus.  

Cardon’s reliance on scientifically-proven ingredients provides you not only with a plethora of essential vitamins that your skin is craving – but it also delivers hydrating and soothing properties that will keep you coming back for more.  

Today, we are going to provide you with an in-depth look at the Ultimate Skincare Kit.  This kit includes a cleanser, eye cream, sunscreen, moisturizer, and face mask.

Let’s begin:

Editor’s Note: The products covered in this guide are complimentary in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.  Tools of Men is independently owned and operated.  Cardon did not review this post before publication.

Cardon Overview

Here’s a brief overview of the Cardon products we will be reviewing today:

Packaging

The packaging for Cardon products is relatively premium.  With a matte black finish and minimalist design, these products will likely be an upgrade to your bathroom countertop.

A few important points for the products presented in the picture above:

• Face & SPF+ Moisturizer: Features a twist-off cap for easy access to the product.  
• Eye Gel: Stored in a tube that contains three stainless steel roller ball applicators.
• Face Cleanser: Contained in a tamper-proof foil sealed tube. 
• Face Mask: Each is individually wrapped.

All products are travel-friendly.

Where are Cardon products made?

Cardon is based out of New York City and makes its products in South Korea.

Cardon Product Overview and Review

Below is a detailed review of each product.  We will provide you with an overview of the product, demonstrate how it performs, and share important review notes.

Cardon Clay Cleanser Review

Of all the Cardon products that were tested, my personal favorite was the Purifying Clay Cleanser:

At a travel-friendly 3.4oz size, the Purifying Clay Cleanser is full of premium natural ingredients. From kaolin to prickly pear, cactus extract, and more, Cardon didn’t cut any corners on product development.

The Purifying Clay Cleanser is paraben-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free, and cruelty-free.

As far as viscosity, the cleanser is neither too runny nor thick:

When working the product on to the skin, you will find that a little bit goes a very long way.  Cardon recommends using only a nickel-sized amount to start.

Not only will you find that the cleanser feels exceptionally smooth on your face, but when you rinse it off, your skin will also feel both soft and supple.

Any excess oil that you may have had on your face before using the cleanser should be cleanly removed.  

The scent of this cleanser is light and welcoming.  

What We Like

• Exceptionally well-made.  
• Smooth consistency provides a nice, gentle cleanse that won’t irritate the skin.  
• The versatile formula should work for all skin types, including men with sensitive skin.
• Large in size while still being travel-friendly.

What We Don’t

• Nothing – this is a well-made cleanser.

Cardon Face Mask Review

Whether you have dry skin, deep-set wrinkles, or simply want to look better for a high-stakes meeting or date, the Cardon Face Mask is a game-changer.  

The face mask contains a blend of several natural extracts along with 3% of niacinamide (Vitamin B3).  Niacinamide is used to strengthen the skin’s natural moisture barrier, smooth out wrinkles, and may provide some anti-inflammatory benefits (source).  

Before applying the face mask, it is important to cleanse the face thoroughly to remove surface oils and bacteria.  Additionally, Cardon recommends that the face mask be applied in the evening, shortly before going to sleep.

Applying the mask is super easy as it has expandable fabric that should allow it to fit on any face shape:

Cardon recommends that you wear the face mask 15 to 20 minutes before removal.  You can wear glasses over the mask without any problem whatsoever.

So get yourself a good book, phone, or perhaps do a short meditation session while you let the face mask do all the heavy lifting for you.

Once done, simply peel away and work in any remaining “essence” into your skin:

The Cardon Face Mask is available as a four-pack or individually.

Should you have facial hair, consider the Cardon Bamboo Charcoal Face Mask instead.  This mask has been specially designed not to get in the way of your beard.

What We Like

• Noticeable difference in skin appearance after one use.
• Packed full of proven ingredients that help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Two variants for men with or without facial hair.

What We Don’t

• Fit is good, but some areas needed to be pressed repeatedly to remain in contact with the skin.

Cardon SPF+ Moisturizer Review

Daily application of sunscreen is one of the best things you can do for your skin.  It not only prevents the signs of aging, but it also can lower your risk of skin cancer (source).

Dermatologists recommend that you wear at least SPF 30 daily.  Even if the forecast calls for clouds, UV rays are still getting absorbed into your skin.  

When deciding on sunscreen, the texture is everything.  Ideally, sunscreen should be light, non-streaky, and easy to work into your skin.  This is particularly important if you have some stubble on your face.

Here’s a look at the SPF+ Moisturizer by Cardon:

The Cardon SPF+ Moisturizer sunscreen is broad spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.  The SPF rating for the sunscreen is 30.  

For active ingredients, the Cardon sunscreen relies on avobenzone (2.5%), homosalate (7.0%), and octyl salicylate (4.3%).  The sunscreen goes on thin unlike a thick-bodied zinc-based sunscreen.  

Given the size, this sunscreen is intended for face application only.

Here is the sunscreen spread to give you an idea of the consistency and texture:

Additionally, the container is soft-sided which allows you to squeeze out the sunscreen from the nozzle gently.

Given the thinner viscosity of the sunscreen, it was able to get worked into the skin easily:

As you can see, no white residue remains after only a single pass with the hand.

What We Like

• Non-streaky composition works easily into the skin.
• Adequate protection from UVA/UVB rays.
• Travel-friendly.

What We Don’t

• Pump design may make it tough to get all of it dispensed.

Cardon Eye Cream Review

The Dark Circle Eye Rescue by Cardon is a well-made eye cream that is designed to reduce the signs of aging and is gently formulated for the delicate skin around your eyes.

By relying on a blend of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and haloxyl, this eye cream has many proven ingredients that are effective at performing their respective functions.

For application, the eye cream relies on three stainless steel roller balls:

With a gentle press of the tube, a gel-like consistency comes out of the top, allowing for smooth and even application:

This type of applicator not only reduces the chance of cross-contamination but also makes it easy to use.  

Once applied, you can feel the gel provide a water-like sensation to the skin. 

If you often find yourself pulling some late nights or putting in long hours at the office, this eye cream can help freshen you up a bit so you retain that youthful look.

What We Like

• Easy applicator reduces the number of times you need to put your hands into your product.
• Allows for quick recovery of your appearance, especially after a tough night. 
• Designed to reduce puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles.

What We Don’t

• May take some repeated daily applications before results appear.

Cardon Face Moisturizer Review

Lastly, the face moisturizer: 

Like all other products we reviewed, the 3-in-1 Hydro Boost Gel Moisturizer is packaged in a travel-friendly 1.7oz container.  

Additionally, like other Cardon products, the moisturizer depends on niacinamide and cactus extract.  

The face moisturizer relies on a pump design.  This design allows you to get a measured amount for reduced product waste.

The consistency of the face moisturizer is somewhat thin but not runny:

This allows the moisturizer to be effortlessly worked into the skin with minimal effort:

As for performance, I found the moisturizer to provide a subtle natural glow to the skin.  The skin didn’t appear shiny or oily-looking after application.  

Lastly, the moisturizer is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a practical consideration for men of all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.

What We Like

• Well-balanced consistency absorbs quickly into the skin.
• The fragrance-free scent makes it suitable for men with sensitive skin.
• Great for all skin types.

What We Don’t

• The pump design could be a bit better.  Takes repeated pumps before the adequate amount is dispensed.
• Modestly-sized.

Final Thoughts

The lineup that Cardon has put together is exceptionally well-executed.  Their products are well-formulated to work with all skin types.  If you are looking for an upgrade to your skincare game and don’t want to break the bank, then consider Cardon. I don’t think you will be disappointed with their products.