YCODE commissioned three independent consumer trials examining what men noticed after first using a face serum, a moisturiser and the two products together, then again after four weeks of twice-daily use.
The studies involved three panels of 50, 53 and 50 men. This page publishes the panel sizes, timepoints and positive-response percentages behind every result.
A separate section presents data from an independent study of the wild ginger active used in YCODE Advanced Eye Serum. That study involved 111 volunteers and measured responses after 15 minutes and 15 days.
Key findings
- In a panel of 50 men, 96% said Hydrating Face Serum made their skin feel instantly hydrated after the first application. After four weeks, 98% said their skin appeared rehydrated.
- After four weeks of using Hydrating Face Serum, 96% said their moisture barrier felt stronger and 94% said their skin felt stronger and more resilient.
- In a panel of 53 men, 75% said Mattifying Moisturiser reduced visible shine from the first application. After four weeks, 74% said their skin looked more balanced and less shiny.
- In a separate panel of 50 men using Hydrating Face Serum followed by Mattifying Moisturiser, 90% said their skin felt deeply hydrated after four weeks and 90% said it remained moisturised throughout the day.
- In the same two-product trial, 88% said their moisture barrier felt stronger after four weeks.
- In an independent study of the wild ginger active used in Advanced Eye Serum, 94% of 111 volunteers said they looked less tired after 15 days. After 15 days, 90% reported reduced dark circles and 89% reported improvements in eye bags and the eye contour.
Study 1: Hydrating Face Serum
Results after the first application
| Assessed statement | Positive responses |
|---|---|
| The serum feels gentle yet effective | 98% |
| My skin feels instantly refreshed after applying the serum | 96% |
| The serum blends effortlessly with my skin | 96% |
| The serum dries quickly and leaves no residue | 96% |
| My skin feels instantly hydrated | 96% |
| My skin feels more balanced | 96% |
| The serum absorbs easily without clogging my pores | 90% |
| My skin looks more awake after use | 90% |
| The texture of my skin looks smoother | 88% |
| The serum feels lightweight on my skin | 86% |
| My skin feels revitalised | 86% |
| My skin feels calm and less reactive | 84% |
Results after four weeks
| Assessed statement | Positive responses |
|---|---|
| My skin appears rehydrated | 98% |
| My moisture barrier feels stronger | 96% |
| My skin texture feels smoother | 96% |
| My skin feels stronger and more resilient over time | 94% |
| My complexion appears renewed and well rested | 88% |
Source: independent consumer self-assessment conducted by ADSL. Report ADSL 2025-0056. Hydrating Face Serum
Study 2: Mattifying Moisturiser
Results after the first application
| Assessed statement | Positive responses |
|---|---|
| My skin feels soothed and comfortable | 87% |
| The moisturiser absorbs easily without clogging my pores | 85% |
| My skin feels instantly hydrated | 85% |
| My skin looks smooth | 85% |
| The moisturiser absorbs quickly and leaves my skin comfortable | 83% |
| The moisturiser feels gentle yet effective | 83% |
| The moisturiser feels nourishing | 83% |
| My skin feels calm and less reactive | 81% |
| My skin feels immediately more comfortable | 79% |
| The texture of my skin feels smoother | 79% |
| Visible shine is reduced immediately | 75% |
| The non-greasy formula leaves my skin looking matte | 75% |
Results after four weeks
| Assessed statement | Positive responses |
|---|---|
| My skin appears rehydrated | 87% |
| My skin does not feel irritated | 83% |
| The moisturiser absorbs without leaving a greasy film | 81% |
| My skin looks more balanced and less shiny | 74% |
Source: independent consumer self-assessment conducted by ADSL. Report ADSL 2025-0057. Mattifying Moisturiser
Study 3: Hydrating Face Serum and Mattifying Moisturiser
Results after the first application
| Assessed statement | Positive responses |
|---|---|
| The products provide gentle yet effective layers of moisture | 90% |
| My skin instantly feels rehydrated | 88% |
| My facial hair feels softer | 88% |
| The products blend effortlessly with my skin | 86% |
| My dry skin feels refreshed | 84% |
| My skin looks smooth | 84% |
| The condition of my skin looks improved | 84% |
| The routine feels lightweight yet luxurious | 82% |
| My skin feels immediately more hydrated and balanced | 80% |
| My skin feels instantly refreshed | 78% |
| My skin looks more awake and clearer | 78% |
Results after four weeks
| Assessed statement | Positive responses |
|---|---|
| My skin feels deeply hydrated | 90% |
| My skin stays moisturised throughout the day | 90% |
| My moisture barrier feels stronger | 88% |
| My skin looks fresh | 88% |
| My skin looks less shiny and more balanced | 84% |
Source: independent consumer self-assessment conducted by ADSL. Report ADSL 2025-0162. The Daily Essentials
Advanced Eye Serum active study
The studied wild ginger extract is one of the five principal actives used in YCODE Advanced Eye Serum.
| Assessed statement | After 15 minutes | After 15 days |
|---|---|---|
| “I look less tired” | 86% | 94% |
| Dark circles reduced | 73% | 90% |
| Eye contour improved | 79% | 89% |
| Eye bags reduced | 68% | 89% |
“I look less tired” is the wording used in the study. Source: independent self-assessment conducted by Eurofins Dermscan, a study of the wild ginger active used in YCODE Advanced Eye Serum. Advanced Eye Serum
Methodology
Consumer-trial design
ADSL conducted three separate consumer trials: Hydrating Face Serum with a panel of 50 men, Mattifying Moisturiser with a panel of 53 men, and Hydrating Face Serum followed by Mattifying Moisturiser with a panel of 50 men. Each panel assessed the relevant product or routine after its first use and after four weeks of twice-daily application.
Positive-response percentages
Every percentage represents the proportion of participants who gave a positive response to the relevant statement at the stated timepoint. For example, “96% said their skin felt instantly hydrated” means that 96% of the 50-man panel responded positively to that statement after first using Hydrating Face Serum.
Validation criteria
ADSL assessed each statement against a 60% reference percentage at 90% confidence. Only results that met the required validation standard are included on this page.
Timepoint wording
The statements assessed after first use were not always identical to those assessed after four weeks. The results are therefore separated by timepoint rather than presented as direct before-and-after comparisons unless the same wording was used.
Eye-area evidence
The Advanced Eye Serum section reports an independent study of the wild ginger active used in the formula. Its panel, study design and timepoints are presented separately from the three finished-product consumer trials.
How to cite this research
Suggested citation:
YCODE. “Men’s skincare trial data: results from three independent consumer studies.” Published 24 September 2026. Based on independent consumer studies ADSL 2025-0056, ADSL 2025-0057 and ADSL 2025-0162, with additional ingredient-study data from Eurofins Dermscan.
When citing an individual result, include the product, percentage, panel size and timepoint. For example:
In an independent consumer trial of 50 men, 96% said YCODE Hydrating Face Serum made their skin feel instantly hydrated after the first application.
After four weeks of twice-daily use, 90% of a 50-man panel said YCODE Hydrating Face Serum and Mattifying Moisturiser left their skin deeply hydrated.
Data and media enquiries
Journalists, researchers and publishers may cite the results on this page with attribution and a link to this source. For methodology, supporting materials or media enquiries, contact press@ycode.co.
Download the results
- Study 1, Hydrating Face Serum, ADSL 2025-0056 (CSV)
- Study 2, Mattifying Moisturiser, ADSL 2025-0057 (CSV)
- Study 3, serum and moisturiser, ADSL 2025-0162 (CSV)
- Eye serum active study, Eurofins Dermscan (CSV)
Study references
- ADSL 2025-0056: Hydrating Face Serum, 50-man consumer panel
- ADSL 2025-0057: Mattifying Moisturiser, 53-man consumer panel
- ADSL 2025-0162: Hydrating Face Serum followed by Mattifying Moisturiser, 50-man consumer panel
- Eurofins Dermscan: self-assessment study of the wild ginger active used in Advanced Eye Serum, 111 volunteers
