Tiege Hanley Review: Worth Your Money in 2020?

In this Tiege Hanley review, I'll look at this popular men's skin care system to see if it's worth your money.

Note: This is not a sponsored article. We haven't been paid to publish this review. We do use affiliate links which may result in a small commission if you purchase through our links (at no extra cost to you).

If you spend any time reading men's fashion blogs or watching men's lifestyle content on YouTube, chances are you've heard of Tiege Hanley.

If not, I'll tell you more about the brand below. But if you're short on time, here's what you need to know:

Quick Take

If you don't have time to read this whole review, here's my quick opinion on Tiege Hanley:

*Tiege Hanley is sold as a subscription, but you can change your delivery frequency and cancel anytime, so you won't feel locked in like you do with some other subscription based products.

Bottom Line: I recommend Tiege Hanley to any guy with normal skin or mild to moderate acne. It's especially great for those who don't currently have a skincare routine.

If you have severe acne, TH is a good place to start, but you may need supplemental products to achieve completely clear skin.

Click here to check out Tiege Hanley, or read on for the full review.

What is Tiege Hanley?

Tiege Hanley is a men's skincare brand co-founded by Kelley Thornton, Rob Hoxie, Aaron Marino and a silent partner called “The Chemist”.

Their mission is “to help guys look and feel amazing by providing a simplified skin care system” which is why the TH tagline is “Uncomplicated Skin Care for Men”.

The brand gained traction quickly due to promotion on co-founder Aaron Marino's YouTube channel. Chances are, if you're reading this, you've probably seen Aaron (or someone else) talking about Tiege Hanley on YouTube.

Today, there are other subscription skin care brands out there, but Tiege Hanley was one of the first to sell a “system” containing everything a guy might need, from a cleanser to a moisturizer and eye cream.

It's a different way to buy skin care products, and there's a lot of hype around this brand. But does it live up to the hype?

Let's find out…

Tiege Hanley Products

Tiege Hanley products are available in five different packages, all of which contain a specific combination of the following:

• Daily Face Wash – 2.5 oz
• Exfoliating Scrub – 0.75 oz
• AM Moisturizer – 0.75 oz
• PM Moisturizer – 0.75 oz
• Eye Cream – 0.5 oz
• Super Serum – 0.5 oz
• Acne Cream – 0.85 oz

Each of these products serves a specific purpose, and some guys might not need all of them (for example, the acne cream).

However, the core products – Wash, Scrub, AM Moisturizer – are included in every level/package.

Let's take a closer look at each product.

Daily Face Wash

This is one of Tiege Hanley's “core 4” products, so it's included in every system, including the Acne System.

This makes sense because face wash is a necessary part of any skin care routine.

The Tiege Hanley Daily Face Wash was created to remove dirt and excess oil from your skin while reducing inflammation.

It's key ingredients are:

• Cucmber extract
• Salix alba bark extract
• Lavandula oil
• Eucalyptus oil

It comes in a 2.5 oz TSA compliant tube. This compact, travel-friendly size fits in my dopp kit perfectly, so I often bring this on the road (even if I'm not using the whole system while traveling).

This face wash is meant to be used twice a day (morning and evening) before applying moisturizer.

Compared to other face washes, I found this one to be lightweight and mild. It leaves your skin feeling clean but doesn't dry it out.

In my opinion, it's a solid face wash for any skin type.

Exfoliating Scrub

Another core product, the Facial Exfoliating Scrub is also included in every Tiege Hanley system.

This product helps remove dead skin cells from your face in order to reduce wrinkles and dark spots, and even out your skin tone.

Its key ingredients are:

• Cucumber extract
• Menthyl lactate
• Vitamin B3
• Apricot seed powder

The Exfoliating Scrub comes in a 0.75 oz tube and is meant to be used two times per week, in between washing and moisturizing.

If you've never used any sort of exfoliating products on your face, this takes a little getting used to.

The key is to be gentle. Despite the name of this product, you shouldn't be “scrubbing” your face. The product has crushed apricot seeds that will do that for you (you'll feel the grit when you spread it on your hands)

Your job is just to gently massage your face and let the Exfoliating Scrub work its magic. No need to rub it into your skin!

After rinsing off, your skin should feel noticeably smoother, and you'll probably start to look forward to using the Exfoliating Scrub.

Just don't use it more than twice a week!

AM Moisturizer

The Morning Facial Moisturizer is a SPF 20 moisturizer that's included in every Tiege Hanley package (including the Acne System).

Its purpose is to hydrate your skin while protecting it from the sun's harmful rays.

To this end, the AM Moisturizer contains these active ingredients:

• Octinoxate 5.5%
• Avobenzone 2.2%
• Actocrylene 2.0%

It also contains these key ingredients:

• Calendula extract
• Plantain extract
• Lavandula oil
• Rosemary leaf oil

The Morning Facial Moisturizer comes in a 0.75 tube and is meant to be used daily, each morning before you go outside.

Compared to other moisturizers, I found this one to be pretty lightweight (not like a thick lotion). It absorbs quickly, and you don't need much of it, especially if you use it right after washing your face.

I didn't take sun safety very seriously until I lived in southern Arizona for a three years. When you're dealing with pretty intense sunlight almost every day, you need UV protection on your skin – especially your face.

Even though I don't live in the desert anymore, I still use SPF moisturizer every single day (sometimes more than once).

It doesn't feel anything like sunscreen, so don't worry about having residue on your skin or clogging up your pores.

The AM Moisturizer is the same as any other high quality face moisturizer with the added benefit of having SPF 20 built right in.

PM Moisturizer

The Bedtime Facial Moisturizer is included in every level of the standard Tiege Hanley System. In the Acne System, it's replaced by the Acne Cream.

This product was designed to repair your skin while you sleep. Specifically, it's supposed to reduce dark spots, inflammation, redness and wrinkles.

Its key ingredients are:

• Hydrolyzed elastin
• Collagen
• Niacinamide
• Green tea extract
• Aloe extract

The PM Moisturizer comes in a 0.75 oz tube (just like the AM Moisturizer and Scrub) and is meant to be used each night before bed.

Compared to a normal moisturizer you're probably used to, the PM Moisturizer feels a bit thicker. I recommend applying it right after you wash your face, while your skin is still moist.

If you're also using the Eye Cream and/or Super Serum, you should use the PM Moisturizer last.

To be honest, I haven't used Tiege Hanley PM Moisturizer in a while because my wife steals every bottle. Seriously, every time I get a new box of Tiege, she takes the PM Moisturizer.

One time she ran out for a few weeks, and I swear she went through withdrawal. Sometimes I think she only stays with me for my Tiege…

Eye Cream

The Tiege Hanley Eye Cream is included in the Level 2 and Level 3 Systems. It's not included in the Acne System.

The Eye Cream was developed to reduce crow's feet, dark circles and puffiness under your eyes. It's also meant to prevent new wrinkles from forming.

Its key ingredients are:

• Caffeine
• Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (also in the Super Serum)
• Vitamin B3

The Eye Cream comes in a 0.5 oz bottle and is meant to be used twice daily (morning and night) after washing and using the Super Serum (if you're a Level 3 customer).

You're not supposed to use this on your upper eye lids; just below your eyes, directly under your eyebrows and at the corners.

This cream is very lightweight compared to some face moisturizers you might be used to. It only needs to be applied, not rubbed in (your skin will absorb it naturally).

Let's look at the science behind the active ingredients in this Eye Cream: caffeine and acetyl hexapeptide-8.

Caffeine

There is some evidence that caffeine is good for your skin:

Caffeine has potent antioxidant properties. It helps protect cells against the UV radiation and slows down the process of photoaging of the skin. Moreover, caffeine contained in cosmetics increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin…

Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2013;26:8–14

That said, there haven't been any human trials that clearly showed super compelling evidence of caffeine's effects on people's skin when applied topically.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

What about acetyl hexapeptide-8? Well, peptides in general have been shown to have incredible anti-aging benefits for people.

Acetyl hexapeptide-8, specifically, has been shown to have skin-restoring abilities. Short of getting Botox shots, it's one of the best things you can do to enhance the appearance of your skin (from what I can tell).

But I want to set your expectations: the way your eyes look is determined primarily by how well rested you are.

If you're sleep deprived and dehydrated, no amount of eye cream will make you look well rested and hydrated.

But if you're already taking care of yourself and want to make your eyes (and the skin around them) look as healthy and young as possible, you should definitely be using eye cream every day.

Super Serum

Tiege Hanley Super Serum is included in the Level 3 System. It's not included the Acne System.

The Super Serum was designed to keep your skin hydrated and smooth, ultimately acting as an anti-aging product. It's not a substitute for moisturizer.

Its key ingredients are:

• Sodium hyaluronate
• Retinyl palmitate
• Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (also in the Eye Cream)

The Super Serum comes in a 0.5 oz bottle and is meant to be used twice a day (morning and evening), after washing your face and using the Scrub (if it's a Scrub day).

This product is not a replacement for moisturizer, especially in the morning since it doesn't have any SPF built in and can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight.

So, in the morning, you should use the Super Serum before using the AM Moisturizer. At night, use it before using the PM Moisturizer.

In other words, moisturizer is always the last step of your routine, no matter the time of day.

I've talked to many other bloggers, YouTubers and grooming enthusiasts who have tried Tiege Hanley, and many people claim the Super Serum is their favorite part of the routine.

I think that's due to the fact that you can sort of “feel” it working to firm up your skin. If you've used any other topical retinoids on your face, you're probably familiar with this firming and smoothing sensation/effect.

Do you need it?

In my opinion, the Super Serum isn't a “must have” for younger guys (teens and 20s), unless your lifestyle is especially damaging to your skin or have already started noticing wrinkles.

But for guys in their 30s, 40s and beyond, adding this product to your skin care routine will likely make a difference.

If you don't have any sort of skin care routine and are trying Tiege Hanley for the first time, I recommend keeping it simple and starting with Level 1 or Level 2.

You can always upgrade to Level 3 for the Super Serum later on, once your routine becomes habit.

Tiege Hanley Acne System

Since acne is such a strong pain point for so many guys, I want to talk a little more about how Tiege Hanley is approaching acne treatment.

I actually used the TH Level 3 System exclusively for about three months when they first launched.

The problem was, back then they didn't have any acne fighting ingredients in their products. As a guy who's dealt with mild acne even into adulthood, this was a deal breaker.

I actually relayed this feedback to co-founder Aaron Marino and was glad to see the release of the Tiege Hanley Acne System, which contains an extra product, the Moisturizing Acne Cream.

Acne Cream

The Tiege Hanley Daily Moisturizing Acne Cream is included in the Level 1 and Level 2 Acne System.

Level 2 contains an extra bottle (i.e., twice as much product).

Its key ingredients are:

• Salicylic acid
• Plantain extract
• KuKui nut oil

The Acne Cream comes in a 0.85 bottle and is meant to be used each night after washing your face.

For more severe acne, the Acne System Level 2 is recommended in order to use the Acne Cream in the morning as well (before using the AM Moisturizer).

This isn't a spot treatment. It's meant to be distributed evenly across your entire face and neck.

Salicylic Acid

The active ingredient in this cream is salicylic acid, one of the most-established and effective acne fighting ingredients available.

According to a 2012 study in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology:

…salicylic acid promotes individual corneocyte desquamation, thus simulating natural exfoliation….The “physiological” desquamation provided by salicylic acid provides smoother texture and appearance to the skin and can give the illusion of decreased pore sizes.

In other words, it can help reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and make your skin look and feel smoother by removing dead skin cells.

Salicylic acid may dry your skin out a little bit, but it won't cause severe dryness like benzoyl peroxide, and it won't bleach your pillow cases either.

The Dose Matters

If you've tried salicylic acid before and haven't seen results, keep in mind the dose matters. Many over-the-counter acne products have low concentrations of salicylic acid (like under 0.5%), which may not be effective.

Tiege Hanley Acne Cream has 1.6% salicylic acid, and it's a leave on cream vs. a cleanser that gets washed off quickly.

So it should make a difference in the appearance and clarity of your skin, and the amount of visible acne on your face, within a few weeks – especially if you aren't using any acne fighting ingredients right now.

My Experience

If you're looking for dramatic before and after photos that show how Tiege Hanley transformed my face from a pimply raisin into a silky smooth grape, you're going to be disappointed.

The thing is, by the time Tiege Hanley launched, I'd already dialed in a pretty solid skin care routine.

Over the years, I've tried so many different things, from cheap drug store brands to high end stuff like Kiehl's and Lumin, and with a lot of trial and error I've found what works best for me.

Interestingly, it's more about the ingredients than the brand or price, so that's what I always look at first, and Tiege Hanley uses premium ingredients (on par with Kiehl's, Lumin, Geologie, etc.).

I did use Tiege exclusively for about three months, just to see how it compared to other brands, and I'm happy to say that I really liked it.

The Face Wash is gentle and mild, and it rinses off easily without leaving any residue like some gel cleaners do.

The AM Moisturizer is must have, in my opinion. If you spend any significant time in the sun (like more than a few minutes), you need some form of sun protection.

Wearing actual sunblock or a hat all day isn't realistic for most guys, so having that protection built into your moisturizer just makes sense.

Honestly, whatever brand you end up going with, I really can't emphasize this enough: use a SPF moisturizer in the morning. You'll be glad you did when you get older. Trust me on this one!

The PM Moisturizer is a nice upgrade for anyone who already uses face wash and daytime moisturizer. After all, we spend a third of our lives sleeping. Might as well repair your skin while you sleep, right?

The Eye Cream is super lightweight, unlike some other brands I've tried that feel more like body lotion.

The Super Serum isn't for everyone, but I think it's a good idea for anyone who's getting older and noticing lines, wrinkles or uneven skin tone.

These days, I'm still always testing out new skin care brands, so I'm not using the full Tiege Hanley System right now.

However, due to their travel-friendly size, I do bring the Face Wash and Moisturizers with me when I'm on the road.

I also use…

I don't know why, but I've found that the topical retinoid adapalene (i.e., Differin Gel) works really well for my skin.

Chemically, it's similar to the retinyl palmitate found in the Tiege Hanley Super Serum. But for some reason adapalene just works for me.

It has anti-aging and acne-fighting properties, but it doesn't work for everyone. In fact, some people have a negative reaction to it.

It's also not a replacement for face wash or moisturizer. It's something I use on my entire face 1-2 a week, or as needed.

Personally, no matter what skin care routine I use, adapalene is always part of it. So my ideal routine is:

• Tiege Hanley Acne Level 1
• Differen Gel

With this set up, I can almost guarantee my skin will be clear 90% of the time, and any acne will be mild and vanish quickly.

Who It's For

Tiege Hanley isn't for everyone, but it's perfect for lots of different guys.

Skin Care Noobs

If you don't currently have a skin care routine, and you want to step up your game, Tiege Hanley is usually my first recommendation.

It's one of the only ways to get a fool proof skin care routine delivered to your door, and it's better than the vast majority of products you'll find in the drug store.

And if you haven't been taking care of your face, you'll likely notice a difference in the look and feel of your skin within 2-3 weeks.

Unhappy Campers

If you do have a routine but aren't happy with it, or you've tried a bunch of different stuff and don't know if it's working, I think Tiege Hanley is a good choice for you too.

If you're a young guy (teens or 20s), start with the Level 1 System. If you need special attention around your eyes, go with the Level 2 to get the Eye Cream.

If you have any acne at all – even mild acne – you should definitely choose the Acne System (start with Level 1).

Efficiency Masters

If you're the kind of guy who likes to “set it and forget it” then Tiege is for you.

Once you sign up, it's basically skin care on autopilot. Just follow the instruction on the card that comes with the box, and you're off to the races!

Mature Gents

If you're in your 40s, 50s or beyond, and you haven't always taken great care of your skin, it's not too late to start reversing some of that damage.

Go with the Level 3 System to get the most bang for your buck.

Frequent Flyers

Finally, if you travel a lot and hate checking a bag, you'll love Tiege Hanley because every single product comes in a travel friendly (TSA compliant) bottle.

Who It's Not For

Of course, Tiege Hanley isn't perfect for everyone. In my opinion, it's not the best choice for these folks:

Super Limited Budgets

If you're on an extremely limited budget and can't commit to a trial month for $25, you'll need to find a more affordable alternative.

If that's the case for you, I recommend just starting with a face wash and moisturizer. Don't worry about eye creams and anti-aging serums for now.

Guys With Severe Acne

If you have severe acne, you may still benefit from using Tiege Hanley, but you will likely need to supplement the routine with prescription strength products.

If this is your situation, I highly recommend seeing a dermatologist before investing in any acne fighting products.

Skin Care Pros

Finally, if you already have a pretty good handle on your routine and know what ingredients and products work for your skin, I don't think you need to spend money on a whole new set of products.

Tiege Hanley FAQs

While researching for this review, I came across the same questions over and over, so I'll try my best to answer them:

Does Tiege Hanley ship internationally?

According to their website, Tiege ships to over 100 counties. International shipping costs anywhere from $5 to $12 (USD).

These orders are delivered by DHL and take 2-4 weeks to arrive.

Are Tiege Hanley products tested on animals? Are they vegan?

The products aren't tested on animals, but they're not 100% vegan, as some of them contain beeswax.

Where are Tiege Hanley products made?

All of the products, packaging and boxes are made in the United States.

Who is the owner of Tiege Hanley?

Tiege Hanley is owned by Kelley Thornton, Rob Hoxie, Aaron Marino and “The Chemist” (a skin care industry veteran who chooses to remain anonymous).

Where can I find a Tiege Hanley discount code?

Since Tiege works with influencers, there are usually a couple of active promo codes floating around the Internet.

Currently, Tiege doesn't give price reduction discounts, but you can use the code MODESTMAN for a free dopp kit with your order.

Can you cancel Tiege Hanley?

I know that some guys are wary to sign up for any sort of subscription service, and you sort of have to get on board with this model if you want to use Tiege Hanley.

As a guy who tries to minimize recurring expenses as much as possible, I feel you.

That said, here's what you should know before buying Tiege:

• You can speed up or slow down your next delivery via your account dashboard (when you're logged into the TH website).
• You can upgrade or downgrade to different Levels after you become a customer.
• You can cancel your subscription anytime via your account dashboard

Personally, I've found that a box of Tiege Hanley lasts about six weeks, even though they're designed to last for one month.

Tiege Hanley vs. Brickell

I often hear guys ask about the difference between Tiege Hanley and Brickell, another popular men's grooming brand.

While these two brands target the same people (men), they're actually quite different.

Brickell has a larger selection of products, including body wash, shampoo had shave cream.

Tiege Hanley, on the other hand, is focused on skincare.

Brickell isn't a subscription service. They do sell a few skincare routines which are curated bundles made up of selections from their skincare product lineup.

But, unlike Tiege, Brickell mostly sells individual products, not subscription-based systems

Finally, the biggest difference is in price. Brickell is substantially more expensive than Tiege Hanley.

For example, the Brickell face routine bundles start at $57 (for two products) and go up to $210.

You can also purchase Brickell products through various retailers like Birchbox and Neiman Marcus.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Tiege Hanley review helps you decide whether or not this skin care system is right for you.

If you do want to try it out for yourself, be sure to use the Tiege Hanley promo code MODESTMAN for a free dopp kit with your order.

And remember, regardless of which products you use, please treat your skin with respect.

At the very least, use face wash and moisturizer daily. You'll be glad you did as you get older!

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!