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I was lying in bed with my girlfriend on what I thought was just another pandemic weeknight. We were in a light-hearted mood, kissing and cuddling, making jokes. Lying on my chest, she took a deep breath in, and then quickly pulled away, trying to hide a smile with a giddy look in her eyes, and said, “Did you spray cologne before getting in bed?” I laugh and share that, no, I just switched to a new body wash.
She asks what it is.
I say: Black Wolf.
She immediately erupted in laughter. The name didn’t match the scent, I guess. Jokes abound.
What’s no joke, though, is the quality and alluring fragrance of Black Wolf, a men’s skincare brand that’s quickly turned me into a loyalist (and apparently my girlfriend too).
Founded by brothers Sam and Alex Lewkowict — who, despite being in their mid-20s, already boast a versatile resume of entrepreneurship — Black Wolf is their solution to the all-too-often overpriced and underwhelming industry of men’s skincare products.
After suffering countless disappointing grooming experiences — post shave redness and bumps anyone? — Sam and Alex couldn’t find reliable, affordable men’s skincare. That void was the catalyst for the brothers building Black Wolf.
Their mantra: men deserve simple products with effective ingredients that give them the confidence to do whatever they want. But they go a step further — not just tapping into the real-life problems men face every day, but unapologetically calling them out.
My first encounter with Black Wolf was an ad on Instagram, which I wouldn’t say I was spooked by, but really — how often do you see the word ‘dingleberries’ in ads :)
The ad went on to demonstrate how their Activated Charcoal Body Wash — now the source of my girlfriend’s admiration — removes unwanted toxins and impurities from your skin, fighting everything from dry skin to butt acne to...yes...dingleberries.
This was definitely the first time I’d been marketed a product this bluntly. But that’s Black Wolf — unabashed, irreverent, and impact-driven.
Packaging on Point
I ordered a bottle, and found that the bold, honest style of the ad came to life in the packaging. The all black bottle with the lone wolf emblem is super slick, providing a differentiated look in my shower.
On the backside of the bottle were some cheeky reminders like, “So sad that we need to tell you this but...rinse thoroughly.” (You’ll find the same irreverent tone on the company’s home page where they boldly feature the proclamation: “Extra effective men’s skincare. Without the extra.”)
I especially liked how the bottle was designed so the body wash doesn’t come out too fast. I can’t tell you many times Doctor Bronner’s or Dove Men’s Body Wash has shot out of the bottle, dollar signs falling to the shower floor and washing away down the drain.
I especially liked how the bottle was designed so the body wash doesn’t come out too fast, which might sound like an odd detail, but I can’t tell you many times Doctor Bronner’s or Dove Men’s Body Wash has shot out of the bottle, dollar signs falling to the shower floor and washing away down the drain.
Charcoal FTW
Even the body wash itself defies the norm: charcoal black in color to start, but as soon as you rub it in your hands it transforms into a light, shiny, silver lather.
And then: fragrant bliss. And what’s better — the scent stays with me throughout the day (just ask my girlfriend).
And then: fragrant bliss. The blue sage and citrus smell consumes the steamy shower. I’m sure this sounds like hyperbole, but it’s not. It smells incredible, super refreshing, and what’s better — the scent stays with me throughout the day (just ask my girlfriend).
The ‘charcoal’ element threw me at first because, well, what was charcoal doing in my body wash? But after some digging, I found that ‘activated charcoal’ is the secret weapon in a lot of Black Wolf products because it detoxifies skin and shrinks pores. In the body wash specifically, the activated charcoal leads to more purification, and removes dirt, grime and oil.
An Array of Awesome Products
Rather than selling one-size-fits-all products, Black Wolf proudly prefers to create products that serve real men’s needs. For example, they have products designed specifically for men with more oily skin (Oil Free Moisturizing Gel) or dry skin (Ultra Hydrating Moisturizer).
Not unlike other up and coming direct to consumer brands, they’re less about the mass-market and more about the individual consumer (dude, in this case).
I can’t, and won’t, argue with the results. Two weeks into my regimen and I have noticeably smoother skin, am obsessed with the long-lasting, fresh smell.
Yes, the body wash is 10 fluid ounces, which is smaller than most men’s body washes that are 14 fl. oz, and it costs $16. But I can’t, and won’t, argue with the results. Two weeks into my regimen and I have noticeably smoother skin, am obsessed with the long-lasting, fresh smell.
Black Wolf’s no-nonsense approach to serving the modern man is as refreshing as its array of skincare and grooming products. Give Black Wolf a solid look -- I”m sure happy I did.
5 More Reasons To Love Black Wolf
- With nearly 2,000 reviews averaging out to a 4.8 out of 5, it’s safe to say that most folks are happy with their Black Wolf skincare systems
- With each purchase of a Black Wolf product, they offer a 30-day money back guarantee, plus free shipping in Canada and the U.S.
- You’ll save some money by bundling your purchase, and you’ll save even more (15%) when you subscribe.
- Ships direct, so you don't pay more for the countless unnecessary steps between the manufacturer and a traditional retailer’s shelf.
- Made in the USA.
