All effective skincare regimens begin with a face cleanser; this is the first and final step for some men.
Table Of Contents
−- Our 13 picks for face wash for men
- Jack Black – Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser
- L’Oreal Men Expert Extreme Cleanser Infused with Charcoal
- Brickell Men’s Clarifying Gel Cleanser
- Clinique for Men Oil Control Face Wash
- Kiehl’s foaming calendula cleanser
- Caldera Lab Cleanser
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
- Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
- Nivea Men Moisturizing Face Wash
- Lab Series for Men Multi-Action Face Wash
- Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
- Burt’s Bees Facial Cleanser
- Patricks FW1 Anti-Aging Face Wash
- Types of cleansers
- Ingredients you should look for in a face wash for men:
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
While soap and water may partially be okay, each of these expertly crafted face washes for guys adds a touch of polish to your daily routine.
A great face wash will not dry the skin. This also possesses gentle exfoliating properties and can remove excess oil and grime.
Depending on whatever cleanser you use, cleansers made especially for your face may offer a variety of advantages. You can choose from the top face washes for the guys listed below.
- Top Pick + Blind Buy: Jack Black – Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser
- Best Overall: L’Oreal Men Expert Extreme Cleanser Infused with Charcoal
- Best For Men With Oily Skin: Brickell Men’s Clarifying Gel Cleanser
- Best For Men With Normal to Dry Skin: Clinique for Men Oil Control Face Wash
- Best for the Oiliest Skin: Kiehl’s foaming calendula cleanser
- Best for Being Most Gentle: Caldera + Lab The Clean Slate
- Best Dermatologist Recommended: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
- Best Hydrating Cleanser: KIEHL’S Ultra Facial Cleanser
- Best for Dry Skin: Nivea Men Moisturizing Face Wash
- Best Exfoliator: Lab Series for Men Multi-Action Face Wash
- Best for Acne-prone Skin: Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
- Best All-Natural: Burt’s Bees Facial Cleanser
- Best for Luxury & Best Ever Face Wash: Patricks FW1 Anti-Aging Face Wash
Our 13 picks for face wash for men
Here are our top face wash for men. Some of these are for all skin types, while others are specifically formulated to address certain skin concerns.
Jack Black – Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser
This facial cleanser has several organic and natural components that soften and hydrate without causing acne or oily skin to worsen. With the help of clay and ash, this face cleanser removes dead skin cells and pollutants while controlling excess oil production and foaming up to cleanse the skin thoroughly.
It also contains glycolic acid, a potent and purifying acid that cleans the skin’s surface and is ideal for spots and enhancing skin texture.
Hence, the special components in this one-of-a-kind face cleanser were chosen specifically for their capability to unclog pores, remove oil, treat acne, and lightly exfoliate dead skin.
Pros
- Has glycolic acid
- Gently exfoliates skin
- No skin drying properties
- Can work as a purifying mask
- Can prevent ingrown hair growth
L’Oreal Men Expert Extreme Cleanser Infused with Charcoal
This cleanser removes oil and dirt, clearing the skin in the process. The salicylic acid it contains helps reduce inflammation and bacteria, making it a suitable option for individuals battling acne. Oak charcoal is also included, which has decreased acne by removing germs and other pollutants from the pores.
Use twice daily by massaging into a damp face, paying special attention to the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and then rinsing off.
Pros
- Brightens skin
- Minimizes pores
- Oil- and alcohol-free
- Has charcoal and salicylic acid
- Does not have silicones and parabens
Brickell Men’s Clarifying Gel Cleanser
Brickell Men’s Clarifying Gel Face Wash for Men is an all-around solid cleanser that works exceptionally well for guys with oily, normal, and combo-type skin. This rich, foaming gel face wash washes away oil with powerful coconut-based cleansers, while aloe renews the skin and geranium acts as a powerful antiseptic.
It’s the perfect choice for guys looking to keep their skin looking and feeling healthy without harsh chemicals or drying agents. The natural ingredients work together to energize and clear your skin, making it an excellent face wash for men with oily skin.
Pros
- Natural antiseptic properties that eliminate bacteria, excess oil, and other pore-clogging debris
- Coconut-based cleansers
- Aloe helps restore the skin
- Effective for oily, normal, or combo skin types
Clinique for Men Oil Control Face Wash
The Clinique for Men Oil Control Face Wash is the best cleanser for men with normal to dry skin. This cleanser delivers a clean, comfortable sensation after every wash, thanks to its oil-control composition.
In terms of ingredients, this product contains aloe and does not contain oil or gluten. Aloe vera gel is commonly known for its relaxing and soothing characteristics. It also has salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
One potential issue is that it includes sodium sulfate. Small doses are harmless, although they may irritate certain people.
Pros
- Antibacterial
- Does not have oil
- Anti-inflammatory
- Has salicylic acid and aloe
- Tested by dermatologists
Kiehl’s foaming calendula cleanser
Kiehl’s Foaming Calendula Cleanser is an excellent choice for those with the oiliest skin. This is what I personally use, and coming from Asian genetics, oily skin is a constant battle. It deeply cleanses the skin without over-drying or stripping it of its natural moisture barrier.
The calendula flower extract and glycerin help to soothe the skin and provide long-lasting hydration. It’s gentle enough to use daily and even removes dirt, oil, and impurities effectively. Skin is left feeling refreshed, soothed, and hydrated every time you wash your face. This face wash is ideal for those with normal to oily skin types looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser.
I also use a facial scrub brush to help remove the oils off for a very long time.
Pros:
- Formulated with Calendula Extract
- Compounds are known to help relieve visible redness and discomfort
- Soothes and refreshes skin
- Leaves skin feeling instantly refreshed and soothed
- Non-drying foaming face cleanser
Caldera Lab Cleanser
The best gentle face wash is Caldera Lab Cleanser, a lightweight, breakthrough pH-balanced cleanser that uses gentle plant-based cleansing to leave all skin types refreshed and clean. This vegan and natural cleanser is packed full of antioxidants and is suitable for both dry and sensitive skin types.
Ideal for those who want a gentle cleanser without the stripping effects of harsher face washes, Caldera Lab’s Foaming Facial Cleanser will leave your skin feeling clean and soft.
Pros
- Natural ingredients, such as aloe vera juice, green tea extract, and willow bark extract.
- No Parabens or Sulfates
- Gentle cleaning
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-irritating fragrance
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is a great option for those looking for an overall top-notch face wash. This gentle, hypoallergenic formula is specifically designed to cleanse sensitive, combination skin deeply. It has a foaming gel structure that helps to remove makeup and deep cleanse the skin without leaving any soapy residue or drying it out.
This product is a great choice for those looking for an effective yet gentle cleanser that can be used daily. It follows in the footsteps of the Best Overall pick, Philosophy Facial Cleanser, and the Best Gentle Face Wash, Caldera Lab Cleanser, as another excellent choice for keeping skin clean and healthy.
Pros
- A dermatologist-backed blend of niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin to improve the resilience of sensitive skin
- Cleanses without drying
- Non-comedogenic
- Gentle and non-irritating
- Leaves skin feeling soft, clean, and healthy
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
If your goal is hydrated skin, go for Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser. Its ingredients include regenerative Squalane, Vitamin E, Apricot Kernel Oil, and Avocado Oil. This delicate foamy cleanser was created specifically to remove dirt and debris.
It does so effectively without stripping the skin of its needed moisture. In terms of formulation, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser has a milky, pearly white gel consistency that lathers just minimally and quickly rinses off.
Pros
- Has a balanced pH
- Works for all skin types
- Contains great ingredients
- Does not strip essential skin moisture
Nivea Men Moisturizing Face Wash
Those with dry skin looking for a face wash can opt for Nivea Men Moisturizing Face Wash. This face wash helps unclog pores while cleansing your skin by removing extra oil and grime. It thoroughly cleans, but it does not make the skin dry.
Glycerin and provitamin B5 are the two humectants used to make this face cleanser. By drawing water to themselves, humectants restore moisture to the skin. Aside from that, it contains Vitamin E and Menthol. Though, note that while some enjoy menthol, others find it irritating.
Pros
- Affordable
- Provides deep cleansing
- Has menthol and Vitamin E
- Hydrating and moisturizing properties
Lab Series for Men Multi-Action Face Wash
For a great exfoliation experience, your best bet would be the Lab Series for Men Multi-Action Face Wash. This cleanser employs a mild exfoliator to keep pores open, eliminating extra oil and grime from your skin.
To prepare for a comfortable shave, it also aids in lifting, softening, and smoothing beard hair. It has menthol and peppermint to give you a cooling sensation. It also contains glycerin for skin hydration.
Hence, this foamy cream is a total powerhouse: It has several uses and contains exfoliants. To top it all, this face cleanser is fantastic for all skin types and has a gritty feel for exfoliating dead skin cells.
Pros
- Exfoliates skin
- Suitable for all types of skin
- Contains conditioning and purifying ingredients
- Comes with peppermint oil, glycerin, and menthol
Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash
If acne is your concern, worry no more; Neutrogena Men Skin Clearing Acne Wash has your back. It is a cleanser, and acne treatment rolled into one product. It enhances skin clarity and deep-cleanses pores to reduce breakouts and ingrown hairs.
This daily facial cleanser is ideal for men with acne-prone skin because it thoroughly cleans to treat breakouts and enhance skin clarity. Hence, it removes oil without overly drying and stripping off your skin’s moisture.
Pros
- Removes oil
- Does not contain oil
- Non-comedogenic
- With salicylic acid for breakout treatment
Burt’s Bees Facial Cleanser
Burt’s Bees Facial Cleanser is the perfect natural option for men looking for an effective face wash. This rich, creamy cleanser is packed with aloe and hemp seed extract to soften skin while gently washing away all traces of dirt, grime, and oil.
It leaves you feeling clean and hydrated but never dry or irritated. For those seeking a more affordable way to get a natural face wash, Burt’s Bees offers a great solution that won’t break the bank. Best of all, it is part of a larger line of products from Burt’s Bees that are specifically geared toward men’s health and skincare needs.
Pros:
- Clinically shown to wash away dirt and oil without causing irritation
- 98.9% Natural Origin Face Cleanser Formula
- Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, synthetic fragrances, or dyes
- Clinically shown to remove impurities without over-drying
- Rinses easily for naturally clean skin-friendly ingredients work with your skin
- National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance
Patricks FW1 Anti-Aging Face Wash
I left the best one for last. I know; it’s unheard of. However, this is the most expensive one on this list. So, if you have used all the ones mentioned above and still can’t get the best results, this is your choice.
This luxurious foaming wash provides deep cleansing while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. It also features a game-changing mattifying complex, making it a great choice for those looking for an anti-aging solution.
It is also one of the most expensive face washes on the market, but customers might find that it is worth every penny spent. Its effectiveness in terms of moisturizing and nourishing the delicate under-eye area without any greasy residue left behind. It is definitely a great choice for those looking to invest in a powerful, science-proven skincare formula that will take their beauty routine to the next level.
Patricks FW1 Anti-Aging Face Wash – Technology:
| Ingredient | Key Function | Result |
| Oilesscity | Skin balancing + Mattifying | Balances sebum levels to avoid a shiny appearance |
| White Tea Extract | Anti-aging | Protects skin cells from free radicals linked to premature aging |
| AHA (Citric Acid) | Exfoliating | Gently removes dirt and sebum deposits to reduce breakouts |
| Prickly Pear Fruit Extract | Hydration + Cell Renewal | Brightens complexion and deeply hydrates skin |
| Dragocalm | Antioxidant + Antihistamine | Reduces redness and itchiness |
| Glycerin | Moisturizing | Humectant that draws moisture into the skin |
| Green Tea Extract | Anti-inflammatory + Antioxidant | Repairs and protects sun-damaged skin |
| Pomegranate Extract | Anti-wrinkle + Soothing | Soothes skin, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles |
| Propanediol | Active absorption | Aids in active ingredient absorption into the skin |
Types of cleansers
Many kinds of cleansers exist, each optimized for use on the face. The most common type of cleansers for men are:
Foam cleansers
From the name itself, foam cleansers foam up well and are effective for oily or mixed skin types. These initially look creamy or gel-like and transform into a foamy lather. You may usually find foam cleaners in a pump bottle.
Gel cleansers
Gel cleansers have a jelly-like consistency and are intended to thoroughly clean and unclog pores. This type of cleanser is perfect for acne-prone and oily skin because of the presence of acne-fighting chemicals like salicylic acid.
Cream cleansers
Cream cleansers have thick formulations but are gentle. These are also typically hypoallergenic. In addition, they are also hydrating and nourishing, making them ideal for dry, sensitive, or normal skin.
Ingredients you should look for in a face wash for men:
The formulae of cleansers vary widely, and the components you should prioritize looking for are those that are best suited to your specific skin type. When it comes to maintaining healthy skin moisture, these are the essential components that men need to know about.
Hyaluronic acid
Serums and moisturizers usually contain Hyaluronic acid. As a humectant, hyaluronic acid can draw moisture from the air and lock it into the skin by binding 1,000 times its weight in water. Consider it an extra cleansing component that helps the skin retain moisture rather than losing more of it.
Salicylic acid
Those with oily or acne-prone skin or those seeking a more even skin tone can benefit greatly from this beta-hydroxy acid. Anything containing 2% salicylic acid will do the trick. Most skin types can handle a 2% concentration, although you can reduce the percentage if you prefer a milder treatment. For best results, leave the product on the skin for at least a minute.
Ceramides
As we age, our skin becomes more fragile, increasing its reliance on moisturizing elements. One example of a moisturizing element is ceramides. Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids that play a crucial role in the skin’s protective barrier function.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wash my face every day with a facial wash? If so, why?
The debris, oil, and grime on your face can be removed with a daily face wash. Some face wash even doubles as a moisturizer, providing your skin with the hydration it needs. Additionally, by washing your face every day, you can prevent acne.
What is the proper way of cleansing my face?
You shouldn’t just wash your face and clean your neck and chin. Since these areas include more oil glands, they become unclean more quickly than the rest of your face. Use a mild cleanser that won’t dwon’tt your skin every time you wash your face. Oily skin types should utilize foaming face washes, while dry skin types should opt for facial cleansers with a creamier or thicker consistency.
Conclusion
A good face cleanser for males should have certain properties beyond just being easy to use (i.e., lather and rinse off). It is important to choose a facial cleanser suited to your skin type, and using a product with ceramides can help in deep cleansing while not stripping the skin of its natural protective barrier.
It must also be mild and safe for use on the skin. That is why it is always recommended to perform a patch test before fully committing to a new cosmetic or skincare regimen.
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links.
Jay Kang
Just because i'm asian does not mean I don't need shaving. I always wanted to grow a beard when I was young, now I need to shave because hair growth for me is a problem. I'm going through what every man will and has gone through before.
