Grooming

The Best Face Wash for Men, According to a Top Dermatologist

Our picks to get you through the most essential skincare step

by Olivia Cefalu and Lexi Dwyer
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
A black-haired man with beard washing his face
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It can be easy to overlook the importance of a face wash for men. This first (and most essential) skincare step can seem all too mundane for some. A good face wash or facial cleanser should be part of your daily skincare routine, as it removes dead skin cells and other impurities that clog pores and lead to breakouts and other such issues. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, the best face wash for men is the one that gently cleanses your skin without drying it out or causing any additional irritation. It’s out there. You just need to know what to look for.

First, some quick and dirty tips about dirty faces. “Most people should wash twice daily because the amount of oil and dirt that builds up over 12 hours warrants a cleaning,” says Dr. Jeremy Fenton of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. What you don’t want, however, is a face wash that strips all the oil off of your skin. “You need to choose carefully for your skin type, and even pay attention to the season or weather,” he adds.

That means you must select a cleanser based on your skin type: Sensitive, regular, or dry/combination. Non-foaming cleansers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid are the best face washes for dry or sensitive skin. A foaming gentle cleanser is ideal for those with regular skin. Have oily or acne-prone skin? Fenton suggests a face wash with salicylic or glycolic acid “to help exfoliate the skin and prevent breakouts.” (What if you apply a cleanser and your skin tingles a lot? That’s a sure sign that the cleanser is too strong and likely drying out your skin.)

As you look for a facial cleanser, keep this list in mind. Our picks for the best face washes for men follow Dr. Fenton’s guidelines. As with anything related to your skincare, if you want to be extra cautious. Perform a patch test on the inside of your arm, or your wrist, to quickly check how you react to the specific product. With this in mind, here are our favorite products.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

This seemingly basic drugstore face wash is actually a hidden gem. It has niacinamide to keep skin clear and renew tone and ceramides to hydrate and protect your skin barrier. It can be used both morning or night, it's fragrance free, and suitable for sensitive skin.

$15.99
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Looking for something to help with oily or acne prone skin that isn't too harsh? This cleanser will do just the trick. It gently cleanses and exfoliates with the help of salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides for smoother and more balanced skin.

$11
Jackfir The Classic Daily Facial Cleanser

Daily shaving can cause dryness, redness, and irritation for our skin. Instead of slapping an aftershave balm on and calling it a day, choose a cleanser that cares for your skin and protects it. This Jackfir cleanser uses jojoba beads and natural fruit enzymes to gently exfoliate skin. To soothe and moisturize, it uses aloe, calendula, and sunflower seed oil.

$40
Deep Cleanse Face Wash for Men by ELEMIS

A gel-based cleanser for all skin types, this one is a blend of oak bark, spearmint, and peppermint. So if you're into a bracing face wash that really wakes you up, this is for you.

$24.97
Face Wash for Men by Bevel

The brand known for its razors also has a pretty rad face wash. It's meant for guys with normal skin. Coconut water provides toning properties, while tea tree oil leaves you feeling refreshed.

$10.97
Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash for Men by KIEHL'S

This revitalizing face wash is great for guys with skin that's on the oilier side, or those with combination skin. The caffeine in it basically wakes you up, while the menthol is cooling on the face.

$24
Atwater Skin Armor Face Scrub

This is the perfect face wash to wake you up in the morning. It leaves a tingly feeling, energizing skin while gently scrubbing away dirt and dead skin. It's simple yet effective, just the way we like it.

$25
Cardon Purifying Clay Cleanser

Cardon created the ultimate skincare combination; a detoxifying clay mask mixed with a hydrating face wash. It uses ingredients high in antioxidants and ideal for detoxifying benefits like cactus extract, tiger grass, kaolin, bentonite, and Moroccan lava clays.

$20
Urban Skin Rx Exfoliating Face Wash + Scrub

See on urbanskinrx

$14
Fantastic Face Wash by Ursa Major

A solid cleanser for acne-prone, oily, or combination skin, this vegan cleanser has a woodsy scent and also gently exfoliates with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

$32

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