The Best Face Washes for Men in 2023

Guys tend to neglect their skin. This leads to clogged pores, breakouts, flaking, and a prematurely aged look from using the harsh chemicals found in bar soaps on the relatively delicate skin of your face. Unless you want to prematurely look like Jack Palance and Freddy Krueger had a homely love child, you’ve got to spend the time and money to get a face wash formulated for men. They can moisturize your weathered skin, clear up the detritus from modern life, and give you a more attractive visage.

The harder you work and the more abuse your skin takes, the more important it is to refresh and revitalize it. Sweat, dead cells, dirt, pollution, and the muck of the world all bombard your face, which is largely left naked to the world. Without cleaning that out, you’re gumming up the works and casting a pall over the thing you literally use to face the world. You wouldn’t let sap sit on your car’s paint job, so don’t let sludge accumulate on your skin. Get something from our best face washes for men guide and keep your countenance clear.

Why should you use face wash?

We all (should) know that washing your face is important, but using the right soap is just as important. Face washes are designed to be used only on your face, as it’s more sensitive than other parts of the body. It gets rid of dirt and grime, allowing your pores to be healthier, keeping acne at bay, and letting other face care products work more effectively. Be sure not to use regular soap on your face, as it can strip away too much natural oil and moisture.

Ingredients to look out for

You want to look out for natural ingredients (with examples listed below), and avoid stuff like parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, and artificial colors.

Antioxidants: These will usually come in the form of a plant or natural source, and help protect skin cells from damage.

Glycerin: Glycerin is another common ingredient, derived from animal fats or vegetable oils, and it’s generally best for more oily skin, clogged pores, or sensitive skin in general.

Charcoal: This ingredient is great for exfoliating and getting a good scrub, ideal if you struggle with acne or clogged pores.

Vitamin E: This is an antioxidant with natural anti-inflammatory properties that also evens skin tone.

Aloe vera: A natural moisturizer, aloe vera soothes, cools your face, and helps with irritation.

Hyaluronic acid: This natural ingredient reduces inflammation and irritation while retaining the moisture on your face. This will sometimes pop up in washes for sensitive skin.

how to use face wash

It’s best to try to use face wash once a day, preferably at night after you’ve showered (or in the shower) and before applying other skincare products. Be careful not to overuse it (once a day is enough), though, as it can irritate the skin and make it drier. It also works best in a skincare routine that includes stuff like moisturizers and toners, which will work together to keep your face looking and feeling good.

what’s the difference between cleanser and face wash?

Face washes and face cleansers are more or less the same things, but some options for sensitive or irritated skin will be labeled as cleansers. Sometimes certain cleansers like this can be more effective if your skin needs special attention.

Geologie Sensitive Face Wash

The Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin: Geologie started with the mission of giving men the very best skin care products, and the label understands how important it is to get a gentle yet thorough clean for your skin. That’s why this Sensitive Face Wash from them is formulated with a light blend that effectively cleanses your face, without causing irritation or dryness, making it perfect for sensitive skin. It also contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin to make sure that your skin stays hydrated and nourished.

Neutrogena Liquid Facial Cleanser

The Best Budget Pick: The Fragrance-Free Cleanser from Neutrogena is a gentle yet effective facial cleanser that removes dirt and grime without stripping the skin of its natural oil. Formulated with glycerin to hydrate the skin, and made without fragrance and colors, this wash is great if you have sensitive skin or just prefer a face wash without a strong smell. It’s also been approved by dermatologists as a hypoallergenic cleanser.

Brickell Men’s Purifying Charcoal Face Wash

The Best Face Wash for Acne: Hailing from Miami, Florida, Brickell began in 2014 to provide men with an effective face wash that can handle tough faces. And the Purifying Charcoal Face Wash from the brand is the perfect example, as it’s made with natural ingredients like activated charcoal and aloe vera that provide a healthy yet effective clean. So for those of you with unruly pores or acne, this is a great choice.

Oars and Alps Solid Charcoal Face Wash

The Best Travel Face Wash: Oars + Alps understand the importance of using natural ingredients in the creation of effective products. So you can trust that this charcoal face wash will get the job done without harmful ingredients like parabens or sulfates. Additionally, it includes the brand’s Alpine Caribou Moss which is full of antioxidants and improves your skin’s elasticity. And if you need to take some face wash on the go, the stick that this comes in is highly convenient.

Blu Atlas Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser

The Best Face Wash Overall: New York-based grooming brand Blu Atlas has quickly made a name for itself in the short time it’s been on the scene. And this is for good reason, as the label’s skincare products are almost entirely made from natural sources. The Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser, for example, is made with 98% natural ingredients, including bentonite (volcanic ash), which removes oil, and pomegranate seed oil, a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash

The Best Energizing Face Wash: Since 1851, Kiehl’s has been making trusted products, and when L’Oreal picked them up in the early 2000s, the label’s cosmetics hit their stride. The Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash is made with vitamin E, caffeine, and menthol, which is sure to give your face an energizing kick, while also toning and rejuvenating it. Additionally, it’s paraben and alcohol-free, so you won’t have to worry about dryness.

Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash

The Best Natural Face Wash: Ursa Major is dedicated to providing natural skincare products in a sustainable way. So you can trust that the Fantastic Face Wash the team makes will give you a thorough clean without harming you or the environment. Infused with cedar and spearmint, this refreshing face wash exfoliates and moisturizes well, thanks to the aloe and rice extract. It’s also designed to keep from stripping the natural moisture on your face, and reduce irritation in general.

Aesop Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk

The Upgrade: Here we are with the cool kid on the block right now; Aesop has made its way into the cultural zeitgeist, and this is for good reason, as the brand’s products not only look great, but perform as well. The Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk is one of these products, coming in a sleek bottle and providing a gentle clean, enhanced with natural ingredients that soothe your skin. Additionally, you’ll smell nice as well, thanks to the sandalwood.

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

The Best Antioxidant Face Wash: Even with all the natural ingredients out there, it can be hard to find good vegan options. That’s why Youth to the People began making products derived from superfood plants to make 100% vegan products right here in the States, full of natural antioxidants. And YTTP’s Superfood Cleanser is one of these completely vegan products, made with kale, spinach, and green tea, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and help protect your skin from damage.

The Best Lip Balms for your Face

Now that you’ve got a clean and moisturized face, your lips can also benefit from protection. So head on over to our best lip balms guide.