We’re not here to tell you to wash your face; we know you already do. If not, quick – start now while we’re not looking. Washing your face sets the tone for the rest of your skincare routine; it’s useless applying serum or moisturiser to a face caked on with the impurities of the day.
The underpinning of any man’s skincare artillery, a face wash is necessary for, well, washing your face. However, a good face wash will go above and beyond that, working to remove dirt, impurities, and excess oil without drying out your skin. And no, your body wash or bar soap won’t do the trick; these will end up drying out your mug and leave your skin with that uncomfortable, tight feeling. Instead, use a dedicated face wash to keep your best asset looking fresh.
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Face washes for men come in an array of formulations, meaning there’s something for every skin type. Regardless of whether you need a face wash that’s gentle on sensitive skin or a formula with salicylic acid to manage breakouts, we’ve got you covered with the 15 best face washes for men.
1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser
Specifically designed for sensitive skin, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser comes in a nourishing milky formula that provides hydration and effectively removes dirt, bacteria, and other impurities without stripping the skin.
2. Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser
A hardworking cleanser ideal for skin facing pollution and other environmental aggressors during the day. The Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser provides mild exfoliation from lactic acid, while an antioxidant-rich botanical blend of liquorice root, chamomile, blackcurrant seed, and parsley seed makes for a delightfully herbaceous scent.
3. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash
A grooming mainstay for many men, Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash is a tried-and-tested favourite. Perfect for normal skin types, a blend of caffeine, vitamin E, citrus extracts, and menthol work to refresh and rejuvenate tired, dull skin. Plus, it’s the ideal prep for a comfortable shave.
4. Burt’s Bees Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser
A soap-free cleanser, the Burt’s Bees Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser works to moisturise sensitive skin while removing dirt and impurities. Softening cotton extract aids in replenishing the skin barrier while rice extract moisturises and aloe vera soothes the skin.
5. Clarins Gentle Renewing Cleansing Mousse
For best results, look further than the dedicated men’s range and opt for the Clarins Gentle Renewing Cleansing Mousse. A soap-free cleanser that utilises self-lathering plant soapwort to cleanse and emulsify the skin, this mousse cleanser freshens up dull skin and provides a gentle brightening effect with consistent use thanks to natural AHAs from tamarind pulp acids.
6. Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash
A fuss-free option, the Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash effectively removes impurities and excess sebum using bamboo charcoal. Meanwhile, glycerin works to prevent moisture loss and caffeine revitalises and energises skin while soothing any potential irritation.
7. Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalising Cleanser
Ideal for blemish and breakout-prone skin, the Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalising Cleanser utilises BHA salicylic acid to unclog pores and eliminate the excess sebum that can lead to blemishes. Unlike many other cleansers that cater to acne-prone skin, this Paula’s Choice iteration doesn’t dry out the skin or cause irritation, making it suitable for daily use.
8. Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser
Perfect for sensitive skin, the Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser uses a blend of willow bark (a natural BHA), chamomile, and bergamot to clarify and reduce the appearance of pore size while cleansing and soothing the skin.
9. Aesthetics Rx Revitalising Foaming Cleanser
A gel-based formula, the Aesthetics Rx Revitalising Foaming Cleanser is fuelled with aloe vera, vitamin B5, and an essential oil blend of grapefruit, rosemary, fennel, and spearmint to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture.
10. Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12%
A brightening, transformative cleanser, the Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12% harnesses the powerful brightening properties of AHA glycolic acid to exfoliate and stimulate skin cell turnover. Suitable for non-sensitive, normal skin types.
11. Jurlique Revitalising Cleansing Gel
Packed with potent botanicals, the Jurlique Revitalising Cleansing Gel is a gel-to-lather formula that utilises micellar technology to deeply cleanse the skin of impurities, dirt, and excess sebum.
12. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Well suited to all skin types, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser effectively removes dirt, impurities, and excess oil without stripping your skin of necessary moisture. Enriched with aloe vera, cucumber, and soy protein, it’s refreshingly cooling on the skin. Plus, if you’ve expanded your skincare routine beyond simply washing your face and delved into the world of retinol and vitamin C, it plays nicely with pretty much every skincare ingredient.
13. Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
Utilitarian packaging, but unless you’re an instagram influencer it’s not really an issue. There’s a reason all the dermatologists keep harping on about this one; loaded with a hefty dose of ceramides, this fragrance-free (read: non-irritating) formula enriches and strengthens the skin barrier as it cleanses.
14. Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse
New skin, who dis? Containing a potent blend of AHAs and BHA, the Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse works to slough off dead skin cells and decongest the pores, reviving tired skin and combatting breakouts in the ultimate one-two punch.
15. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
For guys whose skin errs on the drier side, The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a nourishing cleanser that removes dirt and impurities while supporting skin barrier function. In addition to ultra-hydrating squalane, it contains lipophilic esters that leave skin feeling soft and supple. Don’t let its balm-like texture put you off, it emulsifies when it comes into contact with water and cleanses without leaving any residue behind.
Words by John Deckard
