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We’re here to talk about best face washes for men, it’s still a good idea to use some kind of cleanser for your face, but you should use unique daily facial cleanser rather than any old bar soap or shampoo like some kind of heathen.
True, using soap is better than using nothing at all, but your face is different. Traditional bar soaps dry out your facial skin and may strip it of natural oils that it needs to look it best.
Think about it; people spend all day looking at your face, which is why you should pay more attention to the products that you use for washing your face.
More than mere tools in your grooming arsenal, the best face washes and facial cleansers for men are fundamental to a healthy and proactive lifestyle. After all, your face is among your most valuable assets.
Not only will we review some of the most popular and highly rated wash for men brands currently on the market, but we will also go over a few key considerations that you should think about when making a purchase, explain how to face wash is an essential part of your grooming routine and how you can get the most out of your new face wash.
Table Of Contents
- Things To Consider When Buying Face Washes For Men
- 10 Best Face Washes For Men Of 2023
- 1. Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash
- 2. L’Oreal Paris Skincare Men Facial Cleanser
- 3. Brickell Men’s Purifying Charcoal Face Wash for Men
- 4. Rugged Dapper Facial Cleanser For Men
- 5. CeraVe Foaming Facial and Hydrating Cleanser Two-Pack
- 6. Scotch Porter Face Wash
- 7. Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
- 8. InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
- 9. Bulldog Natural Skin Care: Original Face Wash
- 10. Dove Men+Care Face Wash
- FAQs About Face Washes For Men
- Conclusion
Things To Consider When Buying Face Washes For Men
Of course, there are differences between face washes and cleansers for men, just as there are differences in any skincare product.
When it comes to selecting the perfect face wash for you, there are a few factors to consider before buying.
1. Skin Type
By far, the most critical factor when buying a face wash is finding the right one for your skin type.
As you’ll soon see, some washes are formulated to focus more on oils than others.
You’ll also find brands that find them packed with moisturizers to help men with dry skin.
Each man’s face has its unique features, not least the skin type. Most men’s faces fall into five categories: dry, oily, sensitive skin, normal skin, and combination skin.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is quite common in men, especially in older people.
You may have personally experienced the curse of dry when trying to wash your face with regular soap.
The truth is that regular soap can remove natural oils from your skin and make it even more challenging to stay hydrated.
That is why it is crucial to get a good face wash every day with moisturizing elements or moisturizing components.
This allows you to effectively cleanse your face with the wax without drying it out further than it already is.
Also, some of the best washes have moisturizing components that can make your skin less dry over time; you’ll necessarily kill two birds with one stone, so look for washes with large amounts of moisturizing ingredients if you fall into this category.
Oily Skin
Your skin has a certain amount of oil it needs to maintain proper pH balance and homeostasis (internal stability). Still, some men’s faces are greasier than others, and some obvious signs are large, visible pores and a greasy shine that develops not long after you have cleansed your face.
If your face is oily, look for a face wash for men or cleanser that regulates oil production without drying your face.
Sensitive Skin
Normally, people with sensitive skin have mixed a different type. Sensitive skin is usually not a type, but more of a condition. It could be something that develops over time, depending on where you live, how much you expose your skin to the external elements, or excessive use of harsh chemicals. However, many skin care products use the term (type), so it’s worth noting if your skin has these properties.
You will notice that people with sensitive skin respond more often to medicines and food. They notice those side effects from eating too much chocolate or taking a certain blood pressure medication.
Your keyword is (dedication). More than with other skin types, you need to know what you eat, what medicine you use, and what soaps you use on your skin.
Combination Skin
Men with combination skin often have a greasy forehead, nose, and chin, but dry cheeks. Look for a cleanser that removes dirt and oil without removing the natural oils from your skin.
An ideal facial wash for combination skin is one that protects the skin’s lipid barriers to retain natural moisture. You are looking for a product that cleans thoroughly but also gives hydration to the parts of your face that need it.
Normal Skin
if you are blessed with normal skin or balanced skin type, consider yourself lucky. You are not susceptible to naturally occurring skin problems.
You don’t get pimples or acne, but occasionally a blackhead appears and has smooth skin that looks free from any blemishes or imperfections. It feels dry (but not too dry) and healthy.
You have the gold standard of skin, but that doesn’t mean you don’t care. Maintaining normal skin can depend on the seasons and outdoor weather conditions. Long, hot showers can dry out your skin, and too many chemicals can drain the oils you naturally produce.
2. Ingredients
The next most vital aspect to consider is the ingredients in each facial cleansing formula.
These ingredients have a direct impact on the type of skin type the washes are suitable for and how effective it is to rid your pores of daily dirt and debris.
Of course, every wash has a detergent, so we’ll look at the additional ingredients that may or may not be included with each product.
- Moisturizers: Many facial cleansers have moisturizers as an extra important part of the formula, these moisturizers can be things like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid or other compounds derived from natural sources, elements can help your skin retain water and prevent water from entering loses as a result of cleansing and throughout the day.
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants remove free radicals from the cells of your skin. By applying antioxidants to your skin, the oxygen molecules are absorbed and removed, allowing your skin to regenerate more effectively. Some antioxidants, such as vitamin C, also help stimulate the production of collagen in the skin cells.
- Alcohol: Alcohol and its various subtypes are great cleansing ingredients that can dig deep into your pores and help remove excess oil and grime. However, alcohol can also dry out your skin if you overuse it, so if you already have dry skin, alcohol facials are not recommended.
- Emollients: These are usually identified by their specific ingredient names, such as shea butter, help your skin cells produce collagen as well as antioxidants, and they reduce the space between skin cells, making your skin firmer and younger.
- Charcoal: activated charcoal is a specific cleansing ingredient that you will see occasionally. Charcoal purifying facial cleanser is an incredibly effective cleanser because it acts as a (magnet) by sucking up dirt and other impurities in your pores before being washed away, and also adept at removing excess oil. Hence, it is also a good solution for oily skin.
3. Fragrance
Not all facial cleansers have a particular fragrance or scent, but some do.
This is an important aspect to consider if you often use cologne or another artificial fragrance to add to your aesthetic.
Male washes are likely to have a masculine fragrance, but most men are likely to enjoy a facial cleanser that has no fragrance at all.
Now let’s take a closer look and see what we think are the best face washes for men.
10 Best Face Washes For Men Of 2023
Unattractive and not part of the ideal modern man, neglected skin is simply no longer acceptable.
Nowadays, it is cool and easy to keep your skin clean and clear.
All you need is the right daily facial cleanser, and you will look like the perfectly polished man in no time.
Below is a list of what we believe are the best face washes in 2023
1. Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash
View On AmazonIf you’ve never heard of Ursa Major, it’s worth checking out their products: including their Fantastic Face Wash.
If you are a fan of products that omit synthetic ingredients in favor of those with natural ingredients then you will like the company, you are looking for a cleanser that solves common problems, you will love the face wash.
Indeed, the Fantastic Face Wash helps you get clear, healthy skin, as well as a deep cleansing that prevents your skin from getting the necessary moisture. Also, it has a great fragrance influenced by essential oils such as cedar, spearmint, rosemary, lavender, and others.
Ursa Major’s face wash contains a total of 36 naturally derived ingredients, including aloe, which is always good for soothing the skin: and rice seed, which provides hydration. It also gently exfoliates the skin without, as mentioned, taking away the needed moisture.
Fantastic Face Wash’s ingredients list is 99.5% naturally sourced and where possible sourced from sustainable, family growers. What you won’t find on the list are petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes, and silicones. The wax is gluten-free, vegan, and not tested on animals.
It is also a wax that is good for everyday use as it does not dry out your skin. It is ideal for men with normal and oily skin, but also good for acne and other types of temperamental skin. Your skin will look more radiant while you don’t have to worry about losing much-needed moisture.
- Does not dry out the skin
- The long list of natural ingredients
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- The fragrance is too strong for some
2. L’Oreal Paris Skincare Men Facial Cleanser
View On AmazonThis facial cleanser combines activated charcoal and antioxidants to deeply cleanse your face, ensure cell health, and rejuvenate them for future health.
The charcoal is the main ingredient here.
It excellently removes dirt, debris, and excess oils from your skin.
Since the charcoal filters into your pores and removes toxins or harmful substances, you don’t have to scrub very coarsely to remove impurities or dirt.
All the bad will just get away with the charcoal as it is washed off your face.
It’s an elegant solution and one that feels incredibly satisfying when you finally take the charcoal off.
It’s not particularly good for sensitive skin because our testers say it feels a little rough.
But if you naturally have oily skin, there is not much better than this formula!
We also really like that it’s incredibly affordable, and you get 5 grams with your purchase.
This makes it one of our top picks if you want to fight acne, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
One last note: don’t use this around your eyes.
They’ll sting when any of this charcoal-based formula comes in!
- Affordable
- Very good at cleaning pores
- The good amount at purchase
- Also has antioxidants to rejuvenate the skin after impurities extraction
- Not so good for sensitive skin
- Can sting eyes if someone accidentally comes in
3. Brickell Men’s Purifying Charcoal Face Wash for Men
View On AmazonLoved by men who prefer a product that is not nearly as dependent on synthetic ingredients, Brickell offers a great face wash for everyday use.
Their exfoliator that we recently reviewed received the highest award for delivering superior performance.
This face wash is a great complementary product, perfect for everyday use. With 99% natural ingredients and 60% organic, you don’t have to worry about the long-term damage that can be caused to the skin surface by other cheap washes.
With ingredients like green tea extract that are natural antioxidants, this face cleanser will be incredibly effective in protecting your skin from free radicals.
The charcoal in this product will not be nearly as abrasive as pumice in exfoliators and should, therefore, help with regular use to remove dead skin cells from your pores.
Other men were also satisfied with the performance of this product, claiming that it effectively deep cleanses the skin without overly drying it out.
- Effective in naturally washing your face
- Charcoal helps release dead skin cells
- One of the most loved men in the world
- It is expensive (but worth it)
4. Rugged Dapper Facial Cleanser For Men
View On AmazonThe magic behind foaming facial cleaners is the crack and crevice effect.
When you exfoliate your skin, you’re rubbing in all these little clouds of cleanser into your pores, which quickly activates to eliminate oil and leave your skin hydrated and fresh.
This bottle won our editor’s choice with its simplistic black-and-white design, and most importantly, the effectivity of the product itself.
Formulated especially for men, this multi-purpose facial cleanser tackles dirt and oil and leaves a pleasant masculine scent in its wake. Some of its nutrient-rich ingredients include aloe vera, Vitamin C, willow bark, and burdock root.
Meanwhile, plant-based exfoliants will eliminate dead skins as they prep the face for a smooth shave. For normal skin and acne-prone skin and everything in between, this top grooming product has you covered.
Rugged & Dapper takes a no-BS approach, and it works like a charm. Oily, dry, blotchy skin—you need Rugged & Dapper.
- Exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores
- Natural ingredients
- Masculine fragrance
- Exfoliating beads can be difficult to rinse from beards
5. CeraVe Foaming Facial and Hydrating Cleanser Two-Pack
View On AmazonThis is a two-pack with two different types of facial cleansers.
One bottle is a moisturizing formula and is best for dry or sensitive skin or use after the foaming cleanser.
It helps your skin retain moisture rather than drain moisture and leave the skin.
The other is a foaming variant, which bubbles and digs deep into your pores to remove excess oil and grime once it gets into the foam properly.
This works the same way as the charcoal you can see in other facials.
Instead of relying on strength or disintegrating effects to remove dirt and other impurities, the foam formula penetrates your pores and deeply removes dirt and debris.
This dirt and oil are then removed when the foam has been washed off your face.
Each bottle uses hyaluronic acids and ceramides, both of which help moisturize your skin or improve aging lines.
Also, each bottle has 12 ounces of the formula; there is great value for money in the amount of cleaner you get for your purchase only!
Our testers found that the moisturizing cleanser was slightly better at pure hydration, so we recommend using this two-pack if you have mainly dry skin.
For best results, use the foaming cleanser and then with the moisturizing bottle.
- Two pieces, lots of formula
- Affordable
- Has two bottles for different skin conditions
- Foaming cleanser is excellent for pore removal
- Not ideal for men who want a simple one-bottle solution for their skin
- It takes a little longer to use both bottles at the same time during the routine
6. Scotch Porter Face Wash
View On AmazonThis low foaming facial wash from Scotch Porter is a vegan face wash that relies primarily on a unique blend of both charcoal and licorice along with their proprietary (Skin Renewal Complex), making it one of the most distinctive facials to make on our list.
Of all the face washes on the market, this Scotch Porter face wash is a personal favorite of black men everywhere. With over 100 reviews on the Scotch Porter website alone, you will find men claiming that this is the (best face wash I’ve ever used) just (better than expected ‘).
What many black men liked about this daily face wash compared to so many other mass-produced brands on the market is that it not only kept the pH balance natural for your skin but also easily controlled shine and oil: to reduce breakouts or mild breakouts on your face drastically.
If you are not familiar with Scotch Porter, we recommend that you view our full review when you have the time. There you will see that they have been trusted by men for years and offer a great 60-day return policy if you are not satisfied with their products.
- A face wash specially designed for black men
- Won critical acclaim with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.0
- A unique formula that controls both oil and shine
- The proprietary formula for a natural pH balance
- Men with dry skin may want to look elsewhere
7. Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
View On AmazonJack Black, like Brickell, is a relative newcomer to the world of men and skincare, but they’ve earned their stripes. Their Pure Clean facial cleanser is representative of their strong product line and is one of the best detergents/cleansers on the market.
Jack Black’s Daily Facial Cleanser is a 2-in-1 product because it cleanses and strengthens the skin. It helps you get rid of excess dirt and oil (it’s ideal for men whose appeal attracts a lot of dirt and grime) while keeping your skin hydrated and fresh.
How does it work? Oat and coconut-derived natural surfactants cleanse the skin, while also containing witch hazel, which acts as an astringent and antioxidant. Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser’s ingredients list also includes organic sage leaf and rosemary for antibacterial benefits, while chamomile and aloe leaf soothe and reduce redness.
There are plenty of other reasons this facial cleanser is on this (best of) list, including dermatologically, tested, parabens, gluten, and sulfate-free as part of Jack Black’s PureScience formulas that lock in the therapeutic benefits of natural ingredients as mentioned above.
The Jack Black Pure Clean Daily facial cleanser is also great for men with frequently clogged pores or who suffer from blackheads and acne. You will love how your skin looks after using this cleanser.
- Completely removes dirt and oil
- Cleaner and Dual Purpose Toner
- Without parabens and sulfates
- Consistency is a bit thin compared to other cleaning products
8. InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
View On AmazonThis facial cleanser is enriched with tons of vitamin C, which improves your skin cells’ ability to rejuvenate themselves.
There is also aloe vera for moisturizing properties and emollients, which help reduce aging lines and keep your skin healthier overall.
All these ingredients make this product a good choice for different skin types, even sensitive.
This is because it is an extremely gentle formula to rub into your skin.
The emollients help with this because they calm your skin and prevent it from becoming inflamed or irritated because the other ingredients thoroughly clean the pores.
These ingredients make this formula one of the best face wash for black men.
Due to its focus on Vitamin C, this cleanser can also target dark age spots to some degree; if you want your skin to look younger overall, this is one of the best purchases you can make.
Vitamin C achieves this by healing the skin cells that are often damaged around dark age spots.
Overall, this mild facial cleanser is a great choice if you have a lot of skin problems and want one product that can fight them all.
It has a light citrus scent, but our testers didn’t notice.
- Excellent, versatile properties for different skin types
- Very soft when applied
- Also good for fighting dark age spots
- Lots in a bottle with purchase
- Comes with a slight odor
- The bottle does not always spray perfectly
9. Bulldog Natural Skin Care: Original Face Wash
View On AmazonStarting to make inroads into major drug stores like Walgreens, Bulldog is delivering some awesome skincare products for men.
This face wash is packed with eight essential oils that deliver a plethora of natural benefits for your skin.
In addition to the wide array of essential oils, you will also find a green tea that, as we covered earlier, is a natural antioxidant that will stop free radicals from damaging your skin.
Men who have oily skin have exclaimed that this face wash for men by Bulldog was extremely effective in keeping acne flare-ups at bay with continued use.
Bulldog Face Wash is a perfect choice for beginners for men who just want to upgrade from a standard bar of soap. Of course, it may not deliver like the premium offering, but it is good enough.
Use this along with their top-rated face cream for best results.
- Cheap and accessible face wash for everyone
- Great for men with oily skin
- Contains various natural ingredients
- May not have the same results as A-brands
10. Dove Men+Care Face Wash
View On AmazonThis face wash uses alcohol as the main ingredient to remove moderate amounts of dirt, debris, and oils.
Don’t expect it to cleanse your pores as with the previous choice deeply.
But this is not necessarily a bad thing; instead, you can think of this face wash as a general daily use product that complements your morning hygiene routine.
You won’t experience many discomforts because the face wash doesn’t penetrate deep enough into your pores to prevent inflammation.
The presence of alcohol ingredients still makes it effective for getting most of the daily dirt off your pores.
Also, other Dove ingredients are included to keep the alcohol from drying out your face.
Our testers even found that their skin was a little more hydrated than before, despite the presence of alcohol.
This makes it an acceptable choice if you have dry skin and only need a simple, moderately strong face wash.
It’s also very affordable and comes in a reasonably sized bottle; we could see that this face wash is a good choice for young men or anyone on the go.
It is not the best choice, but it is good at what it does, and it may be the perfect choice for some men, a simple solution.
- Good at removing daily dirt and debris
- Does not dry out the face, instead moisturizes
- Inexpensive
- A good amount of formula in the bottle
- Not suitable for many different skin types
- Not too advanced in cleansing potential
FAQs About Face Washes For Men
Here are some frequently asked questions (and their answers) that people ask about the best face washes and facial cleansers for men.
How can a man keep his face clean?
To keep his face clean, a man should use face wash or cleanser every day or even twice a day (once in the morning and once at night). If you have dry, oily, or sensitive skin, make sure you find a face wash or cleanser that is tailored to your exact skin type.
How often should I use my facial wash?
Every day, of course!
The best time to use your face wash is morning or evening, depending on your preference.
If you decide to use your laundry in the morning, you can add it to your daily shower routine, along with a thorough cleansing of every other part of your body.
You can also use your face outside or in the shower before or after showering.
If you shave every day, using your facial cleanser beforehand is a great trick because it cleans your pores, and your razor cuts your facial hair closer to the root.
This has the added benefit of getting closer to shaving and taking longer to enjoy skin feeling smooth before shaving again.
How To Cleanse Your Pores?
If you use your cleanser, believe it or not, you want to do a completely natural first clean. We all have different skin types, but all that 99% of us can do in preparation for our face wash is fill the sink in the toilet with warm water – as hot as your faucet allows – and stand for 2-3 minutes. If you have longer hair, make sure it’s behind your ears so you can experience the full effect.
Steam opens your pores. Anyone who uses a facial cleanser knows this. However, one of the biggest mistakes all men make is way too fast using a facial cleanser. We are in a hurry to get out of the house in the morning or to go to bed. You are exhausted – we get it, but taking an extra 2-3 minutes will ensure that your cleanser gets the maximum effect.
After those 2-3 minutes, your pores are open and fragile. Gently wipe your face with a clean towel or paper product to remove the oil or dirt that has been removed from it. Your cleaner will also override this, but it’s about working smarter, not harder. Let it work on the deep-seated oils in your skin instead of the stuff popping up.
Follow this basic routine every day, and you will see the fastest results ever. If you’re in a hurry and now tell yourself you don’t have time, let’s test it. Run the sink while brushing your teeth and smoothing your hair in the morning – all of the above. Make sure you are above the warm water. It is multitasking at its best.
Can I use a face wash on my beard or facial hair stubble?
If you’re using a facial wash for your facial hair or a full beard, we recommend checking out beard wash or shampoos instead.
These products are made to not only clean the surface of your face but also to explain the many different properties of facial hair.
Conclusion
We are convinced that the information in this manual will help to give you all the important information you need to find the perfect face wash for your daily routine!
Do you have any of the used products on our list? If so, how do you like them? Is there any other wax, cleanser or face scrub you would recommend? We would like to hear from you! As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions and promise to respond as soon as possible.
Recommended Reading: How to Get Toner Out of Hair: 8 Steps & Considerations
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Mark
Monday 28th of September 2020
Nice article!
I love Ursa Major Fantastic. It did an amazing job on my face and it’s made up of organic ingredients too!
I hope everyone is safe and healthy!
Cheers!
Mohtasm Mohamed
Monday 28th of September 2020
this is a good choice; I am happy for you and hope that everyone finds the perfect product for them
thank you for feedback
Essentialnectar
Tuesday 25th of August 2020
Very good informative article. Thanks for information
Mohtasm Mohamed
Friday 28th of August 2020
you are welcome ????