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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
Cleansing is the first and arguably most crucial step in the skincare process. It prepares your skin to take on active ingredients contained in the rest of your routine. In today's market, there's an abundance of face washes to choose from. Understandably, guys can get overwhelmed. Skincare is still a new concept for many, but that doesn't mean it has to be complicated.
The key to choosing the proper face wash for men lies in understanding what your skin needs. Perhaps you're looking for hydration, or you might require balance. There are formulas for every skin type that address particular concerns. No matter what your budget is, there are options for you.
To that end, here are the best face washes for men.
What to Look For
Skin-Type Specific Formulas
Choosing the correct face wash for you depends on your skin type. For instance, if you are acne-prone, you may want to look for formulas that include acne-busting ingredients like salicylic acid or willow bark. If you have dry skin, moisturizing oils and creamier formulas might be best. Some face washes can help fight signs of aging, while others might be made for sensitive skin. Check labels for these claims that suit your specific needs.
Non-Stripping or Irritating Ingredients
The key to face wash is to remove dirt, bacteria, pollution, and dead skin cells without destroying your skin's natural balance and hydration. Surfactants in face wash dissolve in water and help remove dirt and oils on the skin. However, some surfactants are more stripping than others. Surfactants can bind to keratin and cause protein denaturation, which damages the cell membrane of keratinocytes. Surfactants that may be best avoided include sulfates, with the most common being sodium lauryl sulfate.
Hydrating Qualities
Since face wash, despite your best efforts, can remove some of the natural oils and moisture from your skin's surface, it's best to choose a product that offers hydrating qualities to counteract dryness. Depending on your skin type and needs, there are plenty of options to choose from. Oils, creams, and butters may be helpful for dryer skin types, while gels, glycerine, and hyaluronic acid are likely best for oilier skin types.
Best Overall
Evolve Organic Beauty Daily Detox Facial Wash
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Courtesy of Credo beauty
Light, foaming texture
Gently exfoliates
Balanced formula
Could be more hydrating
If you're looking for an affordable grown-up face wash with natural ingredients, you'll find that and more in this green beauty favorite. This face wash promises to help keep the skin balanced while gently exfoliating using papaya enzymes. The formula is lightly foaming but doesn't tend to dry out the skin. This cleanser works for all skin types but can be especially beneficial for combination skin.
Active Ingredients: Moringa, goji, and papaya extracts | Skin Type: Balanced, combination | Benefits: Exfoliates, balances | Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for All Skin Types
Paula's Choice Skincare Defense Hydrating Gel-to-Cream Cleanser
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Courtesy of Paula's Choice
Addresses blue light
Gel-to-cream texture
Skin feels clean
A tad drying
Part of the brand’s Defense line, this cleanser claims to double as anti-pollution skincare. It may address blue light damage caused by daily exposure to phone and computer screens. It comes in a mild formula that breaks down surface oils and impurities.
Price at time of publish: $19
Active Ingredients: Amino acids, lactic acid | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Benefits: Reduces excess oil, removes pollutants | Size: 6.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Oily Skin
(MALIN+GOETZ) Grapefruit Face Cleanser
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Courtesy of Malin + Goetz
Cleanses and tones
A little goes a long way
Light, pleasant scent
Leaves skin feeling a little tight
While it's suitable for all skin types, it'll work exceptionally well for oily skin. You'll get a deep cleanse that won't leave you feeling dry. This is a foaming cleanser without harsh ingredients. Grapefruit extract and amino acids are meant to help keep skin balanced. This can be used as part of your day or nighttime regimes.
Price at time of publish: $40
Active Ingredients: Grapefruit peel oil, amino acids | Skin Type: Oily | Benefits: Cleanses, balances | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Dry Skin
Aesop Purifying Facial Cream Cleanser
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Courtesy of Aesop
Multipurpose
Non-drying
Light, pleasant scent
Contains methylisothiazolinone
Aesop’s light and aromatic cleanser is ideal for those in need of hydration. This foam-free formula may leave the skin looking and feeling more supple and smooth. The cream also works to help remove makeup and product buildup. It doubles as a purifying and hydrating mask if you leave it on for 10 minutes.
Price at time of publish: $39
Active Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil, evening primrose oil | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Benefits: Purifies, polishes | Size: 3.6 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Combination Skin
Susanne Kauffman Cleansing Gel
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Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
Unique packaging
Calms redness
Made with sugar and other natural ingredients
Expensive
This is a good option for all skin types but works well with combination to oily skin. It's popular among celebrities but offers more than just hype. It uses alpine herbs and biodegradable ingredients meant to provide a soothing mild cleanse. This is an excellent cleanser for treating occasional breakouts and inflammation.
Price at time of publish: $40
Active Ingredients: Ribwort plantain extract, rosa canina oil | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Benefits: Soothes, hydrates | Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Anti-Aging
Grown Alchemist Hydra+ Oil-Gel Facial Cleanser
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Courtesy of Neiman Marcus
Milky texture
Contains antioxidants
A little goes a long way
Expensive for a small bottle
It’s never too early to defend your skin against the signs of aging. This gel to milky cleanser gently washes away surface impurities. It has an impressive list of ingredients like squalane and a host of antioxidants and fatty acids, all working to potentially address the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It's also hydrating, which supports healthy, glowing skin.
Price at time of publish: $42
Active Ingredients: Willow bark extract, aloe, plant extracts | Skin Type: Balanced, combination | Benefits: Calms, soothes | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Dark Skin
Urban Skin Rx Clear Skin Cleansing Bar
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Courtesy of Ulta
Easy to use
Helps fade dark spots
Reasonably priced
Could be more hydrating
This treatment cleanser is a favorite for darker skin tones, formulated to address common issues such as oily skin and uneven tone. It also exfoliates and can be worn as a five-minute mask—actives like niacinamide and salicylic acid help improve the appearance of the skin over time. The bar comes enclosed in a jar for convenient application and storage.
Price at time of publish: $16
Active Ingredients: Sulfur, salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Benefits: Exfoliates, helps treat and prevent acne | Size: 2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best With Charcoal
Boscia Detoxifying Black Charcoal Cleanser
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Courtesy of Nordstrom
Deeply cleanses without stripping
A little goes a long way
Calming, natural fragrance
Could be more hydrating
Another great pick for men who are more on the oily side is this warming gel cleanser. It uses charcoal to meant to help deep clean, balance, and reduce the appearance of pores. It can also be used as part of a double cleanse routine. Like all Boscia products, this is vegan and free of any artificial fragrances.
Price at time of publish: $34
Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, charcoal powder, licorice extract | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Benefits: Exfoliates, balances, reduces appearance of pores | Size: 5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
What Our Testers Say
"The Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser is ideal for the oily-to-combination-skinned who need a little something extra to balance out and calm their overactive skin. Great for both everyday usage as well as a deep treatment a few times a week, this detox cleanser delivers fresh, balanced, poreless skin." — Bryan Levandowski, Product Tester
Best Micellar Water
Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water
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Courtesy of Caudalie
Skin feels soft and moisturized
Doesn't leave a residue
Made with organic ingredients
Not ideal for oily skin
If you're already double cleansing, then you might be familiar with micellar water. It's a staple of the multi-step skincare process. This no-rinse cleanser can be used to remove product residue, dirt, and oil. Caudalie's grape water, chamomile, and glycerin formula promises to draw moisture back into the skin. This makes this micellar water a go-to for beauty and skincare enthusiasts.
Active Ingredients: Grape water, chamomile extract | Skin Type: Dry, balanced | Benefits: Hydrates, reduces redness, removes makeup | Size: 6.7 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Cleansing Balm
La Bella Figura The Clean Slate Rinsable Cleansing Concentrate
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Courtesy of La Bella Figure
Easy to use
Made with organic ingredients
Nourishing formula
Expensive for a small bottle
This buttery balm provides a deep cleanse without stripping the skin. Created by a brand dedicated to green skincare and beauty, it contains primarily organic ingredients. This balm offers a proper cleanse while providing a healthy and hydrated glow. It makes a tremendous clarifying pre-shower stream mask.
Active Ingredients: Cupuacu butter, camellia seed oil | Skin Type: Dry, balanced | Benefits: Removes buildup, hydrates | Size: 1 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best No Frills
Homme Face Daily Face Wash
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Courtesy of HommeFace
Soothes sensitive skin
Non-drying
Balanced formula
Could be more hydrating
As the name might suggest, this brand was created with men’s skin in mind. This refreshing cleanser is soothing, making it an excellent option for frequent shavers. Tea tree and lavender add to its skin calming effect. This is an ideal cleanser for anyone looking for a more neutral daily wash, all for a price that won’t break the bank.
Price at time of publish: $15
Active Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, witch hazel extract, tea tree leaf extract | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Benefits: Reduces excess oil, balances, helps treat and prevent acne | Size: 4.2 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Investment
Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser
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Courtesy of Sephora
Cleanses and exfoliates
Simple formula
Skin feels smooth and refreshed
Expensive
In this formula, ascorbic acid and enzymes promise to resurface and hydrate. It comes in a powder form that’s activated by water. This helps to prepare the skin for other products and treatments. It offers a deep cleanse that removes dead skin. This means it may be used as a mild weekly exfoliant. It also comes in a formula specifically for darker skin tones.
Active Ingredients: Enzyme subtillisin, enzyme lipase | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Benefits: Exfoliates, cleanses | Size: 2.6 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Budget
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
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Courtesy of Ulta
pH-balanced
Helps keep pores clear
Calms redness
Could be more hydrating
COSRX is an affordable Korean beauty brand that is leading the pack. This soothing cleanser is ideal for overactive skin. It contains tea tree and BHAs meant to help clarify and improve the appearance of the skin. This is a great cleanser for anyone looking for a simple yet effective daily face wash.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil, beta hydroxy acid | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Benefits: Reduces excess oil, reduces appearance of pores | Size: 5 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Gentle
Arcadian Banana Face Wash
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Courtesy of Arcadian
Soothes sensitive skin
Hydrating formula
Recyclable packaging
Not for deep cleansing
You might prefer an uncomplicated cleanser that doesn't sacrifice quality—if so, this one is for you. The formula is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. It's also vegan and cruelty-free. It's gentle enough for daily use and keeps the skin hydrated—ingredients like organic aloe leaf juice and witch hazel help soothe the skin.
Price at time of publish: $22
Active Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, argan oil | Skin Type: Dry, balanced | Benefits: Exfoliates, hydrates | Size: 8 fl. oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
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