17 of the Best Face Washes for Men in 2022

A quick look at Healthline’s picks of the best face washes for men

• Best for oily skin: Clinique for Men Oil Control Face Wash
• Best for acne-prone skin: L’Oreal Men Expert Extreme Cleanser Infused with Charcoal
• Best clarifying face wash: Brickell Clarifying Gel Face Wash
• Best budget friendly option for sensitive skin: Bulldog Skincare Sensitive Face Wash
• Best splurge for sensitive skin: Anthony Algae Facial Cleanser
• Best for combating redness: Paula’s Choice PC4MEN
• Best for dry skin: Nivea Men Moisturizing Face Wash
• Best for normal-to-dry skin: Dove Men Care Hydrate + Face Wash
• Best cleanser and toner combo: Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
• Best for normal skin: Lab Series for Men Multi-Action Face Wash
• Best drugstore face wash: Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser
• Best natural face wash: Andalou Naturals Men Refreshing Face Wash with CannaCell
• Best for use with facial hair: Lush Kalamazoo
• Best smelling: Every Man Jack Face + Beard Wash
• Most energizing: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel
• Best facial wipes for oily and acne-prone skin: Every Man Jack Activated Charcoal Facial Wipes
• Most gym bag-worthy: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths

How we chose

We picked these products based on their features.

• Ingredients. We looked for face washes that contain beneficial ingredients that actually live up to the hype.
• Online reviews. We scoured retail sites and looked at ratings and reviews.
• Affordability and availability. Many of the products on our list are under $10 and can easily be found at your local drugstore or online.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $10
• $$ = $10–$20
• $$$ = over $20

Comparison table

Healthline’s picks for the best face washes for men

Best for oily skin

Clinique for Men Oil Control Face Wash

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: aloe, salicylic acid
• Key features: oil-free, gluten-free, won’t clog pores

This oil-free, gluten-free face wash contains aloe. While aloe is typically known as a soothing, calming ingredient, it also contains some salicylic acid, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. That makes aloe vera especially useful for oily skin since it can help get rid of bacteria and unclog pores.

One drawback to this product is that it contains sodium laureth sulfate. It’s not harmful in small amounts, but it can cause irritation in some people.

Best for acne-prone skin

L’Oreal Men Expert Extreme Cleanser Infused with Charcoal

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: charcoal powder, salicylic acid
• Key features: combats oily skin and blackheads

With salicylic acid to alleviate inflammation and reduce bacteria, this face wash is a good choice for those dealing with acne. It also contains oak charcoal, which may help draw out bacteria and other impurities from the pores and reduce acne.

A 2019 study found that a charcoal mask enhanced skin cleansing by enlarging pores temporarily for a deeper clean.

Some consumers say it has a strong scent.

Best clarifying face wash

Brickell Clarifying Gel Face Wash

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: geranium oil, gotu kola, aloe
• Key features: brightens skin, safe for all skin types

This is one of the pricier options on our list, but users say a little goes a long way. Plus, it’s full of acne-fighting ingredients like geranium oil and aloe. It’s also got gotu kola extract, which can help boost collagen production and fade scars.

Cruelty-free and made with organic ingredients, this face wash is also free of phthalates, a potentially harmful ingredient that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) says can cause hormone changes and decreased sperm count.

Best budget friendly option for sensitive skin

Bulldog Skincare Sensitive Face Wash

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: baobab oil, oat oil, omega-3 fatty acids
• Key features: fragrance-free, safe for sensitive skin

Fragrance-free and anti-inflammatory, this face wash is made with oat and baobab oils. If you have eczema, baobab and oat oils may be particularly useful for soothing dry, irritated, and even itchy skin. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids that can help moisturize and soothe skin.

All of the products of the bulldog are vegan.

Best splurge for sensitive skin

Anthony Algae Facial Cleanser

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: algae, aloe, lavender
• Key features: allergen- and dermatologist-tested, safe for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin and want to splurge, this high-end cleanser works for every penny. It’s allergen- and dermatologist-tested and free of parabens, phthalates, gluten, triclosan, GMOs, and DEA. The combination of skin-loving ingredients like algae, aloe, and lavender nourish, soothe, and moisturize your skin while it cleanses.

Research suggests that algae has anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits for skin.

It is also a hydrating face mask.

Best for combating redness

Paula’s Choice PC4MEN

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: coco glucoside, aloe
• Key features: fragrance-free, gentle, won’t clog pores

This It is fragrance-free.Paula’s Choice face wash is made with coco glucoside, which is derived from coconut. It helps wash away dirt and oil without drying out your skin. The aloe soothes and reduces redness.

People report excellent results on their skin.

Best for dry skin

Nivea Men Moisturizing Face Wash

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: provitamin B5, glycerin
• Key features: hydrates dry skin and locks in moisture

This face wash is made with two humectants: glycerin and provitamin B5. Humectants work by attracting water and bringing moisture back into the skin. An older study in 2013 confirmed that glycerin can help treat dry skin, and a 2016 study called glycerin the most effective humectant.

The cooling effect of menthol is provided by the ingredients list on this face wash. Some people like this sensation, but others with sensitive skin may find it annoying.

Best for normal-to-dry skin

Dove Men Care Hydrate + Face Wash

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: lauric acid, stearic acid, cetearyl alcohol
• Key features: moisturizes, good for normal-to-dry skin

This face wash includes lauric acid, a lipid naturally found in coconut oil, and a fatty alcohol called cetearyl alcohol, both of which can help moisturize the skin.

If you are looking for an affordable daily face wash for normal-to-dry skin or seasonal dryness, this may be a good option.

Stearic acid is a surfactant. Surfactants lower the surface tension of water, which allows it to blend with and wash away dirt and oils.

Many reviewers say this product has a pleasant scent.

It may not be the best choice for you if you have a lot of skin problems.

Best cleanser and toner combo

Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: sage leaf extract, glycerin
• Key features: fragrance-free, sulfate-free, oil-free, leaves skin shave-ready

Fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and oil-free, this cleanser uses glycerin to help moisturize dry skin. It also contains sage leaf extract. Studies show that scalerol, which is found in sage, may help fight signs of aging.

It contains witch hazel, which is a natural skin cleanser, and chamomile extract, which is used for a soothing effect.

This face wash also contains rosemary extract, which can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin or eczema.

Best for normal skin

Lab Series for Men Multi-Action Face Wash

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredients: glycerin, peppermint oil
• Key features: safe for all skin types, gentle exfoliating action, cooling sensation

This face wash is great for all skin types. It uses a cooling sensation from the extract of peppermint and menthol.

This product is a small tube that is travel-sized. Users say a little goes a long way.

Best drugstore face wash

Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: vitamin E, panthenol
• Key features: hypoallergenic, safe for all skin types, designed for sensitive skin

Chances are you know someone who uses this cleanser. It is a formula that can work for all skin types, but is designed for sensitive skin.

With vitamin E and panthenol, it’s easy on the skin while still being tough on dirt and oil. Plus, it’s It is It is inexpensive..and It is easy to find.in most stores. It’s also recommended by many dermatologists.

Some consumers say that the product leaves a slimy film on the skin.

Best natural face wash

Andalou Naturals Men Refreshing Face Wash with CannaCell

• Price: $
• Key ingredients: hemp seed oil, hemp stem cells
• Key features: all-natural, effective for all skin types

The cleanser is made with the help of the stem cells of the hemp plant. It contains a substance that helps soothe and heal skin.

The skin feels rejuvenated with the help of mint leaf oil and the extracts of citrine.

It’s rated well by the EWG, which rates products based on the safety of their ingredients.

Users say a little goes a long way, but it is only available in a tiny tube.

Best overall to use with facial hair

Lush Kalamazoo

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: pineapple enzymes, almond oil, jojoba oil
• Key features: acts and a beard wash and softener

This face wash works double-time as a cleanser for both your beard and your skin. Pineapple enzymes wash away dirt, while a blend of almond and jojoba oil tame and soften facial hair.

People without beards love how soft and clean it leaves the skin, and the majority of user reviews are positive.

Lush practices ethical sourcing for their ingredients, uses recycled packaging, and doesn’t test on animals, so you can feel good about your purchase, too.

Best smelling

Every Man Jack Face + Beard Wash

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: aloe, glycerin
• Key features: suitable for all skin types and beards of all sizes

This wash from Every Man Jack is all-in-one. It contains ingredients that help soothe skin and beards.

It is available in different scents that get rave reviews.

It is made in the United States and uses mostly natural or plant-based ingredients.

Most energizing

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel

• Price: $$
• Key ingredients: caffeine, menthol, vitamin E
• Key features: for all skin types, It is undenatured., alcohol-free

“It is no wonder that this product is described as revitalizing, refreshing, andenergizing. These ingredients help improve your skin’s appearance while the vitamins E and K help protect it.”

It’s It is undenatured. and alcohol-free.

Some people may not like the sensation of the face wash.

Best facial wipes for oily and acne-prone skin

Every Man Jack Activated Charcoal Facial Wipes

• Price: $
• Key features: convenient., won’t clog pores, made for oily and acne-prone skin
• Key ingredients: activated charcoal, salicylic acid, glycerin, aloe

The facial wipes are made to clean the face with a gentle cleanser.

Ingredients like activated charcoal and salicylic acne help remove dirt and bacteria from pores while aloe soothes the skin.

It does not contain harmful chemicals or dyes.

Most gym bag-worthy

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths

• Price: $0
• Key features: convenient., dermatologist-developed and tested, non-comedogenic, safe for sensitive skin
• Key ingredients: glycerin, aloe

These wipes are good for all skin types and are good for sensitive skin. They are also good for use on the rest of your body.

As you cleanse, use Glycerin andAloe to soothe and protect the skin.

They have a 4.5 star rating on Amazon.

They are developed and tested by the dermatologists and are a good option for people with bad skin.

Types of cleansers

There are many different types of cleanser that are designed for your face. You will find: most often.

• Creams. Great for normal, dry, or sensitive skin, cream cleansers are thick and moisturizing.
• Gels. With a jelly-like consistency, gel cleansers are best used on normal or oily skin.
• Foams. Foam cleansers usually come in a pump bottle. They lather easily and work well on combination or oily skin.

Some scrubs have a beaded texture to help remove dead skin cells. They are not usually used for daily use.

Bar soap is made for facial skin.

How to shop

Think about your skin type when looking for a face wash. Many products will be marketed towards certain skin types.

“If you don’t know what type of skin you have, think about how your skin feels after a shower.”

People with oily skin will start to notice their skin looks oily, while those with dry skin will notice rough patches. Normal skin looks dry and oily, while a combination of skin falls in between.

You may want to consider the price of the product. There are many ace washes that are under $10 If you find a more expensive one, make sure you check the ingredients.

How to use

It may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you, but many people find success washing their face twice a day.

If you live in a hot climate, you may need to wash your face more frequently. Sweating can cause irritation and make your skin break.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using lukewarm water to wash your face. It also suggests washing with your fingertips since scrubbing with a washcloth or washing vigorously can irritate skin. Pat-dry rather than rubbing.

Safety

It is always best to do a patch test when trying a new product.

“You can do this by putting a little product on your wrist. Don’t use the product if you have redness, itching, or burning. If your skin looks normal, you should be able to go.”

Frequently asked questions about the best face washes for men

What’s the difference between male and female face wash?

It is difficult to determine specific differences between products marketed for men. Some manufacturers may consider the differences between male and female skin.

Men have thicker skin than women. Goldman says that men have larger pores.

“The differences between men and women’s skin are due to the stresses of regular shaving and hormones.”

Goldman says that men prefer a simpler routine, like having one product that does everything. Goldman says that half of men use the same soap on their face as they do on their body, which can cause irritation.

Can men use women’s skin products?

Goldman says that men can use products marketed for women as well as for women.

The right ingredients for your skin are important.

“Goldman says that men don’t need their own product line, but they have to figure out their skin type and look for products that are right for them.”

Can women use a men’s face wash?

The focus should be on your skin type, followed by your preferences.

“If you do your homework on a product before you use it, you can decide if it is right for you. The manufacturer’s website can be used to see what the product contains and what it is supposed to do.”

Takeaway

A face wash designed for facial skin can keep your skin clean and healthy.

Look for a product that has beneficial ingredients that help control oil or dry skin. Before trying a new product, do a patch test.