The best face wash for men
Acne-safe facial cleansers for all skin types
What good is a man with a plan if that plan doesn’t include a skincare routine? I mean, I get it — your wife’s 10-step skin regimen isn’t for you. But the truth is, no one needs a complicated routine to get their best skin. Using a gentle face wash on a regular basis can help keep your face clean, as well as fortify against inflammation like acne or razor burn. Between reliable men’s skincare lines and emerging gender-neutral brands, the best face wash for you is out there. Here are the top face cleansers for men, based on their ingredients.
Everyman Jack Oil Defense Volcanic Clay Face Wash
Volcanic clay helps control shine by soaking up extra oil, making this one of the best daily face washes for men with oily skin. This non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula is also soothing for breakouts and beard burn.
- For men with oily skin
- Shine control
- Use day and night
- $8.00 (5 oz)
Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Face Wash
A balancing face wash that keeps skin hydrated while cleansing deep in pores. It also soothes skin with chamomile, aloe, and witch hazel. Perfect for acne-prone skin, as well as calming razor burn.
- For men with dry skin
- Preps for shaving
- Use day and night
- $19.00 (6 oz)
Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash
For the down-to-earth dude: this vegan and cruelty-free cleanser has soothing aloe as the main ingredient. With hints of lemon, white tea, and sugarcane, this is a foaming cleanser that’s good for normal-to-oily skin (including skin that’s acne-prone).
- Light, foaming cleanser
- Packed with plant-based ingredients
- Use day and night
- $28.00 (8 oz)
Goodfellow & Co. №05 Kelp & Sea Mineral Face Wash
A daily face wash formulated with vitamin C and niacinamide, which can help improve signs of sun damage like dark spots and fine lines. It’s scented with hints of papaya, lemon, and shiitake mushroom, plus some added synthetic fragrance, which isn’t the best for sensitive skin.
- Best value (most product per ounce)
- Good for sun-damaged skin
- Use day and night
- $5.99 (5 oz)
Clinique For Men Super Energizer Anti-Fatigue Powder Cleanser
A twist on the concept of a face scrub: just add water to this powder-based cleanser to get a gentle, lightly exfoliating cleanse. This slightly drying formula is best for oily skin, while salicylic acid cleans deep down in your pores to help breakouts.
- Powder — just add water!
- Good for acne-prone skin
- Use 1–3 times a week
- $25.00 (1.76 oz)
Oars + Alps Solid Face Wash For Men
This creative cleanser combines the gentle hydration of liquid face wash with the convenience of bar soap: just massage into wet skin. This vegan, cruelty-formula won’t break you out, but it does have added synthetic fragrance, which isn’t the best for sensitive skin.
- No-mess solid bar cleanser
- Good for all skin types
- Use day and night
- $20.49 (1.2 oz)
Kiehl’s Men’s Deep Cleansing Oil Eliminator
This gentle face scrub for men uses crushed apricot kernels to gently physically exfoliate the skin. Unlike other apricot scrubs, this is a non-harsh cleanser that won’t break you out. The drawback? It has added synthetic fragrance, which isn’t the best for sensitive skin.
- Exfoliating face scrub
- Shine control
- Use 1–2 times weekly
- $24.00 (6.8 oz)
Baxter of California Men’s Sulfate-Free Daily Face Wash
A balancing cleanser that cleans away dirt and oil while lightly soothing and hydrating skin. Doubles as a beard wash to help soak and soften scruff before shaving.
- For sensitive skin
- Preps for shaving
- Use day and night
- $23.00 (8 oz)
The cleanser by Curology
Formulated with a special combination of plant sugars, the Curology cleanser locks moisture into skin, keeping your skin naturally hydrated and balanced. Work it into a gentle, lightly foaming lather to clean and refresh. It’s part of the Curology set, which includes a cleanser, moisturizer, and custom cream. You can try it for free when you sign up for a free month of Curology.
Curology members are matched with a medical provider licensed to practice in your state. Just take a quick skin quiz and snap a few selfies, then you’ll be prescribed a custom cream with a mix of 3 active ingredients to help treat skin concerns like acne. It just costs $4.95 (plus tax) to cover the cost of shipping and handling on your first shipment.
