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ALL GOOD skincare routines start with a face cleanser—and for some guys, a face cleanser is also where it ends. No judgement, here. Whether you have a lengthy skincare routine or you're more of a one-and-done kind of guy, most guys likely have and use a face wash. It gets rid of all the dirt and grime that's accumulated on your face throughout the day and helps prevent clogged pores, which can cause acne. It's especially important for guys who lead an active lifestyle. While a cardio workout boosts your skin's blood circulation and can promote collagen production, all that sweat can leave your face prone to breakouts and irritation.
"You need to use a face wash morning and night and anytime after a heavy workout to avoid bacteria and sebum from accumulating," Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, tells Men's Health.
It's easy to think that all face washes for men are the same, but that's certainly not the case. The best face washes for men do more than just clean: they can also hydrate, treat zits, and remove excess oil. With so many products out there, finding the right one for your skin type and preferences can feel impossible. That's why we spent the past year combing through hundreds of cleansers to find the 16 best face washes for virtually any skin type and price point.
Pros
Great for Sensitive Skin- Deeply cleans without damaging skin barrier
Cons
- Expensive
After reviewing over 50 cleansers, our gave Paula's Choice's new face wash a 2023 Grooming Award. Unlike traditional cleansers, this one removes dirt but doesn’t disrupt your skin’s barrier. “My skin feels incredible after every use,” raved one tester.
Testing Notes: Eight months later, and our editors are still raving about Paula's Choice's ultra gentle face wash. One editor whose skin is especially sensitive noticed that his face looked less red and had less breakouts after incorporating this cleanser into his daily skincare routine.
Read more: Best Face Wash for Dry Skin
| Ingredients | Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
Best Drugstore Cleanser
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
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Pros
- Great value
- Fragrance free
- Deep cleans without drying skin
Cons
- Pump can be difficult to use
You can't go wrong with a classic. Formulated for “combination to oily, sensitive skin,” Cetaphil's tried-and-true cleanser blends B vitamins with glycerin, a mixture that neutralizes grime and excess oil without stripping out natural moisture. No wonder it won our 2022 Grooming Awards.
Testing notes: Based on our testing, Cetaphil's Daily Facial Cleanser offers incredible value for the price point. We love that it contains the same hero ingredients found in more expensive cleansers, and that it works even for guys with ultra sensitive skin. Though we wish the pump dispenser was easier to use.
| Ingredients | Glycerin, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B3 |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
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Best Luxury Face Wash
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleansing Gel
Pros
- Ultra smooth consistency feels great
- Offers a deep clean
Cons
- Expensive
We can't get enough of Sunday Riley's Ceramic Slip Cleanser, which has a silky, creamy finish (aka: a fancy spa treatment in a bottle). Beyond its texture, it offers plenty of substance. The face wash features natural ingredients like green clay that can wipe away grime with ease, plus rice oil, which helps keep skin hydrated.
Testing notes: I've been using Sunday Riley's Ceramic Slip Cleansing Gel since 2020, and I'm glad to find that the brand hasn't switched up its formula since it became one of its top selling products. I love how smooth it feels on my skin, and I've noticed that my skin feels more hydrated immediately after using it compared to other face cleansers I've used. I use this mostly in the winter, when I need a face cleanser that won't dry out my skin.
| Ingredients | Propanediol, Octyldodecanol, Rice Oil |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
Best Hydrating Cleanser
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
Pros
- Gentle non-stripping formula
- pH-balanced to maintain skin’s natural protection barrier
Cons
- Scent isn't pleasant for some guys
For active guys who want a no-nonsense soap that also feels luxurious, look no further than Kiehl's bestselling cleanser. Made with hydrating glycerin and squalene, and without parabens or fragrances, this face wash thoroughly cleanses your skin without drying it.
Testing notes: I've been using Kiehl's bestselling cleanser since 2018 as my go-to face soap, and I love its ultra-smooth formula that glides over my skin. I also like how it doesn't have a fragrance, which also makes it ideal for guys with ultra sensitive skin.
Read more: Best Kiehl's Products
| Ingredients | Squalane, Avocado Oil, and Glycerin |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
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Pros
- Infused with with plant-based moisturizers
Cons
- Fragrance may be too strong for some
We can't stop praising this 2021 Grooming Awards winner, and for good reason. Its soothing combo of cucumber and seaweed extracts will leave your skin feeling like it's on a tropical vacation. Plus, Method Men's relatively affordable price point means you'll want to stock up on this all year round.
Testing notes: A few of our editors have been using Method Men's top-rated face wash for more than two years now, and they're happy to report that it still lives up to the hype. Normally, we would advise against using cleansers with fragrances, but we can't resist this face wash's beachy smell that just smells refreshing. Plus, cucumber and seaweed extract helps sooth sensitive skin.
| Ingredients | Cucumber, Seaweed extract |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
Best Foaming Face Wash
Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser
Pros
- Can be used on the face and body
- Removes oil without disrupting the protective skin barrier
Cons
- May not be great for dry skin
Long before Cerave shot to TikTok stardom, the drugstore brand has been a favorite among grooming experts for offering high-quality ingredients at affordable price points. Case in point: this budget-friendly soap that's loaded with moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Testing Notes: Cerave's facial cleanser is one of my favorite drugstore face washes since it's cheap, easy to find online and in store, and it does its job. I've been using Cerave's cleansers since I was a teenager (read: a long time), and can attest that it's been a reliable formula that removed excess oil and grime without causing breakouts.
| Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal to oily |
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Best Exfoliating Cleanser
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Pros
- Gently exfoliates for a softer, smoother skin appearance
- Improves skin texture
Cons
- Expensive
This 2-in-1 cleanser and exfoliator uses naturally derived alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), and jojoba spheres to gently sand down a rough skin texture. The exfoliation effect is gentle enough that you can use it morning and night without any redness or irritation.
Read more: Best Exfoliating Face Scrubs
| Ingredients | Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Jojoba Oil and Salicylic Acid |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Rough skin, aging skin |
Pros
- Exfoliates without irritating
- Lasts for months
Cons
- Don't use every day for sensitive skin
Shaped like a deodorant stick, but for your face, this solid soap from Oars and Alps is made with charcoal, a buzzy exfoliant that can gently scrub your face without irritation. Plus, we love that even a 1.4 oz container can last you for months.
Testing notes: I've traveling more these days, and I've been using Oars and Alp's cleansing stick as my a TSA-friendly soap when I'm on vacation. Beyond its portability, I love that it applies easily (like my favorite deodorants) while really getting in there to exfoliate and remove dirt. My face cleans extremely clean after using it, and a little bit of it really does go a long way.
| Ingredients | Propanediol, Sodium Stearate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl, Glycerin |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal to oily |
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Best Acne Face Wash
Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash
Pros
- Prevents excess oil without damaging skin
- Fragrance free
Cons
- Expensive
The breakout-busting salicylic acid in this face wash is paired with vitamin B5 to soften and protect dry skin, without causing your skin to feel tight. It’s a thin line between cleansing excess oil and completely stripping away the skin barrier and this cleanser walks that line well.
Read more: Best Acne Face Washes for Men
| Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Allantoin, Vitamin B5 |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Acne-prone skin |
Best for Sensitive Skin
Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Pros
- A little bit goes a long way
- Helps relieve redness
Cons
- Expensive
This ultra gentle soap has the consistency of (you guessed it) jelly, and wipes off dirt and grime with ease. We love its fragrance free formula, and that you only need a small amount for a deep cleanse.
| Ingredients | Glycerin, Mild Surfactant Blend, Cantaloupe Fruit Extract |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
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Pros
- Deeply cleans
Cons
- Expensive
Think of this as a healthy, nutrient-rich smoothie for your skin. The star ingredient in Youth To The People's marquee cleanser is kale, which is loaded with vitamins C, E, and K that can nourish and clear skin.
| Skin type | Normal, combination, oily |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate |
Pros
- Works on so many different skin types
Cons
- Formula can be too thick for some
Good light won us over with its mission: to create products for all skin types and backgrounds. Their gel-to-foam cleanser is one of our favorites because it cleanses and hydrates, and left our skin feeling fresh and supple.
| Ingredients | Glycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Laminaria japonica |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
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Pros
- Affordable
- Cleans without drying skin
Cons
- May not be great for acne-prone skin
Truth be told, you don't need to spend a fortune for a quality cleanser. Take this liquid soap from Neutrogena, which features glycerin to clean your skin without drying it out.
| Ingredients | Glycerin Oleic, Acid Coconut Acid, Sodium Hydroxide |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal |
Pros
- Great for traveling
Cons
- Can be too harsh for sensitive skin
Finding a TSA-friendly cleanser that doesn't spill is hard to find. That's where Jaxon Lane's Insta-famous Shake and Wake comes in. It's a powder-to-cream product that gently exfoliates skin, and cleans just as well as some of our liquid-based soaps. In other words, it's a dopp kit must-have.
Read more: Best Face Scrubs for Men
| Ingredients | Papaya Enzyme, Pineapple Enzyme, Niacinamide, |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal |
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Pros
- Great for dry and sensitive skin
Cons
- Expensive
For those of us with sensitive skin, Dr. Rossi advises to stay away from face washes containing alcohol or exfoliants that can irritate your face (especially after shaving). That's why we recommend this ultra-gentle cleanser from Aesop, which features sandalwood, a natural ingredient that improves skin elasticity.
| Ingredients | Panthenol (Provitamin B₅), Grape Seed, Sandalwood |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry, Sensitive skin |
Pros
- Affordable
Cons
- Cab be too strong for sensitive skin
If you're looking for a gentle face wash that can easily remove dirt and grime (and even your tinted moisturizer), look no further than this drugstore brand favorite. Squalane is the main ingredient here, a moisturizing agent, so your skin won't dry after washing.
Read more: Best Skincare Products for Men
| Ingredients | Squalane, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily |
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What to Look For In a Face Wash
A face wash is arguably the most important step in a skincare routine because without it, the rest of the products are utterly useless. When looking for a face wash, you want something that's gentle yet effective. Especially if your skincare routine only consists of washing your face, you don't want a cleanser that strips your skin of all its beneficial natural oils. If you have acne-prone skin, look for a face wash with acids, like salicylic, AHA, or BHA. These ingredients help slough away dead skin cells that can cause breakouts. If you have dry skin, look for a hydrating face wash with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and moisturizing plant-based oils.
How Often Should You Be Washing Your Face?
Our suggestion is to wash your face twice a day, morning and night. But, it’s also important to think about what products you use. Some face washes or scrubs aren’t meant for daily use. Try to avoid harsh chemicals, like sulfates or parabens. Find yourself a gentle wash for everyday use, and an exfoliating scrub to use two or three times a week.
Apply the scrub with light pressure (fast, hard, and rough isn’t always the answer). Overdo it and you can rough up your skin, which just leaves you with more to worry about. Also, remember that everyone has different skin types.
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How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top face washes for men. Experts including our Grooming Editor, Garrett Munce, and our Deputy Editor of Commerce, Christian Gollayan, tried over 100 face cleansers and evaluated their ingredients, feel, consistency, and effectiveness. We also considered top-reviewed face cleansers that had at least 100 five-star customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.
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