The best men’s face wash should be effective and affordable – not an expensive piece of packaging around a poor quality product. Thankfully, we’ve done the research to find the top brands that will give you the best skin with an invigorating scent.
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Top picks
- JACK BLACK Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
- Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser
- iS CLINICAL Cleansing Complex
- ELEMIS Deep Purifying Daily Wash for Men, 5.0 Fl Oz
- Blind Barber Daily Face Cleanser
- Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Normal to Oily Skin
- Baxter of California Daily Face Wash for Men
- Thrive Natural Face Wash Gel for Men & Women
- Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser
- AHAVA Refreshing Cleansing Gel
- Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
- MenScience Androceuticals Daily Face Wash
Men typically wash their face at least twice a day, and most of us aren’t very particular as to what substance we are using – a bar of ordinary soap, or some more sophisticated face wash for men.
Finding the best men’s face wash solution is important for at least a couple of reasons. The cleansing agent should not only remove the upper layer of dead skin from a man’s face, but it should also open the skin’s pores, so that it gets in better contact with the shaving cream’s lather and, at a later stage, with the aftershave agent.
Best Men’s Face Wash
1. JACK BLACK Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
For over two decades, Jack Black has been producing easy to apply and highly effective skincare products for men. Their Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser is a dermatologically-tested 2-in-1 solution combining face wash and toner. It gently cleanses the face and neck without drying the skin.
This is the best face wash on our list, because it cleans the pores of men’s skin from deep-down dirt and oil. Wash your face at least twice a day with this product for clean, smooth, and calm skin. Jack Black’s PureScience formula does not contain any parabens, artificial fragrances, or synthetic colorants.
As a result, their Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser gently cleans and hydrates the skin for a sensational start of your day. Jack Black’s premium cleanser is made of top-quality 100% natural ingredients that work together to provide thorough pore cleansing with a distinct skin rejuvenating effect.
The oat-and-coconut surfactants in Jack Black’s face wash dissolve any pore-clogging residue, while the organic Sage leaf extract has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect on men’s skin. The added Chamomile extract soothes the skin, while its antiseptic effect makes this face wash appropriate to use before as well as after a wet shave. Read our Jack Black shaving cream review here.
The Rosemary extract controls the level of skin oiliness and helps fight possible bacterial invasion, while the Witch Hazel included in the product’s ingredients acts as a powerful anti-irritant and toner. Finally, the natural Aloe leaf extract has a soothing and softening effect on men’s skin. Therefore, Jack Black’s cleanser is suitable for dry or sensitive skin.
For a deep clean, apply a small amount of the product onto your wet hands and gently work it into a thick lather. Apply it onto your wet face with gentle circular movements with the tips of your fingers. Then, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water avoiding contact with the eyes.
Key Ingredients:
- Aloe Vera
- Sage leaf
- Rosemary
- Chamomile
2.Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser
The second best men’s face wash is Jack Black’s Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser, coming into plastic tubes of three, five, and ten fluid ounces. Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser is a multi-functional, clay-based face wash that effectively removes dead skin, pore-clogging residue, as well as under-skin build-ups.
It is interesting to mention here that this product combines facial cleanser and mask. For optimal results, leave it on your face for about five minutes before washing it off. In this way, your skin will be fresher, smoother, and will look much younger.
Of course, you can just rub it into your face with your fingertips and then wash it off with warm water. Avoid swallowing or contact with the eyes. The PureScience formula, also present in Jack Black’s Daily Facial Cleanser, works wonders for men’s normal-to-oily skin. Used on sensitive or combination skin, it certainly will cause no harm.
The formula includes only natural ingredients without any parabens or artificial fragrances. The unique combination of ingredients in Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser gives the product a mighty exfoliating power. This means that you will feel your face breathing happily after every use. This is due to the included Glycolic acid, which has been long-known as a powerful remover of oily depots from acne prone skin.
After the fifth wash, you’ll notice that the skin of your face has become firmer and clearer, without any ingrown hairs. Volcanic ash is another key ingredient of this face wash for men. It has got a powerful revitalizing and detoxicating effects on combination skin, while the Kaolin Clay effectively extracts any skin impurities and reduces oiliness.
To summarize, when used regularly, Jack Black’s Daily Facial Cleanser cleanses, tones, moisturizes, and protects your skin. We’d like to mention here that individuals with sensitive and acne prone skin should use this product only after a consultation with a qualified dermatologist.
Key ingredients:
- Glycolic Acid
- Volcanic Ash
- Kaolin Clay
3. iS CLINICAL Cleansing Complex
Coming in a 6-fluid-ounce plastic tube, iS CLINICAL’s Cleansing Complex is one of the best face washes out there. Its gentle but effective formula thoroughly cleanses even very sensitive skin types. This effect is achieved with the use of White Willow bark extract that exfoliates and eliminates any pore-clogging oil and dirt. In this way, it boosts cellular regeneration while visibly tightening the pores.
At the same time, the powerful antioxidants extracted from Chamomile and Centella Asiatica have a pronounced soothing effect on men’s skin. This product’s lightweight gel formula quickly generates thick lather that’s easy to apply on the face.
As soon as you wash this facial cleanser off with lukewarm water, you’ll feel your face fresher and your skin – tighter. This cleansing complex can also be used as an exfoliating mask – just leave it on your face for about three minutes before rinsing.
The Chamomile flower extract used in this facial cleanser is excellent for blemish-prone and sensitive skin, while the Centella Asiatica is praised for its detoxicating and skin cells nourishing qualities. The cleansing and exfoliating properties of this face wash result from the combination of sugar cane and White Willow bark extracts.
Thanks to its skin softening and smoothing effects, iS CLINICAL’s Cleansing Complex is very suitable for use on both acne prone and sensitive skin. However, it should not be used on Rosacea-prone skin, as it has been found to cause flare-ups and irritation.
Key ingredients:
- Chamomile flower extract
- Centella Asiatica
- Sugar cane extract
- White Willow bark extract
4. ELEMIS Deep Purifying Daily Wash for Men, 5.0 Fl Oz
This fast-acting gel formula cleanses, refreshes, and revitalizes men’s skin. For a deep clean, use ELEMIS’s Deep Purifying Daily Wash in the morning to cleanse the skin and soften your facial hair before applying your preferred pre-shave oil.
The powerful combination of Oak Bark, Spearmint, and Peppermint in a rich milk protein base thoroughly cleanses men’s skin and helps to remove impurities, skin oil, and dirt. Just two washes a day are enough to start feeling your skin brilliantly clean, revitalized, and deeply refreshed.
The milk protein mentioned above provides the skin with key nutrients that greatly improve its health. As aromatic ingredients, peppermint and spearmint also have a proven soothing effect on a man’s face. The English Oak Bark maintains your skin’s balance and also has a powerful purifying and exfoliating effect. It is also valued for its antiseptic properties and helps reduce inflammation and razor burn.
This product is also very easy to use. To apply, just pour a small amount into your hand, rub it gently all over the face, and rinse thoroughly with warm water. You can use it in the morning to cleanse the skin and soften the facial hair before your routine shave, as well as in the evening to remove any impurities that may have accumulated onto the skin during the day.
Interestingly, one user shares what we’d like to call “a delayed exfoliating effect”. About an hour after use, their skin began to feel oily and greasy, causing deep frustration in the user. After consulting many renowned dermatologists around the USA, we are inclined to believe that the mentioned skin oil and grease had accumulated deep into the user’s pores and the face wash had just caused it to come to the surface.
Key ingredients:
- Milk protein base
- Peppermint extract
- Spearmint extract
- English Oak bark extract
5. Blind Barber Daily Face Cleanser
Blind Barber started back in 2010 as a two-chair barbershop in n New York City’s East Village. They wanted to show that a barber’s shop isn’t just a place where people go to get a classic straight razor shave or a haircut. Rather, it’s a place where gents come to socialize, chill out and feel like themselves.
Today, there are Blind Barber’s hops in Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. The company has also launched its own line of high-end face care products for every skin type. This daily facial cleanser has been developed to be gentle enough to men’s skin for daily use. At the same time, it is powerful enough to exfoliate dirt from deep inside the pores and remove excess skin oil.
Use it as a pre-shave face wash, or at the end of your day to thoroughly cleanse the skin of your face. To apply, you should first dampen your face a bit with water and work a small amount of the facial cleanser into a foamy lather.
Then, use your fingertips to gently apply the cleansing lather onto your face in small, circular motions. After application, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to wash off the excess quantity. If your skin is particularly oily, you may need to repeat the procedure for a deep clean.
Blind Barber’s daily face wash infuses your skin with natural hydrating agents and precious botanical extracts such as Juniper Berry, which has a proven relieving effect on acne breakouts and leaves men’s skin refreshed, cool, and visibly handsome.
When washing your face, this cooling cleanser’s carefully-balanced formula leaves the pores of your face dirt and oil-free after every use. At the same time, the herbal extracts keep men’s skin toned-up and protect it from adverse environmental conditions.
The Juniper berries contained in this product have long been known to have natural cleansing and protective properties. After every use, those around you will be enchanted by this product’s delicate Water Mint fragrance due to the natural Mentha aquatica extract included in its formula. Blind Barber’s Daily Face Cleanser is free of artificial colorants, sulfates, and parabens, which makes it suitable for all skin types.
Key ingredients:
- Water Mint
- Juniper Fruit Extract
- Tonka Bean Extract
6.Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Normal to Oily Skin
Anthony’s premium skincare products have been developed for men and borrowed by women. Their Glycolic Facial Cleanser comes in an 8 fl. Oz. plastic tube and is very suitable for normal to oily skin. Use it before your daily shave to soften and uplift your stubble.
This face wash’s powerful formula thoroughly cleanses the face and neck area, washing away dead skin cells and excess oil buildup. The cleanser contains 4.2% Glycolic acid that prevents pore-clogging, ingrown hairs, and razor burn. Dermatologists unanimously agree that Glycolic acid is the holy grail of exfoliation.
It efficiently removes the outermost layer of dead cells on your face, revealing the brighter and fresher skin beneath. Thus, this product greatly facilitates skin regeneration and greatly reduces any unwanted scars, skin discoloration, or acne. Glycolic acid has also been found to have a powerful anti-aging effect, eliminating the tiny wrinkles around the eye area.
It gently removes dirt particles, oil buildups, and other pollutants and impurities from your skin. The Aloe Vera extract included in this cleanser’s potent formula has a moisturizing and soothing effect on a man’s face. Naturally-extracted vitamins A and E are also to be found among this supreme product’s key ingredients.
They both contribute to the perpetual process of skin regeneration, while vitamin C keeps the skin of your face tight and toned up. The natural Chamomile extract has got proven disinfecting and antibacterial properties that make this cleanser appropriate for all skin types.
At the same time, the Calendula oil contained in this product has a powerful soothing effect on dry skin, and greatly facilitates the healing of acne-related conditions and eczema. For the best results, apply on damp skin with gentle circular motions. If you have acne-affected areas on the body, you can use this cleanser as a shower gel. Use it twice a day for about two weeks for visibly healthier skin with fewer imperfections.
Key Ingredients:
- Vitamins A, E, and C
- Chamomile extract
- Glycolic acid
- Calendula oil
7. Baxter of California Daily Face Wash for Men
The seventh position on our list is for a deep cleaning face wash that effectively removes excess skin oil and exfoliates dirt and debris from deep inside the pores. Its cleansing formula is suitable for dry or sensitive skin. Washing your face with this superb skincare product every day will make it baby-smooth, rejuvenated, and refreshed. Your dry or sensitive skin will be clean and ready for your day’s challenges. In general, this face wash is suitable for all skin types.
Some of the most powerful ingredients in this product’s formula are coconut oil that serves as an excellent creamy base, and powdered juice extracted from the leaves of Aloe Barbadensis that have got powerful soothing and antibacterial properties.
The hydrogenated Castor Oil makes this face gel insoluble in water, while the Sulfonic acid and the Salicylic acid have some powerful antibacterial and disinfecting qualities. Therefore, this face wash for men has got a healing effect on one’s acne-prone skin.
Because of its perfectly balanced formula, a small amount of the product creates a lot of cleansing lather and the whole container will surely go a long way. Users wish there were some fragrance added to mask the odor of this product’s ingredients.
Yet, its strange smell should not put you off from purchasing it. It does a great job cleaning the pores of your face and leaves your skin fresh and toned-up. The tonic effect comes as a result of the added caffeine, while Allantoin keeps men’s skin well-hydrated.
Users have frowned a bit at this face wash’s tough granular texture that does not spread well on a bearded face. This means that you’ve got to perform two washes for the best results. Still, users with acne have seen their rashes reduce a great deal after just one week of continuous use. This product can also be used as a shower gel, albeit it’s a bit pricey for that purpose.
Key Ingredients:
- Aloe Barbadensis extract
- Allantoin
- Caffeine
- Coconut oil
8. Thrive Natural Face Wash Gel for Men & Women
The eighth spot on our list is for Thrive Natural face wash gel that is suitable for both men’s and women’s skin. this daily facial cleanser is made in the USA out of 100% vegan-friendly natural ingredients imported from Costa Rica.
Its producer, Thrive, supports the Costa Rican farming communities and promotes the sustainable use of their land’s resources. As an environmentally-conscious company, Thrive reinvests about a quarter of its profit into the restoration of degraded lands across Costa Rica back to health.
So, when you use their all-natural face wash gel, you will look better and will leave a positive footprint on the environment. For instance, even the tube it’s shipped in is made of 100% recyclable plastic.
This product’s high quality is guaranteed by its premium formula, packed with vitamins and extracts from two of Costa Rica’s so-called super plants. The Juanilama is a citric-scented herb that has been found to possess anti-oxidating properties that are 87% more powerful than these of vitamin E.
The extract from this plant also has some anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that have had a long-term healing effect on chronic skin blemishes. The other super ingredient, Fierillo extract, has got powerful anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, healing, and anti-microbial properties. This rain-forest vine has been used by the indigenous Costa Ricans to heal skin issues.
One excited user even shares that her husband’s psoriasis has seen some major improvements after just a week’s use. This face gel’s powerful formula deeply cleanses combination skin and removes any pore-clogging dirt, dead skin cells, and other debris without drying it.
This high-quality product contains only plant-based ingredients, without harsh synthetic additives, fragrances, or other potential skin irritants. It is also animal cruelty-free, vegan-safe, and does not contain any genetically-modified organisms or parabens.
Because of its small quantity, this face wash is on the pricier side, but buyers are covered by Thrive’s 100% satisfaction guarantee. This means that if you don’t fall in love with their product, they will fully refund you with no questions asked.
Key ingredients:
- Juanilama herbal extract
- Fierillo extract
- Xanthan Gum
- Argania Spinosa Kernel oil
- Arrabidaea Chica extract
- Natural grapefruit fragrance
9. Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser
Launched back in 2004 by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz, Malin + Goetz is a well-known producer of men’s and women’s cosmetics, skincare products, fragrances, and aromatic candles. The Grapefruit Face Cleanser was the first product they developed together in response to their own skin problems. Back then, Matthew’s skin was normal-to-dry and he suffered from rosacea, eczema, seborrhea, and fragrance allergies, so the cleanser needed to work for sensitive skin.
By contrast, Andrew’s skin was normal-to-oily and he used just a bar of soap to wash his face, body, and hair, and to shave. So, the new product had to be appropriate to both skin types, effective, and easy to use. It took them several months to develop and stabilize the formula, but their effort was well-rewarded.
Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser has become their best-selling product. It is a perfect every day face wash and addresses a wide variety of skin issues. At the same time, is very gentle to normal skin. This 3-in-1 cleanser, toner and makeup remover gently purifies, exfoliates and restores the balance of your skin, without drying or irritating it.
The cleansing effect is achieved by the addition of coconut-based surfactants into the product’s formula. The natural grapefruit extract is a powerful exfoliant, while the added amino acids soothe and hydrate the skin. The combination of glycerin and sodium pca has a powerful skin moisturizing effect.
One user has noted that continuous use may make your skin dry. Use it daily only if you’ve got oily skin. Dry-skinned individuals should use this face wash sparingly, while people with normal and normal-to-oily skin should use it only twice a week.
Key ingredients:
- Coconut-based surfactants
- Natural grapefruit extract
- Amino acids
- Glycerin
- Sodium pca
10. AHAVA Refreshing Cleansing Gel
Ahava Dead Sea Laboratories is an Israeli cosmetics company known for its premium skincare products. Their refreshing cleansing gel is rich in precious minerals from the Dead Sea. Ahava’s devoted experts let nature lead their science to develop formulas that bring the best beauty products directly to their customers.
This refreshing face was has got a soapless formula that effectively exfoliates the skin, unclogs its pores, and protects it from the harmful UV rays. At the same time, female users swear that it obliterates makeup and mascara leaving their skin much clearer and with fewer breakouts.
After just a couple of face washes, you’ll forget about every having oily skin, and your face will be fresh, clean, deeply-hydrated, and toned-up. For the best face wash, you should apply a dime-sized amount of the product onto your palms and work it into a creamy lather. Then, gently rub it onto your wet face with small circular motions. After that, rinse off with lukewarm water.
This cleanser is especially suitable if you live in a tropical country, where the sun is quite unforgiving to your dry-to-normal skin. This face wash will effectively prevent your skin from UV allergies and will keep it clean and well-hydrated.
Ahava’s premium gel-like cleanser is vegan-friendly and free of any parabens, genetically modified organisms or petroleum. It has been dermatologically-tested and certified safe for sensitive and dry skin as well. It has a powerful tonic effect due to the Ginger root and Ginkgo Biloba leaf extracts.
The combination of Ginseng root extract and zinc has got powerful anti-inflammatory properties, while the Dead Sea water has a soothing effect on the skin. Finally, the Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice effectively remedies any skin imperfections and makes your face look rejuvenated and fresh.
Key ingredients:
- Mineral spring water
- Dead Sea water
- Ginseng root extract
- Ginger root extract
- Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract
- Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice
11.Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
Mario Badescu has been producing premium skincare products since 1967. Their Glycolic cleanser creates thick, foamy lather for deep cleaning even of highly-congested skin pores. Its strong cleansing properties are well-complemented by the exfoliating powers of Glycolic acid to leave the skin of your face beaming with healthy energy and a baby-smooth finish.
These powers are due to Glycolic acid’s ability to break the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be washed away easily. Mario Badescu’s powerful formula includes various herbal extracts for an immediate soothing effect.
For example, the Sage Leaf extract has long been known to dermatologists as a powerful anti-oxidant and natural disinfectant. The Hypericum Perforatum extract included in its formula effectively heals razor burn and general skin irritation.
This foaming cleanser quickly removes dirt, makeup, and excess oil, while eliminating the upper layer of dead skin and reducing discoloration. At the same time, the Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) flower extract nourishes your dry-to-normal skin and heals any blemishes or other imperfections.
Finally, the healing properties of Althaea Officinalis leaf/root extract, also part of this product’s formula, have been known to man since the time of the ancient Egyptians.
For maximum efficiency, take a small amount of the cleanser and gently work it into a thick lather. Then, massage the substance onto your face in small circular motions avoiding contact with the eyes. You can leave it on your face for about twenty seconds so that the cleansing lather could dissolve the dirt into your pores more efefctively. After that, you can rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and dry your face with a soft towel.
Key ingredients:
- Sage leaf extract
- Hypericum Perforatum extract
- Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) flower extract
- Althaea Officinalis leaf/root extract
12. MenScience Androceuticals Daily Face Wash
MenScience’s face wash for men contains Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Aloe Vera extract, and Allantoin. As already mentioned above, Glycolic acid (3%) is a powerful exfoliant that effectively removes any pore-clogging substances from men’s face. The Salicylic acid (1%) helps control skin oiliness and has a proven beneficial effect on acne-like conditions.
The Aloe Vera extract is a powerful antioxidant that soothes, smoothens and hydrates men’s skin. Finally, the extracted from the root of the Comfrey Plant Allantoin helps prevent skin irritation and protects the skin from the elements. As a result, this product’s balanced formula leaves one’s face soft, smooth, and visibly revitalized.
This face wash is safe for all skin types, but is specially-recommended for normal-to-oily skin. Glycolic acid and Salicylic acid are the dynamic duo of face cleansing. The former effectively dissolves dead skin cells and organic buildup that no ordinary soap can reach. The latter wipes out grime and oily residues from your face. This unique combination is very forgiving to your skin and does not affect its natural moisture or PH balance.
True to their name, MenScience Androceuticals offers premium men’s grooming and skincare and products based on 100% natural ingredients that have been dermatologically-tested. their face wash’s formula has been developed especially for men’s skin.
Interestingly, many women seem to like MenScience’s face wash for men. One lady writes that this is an amazing makeup remover. Even the strongest eyeliner and mascara stand no chance against it without any harsh scrubbing. This particular reviewer goes on to share that she has very sensitive skin and this is the only face wash she’ found that truly feels like its cleansing her face without over-drying her skin.
Key ingredients:
- Glycolic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Aloe Vera extract
- Allantoin
Buying Guide
In the following paragraphs, we shall outline some of the key factors that you should consider when looking for a good men’s face wash. Obviously, the product’s retail price is the first thing we almost unconsciously look at when shopping around for something.
Price
To get the bigger picture, we’ve sorted the products in the table below, based on their price per fluid ounce. Obviously, our top pick is also one of the cheapest premium face wash products for men that currently sell online.
Quantity
The second factor to consider is the container’s size. Here, we must say that sometimes face cleansers that come in smaller containers tend to last longer than those in larger tubes. So, do read the reviews to find out if a particular face wash is economical or not.
Quality
When it comes to skincare products’ quality, pricier isn’t always better. A product that works well for one individual may be bad for another and vice versa. You may have to try several face wash products until you find the best for your skin type.
Ingredients
The best face wash products contain natural ingredients such as amino acids, Vitamin C, essential oils, or activated charcoal. Their formulas are very forgiving to sensitive and acne prone skin. When washing your face with some of these face washes for men, it won’t get dry, neither will it remain oily.
Get to know your skin type
Reading through the above paragraphs, you’ve probably noticed that the two most common combination skin types are normal-to-oily, normal-to-dry, and sensitive. However, there is a whole lot of possible combinations, so we do encourage you to visit a dermatologist, who will accurately determine which one you’ve got. This is important, because even the best face wash cannot cater to every possible skin type.
Have you got any chronic skin issues?
Unless you’ve been blessed with normal skin, you should consult your skin doctor before proceeding with your purchase. He or she will probably suggest a medical-grade face wash that will help alleviate your problem. And if you show him or her our list, they’ll tell you which product is not going to exacerbate your condition. In general, individuals with chronic skin conditions should be extra careful when selecting a skincare product.
Where to buy?
Obviously, all of the twelve men’s face wash products listed above can be purchased from Amazon. However, while making the preliminary research for this post we came across plenty of complaints related to damaged packaging or content that does not match the product’s description. A wiser approach would be to buy directly from the producer, or an authorized reseller’s physical store.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our post about the best face washes for men. As you can see, they differ widely in terms of their active ingredients, skin type appropriateness and, of course, their price. As a final precaution, we’d like to say that if you experience any adverse effects, you should immediately discontinue the product’s use. This is especially important for individuals with dry or sensitive skin.
