Guys, the skincare world may appear intimidating initially, but don’t worry: it all starts with a decent cleanser. It’s the initial step in any skincare routine and prepares you for the next phase, whether using a moisturizer, sunscreen, or serum.
Do men need to use a face wash? “If you aren’t using a face wash, you should add it to your daily routine,” advises Bradley Glodny, M.D., owner of Park Ave—Dermatology in New York City. “There is only so much soap and water can do. Cleaning your skin entails more than just getting rid of dirt and filth. Including a face cleanser will assist you in maintaining a balanced complexion.”
These are the best face washes for guys, suitable for all skin types, from oily to dry.
Our top picks:
Over the years, the HomeAccessoris Institute Beauty, Health, and Sustainability Lab has evaluated various face wash recipes. While our experts have never specifically tested ones for men, they know what constitutes a good cleanser. In addition to Lab-tested products, coworker favourites, and Dr. Glodny’s recommendations, we asked men for their go-to picks.
Continue reading our recommendations to see how we choose the best face washes for guys, how to choose the correct cleanser for you, and why you should trust Good Housekeeping. More men’s goods can be found in our recommendations for the best shampoo and natural deodorant for guys.
1
BEST SCENTED FACE WASH FOR MEN
Grooming Lounge Mug Scrubber Energizing Face Scrub
NOW 7% OFF
PROS
- Refreshing, minty scent
- Can help with ingrown hairs
- Bottle will last you a long time
CONS
- Small exfoliating beads may not give a super deep clean
This exfoliating face cleanser is excellent for treating ingrown hairs, inflammation, debris and dead skin buildup. Laurie Jennings, HA Institute General Manager, says her husband adores this scrub. “It has small scrubbing beads that dissolve, it smells really good, and you only need a little,” he explains. The tube is quite long-lasting.” Many online reviews agree, praising the energizing minty smell. Some consumers complain that the exfoliating beads are too small and need to provide a thorough enough cleaning.
2
PROS
- Can be used along with other products
CONS
- Expensive
- Some say using it alone won't yeild a lot of results
Yes, it is an investment, but when used frequently, red-light treatment has been shown to boost hair growth. “Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy, involves the application of a visible red-light laser to the scalp.” The light is absorbed by the body and converted into cellular energy, which stimulates the natural healing process and may promote hair regrowth. “Red light also promotes blood circulation, which is beneficial to scalp and follicle health,” explains Dr. Green. “Additionally, red light therapy can promote the formation of new capillaries, assisting in the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen to cells and hair follicles.”
We prefer this helmet to a comb or brush since you can put it on and watch TV while it works, and there’s a 6-month money-back guarantee if you don’t see any progress in that time. It can also be used in conjunction with minoxidil or other hair growth treatments.
3
BEST FACE WASH FOR OILY SKIN FOR MEN
Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash
NOW 6% OFF
PROS
- Contains refreshing caffeine and menthol
- A little goes a long way
CONS
- Not ideal for winter months when skin can become dry
Do you need a little additional energy in the morning? Choose this Kiehl’s choice, which is designed particularly for guys. The cleanser contains caffeine and menthol to refresh and awaken skin, and it is available in a gel formulation that is excellent for oilier skin types. When our Beauty Assistant’s father runs out of this face wash, he requests refills. He likes it because “even though I have oily skin, I only need a small amount to clean my whole face, and it doesn’t dry my skin out,” he says. Though consumers adore this cleanser, others believe it needs to be more versatile to be their main cleanser, especially in the winter when skin becomes more dry or harsh.
4
BEST FACE WASH FOR PIMPLES FOR MEN
Vichy Normaderm Daily Deep Cleansing Gel
NOW 5% OFF
PROS
- Contains blemish-fighting salicylic acid
- Helps prevent breakouts from occurring
CONS
- Best for oily skin types
Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid will be your greatest friend if you attempt to get rid of pimples or cope with acne breakouts. This Vichy product contains salicylic acid and a gel texture ideal for oily skin. It is a favourite of HA Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek and can also be used on men’s skin. “I love the way it smells and how well it cleanses my skin,” she says. “It has been an ongoing staple in my cleansing routine for keeping acne at bay and controlling my oily T-zone.” If you don’t have oily skin, though, this may be too drying for you.
5
PROS
- Very well-priced
- Nourishing formula that locks in moisture
- Doesn't strip skin
CONS
- Small bottle
A very nourishing component that leaves skin feeling supple is squalane. It is the primary component in The Ordinary’s face wash, which makes it incredibly hydrating and ideal for dry skin (but it is effective on all skin types!). Dr. Glodny is a big supporter of face washes like this one, including squalane. “This is an excellent cleanser that won’t strip your skin—it will remove all traces of sweat, dirt, grime, serums, sunscreen, and more.” He says it “will lock in moisture leaving your skin moisturised and smooth,” yet it is mild. Many reviews complain that the bottle is very little and that they frequently run out of product.
6
PROS
- Well-priced
- Brightens skin
- Doesn't irritate skin, even dry skin types
CONS
- Dark color may be messy in the sink
Have you recently noticed any dark spots on your face or dull-looking skin? All you need to do is add a face exfoliator. This product from Acure is the solution to lifeless skin: It received the top rating for brightening and radiance-enhancing skin in Beauty Lab testing. This scrub works well with any brightening skincare programme, but a leave-on dark spot corrector will yield the best benefits because a cleanser is quickly removed from the skin while a spot treatment is applied for longer. One test subject said that her husband and partner enjoyed the product. “My husband (who has dry skin year-round) tried it too and said’make sure to tell them this is the best scrub I’ve ever used!” the test subject shared. Use caution while using this scrub because it is black and could stain your sink.
7
PROS
- Leaves skin clean and supple
- Skin may appear smoother after use
CONS
- Scent is polarizing
Over the decades, Cetaphil has been a well-known and trusted home cleanser. It is an affordable purchase for an impressive 16-ounce bottle. Testers at HA Beauty Lab raved about the low-lather wash, saying it left their skin feeling clean and soft. Eighty-six per cent of them said they would use it again. Because of the glycerin and vitamins B3 and B5, it also received high marks for leaving skin feeling hydrated and silky. One tester said, “This didn’t overdry or feel stripped on my skin.” Another person said, “My face even appears smoother.” Only some enjoy the nostalgic, powdery-fresh aroma, even though many people adore it.
8
PROS
- Gentle on skin
- Removes dirt and grime without overdrying
CONS
- Pricey
A favourite of Dr. Glodny’s, Kiehl’s face wash is made for everyone, regardless of skin type. He says, “It is a smooth and gentle cleanser that removes dirt and grime without drying my skin.” Squalane and glycerin are among the moisturising elements he favours, “which is an added plus,” he says. Combine it with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, the HA Beauty Lab Test winner, which you may use after cleansing your face. Be aware that the pricing for a tiny bottle is a little high.
How we choose the best face washes for men
The Beauty Lab at the HomeAccessoris Institute knows what to look for when selecting the best face wash. Our scientists have been evaluating face wash solutions for effectively cleaning skin for many years. Additionally, they provide products to national consumer testers who use them and rate them according to various factors, including irritation, texture, fragrance, and ease of application. The top face cleanser formulae on the market were determined by tallying 4,512 data points from the most recent GH Beauty Lab face washes test.
To complete the list, we crowdsourced the best face washes from the men on our HomeAccessoris staff and from spouses, fathers, and other men in our lives. We then selected the best-performing products from our Lab’s testing.
What to look for when shopping for face washes for men
While looking for a face wash, consider the following factors based on what you’re looking for:
✔️ Your skin type: Dr Glodny advises considering your skin type (oily, dry, acne-prone, etc.). “Participants will use specific ingredients to target needs.” While looking through your selections, please pay attention to the label on face wash bottles since it typically indicates which skin type the recipe is ideal for.
✔️ Composition: “It’s a good idea to look for face wash ingredients that contain retinol, glycerin, salicylic acid, vitamin C, and ceramides,” advises Dr. Glodny. Use sunscreen in addition to any face cleanser that contains salicylic acid or retinol, as these active ingredients increase your risk of sunburn.
✔️ Fragrance: GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler advises checking to see if the face wash you choose is fragrance-free if you have sensitive skin or dislike scented face washes.
How often should you wash your face?
The quick answer to the question, “Do I even need to wash my face?” is yes. The more detailed response is that, according to Dr. Glodny, “you should wash your face twice a day — in the morning and at night — to remove any dirt and grime that has accumulated.”
Do hair growth serums and supplements really work?
According to Birnur Aral, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty, Health, and Sustainability Lab, it’s difficult to give a definitive answer because not only does nothing work for every single person experiencing hair loss, but also because the research behind many of these products isn’t up to the standards required for scientists to answer that definitively.
Furthermore, while nutritional supplements are not as strictly regulated by the FDA as prescription or over-the-counter drugs, brands that make structure/function claims (such as that their supplement can make hair grow) must be able to substantiate those claims with high-quality research. Indeed, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent out warning letters to nearly 700 companies, advising them to justify their product efficacy claims or risk fines. This list included many “hair growth” supplement producers.
That’s why we’ve been very explicit about which items appear to have research behind them and how good the research is, and we’ve left it up to you to decide whether or not to test them.
Also, before taking any supplement, consult your doctor since many can interfere with other medications you may be taking and cause unwanted effects.
What should men wash their face with?
Although many men wash their faces with bar soap, Butler claims that “face washes will be gentler on your skin.” If soap makes your skin feel tight and dry, consider using a face cleanser instead.
Is there anything that sets a men's face wash apart from others?
Generally, men’s face washes are more potent and offer a deeper clean than other types. “Due to a higher collagen density, men typically have thicker, oilier skin and are more prone to acne,” Dr. Glodny explains. Hence, he continues, “products marketed for men are typically formulated with stronger ingredients,” even if most face cleansers contain the same cleansing components. According to Butler, men’s face washes may contain chemicals like menthol or peppermint oil, which provide a cooling and revitalising effect.
Why trust Home Accessories?
HA has more than 15 years of experience researching, producing, and editing content on skincare. It draws on the knowledge of top industry experts like dermatologists and aestheticians as well as the scientists at the Home Accessories Institute Beauty Lab. She is an authority in moisturizers and all other types of facial skincare products. April collaborates closely with the HA Beauty Lab to organize the testing of skincare products and transform test results into top-notch, enticing content for Home Accessories that is factually correct and validated by science.
Former senior editor at the Home Accessories Institute, Nicole Saporita frequently worked with specialists from the Beauty Lab.
