Best Face Wash for Men in 2024, According to Skin Type

Michael Stefanov
·14 min read

Face wash is a crucial product for skincare routines, sometimes overlooked but essential for maintaining healthy, clean, moisturized, and even-toned skin. Although face washes are rinsed off and don't linger on the skin, they are vital in removing impurities and prepping the skin for subsequent products. Hence, while it's wise to invest in quality serums and moisturizers for long-term benefits, choosing the best face wash that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier and is suited to your skin is equally important.

Like anywhere on the body, men's facial skin can vary in pH, oiliness, dryness, and acne proneness, sometimes requiring specialized face wash formulations. Reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of minimizing synthetic additives, many modern formulations now feature natural extracts for gentle yet effective cleansing and have evolved to incorporate a blend of these ingredients and targeted acids, catering to specific skincare concerns.

These AHA’s or BHA’s, such as salicylic, glycolic, lactic, and citric acids, address acne, dullness, and uneven skin tone, working synergistically to purify, exfoliate, and rejuvenate the skin, resulting in a refreshed and revitalized complexion.

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Recognizing that everyone has unique skin types, the face washes listed below are the best in their respective categories and are meant to address most skin types, helping you find the best face wash for your needs.

While various face washes suit various skin types, I found the overall best face wash of the 2024 Men's Journal Grooming Awards to be Geologie Everyday Face Wash. For more great grooming products, check out our top face wash for acne, best deodorants, and ideal electric razors.

Related: Best Acne Face Wash of 2024 for All Skin Types

Best Face Washes for Men at a Glance

Best Face Wash for Men Overall: Geologie Everyday

Geologie Everyday Face Wash is a versatile cleanser for all skin types. Formulated with salicylic acid, a potent beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), this cleanser effectively exfoliates pores, clearing them of excess oil and impurities and eliminating dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria, resulting in clearer, smoother, and healthier skin. Salicylic acid offers bonus benefits, including reducing puffiness, evening out skin tone, and improving the appearance of dark spots. It's vegan and free from benzoyl peroxide, which can be harsh and drying. The bergamot and juniper scent is also subtly fantastic.

$16 at amazon
$16 at amazon

Best Exfoliating Face Wash for Men: Origins Refreshing Scrub Cleanser

Origins Refreshing Scrub Cleanser is a powerhouse exfoliator. Infused with a signature combination of skin-energizing panax ginseng and caffeine, it will help revitalize tired-looking skin. The naturally derived jojoba beads and carnauba wax provide gentle exfoliation, helping to smooth, refine, and unclog pores. As a result, skin will appear smoother, brighter, and refreshed. It's best to exfoliate no more than twice a week to maintain the skin's natural barrier.

$20 at amazon
$20 at amazon

Best Face Wash for Oily Skin: PCA Skin Facial Wash

PCA Skin Facial Wash is gentle yet effective for breakout-prone skin, removing oil, dirt, and environmental impurities. Aloe vera leaf juice protects and fortifies the skin, and gluconolactone (an antioxidant) provides moisture and promotes a clear complexion. Lactic acid is gentle for most skin types and is used here to ensure oily skin is deep cleaned without causing a risk of over-stripping. A small squeeze of this cleanser goes a long way, so the size will last a while!

$36 at amazon
$36 at amazon

Best Face Wash for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

CeraVe Face Wash is a lifeline for very dry skin. Its innovative formula transforms from an oil into a soft lathering foam to delicately cleanse, provide lasting hydration, and leave the skin soothed with a non-greasy feel. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, squalane, and triglycerides, it effectively removes impurities and bolsters the skin's natural barrier. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, this dermatologist-developed cleanser is also gentle enough for sensitive skin.

$18 at amazon
$18 at amazon

Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin: Nivea Men Sensitive Face Wash

Nivea Men Sensitive Face Wash is specifically crafted for men with sensitive skin. Free from soap, dyes, and drying alcohol, it is infused with vitamin E, calming chamomile, and soothing witch hazel extracts to provide a nurturing cleanse, leaving skin visibly refreshed. This face wash not only cleanses away impurities and excess oil but also nurtures the skin, making it an ideal choice for men seeking a skincare routine tailored to their sensitive skin needs.

$10 at amazon
$10 at amazon

Best Face Wash for Combination Skin: Goldfaden MD Pure Start

Goldfaden MD Pure Start Daily 3-in-1 Advanced Gel Cleanser is great for combination skin types (characterized by oily and dry face areas). First, the gel texture is particularly well suited for combination skin, making the skin feel fresh and clean. Second, it effectively removes surface oils, dirt, and impurities while balancing the skin's natural pH levels. Lastly, this cleanser is also infused with grapefruit oil, which helps improve the appearance of blemishes while balancing the skin with its potent antioxidant properties.

$34 at amazon
$34 at amazon

Best Charcoal Cleanser: The Grey Face Wash

Powered by natural charcoal extract, The Grey Face Wash offers a rejuvenating cleanse by penetrating deep into pores, drawing out dirt and excess oils that can lead to blockage. The gentle, non-drying lather also soothes as it washes away trapped impurities, softens the skin, and facilitates a smoother shave by softening facial hair. Suitable for most skin types, this face cleanser is for those seeking a charcoal-aided deep clean.

$64 at The Grey
$64 at The Grey

Face Wash With Most Natural Ingredients:  Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser

Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser is a gentle yet effective cleanser formulated with mild olive-derived ingredients enriched with purifying and hydrating botanicals. Designed to cleanse without stripping, it's ideal for normal and combination skin, particularly during warmer seasons when dryness may be a concern. Key ingredients like bergamot rinse, chamomile buds, and rosemary leaves contribute to the cleanser's efficacy, offering both purification and hydration for a balanced and nourished complexion.

$51 at amazon
$51 at amazon

Best Fragrance-Free Face Wash: Malin + Goetz Face Cleanser

Malin + Goetz Face Cleanser is excellent for sensitive skin. Its cream-to-foam texture deeply cleanses with gentle surfactants derived from coconuts and ceramide-rich glycolipids from ferments without stripping the skin's natural oils. Infused with jojoba milk, fatty acid-rich nutrients, and nourishing prebiotics, this multitasking cleanser also seriously hydrates. This fragrance-free face wash is also 100-percent vegan and sulfate-free.

$40 at amazon
$40 at amazon

Best Detoxifying Face Wash: Blu Atlas Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser

Blu Atlas Volcanic Ash Face Cleanser is a daily facial cleanser that removes grime while detoxifying your skin. Volcanic ash is highly absorbent and uses fine particles to remove excess oil. Bentonite aids in removing impurities and can help pores look and feel tighter. Lactobacillus ferment supports the skin's microbiome and strengthens against aggressors. Lastly, Pomegranate seed oil, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, delivers regenerative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

$25 at Blu Atlas
$25 at Blu Atlas

Best Multi-Action Face Wash: Lab Series All-in-One

Lab Series All-In-One Face Wash is a multi-action cleanser for all skin types. It deeply cleanses and exfoliates, using gentle buffing grains without drying the skin. Its lathering formula removes excess oil and unclogs pores while purifying beads minimize ashiness by removing dead skin cells and impurities. Enriched with vitamins, this cleanser nourishes and conditions the skin, ensuring a refreshed and smooth complexion.

$53 at Lab Series
$53 at Lab Series

Best Foaming Cleanser: Botnia Daily Face Wash

Botnia Daily Face Wash produces a cloud-like foam that promotes a radiant, clear complexion and soft texture. Hyaluronic acid moisturizes, while willow bark and goldenseal soothe irritation, fostering a healthy skin barrier. Also, Botnia's botanicals are sourced from local and organic farms and undergo rigorous testing before reaching your skin. With a unique pump and sleek aluminum bottle, the foaming face wash also competes for the most handsome addition to your medicine cabinet.

$44 at Botnia
$44 at Botnia

Best Face Wipes for Men: Ursa Major Face Wipes

Ursa Major Face Wipes are perfect for stashing in your backpack or gym bag to remove grime, sunscreen, sweat, and excess oils on the go. Infused with Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Face Tonic, each wipe cleanses, exfoliates, soothes, and hydrates your skin in one simple step. The wipes contain hydrating and soothing ingredients like aloe and green tea, plus the herbal blend of orange, lavender, and fir creates a subtle outdoor aroma.

$23 at amazon
$23 at amazon

Best Anti-Aging Face Wash: Patrick's FW1

It can be challenging to decipher all the ingredients in Patrick's FW1, but that's the point; they did the legwork for us in creating this advanced and potent formula. This seriously luxurious foaming wash offers deep cleansing while preserving the skin's natural moisture balance. Backhousia citriodora leaf reduces shine, and an actiphyte made of prickly pear, green tea, and dragocalm promotes epidermal regeneration and shields skin cells from free radical damage. Flavonoids and polyphenols soothe irritations, reducing itchiness and redness for a refreshed complexion.

$80 at Patricks
$80 at Patricks

Face Wash for Men FAQs

Should men clean their skin?

Yes! The first step to any skincare routine is washing or cleansing your face once to twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) with a facial cleanser that works for your skin type and concerns. Washing your face for 30 to 60 seconds will cleanse away any dirt, oil, and grime that's accumulated throughout your day.

This is a crucial step in your skincare routine if your skin is oily, prone to getting dirty from your job, or gets sweaty from a workout and will reduce your risk for breakouts and clogged pores. However, washing with too harsh of a cleanser or washing your face too often can result in dry, damaged skin.

Can we use face wash daily?

Absolutely. Men can (and should) use face wash morning and night to cleanse the skin. However, try not to wash your face more than twice a day, as this can lead to unnecessary dryness and irritation by stripping your skin of its essential moisture barrier.

Does face wash damage skin?

In general, no. If you are using one of the best face washes that work well with your skin and you're using it correctly, you shouldn't experience any skin damage. Really, you should only see benefits! However, over-washing and scrubbing your skin abrasively can damage your skin and disrupt its protective moisture barrier.

A face wash isn't supposed to give you that "squeaky clean" feeling (that's a myth!). Your skin should feel normal after washing and following with a moisturizer. If it's feeling squeaky clean and tight, you may be using the wrong cleanser for your skin or cleansing too frequently.

Can I wash my face with just water?

Yes (sort of). If you wake up in the morning and your skin isn't feeling too dirty or oily, then it's okay to just wash your face with water for your morning skincare routine. However, you really should use a face wash in the evenings, primarily to ensure you're correctly cleansing away dirt, oil, and pollutants that have accumulated on your skin throughout the day.

What to Look for When Choosing the Best Men's Face Wash

In testing these best face washes, I tried each of the above for a few days and found that they excelled in their respective categories. I also loaned them to friends with various skin types ranging from dry to oily to obtain feedback and consulted with other grooming specialists.

For this article, we had the privilege of speaking with Ian Michael Crumm, celebrity esthetician, skincare expert, and co-host of the educational beauty podcast Beauty Curious. Below, Ian Michael Crumm provides his invaluable expertise and explains what to look for in a face wash, including skin compatibility, ingredients, and packaging.

Skin Type Compaitibility

“The first step in selecting a cleanser is identifying your skin type. If your skin is oily, look for face washes labeled as 'oil-free' and contain ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help control oil production and prevent acne. Foaming and gel formulations are great for oily skin. If your skin is dry, look for hydrating products containing moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid; cream and gel-cream formulations are best for dry skin types. Avoid harsh cleansers that strip away natural oils. If your skin is sensitive or reactive, look for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products that contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. If your skin type is combination, look for a balanced cleanser that can address oily and dry areas without causing irritation. Gel formulations are best for combination skin types.”

Additional Benefits and Ingredients

“The cleansing step can also provide excellent exfoliation with the right ingredients. AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), which are popular and professionally validated ingredients in cleansers, work to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Tea tree oil, green tea, and witch hazel can enhance the formulation with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It’s always best to start with a simple skincare routine, so if you don’t have one currently, aim for a basic cleanser that doesn’t claim to do more than one or two things.”

Packaging

“The vessel in which your cleanser lives does matter. Bottles with pump dispensers make cleansing in the shower easy while allowing for an exact amount of product. Cleansers in tubes sometimes come out faster than desired, but they make traveling easier with the sleeker, more compact design. If you’re washing your face on the go or traveling a lot, consider a tube to accompany a pump design for the shower.”

Why You Should Trust Us

In addition to writing for Men’s Journal, I have covered topics ranging from grooming, menswear, fragrances, watches, and styling for InsideHook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men’s Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were worth the investment and made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and a significant portion of the grooming pages.

I have always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I have written, as although trends are interesting and relevant to a degree, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes. My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse. While I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion, this approach often positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it's about coats, colognes, or turntable needles, people recognize that I've done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others to seek out their unique interests in things that might improve their lives.

Related: The Best Body Washes of 2024 to Nourish and Clean Your Skin