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The 17 Best Face Washes for Men in 2023, According to Experts

So fresh, so clean.

Headshot of Christian GollayanBy Christian Gollayan
composite of man washing his face

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.

  • Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

    Best Overall

    Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

    $19 at paulaschoice.com
    Read more
  • Daily Facial Cleanser

    Best Drugstore Cleanser

    Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

    Read more
  • AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

    Best Exfoliating Cleanser

    SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

    Read more
  • Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash

    Best Acne Face Wash

    Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash

    Read more
  • Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

    Best for Sensitive Skin

    Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

    Read more

It's easy to think that all cleansers 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 17 best face washes for virtually any skin type and price point.

Best Grooming Products for Men | Best Body Washes for Men | Best Bar Soaps | Best Face Scrubs | Best Face Mask | Best Face Wash for Acne | Best Moisturizer

    Best Overall

    Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

    Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
    Best Overall

    Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

    $19 at paulaschoice.com
    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.

    Read more: Best Face Wash for Dry Skin

    IngredientsGlycerin⁠, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine
    Skin typeAll
    Best Drugstore Cleanser

    Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

    Daily Facial Cleanser
    Best Drugstore Cleanser

    Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

    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.

      IngredientsGlycerin, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B3
      Skin typeAll
      Best Exfoliating Cleanser

      SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

      AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
      Best Exfoliating Cleanser

      SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

      Now 18% Off
      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

      IngredientsLactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Jojoba Oil and Salicylic Acid
      Skin typeRough skin, aging skin
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      Best Acne Face Wash

      Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash

      Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash
      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

        IngredientsSalicylic Acid, Allantoin, Vitamin B5
        Skin typeAcne-prone skin
        Best for Sensitive Skin

        Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

        Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
        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.

          IngredientsGlycerin, Mild Surfactant Blend, Cantaloupe Fruit Extract
          Skin typeAll
          Best Luxury Face Wash

          Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser

          Ceramic Slip Cleanser
          Best Luxury Face Wash

          Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser

          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.

            IngredientsPropanediol, Octyldodecanol, Rice Oil
            Skin typeAll
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            Best CBD Cleanser

            Perricone MD Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Cleanser

            Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Cleanser
            Best CBD Cleanser

            Perricone MD Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Cleanser

            Pros
            • Calming effect on skin
            • Great for sensitive skin
            Cons
            • Expensive

            Winner of our 2022 CBD Awards, Perrione MD's cleanser is hypoallergenic and free from irritating ingredients like parabens and sulfates. Plus, CBD and glycerin work together for a moisturizing, calming wash.

            IngredientsCannabidiol, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Glycerin
            Skin typeAll
            Best Hydrating Cleanser

            Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

            Ultra Facial Cleanser
            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.

            IngredientsSqualane, Avocado Oil, and Glycerin
            Skin typeAll
            Best Budget Face Wash

            Method Face Wash

            Face Wash
            Best Budget Face Wash

            Method Face Wash

            Now 12% Off
            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.

            IngredientsCucumber, Seaweed extract
            Skin typeAll
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            Best Foaming Face Wash

            Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser

            Foaming Facial Cleanser
            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.

            IngredientsCeramides, Hyaluronic Acid
            Skin typeNormal to oily
            Best Charcoal Face Wash

            Oars and Alps Solid Face Wash

            Solid Face Wash
            Best Charcoal Face Wash

            Oars and Alps Solid Face Wash

            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.

            IngredientsPropanediol, Sodium Stearate, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl, Glycerin
            Skin typeNormal to oily

            Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

            Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

            Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

            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 typeNormal, combination, oily
            IngredientsCocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate
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            good light Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser

            Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser

            good light Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser

            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.

            IngredientsGlycerin, Hyaluronic acid, Laminaria japonica
            Skin typeAll

            Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Mild Gentle Facial Cleanser

            Fragrance-Free Mild Gentle Facial Cleanser

            Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Mild Gentle Facial Cleanser

            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.

            IngredientsGlycerin Oleic, Acid Coconut Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
            Skin typeNormal

            Jaxon Lane Shake And Wake Exfoliating Enzyme Powder Cleanser

            Shake And Wake Exfoliating Enzyme Powder Cleanser

            Jaxon Lane Shake And Wake Exfoliating Enzyme Powder Cleanser

            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

            IngredientsPapaya Enzyme, Pineapple Enzyme, Niacinamide,
            Skin typeNormal
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            Aesop Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk

            Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk

            Aesop Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk

            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.

            IngredientsPanthenol (Provitamin B₅), Grape Seed, Sandalwood
            Skin typeDry, Sensitive skin

            The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

            Squalane Cleanser

            The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

            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

            IngredientsSqualane, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
            Skin typeNormal, Dry, Combination, and Oily

            What to Look For In a Face Wash

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            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.

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            How We Selected

            commerce breaker

            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.

            Headshot of Christian Gollayan
            Christian Gollayan
            Deputy Editor, Commerce

            As Men's Health's Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia. 

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