Best Men’s Face Wash for 2020

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We hope, by now, every man has ditched the soap for a men’s face wash or facial cleanser instead. Soap is now a thing of the past, what with its effect of leaving men’s skin tight, dry, irritated and even spotty. What’s great about face washes of today is the variety of skin types they’re able to treat. Any man with any skin type or complaint can find a face wash on the market to compliment their skin, meaning our skin can both look and feel good every day. And, let’s face facts…who doesn’t want to look good all the time?

Not all face washes are the same and it can take several goes before you find a product that works well for your particular skin. Men shouldn’t just choose any face cleansing product that’s available. They should consider their skin type, any complaints and products especially formulated to help.

A problem you may encounter is the vast amount of face cleansers available for you and your specific skin type. You should note that face washes contain different ingredients, some of which are better at treating certain skin types and complaints than others. To give an example, a salicylic acid face wash will benefit oily skin but will likely cause irritation and dryness to normal or dry skin. It’s important to choose a product that’s right for you, rather than any face wash product that’s available.

In order to achieve healthy looking skin, it is essential to add a good face wash to your daily routine, along with a great moisturizer and face scrub to maximize results. Here is a list of the top ranked face washes for men.

20. Bulldog Men's Original Face Wash

Kicking off our list of the best face washes for men is Bulldog Original Face Wash. It’s become a popular choice for men and not just because it’s reasonably priced. With its active ingredients to combat daily pollution build-up, it has the ability to get the job done without any fuss.

Who’s it best for? This face wash is ideal for people with sensitive and normal skin.

19. L'Oreal Men Expert Charcoal Facial Cleanser

The L’Oreal Men’s range are some of the best men’s face washes around. Not only can they tackle most male skin problems, L’Oreal products are mostly affordable. This Men Expert Facial Cleanser contains the active ingredient, charcoal, which cleanses, removes oil, dirt and impurities.

Who’s it best for? This face wash is great for men of any age who suffer from oily skin.

18. MenScience Androceuticals Daily Face Wash

As the name suggests, this skincare range takes a scientific approach to men’s skin. MenScience only use professionally graded ingredients which are scientifically proven to achieve maximum results. Their Androceuticals Daily Face Wash contains Salicylic and Glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells, dirt, grime and other unwanted impurities. All this whilst leaving the skin hydrated and soft.

Who’s it best for? This face wash is ideal for men with combination or oily skin.

17. Neutrogena Men’s Invigorating Daily Foaming Gel Face Wash

Neutrogena have always made quality products that are dermatologically tested. Don’t be put off by the price – it’s cheap but will work just as well as more expensive brands on the market. Neutrogena Invigorating Face Wash deep cleans the skin whilst protecting it from sun damage with it’s active SPF 15 sunscreen.

Who’s it best for? This face wash is ideal for men with dull and normal skin and any man exposed to sun.

16. Mancave Natural Willowbark Face Wash

Mancave started out seven years ago and has grown in popularity since. Without fail, their products can be trusted to deliver and attract outstanding reviews from their customers. As an added bonus, Mancave products are well priced and affordable. Their Natural Willowbark Face Wash uses all natural ingredients including Willow Bark, Green Tea and Spinach. This deep cleans and refreshes the skin without leaving it dry and tight.

Who’s it best for? This face wash is good for normal, mildly dry and mildly oily skin.

15. Brickell Men’s Purifying Charcoal Face Wash

Brickell are a company who are known for using all natural ingredients in their men’s grooming range. Perfect for men who wish to cleanse without the worry of harsh chemicals. Brickell Purifying Charcoal Face Wash removes unwanted oils, dirt and grime whilst hydrating the skin and maintaining a natural balance.

Who’s it best for? This face wash is ideal for any man with dry, sensitive and normal skin.

14. Paula's Choice PC4MEN Face Wash with Aloe

Paula’s Choice facial products use only the best ingredients to help men achieve top skincare results. If you are on the search for the best face wash for men, Paula’s Choice PC4MEN Face Wash will be a serious contender. It deep cleans the skin without irritation. It’s soothing aloe makes this a perfect choice for men with sensitive skin.

Who’s it best for? This face wash is ideal for any man with sensitive skin.

13. ELEMIS Deep Cleanse Facial Wash

Next on our list of best men’s face washes is the Elemis Deep Cleanse Facial Wash. Elemis first started out with a women’s range (any woman with experience of Elemis will tell you how great their products are) and their men’s range is just as good. This fast-acting gel removes dead skin cells and blasts through impurities. Its peppermint extract refreshes the skin and will leave you smelling great.

Who’s it best for? This facial wash is ideal for all types of skin, but not those with severe skin complaints (such as extensive acne).

12. Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser

If you’ve not been able to find a brand that works well for your skin type, consider trying Anthony who provide excellent results when it comes men’s grooming products. This Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser is a perfect choice for those who struggle to find a good face cleanser for combination skin (finding products for this skin type is always a challenge). This Glycolic cleanser is a little stronger than others on the market. It’ll remove dead cells and excess oils whilst maintaining balance.

Who’s it best for? This facial cleanser works great on combination, oily and mature skin.

11. LAB SERIES Multi-Action Face Wash

Lab Series are well known for their men’s grooming products and their ability to make the skin look great. The only issue a man may have with these products is the price…Lab Series can be a bit steep and that includes this Lab Series Multi-Action Face Wash. It’s a really good cleanser that works to unclog the pores and buff away dead skin cells and excess oil, making this a great product of choice for men with combination to oily skin type

Who’s it best for? This face wash is ideal for any man who has combination to oily skin skin.

10. Dove Men+Care Face Wash Hydrate Plus

Dove products are better known for moisturising the skin. However, they also do a good job with cleansing, as demonstrated by their Dove Men+Care Face Wash Hydrate Plus. It’s one of the best face cleansers out there for men who are prone to dry skin conditions. Its active ingredients removes dirt from the pores whilst, at the same time, locking in hydration and preserving natural skin oils.

Who’s it best for? This face wash is great for any man with dry skin.

9. Aesop - Purifying Facial Cream Cleanser

Australian company Aesop has become one of the leading skin care brands throughout the world. They are renowned for being able to treat some of the most difficult skin conditions. This Aesop Purifying Facial Cream Cleaner includes French clay to deeply nourish and smooth the skin, leaving it hydrated and healthy. The ideal choice for men with dry and very dry skin.

Who’s it best for? This facial cleanser is best for dry and very dry skin.

8. RUGGED & DAPPER Face Wash for Men

Rugged & Dapper men’s grooming products are top quality products. Their Face Wash For Men includes multi-purpose, energizing action with all natural ingredients to cleanse the skin from muck and grime. It also works as an exfoliator to rid the skin of dead cells and toner to help restore balance in the skin. Rugged & Dapper is good all rounder but is great for those who are concerned with mild acne and aging skin.

Who’s it best for? This face wash works on all types of men’s skin.

7. Clinique For Men Oil Control Face Wash

One of the biggest names on the high street for skincare is Clinique. Their men’s range work well on both younger and mature skins types including this Oil Control Face Wash. Men with oily skin will find this cleanser cuts through oil and doesn’t leave their skin greasy and shiny after use. The only problem with Clinique is that many of their products may fall outside most men’s budget with some considering this a bit costly for a cleanser.

Who’s it best for? This face wash is ideal for men with oily skin.

6. Kyoku Facial Cleanser for men

Kyoku Facial Cleaner For Men only uses natural, Japanese ingredients which attracts impressive results from customers around the globe. This cleanser is ideal for people who suffer with oily and acne skin types as it removes unwanted skin oils that can lead to breakouts. It also has a refreshing and invigorating peppermint scent leaving you feeling fresh and alert. For maximum results, consider buying the Kyoku exfoliator (they work extremely well together).

Who’s it best for? This facial cleanser is ideal for combination, oily and acne skin types.

5. Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash

Ranked one of the best face washes for men, ideal for combination, oily and even acne type skin is this URSA Major Fantastic Face Wash which is free from sulfates and harsh ingredients. Its coconut-derived surfactants, rice seed, aloe vera and sugarcane provides gentle exfoliation and deeply cleanses the skin and pores. Its soothing moisturizing qualities will leave skin feeling and looking brighter and healthier.

Who’s it best for? This face wash is ideal for men who suffer with combination, oily and acne skin types.

4. Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

Dermalogica is a brand used by professional dermatologists because of their outstanding results when applied. Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash is an ideal men’s face wash for those who suffer breakouts. It deep cleans the pores to remove dead skin cells and bacteria, stopping breakouts dead in their tracks. Dermalogica is expensive and so you may wish to keep this on the shelf for breakouts only, rather than using as a daily wash. As and when needed.

Who’s it best for? This wash is ideal for those that are prone to breakouts.

3. KIEHL'S Age Defender Cleanser

Next up on our list of the best face washes for men is KIEHL’S Age Defender Cleanser. All of KIEHL’S products work well but there is one downfall….they’re ridiculously expensive. If you can get past this, you will find this an excellent cleanser for mature skin. It includes active ingredients such as lava clay and charcoal to remove dead skin cells and reduce fine lines, giving the skin a much more youthful appearance. As an added bonus, it can also be used as a face mask if left on for 5 minutes.

Who’s it best for? This cleansers is for men with mature skin.

2. men-ü Healthy Facial Wash

Trust us – men-ü has one of the best face washes there is. Their Healthy Facial Wash is super concentrated and so it’s possible to get up to 265 washes out of a single bottle. It contains natural tea tree oil which acts as a natural antiseptic and antibacterial, deeply cleaning the pores and killing unhelpful bacteria. It leaves the skin looking and feeling great and is reasonably priced for something so high quality.

Who’s it best for? This facial wash is ideal for all types of skin, especially combination and oily.

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is recommended by Dermatologist. It’s suitable for all skin types and is especially good for those who have dry and sensitive skin types. It helps to gently remove the dirt, grime and impurities without stripping away the skin’s essential oils. Also works to restore the skin’s PH balance leaving it feeling soothed, clean and hydrated.

Who’s it best for? This cleanser is good for those with dry and sensitive skin types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Are face washes really necessary?

We think so, yes. The alternative is to use something that may not be good for your skin (such as a shower gel or soap) or something that may not cleanse your skin effectively (such as using water alone).

Is face wash really better to use than soap?

100% better. You can use soap on your face but this will be at the risk of developing unpleasant skin conditions such as severe dryness, irritation, redness, soreness and acne. Soap oftentimes isn’t formulated to be used on the face. Your skin will likely feel tight and uncomfortable after using soap and so it’s best to stick to a face wash.

Is face wash the same as cleanser?

No. A face wash is different to a cleanser. A cleanser is formulated to purify your skin whilst a face wash will offer the pores a deeper cleanse. There is also a difference in texture between the two with a cleanser being more like a gel or creamy consistency and a face wash being more foamy when applied to damp skin.

Are face washes bad for your skin?

If you are using the correct face wash for your skin type and are using it in line with the instructions on the label, there is no reason as to why you will suffer any adverse effects.

Should my face wash burn?

No. It really shouldn’t. Some face washes may leave a cool and tingly sensation on the skin but burning suggests the face wash just isn’t agreeable with your particular skin type. If you experience burning from any grooming products, you should cease use immediately.

What are charcoal face washes good for?

Charcoal face washes are great for deeply cleansing the skin. They work to draw out any nasties on the skin including daily build up of dirt and grime, unhealthy bacteria, harmful chemicals and excess oils. Active charcoal is also highly absorbent of toxins on the skin and aims to remove excess sebum and dead skin cells.