Cleaning your face is the single most important part of your daily skin care routine.
It removes dirt, oil, bacteria and pollutants from your skin.
If you don't clean your face regularly, you'll find yourself with breakouts, blocked pores and even ingrown hairs. And using the wrong face wash will dry out your skin or leave your face red and itchy.
But there are hundreds of face washes out there. So what to go for?
I've got you covered – in today's article, I give you my top 10 face washes for men.
VITAMAN Natural Face & Body Cleanser
OK, so first up – I'm co-owner of VITAMAN. But I believe we make the best natural men's grooming products and I stand by that!
Our skin, hair and shave products are made with natural and organic Australian ingredients – meaning they're great for your skin.
And our Natural Face Cleanser is gentle yet effective at removing dirt, grime and pollution.
Because it does not contain soap, it won't dry your skin out and doesn't contain artificial colors, fragrances or harsh chemicals.
It also comes with a handy push pump, making it easy to get just the right amount.
Our Natural Face & Body Cleanser contains Aloe Vera Leaf Juice (a rich anti oxidant which helps protect your skin), Witch Hazel (reduces skin irritation) and Australian Sea Salt (full of natural minerals like calcium which helps unblock pores).
It's not heavily scented but has a subtle natural aroma of Sweet Orange oil and Lemon Myrtle.
Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser
Behold – the Rolls Royce of men's face washes! But it's not cheap – weighing in at just over $60.
Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleanser contains powerful antioxidants and leaves your face clean and thoroughly protected.
It uses lactic acid to remove dirt and dead skin cells and to brighten and smooth your skin. It's perfect for men living in urban environments with a lot of pollution.
Like all good cleansers, Aesop's offering is made with natural ingredients – in this case Licorice Root (which evens out black spots and has anti-ageing properties) and Blackcurrant Seed (improves skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles and hydrates). If you can afford it – you won't find much better.
Clarins Men Active Face Wash
Ideal for all skin types, Clarins Men Active Face Wash is a great face wash which won't dry or tighten your skin.
It has a gel-like consistency that creates a foaming lather that leaves your face feeling revived and fresh.
Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash
Wash away dirt, oil and grime with this charcoal-infused gel from Clinique For Men.
The charcoal helps remove impurities and removes excess oil.
This wash will also prevent breakouts and will really help reduce blackheads, blemishes and pimples.
And it’s gentle enough to use in the morning and at night.
Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
The key natural ingredients in this daily cleanser from Jack Black include oat, coconut, organic sage leaf extract, chamomile extract, rosemary extract, witch hazel and organic aloe leaf extract.
This cleanser lathers well, has a subtle refreshing scent and does not dry out the skin.
Kiehl's Facial Fuel Energizing Wash
Besides having a cool sounding name, Kiehl’s refreshing gel face wash effectively removes debris, dirt and oil.
With Caffeine, Menthol and Vitamin E, this men’s facial cleanser is an energizing way to start the day.
Lab Series Skincare For Men Multi-Action Face Wash
This foam cleanser from Lab Series is great for those with normal to dry skin.
The face wash will help deep-clean your pores and remove excess oil and impurities.
It will scrub away dead skin cells and won’t leave your skin feeling dry.
Use a small amount and work into a lather, apply to your face and then rinse.
Brickell Men’s Purifying Charcoal Face Wash
Brickell's all natural and organic purifying charcoal face wash is designed for men of any age.
It gently removes dirt and oil from your face without irritating or drying your skin.
It's packed with vitamins and contains charcoal which deep cleans your pores – the result is refreshed and hydrated skin.
Bulldog Natural Skincare Original Face Wash
Like a number of high-quality products from this brand, Bulldog's Natural Skincare Original Face Wash is packed full of essential oils and all- natural ingredients.
Men with oily skin swear by this face wash and with good reason. This is also a great option for those on a budget. Check it out and expect soft, clean skin along with zero irritation.
Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser
Glycolic Facial Cleaner is Anthony's number 1 best seller.
It has a creamy but non foaming formula and this non-drying daily cleanser is designed for guys on the go.
It thoroughly cleanses the face and neck, gently removes dead skin cells, and helps to soften and lift beard hairs.
The Glycolic acid found in this facial cleanser prevents clogged pores, ingrown hairs and razor bumps. It's great for reducing the appearance of scarring and skin discoloration.
Gents – whatever face wash you go for, make sure it is made with natural ingredients.
Chemicals and artificial fragrances can irritate and dry out your skin. Remember – your skin is a sponge and anything you put on to it goes straight into your blood stream.
Always read the label and make sure you know exactly what you're putting on your face.
Now you know what Face Wash to go for, click here to learn how to avoid these common men's grooming mistakes.
How To Choose The Right Face Wash For Your Skin Type
Before you grab whatever's on sale, figure out your skin type. Oily skin needs gel-based or foaming cleansers that cut through excess sebum without over-stripping. Dry skin demands cream or lotion-based washes with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
If your skin feels tight after washing, your cleanser is too harsh. A good face wash should leave your skin feeling clean and comfortable — not squeaky or parched. That tightness means your moisture barrier is being damaged.
Men with sensitive skin should avoid products loaded with artificial fragrances and sulfates. Look for short ingredient lists and calming agents like aloe vera or chamomile. When in doubt, patch-test a new product on your jawline for a few days before committing.
Combination skin is the trickiest. You'll want a balanced, gentle cleanser that doesn't overcompensate in either direction. A mild foaming wash typically works best — it handles the oily T-zone without drying out your cheeks.
Common Face Washing Mistakes Men Make
Using hot water is one of the biggest mistakes I see. It feels great but strips your skin's natural oils and triggers inflammation. Lukewarm water opens pores effectively without causing damage — save the hot water for your shower, not your face.
Washing more than twice a day is counterproductive. Over-cleansing signals your skin to produce even more oil, creating the exact problem you're trying to solve. Stick to morning and night — that's all you need unless you've had an exceptionally sweaty workout.
Stop using your body soap on your face. The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your body. A dedicated face wash is formulated at the right pH level to clean without disrupting your skin's protective barrier.
