Man Up Your Skincare Routine: 13 Best Face Washes for Men

Still using your body wash to clean your face? It’s time to rethink that routine. Men’s skin has its own set of needs, from controlling oil to soothing dryness and providing the right level of exfoliation. With so many options out there, we’re here to wash away the confusion and reveal the best face washes for men. 

Overview of the best face washes for men (2024)

Best face wash for men: Oily skin

1. Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash

Key ingredients: 

• Charcoal
• Glycerin

Does your complexion often look shiny and feel greasy? If that sounds familiar, you likely have oily skin, and the Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash could be your new best friend. This best facial cleanser for men harnesses the power of natural charcoal to draw out dirt and excess oil that clog pores, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and clean.

What sets this face wash apart is its soothing, non-drying lather that foams away impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Use it twice daily—morning and night—to manage oil, soften your beard, and prep your skin for a smooth shave. Don’t forget to pair this best men’s face wash for oily skin with the Clinique moisturiser for a complete skincare routine that boosts your confidence.

2. LUMIN Men’s Charcoal Face Wash

Key ingredients: 

• Charcoal
• Centella asiatica
• Rose flower oil

Who said K-beauty is just for women? LUMIN is breaking barriers with premium skincare designed specifically for men, and their Men’s Charcoal Face Wash is a game-changer for those battling oily skin. This best Korean-made face wash for men combines charcoal to absorb excess oil, centella asiatica to soothe, and rose flower oil to keep your skin hydrated and balanced.

Recommended by international magazines such as Rolling Stone and GQ Men, this face wash has earned its reputation as one of the best in men’s skincare. Users have also reported significant improvements in their skin after just a few months of regular use. Plus, with LUMIN’s cruelty-free promise, you can feel even better knowing there’s no animal testing involved.

3. SUNTORY VARON Men Face Wash

Key ingredients: 

• Whiskey barrel wood extract
• Oolong tea extract
• Sophora angustifolia
• Ceramide analogue

Mention the name Suntory, and whisky is probably the first thing that comes to mind. But when we first discovered Suntory’s VARON Face Wash, we were eager to see how their expertise in wellness translates into skincare. 

Suntory’s first men’s skincare line, VARON, has truly delivered – it effectively removes sebum and dirt while maintaining optimal moisture levels. The fresh citrus fragrance also adds a refreshing boost with every use! Additionally, the formula is enriched with oolong tea extract and sophora angustifolia to help manage odours, ensuring you stay fresh all day long. 

4. GATSBY Ice Cooling Gel Facial Wash 

Key ingredients: 

• Menthol 
• Menthoxypropanediol
• Hamamelis extract

Ice, ice baby — dealing with hot and humid weather is no joke, but GATSBY Facial Wash Ice Cooling Gel has got you covered. This 130g powerhouse delivers a long-lasting cooling sensation thanks to its dual-action ingredients: menthol and menthoxypropanediol. Together, they provide twice the cooling effect, helping you feel oh-so-good even on the hottest days.

The gel effectively tackles sweat and sebum with its sebum-absorbing formula, removing that sticky feeling. Plus, it contains hamamelis extract to moisturise and soothe irritated skin. With this best face wash for men, you can stay cool, clean, and clear of acne-causing impurities. 

Best face wash for men: Dry skin

5. CLINIQUE For Men Face Wash 

Key ingredients: 

• Aloe vera
• Sucrose

Say goodbye to flaky skin with the Clinique Men Face Wash. This best face wash is specifically designed to address the needs of men with dry skin, providing a gentle daily cleanse. From the very first use, it removes impurities while leaving your skin feeling refreshed and comfortable — without any tightness.

Infused with key ingredients like aloe vera and sucrose, this best facial cleanser for men hydrates and soothes the skin. Aloe vera delivers a boost of moisture and helps calm irritation, while sucrose helps to retain hydration. Psst… did we mention you can also use this as a makeshift deep-cleansing face mask? Just leave it on for an extra 30 to 60 seconds!

6. Dove Men+Care Extra Hydrating Face Wash

Key ingredients: 

• Glycerol
• Stearic acid
• Nicotinamide

The next time you’re in need of a low-cost highly hydrated face wash, just go back to your roots – Dove! This familiar household brand has introduced the Men+Care Extra Hydrating Face Wash, designed with a triple-action moisturiser that includes glycerol, stearic acid, and nicotinamide. Glycerol works wonders by attracting moisture to your skin, while stearic acid provides a creamy texture that helps lock in that hydration.

On the other hand, the nicotinamide enhances overall skin tone and texture, making this product a well-rounded choice. With a price point below $10, Dove’s facial cleanser is one of the best face washes for men with dry skin, offering a perfect blend of quality and value that’s easy on your wallet.

7. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Invigorating Face Wash For Men

Key ingredients: 

• Chestnut extract
• Menthol
• Caffeine

Fancy a whiff of coffee scent while you wash your face? The Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Invigorating Face Wash for Men offers just that! This gel cleanser not only cleans your skin but also leaves you with a refreshing kopi smell that provides a delightful perk-me-up. Its smooth, gel-like texture spreads easily and lathers up nicely, making it perfect for men with dry skin.

Packed with chestnut extract, menthol, and caffeine, this face wash provides a refreshing clean without drying you out. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, using up to 30% post-consumer recycled materials in its packaging. If you’re looking for the best face washes for men with dry skin, the Kiehl’s Men skincare range is worth the hype! 

Best face wash for men: Dull skin

8. L’Oreal Men Expert Hydra Duo Foam Face Wash

Key ingredients: 

• French mountain water
• G-Cyclic Resurfacing Complex™

Because you’re worth it! Much like L’Oréal’s slogan, your face deserves the best facial cleanser. The L’Oréal Men Expert Hydra Duo Foam Face Wash is crafted to eliminate toxins and brighten, leaving your skin feeling incredibly smooth. Its unique double-textured formula effortlessly tackles stubborn gunk, while the French Mountain Water ensures it stays gentle on your skin.

Further enriched with G-Cyclic Resurfacing Complex™, this best face wash for men hydrates instantly and exfoliates dead skin cells, making skin feel softer from the first use. Tested on Asian men, the results are impressive — over time, your skin looks brighter and has a refined texture!

9. Garnier Men White Brightening S.Duo Icy Face Wash

Key ingredients: 

• Black charcoal
• Icy Clay Complex

First impressions matter! With Garnier Men’s White Brightening S.Duo Icy Face Wash, dull skin is a thing of the past, and you’ll be sure to turn heads. This powerful face wash features the deep cleansing abilities of Black Charcoal and Icy Clay Complex, instantly revealing brighter skin after just one wash.

A small, chickpea-sized amount produces a rich lather that effortlessly removes sweat and oil, leaving your skin clean and revitalised. With regular use, you’ll notice a reduction in blackheads and blemishes too! This Garnier cleanser brings the benefits of a luxurious facial treatment right to your bathroom, making it one of the best face washes for men who want to rejuvenate their skin and make a lasting impression.

10. CLARINS Men Active Face Wash 

Key ingredients: 

• Grindelia
• Checkerberry

For men who lead active and sporty lifestyles, choosing the right face wash is essential for maintaining fresh, healthy skin. Try the Clarins Men Active Face Wash! Its deep-cleaning formula goes beyond surface cleansing; it removes sweat, dirt, and excess oil all while combating the drying effects of hard water. 

Additionally, this best facial cleanser for men features purifying extracts of Grindelia and Checkerberry, softening skin affected by razor burn. It not only cleanses but also tones and protects your skin from daily stressors. Whether you’re hitting the gym or doing hard labour, this Clarins face wash ensures your skin is ready to take on whatever the day throws at you.

Best exfoliating face scrub for men: Combination skin

11. NIVEA MEN Deep Acne Oil Clear Mud Scrub 

Key ingredients: 

• Himalayan rock salt
• Salicylic acid

For men with combination skin, daily cleansing may not be enough to maintain a balanced complexion. To manage both oily and dry areas, incorporating a deep exfoliation at least once a week is essential.That’s where the NIVEA MEN Deep Rapid Acne Oil Clear Detox Mud Scrub comes into play. 

This best exfoliating face scrub for men not only addresses existing breakouts but also helps prevent future ones. Infused with Himalayan rock salt, it deeply cleanses and detoxifies the skin, targeting the oilier T-zone while being gentle enough for drier areas. This powerful formula effectively reduces acne-causing bacteria, delivering visible results in just seven days.

12. Swisse Deep Face Scrub For Men 

Key ingredients: 

• Walnut shell powder
• Rice bran
• Glycerin

Swisse is better known for their multivitamins, but they also offer a fantastic range of skincare products, including the Swisse Deep Face Scrub for Men. This scrub is formulated with natural walnut shell powder, which effectively buffs away dead skin cells and removes oil build-up, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and smooth. 

On the other hand, the addition of rice bran and glycerin ensures a soft, shine-free finish, preparing the skin perfectly for hydration with your daily moisturiser. Recommended for use 2-3 times a week, this best exfoliating face scrub is a staple for any man looking to enhance his skincare routine.

Bonus: Best facial wipes for men

13. Men’s Biore Face Sheet 

Key ingredients: 

• Menthol
• Sebum-absorbing powder

For all the lazy men out there who can’t be bothered with a bottle of face wash, at least keep a pack of Men’s Biore Cool Facial Sheet handy. These facial wipes are designed to remove stickiness and odours while being gentle on the skin. With an extra moist formula, they offer a thick and durable option that won’t tear or dry out easily.

Furthermore, the unique “Tough Tech Sheet” allows for versatile use, so one sheet can effectively wipe down your entire upper body. The added menthol also provides a refreshing cool sensation. Conveniently portable, these wipes easily fit into your backpack or pocket, making them a must-have for any man who wants to stay fresh without the hassle of traditional washing.

How to choose the best face wash for men: According to skin type

The simplest way to discover the best facial cleanser for men is to select products based on your skin type and target your specific skin concerns. As a general rule of thumb, these are the key ingredients you should look out for based on your skin type: 

1. Oily Skin

Look for a foaming or gel-based cleanser that contains salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These ingredients help control excess oil and prevent breakouts by unclogging pores.

2. Dry Skin

Opt for a creamy or hydrating cleanser that contains moisturising ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Avoid harsh soaps that can strip natural oils, and look for products labelled “gentle” or “hydrating.”

3. Combination Skin

Choose a balanced face wash that cleanses without over-drying. Gel cleansers with mild exfoliating properties can effectively target oily areas while still being gentle on drier parts.

4. Sensitive Skin

Select a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic face wash with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. 

5. Normal Skin

A versatile cleanser works well for normal skin. Creamy or gel formulations that are not overly harsh will maintain your skin’s natural balance.

Additional Tips:

• Read Labels: Look for non-comedogenic products, especially if you’re prone to breakouts.
• Patch Test: If trying a new product, do a patch test to check for reactions.
• Consider Lifestyle: If you’re active or sweat a lot, a deep-cleaning option may be best.
• Frequency: Adjust how often you wash your face based on your skin’s needs; some may benefit from washing twice a day, while others may find once is sufficient.

Refresh and revive your skin with the best face washes for men

By investing in the best face washes for men, you can set the foundation for a fresh appearance and boost your confidence! While you’re upgrading your grooming routine, don’t forget to explore the best perfumes for men to complement your new look. And if you’re looking to switch up your style, consider a Korean perm for men for that trendy, effortless vibe. Take the time to pamper yourself—you deserve it!