The 5 Best Face Washes for Men

No morning routine is complete without a good facial wash. After all, your face is your moneymaker, so you're going to want to look and feel as clean as possible. That's why it's important to make sure you get the right face wash. There are tons of options available, and it can be quite overwhelming to try to find the right one. Fear not. We've done the research and found the best face washes on the market. Here, we've come up with a list of our five favorites, from the inexpensive to the premium pick.

NIVEA Men Maximum Hydration Moisturizing Face Wash

Hydration to the max

This face wash will both clean and replenish, with a time-tested formula and a price that can't be beat.

Best Overall

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Great things come in small packages. This face wash from Nivea comes in a 5-ounce bottle, so you may want to buy a couple. That being said, a little goes a long way. A small dab is usually enough to clean your entire face and leave your skin feeling silky smooth. With a rich formula containing Vitamin E, aloe vera, and menthol, it’s great for replenishing the nutrients in your face after a shave. Ideal for those that wash their face in the morning, the effects last all day and will leave you feeling moisturized and protected for at least eight hours. It’s also one of the cheapest options we’ve found, and with a formula as effective as this one, you really can’t go wrong.

Pros

Great value for the price
Works for all skin types
Long-lasting hydration

Cons

Some people don’t prefer the menthol

Brickell Men’s Purifying Charcoal Face Wash, Natural and Organic Daily Facial Cleanser

A premium face wash for a premium price

With all organic ingredients and a deeply cleansing charcoal base, this option from Brickell is the best face wash that money can buy.

Best Premium

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It costs extra to feel and look this good. This premium pick from Brickell Men’s is the best formula we’ve found. Ideal for even the greasiest of faces, the ingredients are all organic and naturally-derived. You may have to try it to believe it, but this facial wash’s activated charcoal base delivers a super-deep cleanse. Once your pores are cleared of oils and dirt, the powerful formula gets to work restoring nutrients and moisture. Protect your moneymaker with a nourishing cocktail of antioxidants and vitamins, including Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and green tea. Though the price tag is high, Brickell’s Charcoal face wash sets the gold standard for faces washes that work for all skin types.

Pros

Won’t clog pores or cause acne
Made in the USA
Light, pleasant scent

Cons

Low viscosity
Expensive (but a little goes a long way)

CeraVe Hydrating Face Wash, 16 Ounce Daily Facial Cleanser for Dry Skin

The most bang for your buck

At this price and this quantity, CeraVe proves that cheap doesn't always mean low-quality.

Best Value

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If you’ve looking for a facial cleanser that will last several months without breaking the bank, we recommend stocking up with CeraVe’s hydrating face wash. Ideal for those with dry skin, two pumps in the morning will leave your skin moisturized for the rest of the day. The fragrance-free and paraben-free formula contains essential ingredients to protect your skin throughout your daily grind. In fact, it’s really a body wash and moisturizer packed into one, with ceramides and Hyaluronic acid for restoring the skin’s moisture retention. It’s even a popular choice among those suffering from eczema, so you know that this is a value buy.

Pros

Big bottle
Trusted brand

Cons

Not ideal for those with extra-oily skin

InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Cleanser, Anti-Aging, Wrinkle Reducing, Exfoliating Gel Face Wash

Win the war against oily skin

Whether you have extra-oily skin or just want a cleanser with a little extra oompha, we recommend this option InstaNatural for its supreme cleansing and hydrating power.

Best Restorative Action

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For those looking to restore their skin to its former glory, we strongly recommend this organic cleanser from InstaNatural. It seems to be mostly popular among women, though we’re not sure why. In fact, it’s a great pick for any gender, creed, or skin-type. The formula is designed to give your pores the deepest cleanse, without drying it out. Cleaning even the oiliest of skin, this face wash spreads easily and replenishes the skin with essential vitamins and nutrients. Though it may be a bit pricier than most other options, one bottle lasts a long time. One little dab is enough to give your skin a youthful appearance. For those looking for a face wash with extra-restorative properties, this is your best bet.

Pros

Natural, organic ingredients
Won’t cause acne or breakouts
Effective for extra-oily skin

Cons

May be too strong for those with extra-sensitive skin

Jack Black Face Buff Energizing Scrub

Works to buff your car, too

Great for prepping the skin before a shave, this facial wash from Jack Black the best option for those looking for a cleanser with a scrub.

Best Scrub

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Sometimes scrubs can be a little rough on the skin, but not this pick from Jack Black. With a gently exfoliating scrub, this face wash will “buff” your skin without causing redness or irritation. We recommend washing with a small amount right before a shave for a noticeably smoother face. It’s a great option for those that suffer from razor burn, since the bamboo powder scrub will eliminate any bumps and debris that might lead to a rougher shave. Plus, the mint and licorice are perfect for a little extra morning pep. Best used every couple days, a small amount of the scrub is enough to keep your skin clean and hydrated. Best of all, one bottle can last anywhere from four to six moths, so you won’t have to restock very often.

Pros

Subtle, clean scent
Gentle scrub

Cons

Not for daily use

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to use a face wash?

Although there are a lot of conflicting opinions about the best face wash to use, the method for using them is generally agreed upon. Start with a light rinse using warm water. Cold water won’t open your pores, while hot water can damage the skin. Put a small, nickel-sized quantity of your face wash of choice and apply it to your cheeks and nose in a circular motion. If your cleanser has a scrub, make sure you’re using gentle, steady pressure. If you rub in the cleanser too vigorously, you risk irritating or burning the skin. Once you’ve covered the entire face evenly, it’s time to rinse off. Again, use warm water, not hot or cold. Make sure to rinse off all of the cleanser.

Why do some face washes have Vitamin C and is it important?

In recent decades, Vitamin C has become a bit of a celebrity in the world of moisturizers and cleansers. Vitamin C is actually considered an antioxidant and can protect your skin from aging. However, it won’t reverse damage. Daily application promotes the growth of collagen in your skin and regulates melanin for those with darker skin pigments. Like any supplement, it won’t cure all your problems instantly. Instead, the results will only be noticeable after repeated use.