Top-Rated Facial Cleanser for Men, Recommended by Skin Specialists
Swapping out the current face wash ain't a smart ride if it's not tailored to your skin's specific needs. Skincare is all about knowing your type and finding a mate that suits you best, even though some brands might try to sell you a one-size-fits-all magic potion.
To ensure a clean and fresh mug, look for a face wash that complements your skin's variables, including moisture levels, aging, acne, sensitivity, and more. The good news is that there are budget-friendly options available in every category, from Cetaphil and Neutrogena to CeraVe and The Ordinary.
Wondering which face washes are top-notch for various skin types? Here are the crème de la crème, backed by over a decade of product testing, expounded opinions from two board-certified dermatologists, and countless web reviews:
The Best Face Washes for Guys (AKA the Best Face Washes, Period): GQ's Picks
- Best Overall: Cardon Purifying Clay Cleanser
- Best for Oily Skin: The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
- Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Oil Foaming Cleanser
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Aesop Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel Cleanser
- Best for Combination Skin: Geologie Everyday Face Wash
- Best for Normal Skin: Murad Resurgence Renewing Cleansing Cream
- Best for Aging Skin: Fresh Soy Cleanser
- Best Fragrance-Free: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Best for Exfoliating: Kiehl's Rare Earth Cleanser
- Best Oil-Based: Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil
- Dermatologist's Favorite: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Best Face Wipes: Ursa Major 4-in-1 Essential Face Wipes
Let's delve into the best of the best!
Best Face Wash For Men Overall: Cardon Purifying Clay Cleanser
If you've ever wondered what the magic potion is that keeps me looking fresh-faced despite receiving oodles of cleansers in the mail, it's Cardon's Purifying Clay Cleanser. This lightweight, deep-cleaning superstar is adaptable to all skin types. Clay is a superstar for the skin, as it absorbs excess oil and impurities without drying out dry skin types. I find the best results by lathering it up at the sink rather than in the shower for optimal benefits. Farewell, old friend!
Did you know? You can also use this sudsy buddy as a quick face mask—just leave it on for an extra 30-60 seconds.
Best Face Wash for Oily Skin: The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Say hello to your new shower buddy, The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser—another winner of the 2023 GQ Grooming Award. With its one-size-fits-all approach to getting rid of oil, it makes for the perfect addition to their lineup. This chickpea-sized wonder degreases my sweaty, oily brow swiftly, even providing my more dry- and sensitive-skinned partner with no issues. This versatile foaming cleanser is worth the investment.
Pro Tip: If oily skin has you skittish about foaming cleansers but still hankering for a moisturizing option, consider The Ordinary's Squalane Cleanser.
Best Face Wash for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Oil Foaming Cleanser
This 2023 GQ Grooming Award-winning CeraVe Hydrating Oil Foaming Cleanser is a dream come true for those with dry or sensitive complexions, especially my parched partner. It boasts a generous amount of squalane oil to cleanse effectively while hydrating your skin, leaving it nourished and supple. If a face wash can earn such a broad smile, then it deserves to be on GQ’s top list.
Start working towards a better, brighter you—find the best face wash for your skin and give it a permanent place in your grooming routine!
- For those seeking a versatile facial cleanser that suits all skin types, consider the Cardon Purifying Clay Cleanser, GQ's pick for the best overall face wash.
- The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser, a winner of the 2023 GQ Grooming Award, is a recommended choice for individuals with oily skin due to its effective oil-removing properties and versatility.
- The CeraVe Hydrating Oil Foaming Cleanser is ideal for individuals with dry or sensitive skin, hydrating the skin effectively while providing an excellent cleaning solution, as recognized by GQ in their 2023 Grooming Awards.
- In the realm of skincare and grooming, science and health-and-wellness are vital factors, as exemplified by the extensive product testing and dermatologist opinions behind GQ's face wash recommendations.
- Self-care doesn't just encompass skincare; it extends to fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, and even home-and-garden, reinforcing the importance of a well-rounded lifestyle for overall health and wellbeing.
