10 Best Face Washes for Men, According to Skincare Pros (2024)

Guys, the world of skincare may seem daunting at first, but don't get too overwhelmed: It all starts with a good cleanser. It's the first step in any skincare routine and sets you up for what comes next, whether you're using a moisturizer, sunscreen or serum.

And yes, men really do need to use a face wash. "If you aren't using a face wash, you should add it to your daily routine," says Bradley Glodny, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Park Avenue Dermatology in New York City. "Soap and water can only do so much. Cleaning your skin is more than removing dirt and grime. Adding a face wash will help you keep a balanced complexion."

In addition to pulling from Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab-tested products, co-workers' favorites and Dr. Glodny's recommendations, we also tapped men in our lives to weigh in on their go-to picks. These are the best face washes for men of 2024, for every skin type from oily to dry.

Formulated for anyone (and any skin type) to use, this Kiehl's face wash is a favorite of Dr. Glodny. "It is a gentle and smooth cleanser that rids dirt and grime without drying my skin," he said. He loved the hydrating ingredients inside, such as squalane and glycerin, "which is an added plus," he noted. Pair it with GH Beauty Lab Test Winner Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream, which you can apply after washing your face. Take note that it's a little pricey for a small-sized bottle.

Cetaphil's classic cleanser is a familiar favorite across generations. Priced under $15, the 16-ounce bottle is a bargain buy. Its low-lather wash made believers out of 86% of testers who said they'd continue to use it. It also scored well for making skin feel soft and hydrated, thanks to glycerin and vitamins B3 and B5. "This didn't overdry or make my skin feel stripped," one tester said. "My face even appears smoother," another added. While many users love the nostalgic powdery-fresh scent, it's not everyone's favorite.

CeraVe skincare remains a staple for many of our GH staffers. Formulated with moisturizing ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this facial cleanser touts a gentle no-frills formula compatible with sensitive skin types like rosacea. GH Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine said her husband loves using it when he's feeling dry and tight in the winter (but he uses it year-round!). "It almost has a lotion-like consistency that's so hydrating and gentle," she explained. "It doesn't strip the skin and helps keep dry patches and flakes at bay." Some shoppers online pointed out that its mild formula doesn't suds up much, which may be a preference for others.

If you're trying to rid pimples or tame acne breakouts, consider ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid as your best friend. This option from Vichy has a gel texture that works great on oily skin. A favorite of GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek, it can be used on men's skin as well. "I love the way it smells and how well it cleans my skin," she said. "It has been an ongoing staple in my cleansing routine for keeping acne at bay and controlling my oily T-zone." However, this may be too drying if you don't have oily skin.

Need a little extra boost of energy in the morning? Reach for this Kiehl's pick, specifically formulated for men. The cleanser features caffeine and menthol to refresh and wake up skin, and it comes in a gel formulation ideal for oilier skin types. Our beauty assistant's dad asks for refills of this face wash every time he runs out. He loved it because "even though I have oily skin, I only need a small amount to clean my whole face, and it doesn't dry my skin out," he said. Though users love this cleanser, some feel it's not versatile enough to be the only one in their arsenal, especially in the winter when skin gets more dry or rough.

Squalane is a nourishing ingredient that leaves skin feeling supple. It's the first ingredient in this face wash from The Ordinary, making this formula ultra-hydrating and great for dry skin (although it works well on all skin types!). Dr. Glodny is a huge advocate for face washes that have squalane, including this one. "This is a great cleanser that will remove any layers of dirt, grime, serums, sunscreen, sweat and more without stripping your skin," he said. It is very gentle but "will lock in moisture, leaving your skin moisturized and smooth," he added. Many reviewers wished the bottle was bigger because they ran out of product quickly.

For a pre-shave cleanse, grab this daily face wash. Though pricey, it's a multitasker that does double duty as an exfoliator and hydrator. Jojoba beads and fruit enzymes gently exfoliate while aloe and sunflower seed oil comfort skin. GH staffer Nik Greenwald called it "the perfect cleanser pre-shave." He added that "it's mildly exfoliating so it helps reduce razor bumps. It helps me get a super smooth shave and isn't irritating." Greenwald even leaves it on for a few minutes as a mask.

It's important to exfoliate your face; though your skin does this naturally, you can slough off dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion with the help of a face scrub. This one from Horace is well-priced and is loved by GH Beauty Director April Franzino's husband Michael DiGiovanni. "My husband uses this mild face scrub as a cleanser, as he likes the deeply purifying effects," she said. He added that "it gives a light exfoliation that feels invigorating and rinses off easily." However, some feel that the exfoliation is too light and wish the formula had a little more texture to it.

This exfoliating face wash is great for dealing with ingrown hairs, irritation and the accumulation of dirt and dead skin. GH Institute General Manager Laurie Jennings shared that her husband loves this scrub. He said that "it has small scrubbing beads that dissolve, it smells really good and you only need to use a little. The tube lasts a long time." Online reviewers echoed this, with many raving about the invigorating minty scent. Some users felt the exfoliating beads were too small and didn't provide a deep enough clean.

If you've ever asked yourself, "Do I even need to wash my face?" the short answer is yes. The longer answer is that "you should wash your face two times a day — in the morning and at night — to remove any dirt and grime that has accumulated," said Dr. Glodny.

Many men use bar soap to wash their face, but "face washes will be gentler on your skin," said Butler. "If soap leaves your skin feeling tight and dry, consider switching to a cleanser that's designed for the face."

Men's face washes will typically be stronger and provide a deeper cleanse than others. "Men generally have thicker and oilier skin due to a higher collagen density and are more prone to acne," said Dr. Glodny. So, though the same cleansing ingredients will be found in most face washes, products marketed for men are "typically formulated with stronger ingredients," he added. You may see ingredients like peppermint oil or menthol in men's face washes, which create an invigorating and cooling sensation, explained Butler.