The 13 Best Face Washes for Men

Including something for every skin type.

best face wash for men
Dermstore

If this were a Ted Talk, someone (ok, me, the writer) would be onstage screaming, "Your face is dirty and you need to wash it! And not just with soap and water! Get a cleanser, dammit!" It'd be a motivational speech more aggressive (and mildly more insulting) than any other you've heard before.

Why should you wash your face? Not only is it likely that it's what your partner wants you to do, it's also a necessary step in your grooming routine. If you're going to use scrubs or moisturizer or masks, you need to start with a clean, fresh base, and that's exactly what facial cleaners and washes do. If you work out and literally clog your pores with sweat and gunk, you need to wash your face with cleanser. You just need to.

Luckily, there are cleansers to suit every skin type, from oily to dry, as well as every budget and schedule. You can make one of these 13 cleansers work. Please. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

1 of 13
Dermstore
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Need a basic, low-commitment cleanser? Here you go. Cetaphil is a trusty standard that's been around for ages. Lather, rinse, repeat. 

2 of 13
Sephora
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser

Sunday Riley's Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser shrinks pores considerably and cleans normal to oily skin so that it never appears congested or slick. 

3 of 13
Sephora
Kiehl's Since 1851 Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser

Uh, cleanser made out of Amazonian white clay? Badass. This Kiehl's daily cleanser uses natural ingredients to keep your skin clear and clean. 

4 of 13
Sephora
Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser

Ole Henriksen's The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser is.. well, the truth. It keeps skin glowy, bright, and fresh while helping soften and slow the signs of aging. 

5 of 13
Sephora
Truthâ„¢ On the Glow Cleansing Cloths
OLEHENRIKSEN sephora.com $30.00

And if you're going to say you're too busy for cleanser, well, 1) you're not. 2) If that's your story and you're sticking to it, these cleansing cloths are great for wherever you are, even if you're in a hurry.

6 of 13
Sephora
Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser

Rise and shine! It's time to clean your face. Your pillow is dirty as hell. This Saturday Skin cleanser awakens the skin, but does it gently so that even sensitive skin types won't end up irritated.

7 of 13
Sephora
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

One of the best (or beste. Get it?) cleansers out there, this Drunk Elephant jelly formula removes the dirt and grime that your pores collect during the day. 

8 of 13
Glossier
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

So it's like milky, but also kind of a jelly? Ok, yes, it sounds a little ridiculous, but the soft, smooth textures backs up its claims of gentle, effective exfoliation. 

9 of 13
Dermstore
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Another drugstore skincare standard, CeraVe's cleanser is ideal for normal to dry skin. Seeing those dry, flaky patches? Try this next time you hit the shower. 

10 of 13
Sephora
Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel

Blackheads? Check. Acne? Check. Congestion? You guessed it. This Clinique cleansing gel can take it all on and come out on top thanks to its charcoal formula. 

11 of 13
Sephora
Foreo LUNA for Men 2

OK, it's not technically a cleanser, but this life-changing product pairs with your cleanser of choice to change your skin for good. Blackheads, acne, and dead skin, be gone.

12 of 13
Sephora
Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil

If you're feeling a little trendy or innovative, cleansing oil is the latest creation in skincare. Biossance does it best with their formula, made of healthy antioxidants for your most radiant face. 

13 of 13
Target
Biore Pore Penetrating Charcoal Bar

And if you really need to hold onto a good old bar, this Biore bar will have major effects on body and facial acne. It's heavy duty, so don't scrub your face too hard. The natural charcoal works wonders.