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7 reliable face wash options for men

No fuss, no muss

By Briar Clark

BEAUTYcrew Beauty Editor / June 01 2022

Skin care for men has become a distinctly more involved experience over time. But regardless of your routine, you should always be using a face wash.

After all, men have larger pores and more active sebaceous glands than women, so a cleanser is really a first-step no-brainer.

In fact, men’s skin actually produces twice as much oil as women’s do (the more you know).

So with oil production in overdrive, an effective and reliable face wash for men’s skin is a must – here are seven that we recommend…

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser

If you’re anything like Troye Sivan and you’re “not really picky about cleansers in general” (at least that’s what he told Harpers Bazaar), then you should try his go-to pick – Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser. Formulated for combination to oily skin types, this oil-free cleanser contains imperata cylindrica root and lemon fruit extracts, which help to effectively cleanse skin of dirt and impurities without stripping natural oils or impairing the function of the protective lipidic barrier.

$35 at Adore Beauty

The Ordinary Supersize Squalane Cleanser

The Ordinary has such a dedicated fandom that the brand released a supersize version of their squalane cleanser so we can enjoy the gentle, skin-smoothing effects for even longer. The pH-balanced face wash also boasts hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, which means you can get clean skin without that uncomfortable tight feeling post-cleanse.

$34.90 at Adore Beauty

VERSO Acne Deep Cleanse

Is your skin giving you problems? Perhaps producing excessive amounts of oil and leaving you with a face full of acne? This salicylic acid-infused pick is specially formulated for acne-prone skin and promises a deep, exfoliating cleanse that decongests pores and minimises the appearance of spots. Niacinamide is also included to strengthen the skin barrier, and minimise the appearance of pores, while working on texture and fine lines too. And last but not least purslane is appointed to soothe, protect and moisturise, while zinc PCA controls acne and excessive sebum production.

$60 at MECCA

Drunk Elephant JuJu Bar™

This cleansing bar is kind of genius. It couples detoxifying thermal mud with bamboo powder and a dash of virgin marula oil for a face washing experience that verges on a facial. Simply wet, lather and cleanse with the bar to reap its purifying, toning, nourishing, hydrating and exfoliating benefits.

$42 at MECCA

Sodashi Clay Cleanser with Sandalwood

Want to exfoliate without your skin getting sensitive and red from all that scrubbing? This clay-infused offering needs to be in your skin care arsenal. Formulated with a blend of nourishing, soothing and moisturising oils, and vitamin E, you can look forward to an exfoliated complexion minus the irritation and inflammation.

$69 at MECCA

THE INKEY LIST Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser

Skin looking a little dull? This cleanser contains a blend of fulvic acid, vitamin C-rich Kakadu plum and liquorice root extract to promote micro-exfoliation, skin-brightening and a more radiant complexion overall. Aloe vera is also present to help soothe skin and calm inflammation.

$17 at Sephora

SKINFIX Barrier+ Foaming Clay Cleanser

This purifying and hydrating formula transforms from clay to foam when activated with water. Mineral-rich glacial and kaolin volcanic clays are used to extract dirt, oil and impurities from pores, while aloe vera and sugar beet extracts hydrate and soften skin.

$43 at Sephora

Not all men are out here making good choices when it comes to skin care though… Unfortunately Cody Simpson’s pimple treatment hack leaves much to be desired.

Main image credit: @troyesivan

Briar Clark

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).