The 10 Best Face Washes for Men in 2026, Tested by Grooming Editors

ProsGentle non-stripping formulapH-balanced to maintain skin’s natural protection barrierUnscented for those sensitiveConsNot ideal for those who prefer some fragranceFor active guys who want a no-nonsense soap that still feels luxurious, this cleanser from Kiehl's delivers. Formulated with hydrating glycerin and squalane—and free of parabens and fragrances—it thoroughly cleanses without stripping moisture. Its powerful ingredients clean and hydrate at the same time, leaving your skin soft, balanced, and primed for the rest of your routine.Testing Notes: I’ve used Kiehl's cleanser for years and love its ultra-smooth formula that glides easily over my skin. I appreciate that it’s fragrance-free, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Lightweight, gentle, moisturizing, and nourishing, it’s one of the most versatile cleansers I’ve tried—perfect for any skin type. At $16 for 2.5 oz, it isn’t the cheapest option, but it’s still on the affordable side of the market. Because it foams so well, I only need a small amount for a full wash, and one container lasts me about two months with daily use. Overall, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser remains my go-to everyday face wash, no matter your skin type or budget.Read More: Best Kiehl's ProductsKey IngredientsSqualane, avocado oil, glycerinSkin TypeAllProsFragrance-free, safe for sensitive skinAccepted by the by the National Eczema Association and National Rosacea Society,Recognized by the National Psoriasis FoundationSilky consistencyThis gel cleanser uses zinc, copper, and magnesium to support the skin’s natural defenses while boosting hydration. Aloe vera then locks in moisture and forms a soothing barrier, while oat calms irritation and comforts sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, it gently removes makeup, sunscreen, and daily buildup without stripping or irritating—even for the most reactive skin.Testing Notes: I don’t have rosacea, but my skin is prone to redness, so I was excited to see this cleanser approved by the National Rosacea Society—and it didn’t disappoint. Whenever my skin flares up, I use it daily, and within a week or two (depending on severity), the redness quickly calms. Its silky consistency also leaves my skin feeling smooth, balanced, and healthy.Features at a GlanceKey IngredientsZinc, copper, magnesiumSkin TypeNormal to dry, redness proneAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsNon-drying, yet deeply cleansing Fragrance-freeLarge bottle, 20 ozGreat value for size, under $15ConsSome of our testers reported difficulty operating the dispenser pumpYou can’t go wrong with a classic. This Cetaphil cleanser, formulated for combination to oily, sensitive skin, actively removes dirt and excess oil while protecting your skin’s natural barrier. The blend of B vitamins and glycerin nourishes as it cleanses, leaving your face refreshed, balanced, and never tight or dry.Testing Notes: Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Cleanser delivers incredible value for its price. I love that it packs the same hero ingredients you’d see in pricier formulas, like glycerin and niacinamide, yet it’s gentle enough for even ultra-sensitive skin. It leaves my face feeling clean but never stripped, which makes it easy to reach for every day. My only gripe? I wish the pump dispenser worked more smoothly—it can be frustrating when I’m half-asleep and just want a quick wash.Key IngredientsGlycerin, vitamin B5, vitamin B3Skin TypeCombination to oily, sensitiveProsCan be used on the face and body Removes oil without disrupting the protective skin barrierLarge bottle, 16 ozConsMay not be great for dry skinLong before CeraVe went viral on TikTok, grooming experts swore by the drugstore brand for its high-quality ingredients at budget-friendly prices. A perfect example is this cleanser, packed with hydrating staples like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that strengthen the skin barrier while keeping moisture locked in.Testing Notes: CeraVe’s Facial Cleanser is one of my go-to budget face washes because it’s easy to find online or in stores, and it simply works. I’ve been using CeraVe since my early 20s, and I can honestly say the formula has never let me down—it removes excess oil and grime without ever causing breakouts.IngredientsCeramides, hyaluronic acidSkin TypeNormal to oilyAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsExfoliates without irritatingLasts for monthsTSA-friendly, solid rather than liquidConsNot for every day use with sensitive skinShaped like a deodorant stick but designed for your face, this solid soap from Oars and Alps packs charcoal, a buzzy exfoliant that gently scrubs without irritation. I love that even a 1.4-oz container lasts over a month when used daily.Testing Notes: Oars and Alps’ cleansing stick has become my go-to TSA-friendly face soap for traveling and camping. I love how portable it is and how easily it applies—just like my favorite deodorant—while still exfoliating and removing dirt. It easily fits in my Dopp kit, and I don’t need to worry about it leaking or opening. Plus, my face feels incredibly clean after each use, and a little product really does go a long way.Key IngredientsPropanediol, sodium stearate, glycerinSkin TypeNormal to oilyProsTSA-friendly size, great for travelingFragrance-free Sulfate-freeUnique powder formula rather than gel or creamConsOne tester found it slightly drying to his sensitive skinFinding a TSA-friendly cleanser that doesn't spill is hard. That's where Jaxon Lane's Shake and Wake comes in. It's a powder-to-cream product that gently exfoliates skin and cleans just as well as a liquid cleanser, thanks to a powerful combo of niacinamide, vitamin E, and vitamin C. In other words, it's a Dopp kit must-have.Testing Notes: The first thing I noticed about this wash was its powdery consistency. What surprised me was how much I liked it—and how often I keep reaching for it, especially when traveling. Similar to Oars and Alps Solid Wash, there is minimal risk of spilling—and even if it did (which I’ve yet to experience), the powder will be far less destructive than liquid.It feels ultra-gentle on my skin and transforms into a soap-like lather as soon as it hits water. The container is TSA-friendly, tightly sealed, and unlikely to leak, and since it’s powder, even a spill would be minimal and far less messy than a gel.Read More: Best Face Scrubs for MenKey IngredientsPapaya enzyme, pineapple enzyme, niacinamide, vitamins C and ESkin TypeNormalAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsMasculine yet subtle pine tar scentSuitable for all skin times, including sensitive skinIncludes at least 98 percent natural ingredients ConsSmall container (4 oz) for the priceIf you're somebody who loves the smell of the great outdoors, or that irreplaceable feeling felt (and smelt) the early morning after a night of camping, then this face wash is for you. Loaded with skin-boosting natural ingredients like aloe vera, caffeine, and charcoal, Dr. Squatch's face wash exfoliates, refreshes, and cleanses with the best of them.Testing Notes: With its unique charcoal-backed texture and feel, this wash is one of the most rejuvenating options out there. But what really stands out is its understated, yet still attention-grabbing pine tar scent—subtle enough to avoid clashing with your cologne, but woodsy enough to raise the nostrils in the best way possible.Read More: Best Bar Soaps for MenKey IngredientsCharcoal, green coffee bean, aloe veraSkin TypeAllProsFragrance-freeGentle on sensitive skinLightweight Non-dryingConsNot ideal for those who prefer some fragranceFor those with sensitive or dry skin, there are few (if any) better skincare brands than La Roche-Posay. And the brand's cleanser is a perfect representation of why. Its niacinamide-backed formula is equally gentle and hydrating. Add in other moisturizing winners like glycerin, along with the lack of any skin-aggravating ingredients like heavy fragrances or sulfates, and you have one of the lowest risk, highest reward face washes on the market.Testing Notes: I have sensitive skin and love this cleanser because it never irritates me. Even if your skin is less reactive, the creamy lather feels amazing during and after each wash. It’s gentle and leaves skin feeling hydrated and healthy.Read More: Best Sunscreen for MenKey IngredientsNiacinamide, ceramide-3, glycerinSkin TypeSensitive, dryAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsDoubles as a soft and effective beard washUnder $7 per containerUltra-foamy, a little goes a long wayConsThe scent is pretty underwhelmingTalk about value—at under $7 a container, it’s hard to find a more effective, affordable face wash for men than Harry’s. Best known for its stellar shave gear, the brand has quietly expanded into no-nonsense men’s skincare, including standouts like its facial moisturizer. This face wash follows the same formula: it packs low-key hydrators like eucalyptus and peppermint alongside gentle exfoliants like glycerin, delivering a no-BS cleanse that gets the job done without breaking the bank.Testing Notes: Harry’s hasn’t strayed from its facial-hair roots, as this cleanser doubles as one of the best beard washes, softening whiskers and priming them for trimming or shaving. I also can’t overstate how foamy it gets; it not only strips away dirt and buildup but also makes each (already affordable) container last a long time.Read More: Best Skincare Brands for MenKey IngredientsEucalyptus, peppermint, volcanic rockSkin TypeAllProsPleasant but subtle citrus scent Helps prevent future acne while fighting current breakoutsA little goes a very long way, bottle lasts foreverConsInitial stringy consistency prior to washingAnyone who struggles with acne knows it takes over your routine, demanding protective, non-invasive, blemish-correcting products at every step. For that crucial first cleanse, Geologie’s new Acne Control Face Wash stands out as the best option. Even though it’s been on the market for barely a year, it has already become a staple for me whenever I’m facing a breakout, thanks to its 2 percent salicylic acid formula and silky-smooth application.Testing Notes: I still reach for this wash whenever I feel a blemish or breakout coming on. The only drawback is that the gel feels a little stringy at first and needs plenty of water before it foams. Once it does, though, the lather expands quickly, and a dime-sized drop covers my entire face—making each bottle last for months.Read More: Geologie Clear System ReviewKey IngredientsSalicylic acidSkin TypeAcne-prone, sensitiveSean Zucker is the Grooming and Reviews Editor at Men's Health. He brings over half a decade of experience covering health, wellness, and lifestyle. When Sean's not writing about hair products, you can find him running for exercise, or toward the nearest food truck. Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.