Using face wash is a key step in the daily self-care and grooming routine that many blokes tend to overlook. Hard as it might be to admit, one of the main reasons that men tend to skimp on their skincare routine is that they don’t really know where to start, finding the massive array of brands and products on the market a little overwhelming.
A face wash and cleanser is one of the easiest and most important places to start when it comes to taking care of your skin, which is why we’ve put together this list of the best face washes and best cleansers for men on the market. Not only have we tried and tested them, but we’ve pulled out our top picks so you know where to go first.
As well as picking out the very best, we’ve gathered expert opinions and tried to give you a wide range of price points so that every man can get going with his skincare routine, no matter how much cash you have to hand.
What We Look For
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- Fragrance – We are divided on how much fragrance should be in a face cleanser. But less fragrance or none at all could be better for your skin, since there’s less chance of irritation.
- Ingredients – Opt for ingredients that are not hard and natural to maintain skin healthÂ
- Feel – Does your skin feel clean after you use it or does it still feel greasy?
What The Experts Say
Cosmetic Industry Expert, Strategic Consultant to Brands, Retailers and PE funds.
We asked Olivier Duvillard, a leading beauty industry expert who’s been in the business for over 20 years. He told us this:
- A man’s skincare regime should always start with a good cleanser. Clean skin is the foundation of a good skincare regimen and supports the application of your following ‘power products’.
- It’s best to cleanse in the morning when you shower (after gym) and at night before using your skincare routine.
- For those new to skincare wanting to keep it simple, look for a cleanser with Salicylic acid (BHA) or Glycolic Acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate, help with ingrown hairs and tighten pores.Â
- If you are into your skincare and happy to have a few more steps, I would always suggest having a gentle/non-stripping cleanser first so you can control the use of further active serums in your routine (you don’t double up on exfoliation and create more irritation or dryness down the track.
- Ingredient quality matters a lot; more advanced delivery mechanisms enhance penetration and efficacy. Check for clinical studies conducted by the manufacturer to see if their claims are based in reality.
