Facial washes aren't exactly something that most men pay much attention to. But if you want hydrated and blemish-free skin, choosing the right facial wash is essential. Not only does it cleanse your skin, but it can also help address some of your skin's needs, such as stripping excess oil or providing adequate hydration.
Facial washes for men come in many different formulations, so picking the right facial wash is challenging. Put those worries aside as we collaborated with Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz for a buying guide on how to choose the best facial wash for men. We also curated a list of the best products available on Lazada and Shopee to help you get started!
Quick List - Top Facial Washes for Men
Oxecure
Salicylic Acid-Infused Face Wash That’s Ideal for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin
Klued
Effectively Tackles Breakouts and Impurities While Hydrating Skin
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Rica is a writer and editor for mybest PH who first joined the team in October 2020. She mostly writes lifestyle titles, especially ones that tap into fashion, beauty, food, arts, and hobbies. Though she's someone who dabbles in whatever sparks her interest, Rica spends most of her free time fangirling, watching races, and playing with her dogs.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
An effective face wash with active ingredients that control and/or regulate oil production can help in addressing this concern. Ingredients such as salicylic acid, which is "oil-loving" and niacinamide are just a few of the good choices that one can look for in a facial wash.
Choosing the right facial wash for men is important for maintaining healthy and clear skin. There are factors you should consider, including your skin type and the type of actives or ingredients the formula contains. Learn more about this below.
Surfactants are the ingredients responsible for the cleansing effects in personal care products. There are harsh surfactants, and there are milder ones. Harsh surfactants that can be drying or irritating include sodium laurate, sodium cocoate, and sodium lauryl sulfate.
For a gentler surfactant option, look for sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), especially in combination with cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium cocoyl isethionate, or alkyl sulfosuccinates. SLES is an extra-mild surfactant that still provides effective cleansing power. Opting for mild surfactants like SLES can allow you to get clean without stripping your skin or hair of its natural oils.
Oily skin is more prone to congestion, which usually manifests as clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads. It is because this skin type produces excess sebum that tends to combine with dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities. You'll benefit from facial washes with exfoliating acids like glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and mandelic acids if you struggle with these. They can help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote smoother, clearer skin.
If you have an oily skin type, it means that your sebum or oil production is increased. Did you know that sebum production is affected by one’s genetic background, diet, stress, and hormone levels?
Facial washes with active ingredients such as exfoliating acids can penetrate into the pores and help extrude excess oil, debris, and gunk in the pores. Ingredients such as salicylic acid are one of the go-tos for congested pores.
If you're dealing with acne, some wonder ingredients you should look for are salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and niacinamide. Besides promoting exfoliation that can get rid of dead skin cells, salicylic acid can help regulate excess oil production on the skin's surface. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and swelling commonly associated with acne.
Like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide can also remove dead skin cells and excess oil. But more than that, it eliminates acne-causing bacteria. Niacinamide, on the other hand, supports the skin's natural barrier function. It can also help regulate the production of sebum and calm redness and irritation associated with acne.
Ingredients to help acne-prone skin can include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and niacinamide, to name a few. Other options include comedolytics, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which are used to loosen the keratinocytes and “unclog” the pores. These, consequently, reduce oil production and decongest the skin.
If you have a dry skin type, it means that there is a lack of moisture in the topmost layer of your skin. Signs include dullness, rough texture, flakiness, itchiness, and that general uncomfortable feeling of the skin.
Good skincare practices such as limiting the time you wash your face (<10 minutes), using cool to lukewarm water, and applying a moisturizer within 10 minutes of washing your face also help tremendously.
For skin that's often red, itchy, dry, or sensitive, it's best to go for milder facial washes with lower concentrations of active ingredients. Sometimes, signs of irritation are triggered by specific components, such as fragrances and parabens, which are potentially irritants, so it's also best to be aware of what your face wash contains.
Knowing your skin is also important. Additionally, consider patch testing to see if you develop a reaction to a particular ingredient. Lastly, do not hesitate to consult a board-certified dermatologist.
The fear-mongering given to alcohols and fragrances in skincare products is a little extreme. At the end of the day, it all boils down to the dose of the ingredient and an individual's unique sensitivities and tolerance to a particular product. So, performing a patch test before adding a new product into one's skincare regimen definitely never hurt anyone.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best For | Key Ingredients | Fragrance-Free | Non-Comedogenic | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | ![]() | Best Dermatologist-Tested Cleanser for Every Skin Type | All Skin Types | Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin | 118ml | |||
2 | Oxecure Acne Clear Facial Cleanser | ![]() | Salicylic Acid-Infused Face Wash That’s Ideal for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin | Oily, Acne-prone Skin | Salicylic Acid, Oat Extract, Calendular Synerplex, Kakadu Plum Extract | 120ml | |||
3 | Neutrogena Deep Clean Acne Foaming Cleanser | ![]() | A pH-Friendly Face Wash for Blemish-Free Skin | Oily, Acne-Prone Skin | Salicylic Acid | 100ml | |||
4 | Klued 2% Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser | ![]() | Effectively Tackles Breakouts and Impurities While Hydrating Skin | All Skin Types | Salicylic Acid | 120ml | |||
5 | COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser | ![]() | A Low pH Cleanser That Addresses Various Impurities | All Skin Types | BHA, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Styrax Japonicus Branch | 150ml | |||
6 | Human Nature Oil-Fighting Face Wash for Men | ![]() | Cleanses and Exfoliates for a Clearer Complexion | All Skin Types | Bamboo Charcoal | unknown | 150ml | ||
7 | The Inkey List Salicylic Acid 2% Cleanser | ![]() | Reduce Excess Oil and Breakouts With This Non-drying Cleanser | Oily, Combination, Normal Skin | Salicylic Acid | 150ml | |||
8 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser Water Gel | ![]() | Lightweight and Hypoallergenic Cleanser for Plump and Supple Skin | All Skin Types | Hyaluronic Acid, Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) | 145ml | |||
9 | PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash | ![]() | Benzoyl Peroxide-Infused Face Wash That Curbs Acne-Causing Bacteria | Acne-Prone Skin | Benzoyl Peroxide | 170ml | |||
10 | Luxe Organix Cica Rescue Calming Cleanser | ![]() | A Gentle Cleanser for Sensitive and Dry Skin | Dry, Sensitive Skin | Centella Asiatica, Madecassoside, Hyaluronic Acid | 150ml |
Trusted by many Filipinos, this Cetaphil cleanser gently cleanses all skin types. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin, leaving your skin moisturized without dryness or flakiness. These ingredients also protect the skin barrier, preventing irritation and tightness.
The best part is that this cleanser is dermatologist-tested, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or rosacea. It’s also free from fragrances and parabens, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. With all that in mind, it’s a safe and foolproof choice, as affirmed by buyers.
Best For | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin |
Fragrance-Free | |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Net Weight | 118ml |
Best For | Oily, Acne-prone Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Oat Extract, Calendular Synerplex, Kakadu Plum Extract |
Fragrance-Free | |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Net Weight | 120ml |
Best For | Oily, Acne-Prone Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid |
Fragrance-Free | |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Net Weight | 100ml |
With 2% salicylic acid, this cleanser helps clear blemishes and dead skin cells while unclogging your skin’s pores. Another thing that sets this cleanser apart is its minimal ingredient list. It's free from fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Moreover, it contains ceramides to renew the moisture barrier, allantoin to soothe, and zinc PCA to control oil. With a skin-friendly pH of 5.5, it also cleanses without stripping moisture! Buyers find it effective in reducing breakouts and improving skin texture, all while being gentle.
Best For | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid |
Fragrance-Free | |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Net Weight | 120ml |
With its low pH formula and active ingredients, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser totally deserves to be in your skincare routine. This is an excellent cleanser for everyday use as it thoroughly cleanses your face and calms skin irritation. Although suitable for all skin types, it works best on oily and acne-prone skin.
Its formulation is loaded with tea tree leaf oil and salicylic acid, known for fighting acne, controlling oil, and eliminating impurities. That said, it is also an excellent pick if you want a mild cleanser that can effectively address skin concerns like whiteheads and blackheads.
Best For | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | BHA, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Styrax Japonicus Branch |
Fragrance-Free | |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Net Weight | 150ml |
Those with oily skin should ideally both cleanse and exfoliate their face. Fortunately, this natural facial wash from Human Nature can do both at once! It contains bamboo charcoal and bamboo scrubs to absorb oil and gently exfoliate your skin simultaneously!
What's even greater about it is that it does not contain SLS and parabens, making it ideal for those with sensitivities. Its bamboo scrubs are also biodegradable, making them much safer for the environment than other scrubs that use plastic microbeads. However, it's important to note that this still contains natural fragrances, which may be sensitizing for other individuals.
Best For | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Bamboo Charcoal |
Fragrance-Free | |
Non-Comedogenic | unknown |
Net Weight | 150ml |
Oily and acne-prone skin types are no match with this cleanser from The Inkey List. It contains 2% salicylic acid that will gently exfoliate your skin, which means it'll help shed dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. It also helps reduce oil production, which may lessen blackheads and breakouts!
This cleanser also contains allantoin, an ingredient that soothes your skin and makes this facial wash non-drying. You can use this cleanser daily for other blemish-prone areas, such as your back and chest as well. Just make sure to leave it on for at least 60 seconds to achieve its full effect.
Best For | Oily, Combination, Normal Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid |
Fragrance-Free | |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Net Weight | 150ml |
Suitable for people with dry and sensitive skin, this gel-to-foam cleanser is formulated with Neutrogena's patented Barriercare technology to gently lift away makeup, oil, and dirt without disturbing the skin's moisture barrier. This innovation helps maintain the right balance of your skin's fats and lipids to protect its plumpness.
Its key ingredients, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, can also help boost your skin's hydration and lock moisture in. This will leave your skin more supple and glowing. Moreover, it is non-comedogenic, so you won't have to worry about clogged pores and acne breakouts. It is hypoallergenic and contains no added parabens or sulfates, too!
Best For | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) |
Fragrance-Free | |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Net Weight | 145ml |
Best For | Acne-Prone Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Benzoyl Peroxide |
Fragrance-Free | |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Net Weight | 170ml |
Luxe Organix is a local brand that offers affordable Korean skincare products here in the Philippines. Its Cica Rescue Calming Cleanser is a gel-type facial wash, which is easy to lather on your face. It aims to soothe irritated skin and balance your skin's pH level.
It also works to control sebum production to prevent too many pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Its star ingredient is Centella Asiatica, specifically- its Madecassoside, which is suitable for sensitive and dry skin. The cleanser is also alcohol-free and paraben-free. If you want to get better results, use this cleaner with the brand's calming toner and serum from the same Cica Rescue line.
Best For | Dry, Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Key Ingredients | Centella Asiatica, Madecassoside, Hyaluronic Acid |
Fragrance-Free | |
Non-Comedogenic | |
Net Weight | 150ml |
According to Dr. Katrina, here's a simple test you can do to check if your facial wash is effective in cleansing the skin.
If you think that your face is clean, you may purposely put some sort of "marker" first before washing your face.
Getting acquainted with what and how to choose a facial wash for men wasn't so hard, right? To give you more information and tips, below, Dr. Katrina answers some of the most asked questions about men's skincare.
A simple, non-fuss skincare routine for men would follow this basic structure:
Face wash vs face soap are terminologies with negative connotations for the latter. However, more than the label, it is essential to zero in on the ingredients as well as the overall formulation of the product. Remember, different people have different sensitivities and tolerances. This makes it important to try out a product and see that it works well for your skin.
The goal of a pre-shave product is to moisten the skin and act as a protective barrier to prevent nicks and/or cuts while allowing for a nice, clean shave. Some facial washes may be used for this purpose, however, it's easier if it can lather to allow for a more effortless shave.
In order to have a more holistic approach to your skin care, you'll need the right tools for the job. Now that you've chosen the right facial wash for yourself, consider adding the appropriate toner, moisturizer, and serum for the best results!
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Cetaphil|Gentle Skin Cleanser
No. 2: Oxecure|Acne Clear Facial Cleanser
No. 3: Neutrogena|Deep Clean Acne Foaming Cleanser
No. 4: Klued|2% Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser
No. 5: COSRX|Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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