10 Best Men's Face Washes for Acne in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
Have you struggled with acne? Then you know the fight for clear skin is endless! Acne can appear out of nowhere and can leave behind scars as well. However, by using a face wash containing strong acne-fighting agents such as salicylic acid, retinol, or benzoyl peroxide, you'll be able to get rid of impurities, unclog your pores, and say goodbye to stubborn acne. Many products also contain antioxidants and moisturizers to help restore your skin and soften the appearance of acne scars.
We searched the internet to find the best men's face washes for acne and chose our favorite 10. Our best overall men's face wash is No. 122 Men's Facial Scrub by Marlowe. M. Blend. It's suitable for all skin types and leaves your skin feeling smoother and more moisturized. Its exfoliating properties also make it the perfect preparation for shaving. Also, make sure to check out the buying guide for some great tips and commentary from a certified dermatologist!
Quick List - Top Men's Face Washes for Acne
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust Us
- How to Choose a Men's Face Wash for Acne - Buying Guide
- Choose Ingredients That Can Treat Your Type of Acne1
- Fade Acne Scars and Prevent Breakouts With Antioxidants2
- Look for Moisturizers to Prevent Dryness and Soothe Your Acne3
- Say Bye to Pore-Clogging Ingredients4
- Opt for a Product Labeled "Oil-Free" or "Non-Comedogenic"5
- 10 Best Men's Face Washes for Acne
- No. 1MARLOWE. M BLEND | No. 122 Men's Facial Scrub
- No. 2La Roche-Posay | Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream
- No. 3The INKEY List | Deep Cleansing Face Wash
- No. 4Brickell Men's Products | Purifying Charcoal Face Wash
- No. 5Neutrogena | Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser
- 5 more products
- Extra Skincare Tips from Dr. Levy
- Prevent and Treat Acne With These Other Great Products
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
How to Choose a Men's Face Wash for Acne - Buying Guide
The right face wash for men with acne should be packed with ingredients that don't clog pores and can regulate your sebum production. So pay attention to the ingredient list carefully when choosing! To know what ingredients are good for your skin, take a look at this buying guide.
Choose Ingredients That Can Treat Your Type of Acne
There are a plethora of ingredients that can effectively drive away acne, but you should choose those that work the best for your type of acne!
Salicylic Acid, AHAs, and Topical Retinoids are Ideal for Non-Inflammatory Acne
Non-inflammatory acne includes blackheads and whiteheads. They are actually the mildest types of acne and generally won't cause swelling or pain. To treat non-inflammatory acne, you can opt for face washes containing salicylic acid.
This acid has amazing exfoliating power and can slough off dead skin cells that trigger blackheads and whiteheads. It can also prevent breakouts and is pretty gentle on the skin.
You might also want to consider alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) including lactic acid, mandelic acid, and glycolic acid. They can dry out non-inflammatory acne and give your skin a deep clean. However, AHAs might be quite drying and can cause redness or irritation for some people. They can make your skin susceptible to UV rays as well.
Topical retinoids are another great option to break down non-inflammatory acne. They can effectively unblock your pores and eliminate skin cells. At the same time, retinoids accelerate skin cell turnover and blur acne scars, giving your skin a much cleaner, healthier look!
Salicylic acid washes are great for removing excess oil, unclogging pores, and clearing up blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid can be drying when left on the skin, so using it as a wash is a great option if you have dry skin and acne.
Topical retinol or prescription retinoids are powerful ingredients to help unclog pores and even out skin texture and tone. They also have an anti-aging benefit, so use these if you have acne and also want to help improve fine lines and wrinkles. Also, glycolic acid is a great chemical exfoliator.
Using these products in combination can lead to excessive dryness, so avoid using them all at once. Sometimes, one of these is all you need to clear up whiteheads and blackheads.
Inflammatory Acne Can Benefit from Benzoyl Peroxide and Tea Tree Oil
If you see red and swollen spots on your face, chances are that you have inflammatory acne. This type of acne happens when your pores are severely clogged with excess sebum, skin debris, or bacteria. There are many forms of inflammatory acne as well, with the most common being papules, pustules, and cysts.
It's tough to get rid of inflammatory acne, but there are various effective treatments that you can go for! Benzoyl peroxide is one of the best options out there since it can reduce swelling while removing excess sebum and bacteria from your skin. Retinoids work well for inflammatory acne as well since they can unclog your pores, prevent breakouts, and reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Tea tree oil is frequently used in acne treatment as well. It contains potent anti-inflammatory properties that can calm redness, swelling, and inflammation while removing skin debris. Plus, it's completely natural!
Benzoyl peroxide washes are great for cystic acne on the face and especially on the body. They also can be very drying, so make sure you are using a moisturizer if using these products.
Choose a higher strength benzoyl peroxide if you have acne on the chest and back, as these thicker areas can tolerate it over the thin and gentle skin of the face.
Make sure you thoroughly wash off benzoyl peroxide products as they can bleach towels. If you are using a leave-on product be aware that your sheets may become bleached.
Exfoliants Can Remove Buildup and Prevent Breakouts
If your acne is mostly caused by impurities, dirt, or buildup, you might want to use an exfoliating cleanser a couple of times per week to keep your pores clean. Some effective exfoliants include lactic acid, glycolic acid, and malic acid.
However, be aware that not all exfoliating agents are created equal nor are safe for all types of skin. While glycolic acid is extremely potent and ideal for deep congestion, it might be harsh on sensitive skin. In that case, choose milder exfoliants such as multifruit acids or jojoba beads.
If you have sensitive skin and also have a tendency to get rosacea with redness and flushing, avoid glycolic acid as an exfoliator. This acid can trigger rosacea flares and lead to painful and red skin. Exfoliation does not have to be done every day but can be added to the skincare routine one to three times a week depending on how much your skin can tolerate.
Activated Charcoal Can Detoxify Your Skin and Unblock Pores
Activated charcoal has made waves among the beauty community as an acne-fighting hero. It's highly porous and acts as a magnet to draw out skin cell gunk and excess sebum to unclog your pores. You'll have no more worries about blackheads or whiteheads! Activated charcoal can also reduce inflammation and calm inflammatory acne.
Plus, activated charcoal is the ultimate detoxification weapon! Clearing out toxins helps brighten your complexion and leave your skin feeling smooth. It can fade the appearance of acne scars as well. However, using a charcoal face wash can dry out your skin, so you might want to opt for a product with added moisturizers to counteract its drying effect.
Fade Acne Scars and Prevent Breakouts With Antioxidants
To prevent acne from happening in the future, you should look for antioxidants such as vitamin E, C, and A. Those vitamins can protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals, reduce sebum oxidation, and restore the condition of your skin.
When it comes to regulating oil production and preventing breakouts, green tea, zinc, aloe vera, and niacinamide are some other powerful options as well. With strong anti-inflammatory properties, they can effectively alleviate redness, swelling, and skin irritation.
These antioxidants can also rejuvenate your skin, improve your overall complexion, and make acne scars become much less visible.
After you have an active acne pimple, red marks or dark marks can occur, known as postinflammatory erythema or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, respectively. This can be very frustrating because the acne has cleared up, but you're still left with marks.
Using products with Vitamin C, azelaic acid, and niacinamide can help reduce the red scars and improve hyperpigmentation. For deeper acne scars, like little divots or pits in the skin, topical retinoids can help rebuild collagen and remodel the skin. If you have acne marks or scars, use a daily sunscreen to prevent the worsening of these marks.
Look for Moisturizers to Prevent Dryness and Soothe Your Acne
People often assume that drying out skin or clearing out oils will help clear acne. But, too much dryness can actually backfire and further exacerbate your acne. Your skin no longer has the appropriate level of sebum to shield you from bacteria, which can actually cause more oil!
It's important to keep your skin moisturized at all times. However, choosing a suitable moisturizer isn't easy! A lot of oil and butter-based ingredients, such as coconut oil, lanolin, and almond oil, are ultra-hydrating but can actually block your pores and cause even more breakouts.
Instead, you should look for lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers such as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. Those ingredients can help prevent moisture loss without increasing sebum levels of your skin.
There is a common myth that people with acne or oily skin shouldn't use a moisturizer. This is simply not true. Your acne treatments will dry your skin out and could leave your skin red, irritated, and flaky if you do not provide enough hydration to the skin with a moisturizer.
A gel-based moisturizer, which tends to be more lightweight, is a good option for those with oily skin. You may need to add something heavier, like a cream-based moisturizer, if using topical retinoids or AHAs.
Say Bye to Pore-Clogging Ingredients
A face wash might contain moisturizers, emollients, or harsh chemicals that can actually worsen your acne. Take a look at the ingredient list carefully and avoid all of those potentially acne-causing ingredients.
Butter and Oil-Based Ingredients are Too Heavy for Your Skin
Butter and oil-based ingredients, such as apricot kernel oil, almond oil, and avocado oil, are nutrient-rich ingredients that can keep your skin hydrated and healthy. However, they might be too rich for your skin and can actually block pores, leading to acne. So try your best to avoid those ingredients in your face wash.
Synthetic lanolin is another ingredient that you should be careful with. Lanolin is a natural oil extracted from the skin glands of sheep that's ultra-hydrating and doesn't clog pores.
However, the synthetic form of lanolin can actually be quite irritating to those with acne-prone and sensitive skin. It can trigger breakouts and worsen your acne condition as well. To prevent such cases, always choose 100% pure lanolin!
Emollients Might Lead to Breakouts
Emollients, such as petrolatum, mineral oil, isopropyl palmitate oandethylhexyl palmitateare, are frequently used in cosmetics as refatting agents to supply skin with essential fats. However, they can be a nightmare for acne-prone skin.
Although those emollients are generally safe for most people, they can be too heavy and worsen acne problems for some. So try to stay away from them if you can!
Potential Irritants That Can Trigger Irritation and Breakouts
Ingredients like alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate are often found in face wash since they contain strong cleansing properties and can wash away impurities effectively. However, they have been proven to cause breakouts if used frequently. For those with sensitive skin, these cleansing ingredients might even trigger skin irritation.
Be careful of synthetic fragrance as well! Cosmetic products, including face washes, often contain fragrance to add an enticing scent. However, synthetic fragrance might trigger breakouts and irritation, especially for sensitive skin. So if possible, opt for a fragrance-free product, or one with naturally-derived fragrance.
Coconut oil in your skincare or even in your hair care products can lead to acne outbreaks. I do not recommend using this ingredient if you are acne-prone. Coconut oil can also lead to pityrosporum folliculitis, or "fungal acne," which can be itchy and extensive and require topical or oral antifungal medications to treat.
Opt for a Product Labeled "Oil-Free" or "Non-Comedogenic"
When you're not sure which products contain ingredients that can block your pores and trigger breakouts, simply choose a product labeled "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic." Oil-based ingredients are usually pore-clogging and can trigger breakouts. So using an oil-free product will guarantee that you don't run the risk of getting any stubborn acne.
Non-comedogenic products are also formulated without any pore-clogging ingredients. By choosing one, you won't have to worry about getting breakouts. However, they're different from oil-free products!
Non-comedogenic face washes can still include oil-based ingredients like argan oil, rosehip seed oil, or hemp seed oil. However, these types of oil won't clog your pores.
10 Best Men's Face Washes for Acne
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MARLOWE. M BLEND No. 122 Men's Facial Scrub | | Best for Exfoliation for Smoother Skin | |
2 | La Roche-Posay Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream | | Best for Keeping Your Skin Moisturized | |
3 | The INKEY List Deep Cleansing Face Wash | | Best for Cleansing Pores | |
4 | Brickell Men's Products Purifying Charcoal Face Wash | | Best for Sensitive Skin | |
5 | Neutrogena Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser | | Best for Stubborn Acne | |
6 | Herbivore Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser | | Best for the Eco-Conscious | |
7 | CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser | | Best for Reducing Inflammation | |
8 | Beauty by Earth Foaming Face Wash Peppermint Tea Tree | | Best for Eliminating Toxins | |
9 | Dr Song 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Medical Acne Wash | | Best for Controlling Oil Production | |
10 | CHIC REPUBLIC All Natural Detoxifying Face Wash | | Best for Older Skin |
MARLOWE. M BLENDNo. 122 Men's Facial Scrub
Best for Exfoliation for Smoother Skin
Pros:
- Soothes irritated skin and prevents inflammation
- Keeps your skin healthy for a clean shave
- Scrubs and exfoliates skin to remove dry skin
- Suitable for oily skin types
Cons:
- May be too fragrant for some
This face cleanser is packed with restorative properties and is made from a unique blend of passionflower, green tea, willow bark, and deep-sea algae extracts. Many reviewers were satisfied with how effectively the wash exfoliated their skin and said it became smoother and more moisturized after use.
However, some noted that the product had a strong smell, so be careful if you're sensitive to scent ingredients. This product can be used every day, but it may be too strong for daily use with sensitive skin types.
La Roche-Posay Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream
Best for Keeping Your Skin Moisturized
Pros:
- Suitable for combination, oily, and acne-prone skin
- Cream develops into a rich foam
- Contains glycerin and salicylic acid
- Removes excess oil
Cons:
- Can cause breakouts on some sensitive skin types
This face wash is powered by coco-glucoside, a coconut-derived surfactant. It gently removes excess oil and impurities from your skin to unclog and tighten your pores. The wash is also infused with glycerin to supply your skin with moisture.
Most reviewers report improvements to their skin, however, some had adverse reactions to the product. You might want to check the ingredient list carefully to see if there's anything too harsh for your skin.
The INKEY ListDeep Cleansing Face Wash
Best for Cleansing Pores
Pros:
- Suitable for normal, combination, and oily skin
- Reduces and cleanses pores
- Can be used on the face and body
- Cruelty-free
Cons:
- Caused breakouts in a minority of users
This liquid-based facewash contains salicylic acid and is gentle on the skin. Reviewers say that it doesn't dry out their skin or leave it greasy and the majority say it rapidly improved their skin problems.
However, it wasn't suitable for everyone and a minority of reviewers report that the cleanser either had no effect or caused more breakouts. It's also suitable for exfoliation and can cleanse the skin effectively before shaving.
Brickell Men's ProductsPurifying Charcoal Face Wash
Best for Sensitive Skin
Pros:
- Suitable for dry, sensitive, and normal skin
- Made from natural and organic ingredients
- Cleanses pores
- Removes dead skin cells
Cons:
- Consistency is watery and non-foaming
- Scent too strong for some
This wash is infused with activated charcoal to eliminate impurities and control sebum production. It also boasts many nourishing ingredients, including aloe vera, olive oil, and jojoba oil, to neutralize the effects of free radicals and improve the look of your skin. The soothing properties of aloe vera and the gentleness of jojoba oil also make the product good for sensitive skin users.
Some reviewers disliked its watery consistency and said that the application was quite a hassle as it would run through their fingers. On the other hand, many reviewers said their acne faded away and their skin looked much clearer.
NeutrogenaRapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser
Best for Stubborn Acne
Pros:
- Soothes itching and redness
- Contains glycerin to hydrate skin
- Can reduce or clear stubborn acne
- Best for normal or oily skin
Cons:
- Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels
- May leave your skin dry
This oil-free cleanser is crafted with 10 percent benzoyl peroxide to help remove even the most stubborn acne. Many reviewers thought the product was truly a game-changer because it helped fight off all different kinds of acne, including whiteheads, blackheads, and even stubborn cysts.
However, reviewers said the product was quite potent, so you might want to apply a small amount to your face first and only use it short term. It may not be suitable for sensitive skin and we would recommend moisturizing your skin after every use.
Herbivore Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser
Best for the Eco-Conscious
Pros:
- Suitable for normal, oily, and combination skin
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Cleanses and exfoliates
- Eco-friendly packaging
Cons:
- Can dry out some skin types
- Bar doesn't last very long and can leave residue
If you want to treat your acne and blemishes without damaging the planet, this bar is a great choice. It has no plastic packaging and is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no artificial ingredients. Furthermore, it's gentle to use and the bamboo charcoal helps exfoliate and draw out impurities from the skin.
Reviewers say that the bar foams very well and is effective at reducing pores, redness, and acne. It's gentle enough to be used on the rest of the body also, although you may need to moisturize after use.
Best for Reducing Inflammation
Pros:
- Cleanses skin of various types of acne and blemishes
- Developed with dermatologists
- Cream consistency but foams when used
- Prevents skin from being dried out
Cons:
- Reviewers say it can bleach towels due to benzoyl peroxide content if you do not thoroughly wash it off
- May not be suitable for some sensitive skin types
This face wash is formulated with four percent benzoyl peroxide and it helps eliminate various kinds of acne such as pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. The formula also contains niacinamide, an ingredient that helps calm inflammation.
Some reviewers didn't like the thin, watery consistency of the product. However, many reviewers were pleased to see their acne disappear after just a few washes. Later on, they didn't really experience any breakouts either. Others also loved the gentle formula that didn't dry out or irritate their skin.
Beauty by Earth Foaming Face Wash Peppermint Tea Tree
Best for Eliminating Toxins
Pros:
- Has aloe vera to draw out toxins
- Tea tree oil acts as an anti-inflammatory and detoxifier
- Made from natural and organic ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons:
- Some ingredients can cause breakouts or dryness
- May need more product than instructed
This foaming face wash has natural ingredients such as peppermint and tea tree oils. It can eliminate toxins naturally from your skin and prevent future breakouts. Many reviewers praise the face wash for its gentle smell and effectiveness at clearing their skin.
However, for some reviewers, the face wash was quite drying and actually induced allergic reactions. Since this product is loaded with essential oils that might be irritating to some people, you should do a patch test first.
Best for Controlling Oil Production
Pros:
- Reduces redness and inflammation
- Prevents excess sebum and controls oil production
- Can be used to treat acne on the face and body
- In a convenient pump bottle
Cons:
- Can dry out some skin types
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Powered by 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, this face wash can get rid of inflammatory acne, including adult acne and cysts. The formula is paraben- and cruelty-free and has a gentle fragrance.
Some users weren't fans of this face wash, saying that the pump didn't work at all. Some found their skin became pretty dry afterward as well, so you might want to follow up with a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
CHIC REPUBLIC All Natural Detoxifying Face Wash
Best for Older Skin
Pros:
- Activated charcoal removes toxins
- Includes three types of antioxidant tea extracts
- Vitamins prevent inflammation
- Has natural and organic ingredients
Cons:
- Scent may be too strong for some
- May dry out some sensitive skin types
Worried about dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines on your face? This face wash is infused with antioxidant-rich rooibos tea, white tea, and green tea extracts to shield your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals to leave it feeling supple and healthy. The activated charcoal in the product is effective at removing acne-causing dirt from pores.
Some reviewers complained about receiving damaged bottles and that they didn't like the scent. There are also reports of the most sensitive skin become dried out. However, many who had been battling with acne issues for a while found relief with this product.
Extra Skincare Tips from Dr. Levy
Dr. Levy says, "No matter what product you choose to treat your acne, consistency is key. It takes at least six to eight weeks to notice a significant improvement, so don't give up after a few days of your new routine. Always use sun protective measures when using any of these products as you may be more likely to burn when using them."
Prevent and Treat Acne With These Other Great Products
Acne never feels nice to have. That's why you need to take care of your skin. Make sure to give it the love and care it needs, and if you need an extra helping hand, preventative and treatment products can work wonders.
Top 5 Men's Face Washes for Acne
No. 1: MARLOWE. M BLEND｜No. 122 Men's Facial Scrub
No. 2: La Roche-Posay ｜Deep Cleansing Foaming Cream
No. 3: The INKEY List｜Deep Cleansing Face Wash
No. 4: Brickell Men's Products｜Purifying Charcoal Face Wash
No. 5: Neutrogena｜Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Cleanser
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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