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  • 10 Best Face Washes for Men in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist 1
  • 10 Best Face Washes for Men in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist 2
  • 10 Best Face Washes for Men in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist 3
  • 10 Best Face Washes for Men in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist 4
  • 10 Best Face Washes for Men in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist 5

10 Best Face Washes for Men in India 2021 - Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist

Our faces deserve extra care not only because it is the source of our confidence and well-being, but also for the softer and more sensitive skin. We should be careful about the products we choose to use on our face, and that applies to the face wash we use too.

Face washes are gentler on the skin than soaps and body washes. Also, you can buy face washes depending on your skin type too, whether you have oily, dry, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. Let's go through some factors you should consider before buying a face wash, and then we will recommend the ten best products on the market. This article is medically reviewed by an expert in the field of dermatology, Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik. 

Last updated 23/03/2023
Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Expert
Dermatologist
Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik pursued her Ph.D. in the field of dermatology and is currently working as a research associate in the dermatology lab at PGIMER.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Face Wash for Men in India - Buying Guide

Let's go through some factors that you must consider before buying a face wash. We will talk about the benefits of certain ingredients and some you need to be careful about so that you can be assured that you are using only the best for your healthy skin.

① Ingredients to Look for in a Face Wash

Ingredients to Look for in a Face Wash

Not all face washes use the same ingredients in it. Depending on the skin type it is made for and the benefits a particular face wash claims to have the ingredients list changes. For example, face washes that contain hyaluronic acid and natural oils help people struggling with dry skin. Of course, these are the special ingredients in a face wash. Some base ingredients are present in almost all face washes.


Do you have very dry skin? Or have you lost the moisture? If so, look for petrolatum, lanolin, and ceramides, which are emollients that help in reducing the loss of skin's moisture. Ingredients like citric acid, alpha hydroxy acid, and other fruit acids are exfoliants that remove dead skin cells and make your skin look shinier and brighter.


These ingredients go to the extremes of doing their jobs, meaning emollients don't make your skin too oily, neither do they dry out nor make the skin flaky. So, you don't have to worry if you find these in your face wash.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Washing your face is one of the most important steps towards skincare. For this, we need to understand our skin type, whether it is dry or oily and acne-prone. The common ingredient in face wash includes salicylic acid. It is especially good for oily skin. 


It unclogs the pores, reduces excess oil production, and gives you acne-free skin. Retinal is another ingredient that builds collagen, reduces fine lines, and improves skin texture. Ceramides are good for retaining skin moisture. Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant to prevent premature aging.

② Select a Face Wash Based on Your Skin Type

Now we know that ingredients in a face wash depend on the skin type or the skin problem we are trying to tackle. First, let's take a look at face washes explicitly made for dry or oily skin.

Foaming Face Washes Help With Oily Skin

Foaming Face Washes Help With Oily Skin

Yes, all face washes foam. But what's so special about foaming face washes? The lather or foam created while you use a face wash is the result of an ingredient that falls under a category called surfactants.

The most commonly used surfactants in face washes are sodium lauryl sulfate and ammonium lauryl sulfate. In foaming face washes, the amount of these ingredients is much higher than that present in other types of face washes, giving you that creamy lather while cleaning.

People with oily skin produce excessive oil, and when dust and dirt combine with them, it makes your skin look dirty and dull. It also clogs pores causing acne. Foaming facial cleansers dissolve dirt and oil present on your skin and washes them off completely. But be careful with foaming cleansers, as using it too much can constantly strip your skin of natural oils, making it extremely dry.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Foaming face washes are recommended for oily skin as they help to clear oil from the skin. Most foamy face washes contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which helps strip the oils out of your skin. Moreover, their rich foam gently removes dirt from the skin without drying your skin. The foaming face wash also provides gentle exfoliation to the skin.

Humectants and Natural Oils Moisturize Dry and Flaky Skin

Humectants and Natural Oils Moisturize Dry and Flaky Skin

If you have dry skin, you know how tough face washes can be on your skin since the prime function of a face wash is to wash off all the dirt and extra oil off your skin. But don't worry about that, as there are face washes made specifically for dry skin types. 


These face washes will have lesser surfactants and more humectants and natural oils to leave your skin moisturized even after washing. A commonly used humectant is glycerin, which is also called a skin-identical ingredient, as glycerin is naturally present in the skin. Another popular humectant is hyaluronic acid, which is also a skin-identical ingredient.

Face washes for dry skin also contain emollients, which are substances that form a protective barrier on top of the skin layer. To realize how gentle and effective emollients are — these are present in medications and skin washes recommended especially for people with eczema, psoriasis, and skin rashes.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Humectants are mostly low molecular substances with water-attracting properties into the stratum corneum, the most superficial layer of skin. They are used along with substances like glycerol and propylene glycol. So these substances are beneficial in moisturising dry and flaky skin. 


Natural oils like almond oil, coconut oil, jojoba, or olive oils help eliminate irritation from acne or rosacea and dry, flaky skin. These oils are full of fatty acids, which act as a barrier to the skin, keeping moisture locked in. Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties too.

③ Deep Cleansing Agents Clear up Acne-Prone Skin

Deep Cleansing Agents Clear up Acne-Prone Skin

Face washes for acne-prone skin commonly contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids, and sulfur. All these substances are known for killing the bacteria that cause acne and clearing dead skin cells from the skin surface. 


There might be a mild stinging when using face washes containing these ingredients, but don't worry as it won't harm your skin. There are products in the market that have natural ingredients like neem extract and tea tree oil that kills acne-causing bacteria, and aloe vera content for soothing inflamed skin.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Deep cleansing agents containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid penetrates to the deeper layer of skin and removes dirt, sweat, and skin lipids (excessive) without causing irritation and dryness. Ideal cleansers for acne-prone skin should be non-comedogenic and non-allergenic. Various varieties of cleansers are available for acne skin ranging from lipid-free cleansers, sunsets, and exfoliants.

④ Paraben-Free and Fragrance-Free Works Best for Sensitive Skin

Paraben-Free and Fragrance-Free Works Best for Sensitive Skin

Alcohols present in face washes dehydrate the skin by causing the moisture to evaporate quickly and breaking down the lipids on the skin's top layer, which can be an unpleasant side effect, especially for people with dry skin.

Fragrances are present in almost all cosmetic products. It makes the products pleasing to use, but the chemicals used for this purpose can irritate the skin. If your face wash uses extra fragrance, it will be mentioned in the ingredients list as "parfum" or "fragrance", and people allergic to these should be extra careful and pay close attention to the ingredients list.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Many face washes may contain paraben as they prolong the integrity and shelf life of the products. These include methyl, propyl, and butylparaben. These also act as preservatives, but they are known to cause redness and irritation in patients with sensitive skin. So these should be avoided in patients with sensitive skin. Similarly, some products of fragrances can cause allergic reactions and can lead to redness and itchy skin. 

⑤ Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid Gives You a Younger Looking Skin

Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid Gives You a Younger Looking Skin

The anti-aging trend has always been in the cosmetic market, and companies have released several creams and lotions that claim to give anti-aging effects. But do you know that there are anti-aging face washes too? Yes, the ingredients present in those creams and lotions are present in low levels in these face washes.

A commonly found anti-aging ingredient in face washes is Vitamin C. It works as an antioxidant that fights free radicals to keep your skin look younger. As we age, the collagen content of our skin reduces, resulting in wrinkles and fine lines. 


Do you know that moisturizing is also a key factor in keeping your skin young? Along with ingredients that boost skin's collagen production, look for moisturizing substances like coconut oil, olive oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Both glycolic and salicylic acid are secrets to glowing skin. Glycolic acid is suitable for all skin types, whereas salicylic acid is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin


Both of these help in the exfoliation of the skin, which is further helpful in freckles, hyperpigmentation such as melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Moreover, they promote collagen production and lighten the fine lines of the face giving younger and glowing skin.

⑥ Watch Out for These Ingredients

Watch Out for These Ingredients

Whenever you buy a face wash or if the face wash you bought is giving you skin irritation, check the ingredients for chemicals we are going to share with you. Remember, these are known to cause varying levels of reaction on people's skin, but if you are not facing one, don't think that you are immune to them. 


Long-term use of face washes containing these chemicals can damage your skin because cosmetic companies don't mention the amount behind the package. The constituents may be listed as "ingredients", "base ingredients", "preservatives", or "colors". 


Alcohol, disodium EDTA, propylene glycol, propanediol, methylisothiazolinone, o-cymen-5-ol, and more act as skin penetrators for the chemicals to reach deeper layers of the skin, causing skin irritation and inflammation. Parabens have a bad reputation for being carcinogenic. If you find propyl paraben, methyl paraben, or ethyl paraben in your face wash's ingredients list, stay away from it.

Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik
Dermatologist Dr. Hitaishi Kaushik

Face wash containing alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid should be preferred as suitable for all skin types. For people with oily acne-prone skin, face washes must contain salicylic acid as it acts against propionibacterium (acne-causing bacteria) and prevents sebum production. Paraben and fragrance-containing face wash to be avoided, especially in patients with sensitive skin.

10 Best Face Washes for Men in India

We researched carefully to create a list of ten face washes ideal for male skin. The recommendations are put in front of you after considering the company claims and peoples' review after using them. Read through to find out the best face wash for your skin type.
Products
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Click to purchase
Points
1

WOW

Brightening Vitamin C Foaming Face Wash

WOW  Brightening Vitamin C Foaming Face Wash 1枚目

Foaming Face Wash With Vitamin C for Skin Brightening

2

Cheryl's Cosmeceuticals

SensiWash

Cheryl's Cosmeceuticals SensiWash 1枚目

Foaming Face Wash With Anti-Inflammatory Properties

3

WOW Skin Science

Aloe Vera Hydrating Face Wash

WOW Skin Science Aloe Vera Hydrating Face Wash 1枚目

Hyaluronic Acid to Moisturize Your Skin

4

Biotique

Bio Honey Gel

Biotique Bio Honey Gel 1枚目

A Soap-Free Foaming Face Wash

5

UrbanBotanics®

Tea Tree, Basil & Neem Face Wash

UrbanBotanics® Tea Tree, Basil & Neem Face Wash 1枚目

All Natural Face Wash for Oily Skin

6

Good Vibes

Wine Anti Ageing Face Wash

Good Vibes  Wine Anti Ageing Face Wash  1枚目

Enriched With Wine for Younger-Looking Skin

7

Aroma Magic

Activated Bamboo Charcoal Face Wash

Aroma Magic Activated Bamboo Charcoal Face Wash 1枚目

Pull Out the Dead Skin Cells for Acne-Free Skin

8

Professional O3+

Lightening & Calming Facewash

Professional O3+  Lightening & Calming Facewash 1枚目

Filled With Natural Extracts That Soothes Sensitive Skin

9

Ustraa

Face Wash

Ustraa Face Wash 1枚目

Sustained Cooling Effect for Normal and Dry Skin

10

Dr Batra's

Fairness Face Wash

Dr Batra's Fairness Face Wash 1枚目

Saffron and Echinacea Extracts Improves Fairness

Product details
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No.1

WOW Brightening Vitamin C Foaming Face Wash

₹359.00

Foaming Face Wash With Vitamin C for Skin Brightening

This product comes with a built-in brush for lathering all the excellent ingredients deep into the skin layers. The brush acts as a scrub for removing the dead skin cells to reveal the glowing young skin beneath. The skin brightening quality of this face wash comes from vitamin C, mulberry, and licorice extracts present in it.

The vitamin C content comes from the lemon and orange essential oils present in it, making this face wash a powerful free-radical fighter for younger-looking skin. Along with the brightening qualities, this foaming face wash also provides moisturizing, which is beneficial for supporting the collagen structure of the skin.


WOW Science's Vitamin C foaming face wash is dermatologically tested to work on all skin types and is free from sulfates, parabens, silicones, and added colors.

No.2

Cheryl's CosmeceuticalsSensiWash

₹265.00

Foaming Face Wash With Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cheryl's Cosmeceuticals Sensiwash Face Wash is a brilliant product with bisabolol, portulaca extract, niacinamide, alpha-lipoic acid, phragmites kharka, and poria cocos. People with oily and sensitive skin will find this face wash soothing on their skin. The alpha-lipoic acid content in this face wash gives you an anti-aging effect by fighting free radicals that cause wrinkles and fine lines.

People with sensitive skin normally find themselves unable to use skin care products, which makes their skin dull overtime. The benefits of the ingredients of this face wash are remarkable. Niacinamide helps build keratin, which is known to keep your skin firm, and it also treats hyperpigmentation


Porio Cocus extracts detoxify your skin and regulate sebum production. It also shrinks enlarged pores on your skin, keeping acne flare-ups at bay.

No.3

WOW Skin ScienceAloe Vera Hydrating Face Wash

₹215.00

Hyaluronic Acid to Moisturize Your Skin

People usually stay away from face washes because of the fear of them stripping their skin of the natural oils. WOW Skin Science's Aloe Vera Hydrating Face Wash has the juice of the popular aloe vera plant in it, along with Hyaluronic acid and Pro-Vitamin B5


The aloe vera present in this face wash also has anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for people with pimples or acne. There are no skin bleaching agents present in this face wash for brightening your skin, but this face wash will definitely leave your skin clear and brightened, and that is the goodness of Pro-Vitamin B5 present in it.

WOW Skin Science's Aloe Vera Hydrating Face Wash is free from parabens, sulfates, and color, making it a healthy choice for all skin types.

No.4

BiotiqueBio Honey Gel

₹116.00

A Soap-Free Foaming Face Wash

This face wash comes packed with many ingredients known for its skin rejuvenating properties in Ayurveda. Honey is popular for its healing and soothing effects on the skin. Along with these, honey also contains sugars that can brighten skin complexion when applied topically.

Biotique Bio Honey is a gel-based foaming face wash free from any additives like soap that can be harsh on your skin. The pure honey present in this face wash, along with extracts of the bark of the arjun tree, euphorbia plant, and wild turmeric, makes this an amazing product with skin lightening benefits too. 


The presence of vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5, and B3 and trace amounts of zinc, iodine, and copper gives this face wash antimicrobial properties, which benefits people with acne and skin rashes too.

No.5

UrbanBotanics®Tea Tree, Basil & Neem Face Wash

₹259.00

All Natural Face Wash for Oily Skin

Tea Tree, Basil, and Neem are known for their antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Urban Botanics' Tea Tree, Basil & Neem Face Wash works by gently cleansing your skin off excess oil, but not too harshly to make it go dry. 


People with sensitive skin too can try this face wash, as it is 100% natural with no sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or artificial colors. The natural ingredients in this face wash stimulate, refresh, and healthily rejuvenates your skin.

No.6

Good Vibes Wine Anti Ageing Face Wash

₹140.00

Enriched With Wine for Younger-Looking Skin

Wine is rich in antioxidants that help fight signs of aging. If you cannot drink wine daily, you can use this face wash enriched with the goodness of wine to fight free radicals that cause aging. Good Vibes Wine Anti Ageing Face Wash cleanses your skin gently and deeply and makes your skin firm and supple by delaying signs of premature aging.

Topical antioxidants work wonders for people struggling with fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet. Enriching the goodness of wine in a face wash removes the need for adding extra fragrance and makes it refreshing to use too. If you are looking for a paraben-free face wash, go for this one as the gentle cleansing will make your skin younger and refreshed.

No.7

Aroma MagicActivated Bamboo Charcoal Face Wash

₹136.00

Pull Out the Dead Skin Cells for Acne-Free Skin

Activated Charcoal is popular in the cosmetics world for its ability to draw toxins out of the skin. After a busy day outside, all the dirt, dust, and dead skin cells combine with the sebum produced by the skin and clogs the pores, which will lead to acne and also make your skin look dull and lifeless. 

Aroma Magic's bamboo activated bamboo charcoal face wash helps clean up all the impurities deeply embedded in your skin, thus preventing acne and blackheads. This face wash is suitable for all skin types and is free from harmful preservatives and colors, making this suitable for all skin types.

No.8

Professional O3+ Lightening & Calming Facewash

₹385.00

Filled With Natural Extracts That Soothes Sensitive Skin

It is the perfect face wash for people with sensitive skin. It also increases your skin's tolerance to environmental pressures like dirt, dust, and sunlight. The natural extracts present in this face wash like aloe vera, chamomile, licorice, lemon peel, and orange peel will prepare your sensitive skin for its daily battle against several environmental factors by improving your skin's epidermal balance.

But be careful about the other ingredients in this face wash. If your skin is sensitive to sodium laureth sulfate, a surfactant, and ingredients added for fragrance, you should stay away from this product. Professional O3+ Lightening & Calming Face wash is free from parabens and other harmful preservatives that can damage your skin.

No.9

UstraaFace Wash

₹199.00

Sustained Cooling Effect for Normal and Dry Skin

People with dry skin constantly feel itchiness on their skin. The pine bark extract present in Ustraa Face Wash reduces that itching sensation, while the peppermint extract gives a sustained cooling effect on your skin. 

But certain ingredients in this face wash may make it unsuitable for people with sensitive skin or if these are known to cause an allergic reaction for you. There is dehydrogenated castor oil present in this face wash that may cause skin irritation in some people.

No.10

Dr Batra'sFairness Face Wash

₹265.00

Saffron and Echinacea Extracts Improves Fairness

Dr Batra's products have always been preferred by many cosmetic users in India as they market their products as "designed by dermatologists". This face wash from Dr Batra's claims to improve your skin tone by deep cleansing your skin's pores and using ingredients such as saffron and echinacea extracts, known for their skin lightening benefits in Ayurveda.

Even though the product pack contains "designed by dermatologists" written on it, there are certain ingredients that may cause adverse reactions in some people. Lastly, if you have a history of allergic reactions to hydrogenated castor oil, it's wise not to consider this product for your daily use.

Level-Up With More Skin Care Products

Summary

There are many face washes available in the market for you to choose from which have organic ingredients in them. We should be careful about the choices we make, as excessive use of any product may cause adverse reactions on our skin, maybe not immediately but gradually.


But it is always better to be on the safe side than take any chances. If you have already figured out the substances that cause reactions on your skin, make sure to take a look at the ingredients list before purchasing a product rather than selecting them based on the claims made by the company.


Author - Arun F Xaviour

Top 5 Face Wash for Men

No. 1WOW Brightening Vitamin C Foaming Face Wash

No. 2Cheryl's CosmeceuticalsSensiWash

No. 3WOW Skin ScienceAloe Vera Hydrating Face Wash

No. 4BiotiqueBio Honey Gel

No. 5UrbanBotanics®Tea Tree, Basil & Neem Face Wash

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The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.

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