This article written jointly by Mantic59 and Otto Wright
As someone who values a well-groomed appearance, you know how important it is to have a reliable facial cleanser in your wet shaving routine. A good face wash not only cleanses the skin but also prepares it for shaving, helping to prevent irritation and ensuring a smooth finish. We spent the past six months (and over US $100) to test facial cleansers (without exfoliating properties) on their own and particularly in preparation for shaving. In this article, we will share our top picks for facial cleansers that can elevate your shaving routine and enhance your skin’s health.
Top Picks
[Amazon links (amzn.to and lvnta.com) are provided for convenience (and may be affiliate) but you should be able to find many of these products locally. OneBlade links are affiliate.]
Here are our top picks. Full information including background information and ratings, follow.
- + Best Overall: Brickell Men’s Redefining Anti-Aging Face Wash – $30.00
- + Best Value: Cetaphil Face Wash Daily Facial Cleanser – $12.92
- + Best for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser – $12.88
- + Best for Oily Skin: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser – $13.93
- + Best for Dry Skin: NIVEA MEN Maximum Hydration Moisturizing Face Wash – $6.57
- + Best Unscented Option: DOVE MEN + CARE Face Wash Hydrate Plus – $4.79
- + Best 2-in-1 Cleanser And Toner: Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser And Toner – $35.00
- + Best Cleanser Specifically For Shaving: OneBlade Cleanse Foaming Facial Shaving Cleanser $25.00
Selection Criteria
When selecting the best facial cleansers for your shaving routine, we considered several factors including effectiveness, skin type compatibility, ingredient quality, and overall user satisfaction. Each product listed here has been chosen based on its ability to cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, making it suitable for daily use and prior to shaving.
Best Overall: Brickell Men’s Redefining Anti-Aging Face Wash
- Current Price: $30.00 ($7.50/oz)
- Amazon rating: 4.9 (Total: 651+ with a 99% positive sentiment. Fakespot grade: C with about 30% of the ratings suspect.)
Why You’ll Love It
- Deep cleans without drying out skin
- Contains natural and organic ingredients
- Helps reduce signs of aging
- Gentle formula suitable for sensitive skin
This face wash quickly became the favorite product tested. It’s a foaming gel that not only cleanses but also firms and plumps the skin, helping to reduce those pesky signs of aging. It’s made from natural and organic ingredients, making it a great choice for anyone looking to select their skincare without harsh chemicals. This face wash leaves the skin feeling clean and revitalized. It has a subtle scent that’s refreshing but not overpowering.
The initial price is high but a little goes a long way. The concentrated formula means you’ll use less product per wash, making it last longer than you might expect.
Pros:
- Effective cleansing without dryness
- Natural and organic formulation
- Pleasant scent
- Good for all skin types
Cons:
- Expensive
What Others Say
Users write about how effective this face wash is at cleaning without stripping moisture. Many appreciate the natural ingredients and the subtle scent.
“I’ve been using Brickell Products for a few years, and this Anti-Aging face wash is a great addition to my face routine. After using this product daily, I can say that this is certainly not the case. The fine lines around my eyes and forehead remained just as faint as they are with a full routine. The 4oz bottle is adequate as you only need a small amount to produce a nice foaming scrub. It feels gentle and doesn’t dry out or strip the skin, which is perfect for my sensitive skin.” – DaveK15
“I’ve been using the Brickell Men’s Redefining Anti-Aging Face Wash for a few weeks now, and I’m thoroughly impressed with the results. The gentle formula works wonders, removing impurities without leaving my face feeling dry or tight. I appreciate that it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, making it suitable for my sensitive skin. The natural ingredients, like aloe and green tea, seem to really help in revitalizing my complexion.” – Enrique
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
- Current Price: $11.92 ($0.75/oz)
- Amazon rating: 4.7 (Total: 8400+ with a 92% positive sentiment. Fakespot grade: B with about 20% of the ratings suspect.)
Why You’ll Love It
- Gentle yet effective cleansing
- Soap-free and hypoallergenic formula
- Balances skin without drying
- Ideal for sensitive and combination to oily skin
This gentle foaming cleanser is good for sensitive and combination to oily skin types, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to elevate their skincare routine. It effectively removes dirt, excess oils, and impurities without leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Plus, it has a light, pleasant scent that makes the experience feel a bit luxurious without being overpowering.
The 16 oz size is a great value, as a little goes a long way. You won’t need to repurchase often.
Pros:
- Effective at removing dirt and oil
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Convenient pump packaging
- Long-lasting formula
Cons:
- Some may prefer a more exfoliating cleanser
What Others Say
Users consistently praise this cleanser for its gentle formula that effectively cleanses without irritation. Many appreciate its ability to balance their skin, making it a favorite for those with sensitive or combination skin.
“I’ve been using Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Cleanser for several months now, and it has become a staple in my skincare routine. It’s gentle yet effective, removing dirt and oil without stripping my skin. I appreciate that it’s soap-free and hypoallergenic, making it perfect for my sensitive skin. The foaming action is nice, and it rinses off easily, leaving my face feeling clean and refreshed.” – LylaMae
“This cleanser is a game changer for my skin. It cleanses thoroughly without causing dryness or irritation. I have combination skin, and this product balances my skin perfectly. The pump bottle is convenient, and I love that it lasts a long time. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a reliable daily cleanser.” – Mel&Rick
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Current Price: $12.88 ($0.97/oz)
- Amazon rating: 4.7 (Total: 103,152+ with a 92% positive sentiment. Fakespot grade: B with under 20% of the ratings suspect.)
Why You’ll Love It
- Hydrates while cleansing
- Restores the skin barrier
- Fragrance-free and non-irritating
- Gentle enough for daily use
This gentle, moisturizing face wash is good for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and essential ceramides, which help to hydrate and restore the skin’s natural barrier. Use it both in the morning to refresh the face and at night to wash away the day’s grime without feeling stripped or tight. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it a great choice for those who are sensitive to scents.
Pros:
- Effective at removing dirt and makeup
- Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated
- Non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin
- Large size offers great value
Cons:
- May not be strong enough for heavy grime or makeup removal
What Others Say
Users like how this cleanser hydrates their skin without leaving it feeling dry or tight. Many appreciate its gentle formula, making it a favorite for those with sensitive or dry skin types.
“I’m pretty lazy when it comes to facial care. I don’t wear any makeup and often forget any routines for washing my face. Since purchasing this I use it every day if not twice a day! It instantly has my face feeling so soft and hydrated. My skin has always been pretty good, but also prone to getting very dry and this instantly fixed that. I definitely noticed a change since day 1 of using this product on how my face feels and looks so much better.” – Meagan
“I’m beginning a new skincare routine after years of neglect, and I’m really happy that I did my research. I was worried that at such a low price point, I might have made a mistake with my super sensitive, dry skin: but I was totally wrong! I’ve been using this product for about a week now, and I’ve noticed that it leaves my skin super soft, cleansed, and it causes absolutely no irritation.” – Danielle Lynn
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Current Price: $13.93 ($0.97/oz)
Amazon rating: 4.7 (Total: 93,671+ with a 94% positive sentiment. Fakespot grade: C with about 33% of the ratings suspect.)
Why You’ll Love It
- Gently cleanses without stripping moisture
- Helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- Ideal for daily use on oily skin
This daily face wash is specially formulated for oily skin, and it features a blend of hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide. It removes dirt and oil without leaving skin feeling tight or dry. It’s perfect for both morning refreshment and evening cleansing, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Plus, being fragrance-free means it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin.
With its generous 16 oz size, this cleanser lasts a long time, making it a cost-effective choice for anyone looking to maintain a consistent skincare routine without frequent repurchases.
Pros:
- Effective at removing dirt and makeup
- Leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed
- Non-irritating and suitable for daily use
- Large size offers great value
Cons:
- Some users may prefer a thicker foam
What Others Say
Users appreciate how this cleanser effectively removes excess oil and impurities while keeping the skin hydrated. Many have noted its gentle formula, making it a favorite among those with oily or sensitive skin.
“I’ve been using the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for a long time, and it’s been a game-changer for my skin. It was recommended by my dermatologist, and I can see why – it’s gentle yet effective, and it keeps my skin feeling fresh and balanced. This cleanser works perfectly for my oily skin, removing excess oil and dirt without leaving my face dry or tight.” – Not Really My Taste
“I have quite oily and sensitive skin, especially on my face. I was looking for something to help with the oil production and this is my first facial cleanser. I’ve used this a few times this week and I’m rather amazed. It leaves my face free of excess oil but does not dry it out. The result is a very clean and healthy feeling.” – Kyle Oberholtzer
Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser And Toner
- Current Price: $35.00 ($2.19/oz)
- Amazon rating: 4.7 (Total: 4,811+ with a 93% positive sentiment. Fakespot grade: A with under 10% of the ratings suspect.)
Why You’ll Love It
- 2-in-1 cleanser and toner
- Gently cleanses without over-drying
- Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Natural ingredients for a refreshing experience
The Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser became a favorite in Otto Wright’s skincare lineup. This 2-in-1 cleanser and toner is good for daily use, effortlessly removing dirt and oil while leaving the skin feeling fresh and hydrated. It doesn’t strip skin of moisture, making it ideal for both morning routine and evening wind-down. Plus, the subtle, refreshing scent adds a nice touch.
With its generous 16 oz size, this cleanser lasts a long time and does double duty, making it a more cost-effective choice for the price for anyone looking to maintain a consistent skincare routine.
Pros:
- Effective at removing dirt and oil
- Leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed
- Non-irritating and suitable for daily use
- Pleasant scent enhances the cleansing experience
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some may prefer a more exfoliating cleanser
What Others Say
Users like how this cleanser effectively removes impurities while keeping the skin hydrated. Many appreciate its gentle formula, making it a go-to for those with sensitive or oily skin.
“Incredible Freshness: This face wash leaves my skin feeling incredibly fresh and clean without any residue. The perfect start to my day! Gentle on Skin: Despite having sensitive skin, I haven’t experienced any irritation or dryness. It’s gentle yet effective, which is a huge plus.” – Potato
“Foams up well and has a pleasant spa-like scent. It cleans my face pretty well, and I will definitely continue using it. Would buy again.” – Scott Arndt
NIVEA MEN Maximum Hydration Moisturizing Face Wash
Current Price: $6.57 ($1.25/oz)
Amazon rating: 4.6 (Total: 10,380+ with a 92% positive sentiment. Fakespot grade: A with under 10% of the ratings suspect.)
Why You’ll Love It
- Hydrates while cleansing
- Helps prevent tight, dry skin
- Soothes with Aloe Vera
- Dermatologically tested for skin compatibility
This face wash is specifically designed for men’s skin, and it really delivers on its promise to cleanse while keeping skin hydrated. The soothing Aloe Vera and Provitamin B5 works well, leaving skin feeling fresh and moisturized without that tight, dry feeling that some cleansers can leave behind. If you’re looking for an inexpensive but reliable face wash that hydrates while it cleans, this one is definitely worth considering.
Pros:
- Gentle and effective for daily use
- Hydrating without leaving skin tight
- Affordable and long-lasting
- Pleasant, mild fragrance
Cons:
- Some may prefer a foaming texture
What People Say
Users like how this face wash leaves their skin feeling clean and hydrated without irritation. Many have made it a must-have in their skincare routine, especially those with dry or sensitive skin, due to its wide availability.
“I have been using a more expensive men’s moisturizing face wash for years. I was in need and wasn’t finding my product available without really paying up. I bought this with the “I hope this works, if not I’ll toss it. It’s pretty inexpensive, no worry.” attitude. I was immediately impressed with the feel both when washing and after cleanse. This product rinses easily and leaves my face fresh and moisturized with a smooth tightness. It gives you a very clean feeling. I can recommend this.” – S. Scheibel
“This is the best cream I’ve found for my very oily skin. It has worked wonders for my face and is by far the best face wash on the market, especially for controlling excess oil.” – Fady
DOVE MEN + CARE Face Wash Hydrate Plus
Current Price: $4.79 ($0.91/oz)
Amazon rating: 4.6 (Total: 5,449+ with a 91% positive sentiment. Fakespot grade: B with under 20% of the ratings suspect.)
Why You’ll Appreciate It
- Hydrates while cleansing
- Prevents dry skin
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Rinses off easily
Mantic59 tried this face wash a few years ago and wasn’t particularly impressed but the formula has apparently changed since then and seems to perform noticeably better now. It is designed specifically for men, and it does an excellent job of cleansing while keeping skin hydrated. The unscented formula is good for those of us who prefer a more subtle approach, and it leaves skin feeling fresh and moisturized without any dryness. You can use it in the morning and at night. If you’re looking for a reliable face wash that hydrates while it cleans, this one is definitely worth a try.
With its 5 oz size, this face wash is a good deal for anyone looking to maintain a consistent skincare routine. It lasts quite a while, making it a cost-effective choice.
Pros:
- Gentle and effective for daily use
- Hydrating without leaving skin tight
- Affordable and long-lasting
- Unscented option available
Cons:
- Some may prefer a foaming texture
What People Say
Users like how this face wash leaves their skin feeling clean and hydrated without irritation. Many have made it a staple in their skincare routine, especially those with dry or sensitive skin.
“I like that it does a great job of cleaning the skin, cleans and moisturizes, and has a nice scent.” – Mark S. Koehler
“Good results. Pleasant scent. Silky.” – Harold
Best Cleanser Specifically For Shaving: OneBlade Cleanse Foaming Facial Shaving Cleanser
This product is designed specifically for use before shaving. Mantic59 used this cleanser for quite a while and likes it. Otto thought it might be a bit too gentle for his oily skin but he still likes it. It uses natural oils and extracts that clean and nourish your skin at the same time.
Current Price: $25 ($3.57/oz)
Why You’ll Like It
- Loads your skin up with the vitamin A, C and E
- Mild scent
- Convenient foaming pump bottle
Pros:
- Specifically for use before shaving
- Good for all skin types
- Very gentle on skin
Cons:
- May be too gentle for those with very oily skin.
What People Say
“The facial cleanser works great, my face feels very clean and refreshed each time I wash my face, thank you.” – Edwin
“Very pleased, Doesnt strip away too much but gets you clean and nice prep for shaving” – Andrew F
FAQ
What should I consider when choosing a facial cleanser for my shaving routine?
When selecting a facial cleanser for your shaving routine, we recommend considering your skin type first. If you have oily skin, look for a foaming cleanser that helps control excess oil, like the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. For dry or sensitive skin, a hydrating cleanser such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser could be ideal. Additionally, we find it helpful to choose products that are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic to avoid irritation and breakouts. Lastly, consider the ingredients; products with hyaluronic acid or ceramides can help maintain moisture while cleansing.
How do I properly use a facial cleanser to enhance my shaving experience?
To maximize the benefits of your facial cleanser before shaving, we suggest starting with warm water to start hydrating the skin. Apply a small amount of the cleanser to your damp face and gently massage it in circular motions for about 30 seconds. This not only cleanses but also prepares your skin for shaving by softening facial hair. After rinsing, pat your face dry with a clean towel. Following up with a pre-shave oil or moisturizer can further enhance the shaving experience, leaving skin smooth and hydrated.
Can using a facial cleanser help with post-shave irritation?
Absolutely! Using a gentle facial cleanser can significantly help with post-shave irritation. After shaving, you can cleanse your face again to remove any leftover shaving cream and hair. This helps prevent clogged pores and reduces the risk of irritation. Use a soothing cleanser like the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, which is designed to be gentle on the skin. Additionally, following up with a calming aftershave balm or moisturizer can further soothe any irritation and keep skin hydrated.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, refreshing your shaving routine with the right facial cleanser can significantly enhance your skincare regimen. By choosing any of the products mentioned above, you can ensure that your skin remains clean, hydrated, and ready for a smooth shave. We encourage you to explore these options and find the one that best suits your skin type and personal preferences.
