Buying a face wash for men may seem like a mundane task. But the back of your mind always stacks multiple questions regarding the humble tube. This stems from our need to give our skin only the best. Thankfully, the beauty space today has prompted us to check whether the ingredients mentioned on face wash packaging actually work. After all, itโs important to know what weโre putting on our skin and whether itโs delivering results. Though there is an endless list of ingredients that may be great for the skin, weโve narrowed it down to 12 ingredients you should look for in a good face wash for men.
Active Ingredients:
- Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is known as a humectant that draws moisture into the skin to keep it hydrated and plump. If you have dry skin that often feels dehydrated, look for a face wash with hyaluronic acid. If you see the ingredient list, hyaluronic acid can also be identified as sodium hyaluronate. The latter have smaller molecules which penetrate deeper into the skin. So, while the face washโs surfactant cleanses away impurities, the humectants impart hydration through water retention so that skin doesnโt feel stripped.
- Ceramides: Ceramides are lipids that are essential to maintain the natural moisture barrier of the skin. They keep the skin cells intact and conditioned to protect the skin from external factors. They maintain the skinโs elasticity and prevent premature wrinkles and other signs of skin damage. A ceramide-based face wash is great for those who struggle with sensitivity, flakiness and dehydration.ย
- Panthenol: Panthenol can also be referred to as the best of worlds as they do the job of both a humectant as well as an emollient. As we learned before, humectants draw in moisture but emollients are a moisturizing base that smoothes and softens the skin. Along with locking in hydration, it maintains healthy moisture levels in the skin. Panthenol can be found in quite a few face washes and is suitable for all skin types.
- Vitamin B3: Vitamin B3 is commonly known as either niacin or niacinamide. This is a versatile ingredient that targets a host of skin concerns across skin types. From balancing oil production, and fading acne scars to soothing inflammation, vitamin B3 does it all.
- Chemical and physical exfoliators: Buy face wash for men that have exfoliators in it to help maintain the perfect balance between cleansing and exfoliating. Chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid remove gritty texture while salicylic acid dissolves excess oil, clogged dirt and bacteria. Physical exfoliators come in the form of biodegradable micro-exfoliating beads that remove the build-up of dead skin cells, tanning and pollution.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is found in a vast number of face washes. Itโs go-to for those who want to fight sun damage and free radicals which contribute to hyperpigmentation and premature ageing. If you read the ingredients on the back of the packaging, you will notice the term โascorbic acidโ which is another term for vitamin C.
Natural Ingredients:
- Charcoal: Activated charcoal is a popular ingredient that is found in many face washes for men thanks to its antioxidant properties. Due to its expanded surface area, it can absorb toxins like bacteria, grease and grime. A charcoal-based face wash is ideal if you have oily skin, acne and blackhead-prone skin.
- Tea Tree: Tea tree is another great antiseptic natural extract that we mostly know in the form of essential oil. However, they also make for great additions to face wash. This is great for drawing out acne-causing bacteria for a smoother, pimple-free complexion.
- Green Tea: Green tea is yet another potent antioxidant to get rid of dullness and signs of hyperpigmentation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritation and redness. This ingredient also pairs well with vitamin C if youโre seeking an additional boost of glow and even skin tone.
- Aloe Vera: Considered one of the most ubiquitous ingredients, this is a great natural gel extract that nourishes, soothes and hydrates. Itโs suitable for skin types and goes well with a plethora of ingredients. So, if youโre a skincare beginner or want a daily dose of minimal nourishment, go for an aloe vera face wash.
- Gotu Kola: Otherwise known as Cica or Centella Asiatica, this natural plant-based ingredient is ideal for those with sensitive skin thatโs prone to flare-ups, inflammation and irritation. It soothes the skin and repairs the natural skin barrier.ย
- Saffron: Saffron has been hailed as a potent skincare ingredient in Ayurveda. It has stellar antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Itโs also the main ingredient in India’s oldest beauty elixir known as kumkumadi which blends multiple herbs and natural extracts with saffron for youthful, radiant and blemish-free skin. If you like the sound of that, look for face washes with either saffron or kumkumadi.
