Best Face Soap For Black Men: Reviews and Buying Guide
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Khadija B.Last updated:
November 15, 2022Not all face soaps are made equal. Some use harsh chemicals, dry out your skin, or cause acne breakouts. Every day we show our faces to the world, and you deserve to feel confident and fresh with a face soap that’s specifically designed for men with melanin.
I tested these seven products and found the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser to be the best face wash for black men.
What makes it so amazing, you ask? Vanicream is my pick for the best facial cleanser because it is a gentle cleanser that focuses on doing one thing: giving a deep cleansing facial wash.
After trying these products myself, reading consumer reviews, and analyzing ingredients, I can say that these products are a sure-fire way to cleanse your skin and leave it glowing and soft. Whether you have sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin, these seven facial soaps are what you’ve been searching for.
But there’s more, below are seven alternative options worth checking out while searching for the ideal skincare regiment. Choose from options like the best face soap for sensitive skin, the best organic face soap, and the best multi-functional face wash.
Continue reading to discover the best facial wash for black men so you can confidently show your skin to the world.
7 Best Facial Cleanser for African American Skin Reviewed
Every one of these eight face soaps boasts skin-healthy ingredients that reduce irritations, unclog pores, and leave your skin feeling fresh. If you have known allergies, be sure to read the ingredient list before purchasing.
Skin beneficial ingredients: Glycerin, coco-glucoside, sodium cocol glycinate
Bottle size: 4 fl. oz.
Scent: None
Vanicream is my favorite of the facial cleansers because of the pure versatility of this product. Whether you have acne prone skin, dry skin, or combination skin this is one formula that I am confident will get the job done for you.
While it is missing some of the natural oils like coconut oil or tea tree oil that some of my other favorites contain, it is specifically formulated to not irritate sensitive skin. When people reach out to me for the best facial cleansers, this is the face cleanser that I suggest most. No matter what your skin conditions may be, you can be sure that the Vanicream facial washes will go about cleaning the skin’s protective barrier without causing flare ups of any skin ailments.
Pros
The best facial cleansers if all you need to do is clean skin
Versatile – can be used for acne prone skin as well as dry skin
Cons
- Lacks some natural ingredients green tea extract or peppermint oil
Skin beneficial ingredients: Tamarind, Tea Tree Oil, African Black Soap, Coconut Oil, Mango Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Esters, Chamomile Flower Extract, and Salicylic Acid
Bottle size: 4 fl. oz.
Scent: Tea Tree
The Shea Moisture Facial Wash and Scrub is the best face wash for black men with nourishing ingredients that hydrate skin and leave it feeling renewed and soft.
This face soap by Shea Moisture is a facial cleanser and exfoliating scrub made from natural ingredients like moisturizing shea butter, African black soap, tamarind extract, and tea tree oil. Together, these ingredients control oil, soothe irritated skin, and balance blemish-prone skin like magic in a bottle.
I loved that this face wash wasn’t a significant commitment to my time. Instead, you simply massage it onto damp skin for a few seconds and rinse. Shea Moisture recommends following up with a facial toner for the best results.
This exfoliating face wash has bio-degradable beads that gently exfoliate your skin. Dry skin is the result of dead skin cells building up, and exfoliating regularly helps remove those skin cells to promote skin regeneration.
Keep in mind that this product isn’t a deep exfoliator. This liquid face wash is viscous and prevents the beads from scratching the surface of your skin to protect it from damage while still removing dead skin cells. I prefer a lighter exfoliant for everyday use to avoid drying out my skin, but those with oily skin complexions may desire more scrub from their face wash.
This face soap is noteworthy because it is free of parabens, mineral oils, sulfates, and phthalates. It’s also vegan, cruelty-free, and uses ethically sourced ingredients. Shea Moisture is a Certified B Corporation, which means you can feel good knowing your skincare routine doesn’t contribute to harming the planet.
The Facial Wash and Scrub by Shea Moisture comes in a four-ounce squeeze bottle with an attractive black label and subtle leaf patterns. Every tube of this awesome facewash is manufactured in the USA with ingredients from around the globe.
One downside I had with this facewash was the tea tree oil scent. I typically enjoy the smell of tea tree oil, but if I’m not careful when applying it, the scent slightly stings my eyes.
Pros
Exfoliates and cleanses
Reduces acne
Controls oil
Manufactured in the USA
Free of parabens, sulfates, & phthalates
Vegan and cruelty-free
Certified B Corporation
Cons
Not a deep exfoliator
Tea tree oil may irritate the eyes.
Skin beneficial ingredients: Aloe Leaf, Witch Hazel, Coconut Water, Lavender Oil, Vitamin B3, Menthol, Vitamin C, Citrus Oil, and Tea Tree Oil
Bottle size: 4 fl. oz.
Scent: Tea Tree
This face wash meets users’ needs by reducing discoloration and dark spots, clearing pores, and leaving skin feeling clean and hydrated.
Bevel is a premium face wash that makes your skincare routine something to look forward to. From the first moment you pop the lid, you’re greeted with the aroma of essential oils with a masculine scent that’s not overbearing.
Bevel Face Wash boasts ingredients like witch hazel, coconut water, tea tree oil, and vitamin B3 to give your skin the nutrients it deserves. These paraben-free ingredients combined revitalize and hydrate your skin without causing irritation.
Use Bevel Face Wash morning and night for noticeably clearer skin. This gentle cleanser works on all skin types and contains no artificial fragrances.
Another awesome feature about the Bevel Face Wash is that it is part of a line of skincare products designed for black men. Pair this face wash with products designed for black hair, beards, and more to boost your confidence further when tackling your day.
Every bottle of Bevel comes in a four-ounce squeeze tube with a classy minimalist design. Tea tree oil is an ingredient featured in this product for its benefits to your skin, but remember that it may irritate your eyes when washing your face.
Bevel Face Wash comes in an attractive squeeze tube that looks great sitting out on your bathroom counter. On the flip side, the bottle configuration offsets the attractive look.
This face soap would be much better suited for a pump bottle rather than a squeeze tube. Since the cap faces downwards when on the counter, gravity pushes the product to the cap, and the liquid will likely explode when you open the tube if you’re not careful.
Pros
Specifically designed for black men
Infused with vitamins and minerals
Classy packaging
All skin types
Gentle for AM & PM use
Reduces discoloration
Unclogs pores
Paraben-free
No artificial fragrances
Cons
Bottle design may leak product
Tea tree oil may irritate the eyes.
Skin beneficial ingredients: Aloe Leaf, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Green & White Tea Extracts, Vitamin E, C, & B5, Hyaluronic Acid, and White Willow Bark
Bottle size: 8 fl. oz.
Scent: Peppermint
Brickell Purifying Charcoal Face Wash is the best face cleanser for black men with normal skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin types.
This invigorating facial wash uses activated charcoal and healthy oils to deep clean dirty pores, remove excess oil, restore balanced skin, and give your face a healthy glow.
Activated charcoal is an excellent product to use as a facial cleanser because it’s a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and enlarges pores to allow the other ingredients to work their magic.
Use this natural and certified organic facewash morning and night. It’s gentle enough to cleanse without causing any skin issues like dryness or irritation. Instead, it hydrates skin. Why? Because ingredients like jojoba oil, Vitamin E, and aloe vera hydrate your skin, then add a protective barrier to seal in the moisture.
As soon as you open the bottle, your senses will awaken with the scent of peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemongrass.
After you’ve had a chance to smell the proverbial roses, dampen your face and apply, then leave it on for about 15 seconds before rinsing off. After a good rinse, you’ll have a tingly sensation on your skin that feels clean and fresh.
The packaging of this face soap is attractive and masculine with a black label and white font. The bottle is beer-bottle green with a black cap that sits at the top, which is something I appreciated since the face wash is very viscous.
You’ll be happy to hear that Brickell has other face products to pair with the Purifying Charcoal Face Wash, like toners and daily moisturizers if you want to add another step to your skincare routine. Brickell is Climate Pledge Friendly and uses natural and certified organic ingredients to ensure only the best for your face and the planet.
A downside to this awesome men’s face soap is the consistency. This face wash is as liquid as Castille soap and doesn’t get much lather. I found myself using more than the recommended amount to apply to my face and neck AM and PM and went through the eight-ounce bottle faster than I expected.
Another thing to note before hitting purchase is that Brickell Purifying Charcoal Face Wash is not your best if you have oily skin. However, it works great on all other skin types.
Pros
Eight-ounce bottle
Deeply cleanses and hydrates skin
Suitable for men of all ages
Infused with antioxidants and vitamins
Certified organic ingredients
Climate Pledge friendly
Great smell
Gentle for AM & PM use
Cons
Not for oily skin types
Very watery consistency
Low lather
Skin beneficial ingredients: Apple Amino Acids, Vitamin C, White Tea & Algae Extracts, German Chamomile, Licorice & Lily Extracts, Vitamin B5, and Lavender Flower
Bottle size: 6.7 fl. oz.
Scent: Unscented
Revision’s Gentle Cleansing Lotion is the best face cleanser for black men with sensitive skin. This creamy face washes gently cleanses without any harsh smells or chemicals, making it perfect for dry and irritated skin.
Brighten your skin and remove the grime of the day. Featuring Vitamin C, Licorice and Lily extract, White tea, and Vitamin E, this face wash packs a punch of nutrition into your facial biome. This gentle exfoliating and cleansing face soap will make you feel fresh and ready to hit the sack or take on the day.
Revision Skincare harnesses the power of science to ensure a high-quality product. This Gentle Cleansing Lotion is clinically reviewed and validated by physicians and dermatologists. Use this morning and night for your daily skincare routine or as a gentle makeup remover after pride celebrations.
Revision is the best facial wash for black men with dry and sensitive skin to use daily without stripping your skin. It’s so gentle and uses peptides, algae, chamomile, and lavender to soothe as much as cleanse. The lotion formula comes out creamy and applies more like a lotion than a lather, so you can easily see if you’ve missed a spot.
As a lotion designed for sensitive skin, it’s no surprise that this Revision Skincare face wash doesn’t have any artificial fragrances. There is a light floral scent from the botanical extracts, but it is not enough to bother a sensitive nose.
Revision Skincare has a long history of innovating skincare products to make them more effective and better for your skin. All of their products, including the Gentle Cleansing Lotion, are manufactured in the USA.
My favorite part about this product is taking it out of the packaging. Everything about the design is sleek. The black glass bottle has a nice weight in your hand and looks professional out on your bathroom counter.
Use this gentle face wash day and night, and you’ll soon find yourself being complimented on your hydrated and smooth skin.
While I found this product to be gentle and conditioning, some reviewers found it to dry out their skin. Sometimes sensitive skin is aggravated when you introduce new products, so it’s best to be gradual with use to see results. However, all skin products affect users differently, so you may see different results than me. I recommend giving it a gamble. Having balanced skin is worth the risk.
Pros
Contains peptides
Infused with algae & botanical extracts
Gentle for AM & PM use
Unscented
Sleek packaging
No added colors or fragrances
Cons
Some found it made skin drier
Low lather
Skin beneficial ingredients: Kaolin Clay, Volcanic Ash, Calendula & Chamomile Extracts, Aloe Vera, Green Tea, and Sunflower Seed Oil
Bottle size: 10 fl. oz.
Scent: Unscented
Jack Black’s Deep Dive Facial Cleanser is one of the best facial washes for someone who is looking for products that help retain moisture. Why? Because this exceptional moisturizing face soap doubles as a face wash and clay face mask.
Use this as a regular daily face wash by applying it to your damp face and rinsing. But sometimes your skin needs a little extra love, and on those days, you can apply this as normal but leave it on for five minutes and enjoy the benefits of a clay mask.
Whether you go for the face mask or the quick cleanse, Jack Black’s Deep Dive Facial Cleanser leaves your skin hydrated and fresh.
Every tube of this facial cleanser boasts ingredients like calendula, aloe vera, nutrient-rich kaolin clay, and volcanic ash. Together, these ingredients absorb excess oil, reduce the look of pores, and soothe skin.
Another notable ingredient is glycolic acid, which exfoliates and restores skin to its natural brightness. All ingredients are vegan and cruelty-free, so they work their magic without harming any living beings. This face soap for men is also free of parabens, alcohol, and artificial fragrances.
I appreciated the bright blue design of the bottle. It’s a friendly reminder on my bathroom counter to wash my face day and night. The long-lasting formula makes this ten-ounce bottle last for a while, even with regular use.
A downside I noticed with this product was the strong, natural clay smell. This is typical of all clay masks and cleansers, but it can be off-putting if you’re sensitive to strong smells, especially when using it as a face mask.
Another thing to be cautious of when using this nourishing and repairing face mask and face wash is that it could dry out your skin. Depending on your skin conditions, you may want to use this product less often than twice a day.
Pros
Dual-purpose face wash and face mask
Paraben-free
Infused with antioxidants and botanical extracts
Alcohol-free
Vegan and cruelty-free
Dermatologist tested
Exfoliates and reduces the look of pores
Cons
Natural clay smell
Skin beneficial ingredients: Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Beads, Burdock Root, and Borage Oil
Bottle size: 8 fl. oz.
Scent: Fresh & Aquatic
Unveil your healthy skin with the Rugged and Dapper Daily Face Wash. This Daily Face Wash is the best exfoliating face soap for back men.
The Rugged and Dapper Daily Face Wash is designed for men of all skin types and tones. It features biodegradable exfoliating beads that scrub away dirt and oil for a clean feeling like no other. From normal to acne-prone, this face wash will be your go-to for months to come.
This face wash is designed for men of all ages and is infused with ingredients that cleanse, exfoliate, and prepare your skin for a close and comfortable shave.
Every bottle of this amazing face wash by Rugged and Dapper includes organic aloe, jojoba esters, vitamin E, flower extracts, tea tree oil, and more. These botanical extracts help reduce the appearance of aging skin.
Hydrate rough and dry skin and restore balance to oily complexions with organic botanical extracts that soothe and hydrate. The flowers, herbs, and oils give Rugged and Dapper a distinct scent that is manly yet not overbearing. Remember, not everyone is a fan of natural scents, so some find the smell off-putting.
Another awesome feature of this product is the simple bottle design and packaging. The black BPA-free plastic bottle has a white font that fits on a bathroom counter or medicine cabinet.
The long-lasting formula lasts around four months when used twice daily in your skincare routine. Apply the deep cleansing face scrub to wet skin and massage for 30 seconds. Your skin will feel clean, soft, and revitalized.
A negative experience I had when using this face soap was that the exfoliating Jojoba esters got stuck in my beard on occasion. Be mindful when applying this to your face if you’ve got facial hair.
Another downside I noticed was that, like other products on this list, the consistency of the formula was very vicious. Despite the watery feeling in my hand, a little goes a long way with this face wash.
Pros
Suitable for all skin types
Cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates
Long-lasting formula
Natural and organic
Cruelty-free
Phthalate-free
BPA-free bottle
Paraben-free
Made in the USA
Cons
Very watery consistency
Beads can get stuck in the beard
Skin beneficial ingredients: Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Sunflower Oil, Shea Butter, and Coconut Oil
Bottle size: 8 fl. oz.
Scent: Naturally fragranced
Era Organics Face and Body Wash is one of the best face soaps for black men that also doubles as one of the best body washes.
This organic and natural face and body soap is for everyday use and makes showering a one-step process. I enjoyed using this product because it made washing my face something I barely had to think about.
Every ingredient featured in a bottle of Era Organics Face and Body Wash is certified organic. Indulge your skin with hydrating and soothing ingredients like chamomile, shea butter, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, and more.
This naturally fragranced body and face soap features organic vanilla extract, sweet orange essential oil, and organic rosemary to give it a fresh scent infused with botanical properties. While I found these scents to be invigorating and fresh, some users find the natural scent off-putting.
Use this face and body soap twice daily by massaging it into your wet skin as you shower or wash your face. Keep in mind that this natural product doesn’t get as much lather as many other commercial cosmetic products but is free from irritating chemicals and additives like sulfates.
Era Organics Face and Body Wash leave your skin moisturized and soft. This product works for all skin types, including dry, sensitive, oily, and aging skin. With regular use, you and anyone looking at you will notice reduced redness and irritation, fewer blemishes and ingrown hairs, and firmer-looking skin.
The apothecary-looking bottle looks nice on your bathroom counter. The brown bottle wrapped in a black label with a pump top is ideal for getting a consistent amount every time.
Don’t hesitate to use this on your face or body after shaving; it’s gentle, non-irritating, and leaves a layer of hydration on your skin.
A negative experience I had when using Era Organics Face and Body Wash was that the formula is watery. When holding your hand under the pump, face your palm toward the spout; otherwise, you will lose a good amount of facewash through your fingers.
Another thing to be aware of before buying this natural organic face soap is that it is not 100% vegan because it contains beeswax.
Pros
Face and body wash
Sulfate-free
For all skin types
Cleanses, exfoliates and moisturizes
Reduces ingrown hairs
Climate-Pledge Friendly
USDA organic
Cons
Very watery consistency
Natural scent
Buying Guide
Learn more about choosing the best face soap and face wash for your skin type with these buying tips.
The Difference Between Hand Soap and Face Soap
Bar soap or liquid hand soap is not the best soap for cleansing your face because it has a higher pH than face soap.
Using hand soap on your face is likely to leave your skin dry, irritated, or cause breakouts. The best soap for black men’s faces is slightly acidic with a maximum pH level of 5.6. This acidity level ensures that your skin isn’t stripped of essential oils.
If you experience a change in the pH of your skin, your body will alter the production levels of excess oils to balance your skin once more; this can cause dryness or oiliness that leads to acne.
Ingredients to Look for When Buying Face Soap for Black Men
When purchasing the best face soap for darker skin tones, look for natural vitamins, botanical extracts, and healthy oils on the ingredients list. Keep your eye out for some of the ingredients below.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a chemical commonly used to prevent acne. Salicylic acid is known to help speed up the process of healing and shed dead skin cells. However, this ingredient is best for oily skin types. Otherwise, it may dry out your skin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C naturally accelerates collagen production for plump and firm skin. Vitamin C has also been shown to improve hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E nourishes and moisturizes dry skin. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage by creating a natural moisture barrier on the skin.
Kalahari Oil
Kalahari oil comes from the seed of a Kalahari melon and helps reduce wrinkles and firm fine lines. This anti-aging oil is packed with Vitamin E and skin-healthy linoleic acid.
Shea Butter
Shea butter adds healthy fats that nourish and moisturize skin. Filled with Vitamin E and A, shea butter acts similarly. While hydrating the skin, shea butter also adds a protective barrier to reduce damage from exposure.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil helps reduce acne by hydrating your skin and reducing excess oil production. Some products use jojoba beads as gentle exfoliators that are natural and biodegradable.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, or melaleuca, is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. This strong-scented oil cleanses pores while reducing skin irritation.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera restores moisture for glowing skin. This natural ingredient has long been used in sunscreen for its soothing effects on irritated skin.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a natural astringent that tightens pores and reduces redness. Chamomile is an excellent ingredient in products for sensitive skin because of its soothing properties.
Ingredients to avoid when buying face soap
Many commercial soaps have harmful chemicals and added fragrances and colors that end up making damaged skin more damaged.
Avoid chemicals and additives in skincare products as much as possible. As a rule, the more natural the ingredients in your facial cleanser, the more likely your body will naturally produce those oils and vitamins and not shock your system when you use them.
Parabens
Parabens are commonly found in cosmetic products; however, they are known to cause skin irritations and may disrupt hormones that harm fertility or increase the risk of cancer.
Phthalates
Phthalates are harmful chemicals prevalent in cosmetics in the United States. Phthalates are used as a solvent. However, phthalates are shown to cause damage to several organs and can be absorbed through the skin.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used in some cosmetics as a preservative. However, formaldehyde is known to irritate the skin, eyes, and nose, so avoid this ingredient for any products you put near your face.
Triclosan
Triclosan is a chemical used in cosmetics as a preservative. This chemical has been shown to reduce sperm production and testosterone levels, and, according to the FDA, it may be harmful to thyroid hormones.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
SLS or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a chemical added to cosmetics and household products as an emulsifier. SLS is known to cause skin irritations, redness, and itchiness, so it’s best to avoid this ingredient when choosing the best face soap.
FAQ
Continue reading to discover answers to the most frequently asked questions about the best face soap for black men.
How can a black man get clear skin fast?
Get clear skin fast by starting a regular skincare routine. First, find out what skin type you have to ensure you’re buying products suitable for your skin. Luckily, you’ve got great options whether you have sensitive, oily, or normal skin.
You’ll notice visibly clearer skin on all skin tones and types with daily cleansing morning and night, regular exfoliating, and routine moisturizing. Another tip is to shave with the grain to reduce razor burn and skin irritations that cause bumps.
After a few days to a few weeks of regular face washing, you should notice clearer skin and a glowing complexion.
What is a good skincare routine for black men?
The best skincare routine for black men is to use a face wash twice a day. Use a facial soap that is invigorated with nourishing oils to give your African skin its natural glow.
Moisturize daily to restore healthy oils and keep dry skin soft and hydrated. Exfoliate two to three times each week to remove dead skin cells that appear as dry and ashy skin on dark skin tones.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends everyone use SPF 30 to protect their skin from sun damage.
Why is black skin sensitive?
Dark skin tones contain more melanin than lighter skin tones. Higher melanin makes black skin more susceptible to irritations and inflammation. Men with melanin can reduce skin sensitivity by using natural products infused with moisturizing oils and skin-healthy ingredients.
Our Verdict
You deserve to feel great in your skin, no matter your skin type or skin tone. Oily, dry, or sensitive, these face washes will have you stepping out with an extra boost of confidence.
Do you want soft skin that looks and feels clean? Click on your favorite product link and pick up a bottle of one of the best face soaps for black men to give your skin the hydration and nourishment it deserves.
