Cleansing the skin is a fundamental part of anyone’s grooming routine. It removes dirt and sebum and makes you feel refreshed. However, a face wash only works well if it suits your skin type. Therefore, it’s important to know what it’s formulated with before buying it. That’s why ingredients are a key driving force in the grooming space. It helps you identify products, in this case, a face wash for men, which will help you curb skin concerns like acne, pigmentation, skin irritation, and more. There’s a long list of ingredients that is a medley of active ingredients, unique solutions, and natural extracts. However, we’re here to put an ease to this overwhelming research. Here is a round-up of all the key ingredients to look for when buying a face wash for men.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is commonly found in multiple face wash formulations. It’s an effective antioxidant vitamin that suits all skin types. It removes dullness and restores the skin’s natural glow. As per research done by the National Library Of Medicine, vitamin E is also said to have photoprotective properties which means it can protect and heal your skin from free radicals and sun damage.
Glycerine: Glycerine is also another common ingredient found in face washes. It’s a potent humectant that is derived from plant fats. Its main role is to draw moisture into the skin and lock in hydration. While this ingredient works well for all skin types, it works great for people who struggle with dehydrated, parched skin.
Ceramides: Ceramides are referred to as fatty molecules or lipids that are naturally found in the body. Close to 50% of natural lipids or ceramides form the natural moisture barrier of our skin. As we age, our body’s ceramide production gradually decreases. This decline leads to skin ageing, fine lines, wrinkles, and constant dryness. Ceramides in face wash for men help restore the skin barrier while cleansing the skin. Ceramides properly balance out the cleansing agents (also known as surfactants) to not leave the skin feeling dry.
Niacinamide: Also known as Niacin or Vitamin B3, niacinamide is a start ingredient that is found in so many face washes. It addresses a horde of concerns like breakouts, dullness, sun damage, excess sebum, enlarged pores, inflammation, and dehydration. So, no matter what skin type you have, this ingredient is a gem in any face wash for men.
Panthenol: Panthenol is another replenishing and moisturising ingredient that your skin will love, especially if you have dry, sensitive skin. It’s a type of vitamin B5 that’s derived from pantothenic acid. It’s widely known for its skin-softening properties. Therefore, a face wash for men with this ingredient will impart moisture to the skin while removing dirt and grime.
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 to buy face wash for men with hyaluronic acid. If you see the ingredient list, hyaluronic acid can also be identified as sodium hyaluronate. The latter has smaller molecules that penetrate deeper into the skin. So, while the face wash’s surfactant cleanses away impurities, the humectants impart hydration through water retention so that skin doesn’t feel stripped.
Salicylic acid: Salicylic is the most popular form of BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid). It’s an oil-soluble ingredient that dissolves hardened sebum, sweat, and excess oil. This is mostly recommended for people with oily skin as this skin type tends to be more acne-prone. Excess oil traps dirt easily which makes way for acne-causing bacteria. Salicylic acid, which is present in exfoliating face washes, goes deep into the skin to eliminate trapped dirt, sebum, and acne-causing bacteria. This, in turn, unclogs the pores and keeps breakouts and blackheads at bay.
AHA: AHA is the short form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Like BHA, this is also a chemical exfoliator that works wonders for all skin types. However, unlike BHA, AHA is a water-soluble exfoliant that works on the top layer of the skin. Therefore, it’s effective in removing dead skin cells, and hyperpigmentation concerns like sun spots, uneven skin tone, and acne scars. There are several types of AHA. Glycolic acid is a popular ingredient that is derived from sugar cane. This particular AHA can also target acne. Lactic acid comes from sour milk which also exfoliates the top layer of the skin for improved skin texture and appearance. Mandelic acid is known to be the mildest of them all which has a larger molecule size to provide gentle exfoliation. It brightens the skin, prevents premature ageing, accelerates cell turnover, and retains skin elasticity.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is found in a vast number of face washes. It’s 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 ‘ascorbic acid’ which is another term for vitamin C.
These are all the active ingredients to look for in a men’s face wash as they play a key role in maintaining the skin’s health in the long run. We hope you use this guide to upgrade your face cleansing routine.
