from the desk of the groomed man
WHAT DOES A FACE WASH DO?
It might be a simple question with an obvious answer, but knowing exactly how face cleansers work, the different types of men’s face wash and how they impact your skin is something that requires a little more in depth thought and understanding.
Let's take a look at what a face wash does and the types of ingredients you should consider when adding a face wash to your routine.
How does a face wash work?
Face cleansers contain a range of ingredients which vary in terms of complexity, but consist mainly of surfactants which help degrease and emulsify dirt and oil allowing it to be washed away from the skin’s outer layer. Regular face washing will leave the skin clean, smooth while preventing breakouts and other unwanted skin conditions.
There are many different types of surfactants used in cosmetic products, each of which vary in terms of strength and effectiveness and some being better options than others.
The most commonly found surfactant in men’s grooming and cosmetic products are sulphates, which are a strong detergent known to strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. Most commonly used is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which has shown to be extremely sensitising to the skin when used in dilutions of 2-5%. Although many claims about this ingredient have been debunked, it’s still considered an inferior choice of surfactant and many products are being formulated using other gentler and higher quality options.
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a gentler and superior surfactant found in many face washes, including our Face Fuel Cleanser, and is derived from coconut oil. Typically this gentle surfactant needs to be paired up with other mild surfactants such as Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate and Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate to have the desired effect.
What’s the best men’s face wash?
Beyond surfactants, you want to be looking at cleansers that not only cleanse the skin but also have beneficial skin ingredients such as high antioxidant extracts. You might also consider adding a face scrub into your grooming routine twice a week for a thorough clean. Our goal when formulating our men’s face wash was to create a natural and effective cleanser, which didn’t dry out the skin in the process. Including ingredients such as Activated Charcoal, Marshmallow Root and Green Tea Extract, our goal was to put antioxidants back into the skin and target inflammation in the skin by using these quality ingredients in percentages high enough to deliver results.
Activated charcoal face wash
We chose natural activated charcoal over salicylic acid for our Face Fuel Cleanser. There’s a few reasons why. Charcoal is better for sensitive skin, and it unclogs your pores without drying them out. It also cuts through excess oil and eliminates toxins and bacteria.
Green Tea Extract Face Wash
If your skin feels blotchy and inflamed, it probably needs a double dose of green tea extract. This is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that unclogs pores, soothes acne and fights nasty free-radicals (the things that make you look 10 years older than you actually are).
Marshmallow root extract face wash
Not to be confused with actual marshmallows. Marshmallow root extract is packed with mucilage, polysaccharides and flavonoids, which give your skin that healthy glow. It’s also got hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Perfect for sensitive skin, eczema and rosacea.
Obviously there are many great options out on the market using high quality ingredients, so do your research before purchasing and also don’t be afraid to get in touch with the company with questions you might have. Also look at the key ingredients promoted and where they’re listed on the ingredients list. If these ingredients are some of the last listed on the label, you’re not going to receive the benefits due to that ingredient being used in such a low percentage.
Now that you know what a face wash should do, why not transform your grooming routine with our Australian made men’s face wash, face scrub, face moisturiser and men’s face care kits!