AUGUST 1, 2021  

It might be a simple question with an obvious answer, but knowing exactly how a face wash works, 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 washes 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 Peppermint Face Wash 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 wash, which didn’t dry out the skin in the process. Including ingredients such as Old Man Weed, Licorice Extract and Magnolia Bark 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. 

THREE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PUT THE SOAP BAR DOWN

Reason 1: Our Skin is Acidic, While Soap is Alkaline-Based

Confused about this scientific explanation? Let’s make this simple for you. Your skin’s natural barrier is made up of acid mantle. When the pH scale shows 7, it is neutral. Anything below that is acidic and above it is alkaline. Our skin’s pH balance is generally between 4 and 6.5, even when the skin is very oily. Soap, on the other hand, is extremely alkaline and goes towards the other extreme. So, if you use soap on your skin, it messes with its pH balance and acid mantle, causing it to make skin conditions worse. Hence, it is best to avoid using soap on your face.

Reason 2: Soap Makes your Skin Dry

And no, even if your skin is oily, this does not justify you using soap on your face. Soap strips the skin of its natural oils and makes it tight and dry. If you feel like your skin is very oily, use a face wash especially suited for oily skin that will wash off the oils and dirt from the surface of the skin but will not disturb the skin’s delicate pH balance. Washing your face with soap is like washing it with dishwater liquid or detergent.

Reason 3: Soap can Severely Damage your Skin

Washing your face with the wrong kind of products can leave it looking dull, haggard and wrinkled. And this includes soap. When you use a face wash suited for your skin type, you can be sure that it contains ingredients that are required to keep your skin looking its best. But with a soap, there are no different kinds. The harsh chemicals present in it are useful to clean the skin but not to protect it. While this works perfectly well for the rest of your body, the skin on your face is much more delicate and can easily start looking damaged. So, keep the soap away and invest in a good quality face wash instead.

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 bundles!