What to Buy Skincare Products The 17 Best Face Washes of 2023, Tested and Recommended Soothing and effective skincare solutions for every skin type. By Sarah Bradley Sarah Bradley Sarah Bradley is a freelance writer with six years of experience creating personal essays, reported features, and commerce content related to health and parenting topics. health's editorial guidelines Updated on August 8, 2023 Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Medically reviewed by Susan Bard, MD Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified general and procedural dermatologist with the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American College of Mohs Surgery. learn more In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected More Face Washes to Consider What to Know About Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health/jessica juliao No matter who you are or what type of skin you have, one thing is certain: you must wash your face. The best face washes will remove dirt and debris without stripping your skin of moisture or leaving it dry. But choosing the right one isn’t as easy as walking through your local drugstore's skin care aisle. “Selecting a face wash depends on your skin type and needs, which can vary depending on your age, where you live, and your lifestyle,” says Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, of Art of Skin MD. “Your skin type may also change over time; for example, you may experience dryness or more sensitivity as you age.” That said, there are some universal guidelines to follow, no matter your skin type. Dr. Palm says to always opt for gentle, non-irritating cleansers (especially if you’re washing twice a day) and consider the climate or season in your area. And don’t forget to do a patch test when trying a new product—this can identify allergies or sensitivities before you apply the product all over your face. Lastly, it’s worth knowing what ingredients to look for, like humectants and ceramides, and which ones to avoid, like sulfates, dyes, and harsh exfoliators. After speaking with dermatologists, we tested nearly three dozen face washes in the Health lab. We assessed the face washes based on ease of use, feel, effectiveness, hydration, and appearance. Additionally, our Medical Expert Board dermatologist reviewed this article for medical accuracy. Based on our tests, we’ve top recommended face washes to achieve that invigorating, clean-face sensation without any stripping or drying. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best with Salicylic Acid: Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA/AHA Cleanser at Sephora Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: Hyper Skin Hyper Even Cleansing Gel at Sephora Jump to Review Best Exfoliating: SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser at Dermstore Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: Blueland Facial Cleanser Starter Set at Blueland.com Jump to Review Best For Combination Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best For Hormonal Acne: Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser at Amazon Jump to Review Best For Rosacea: Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 5 Saks Fifth Avenue View On Nordstrom View On Drloretta.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue Why We Like It It features marine peptides for enhanced hydration and deep cleansing and the option for a detoxifying treatment by leaving it on the skin for 3-5 minutes. It’s Worth Noting It has a relatively higher price point compared to similar cleansers on the market. Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a luxurious face wash infused with soothing Aloe Vera, moisturizing Sodium Hyaluronate, and protective Green Tea Extract that came out on top during all of our tests. The scent was an instant standout – a marine, herbal fragrance with soothing chamomile, algae, and flower oil. With only a few ingredients compared to other cleansers, it did not irritate our face and struck the perfect balance of being aromatherapeutic yet gentle. The formula worked exceptionally well, providing a foamy lather that spread effortlessly. It cleansed superbly, leaving no makeup residue and no need for a second cleanse. The best part was that it didn't leave our skin feeling tight or dry, just fully cleansed without stripping our skin of its natural oils. Its minimal ingredients and sulfate-free formula are a huge plus, and it truly soothes redness and irritated skin. The only improvement we'd suggest is an easily removable cap to ensure none of this fantastic product goes to waste. Price at time of publish: $35 Product Details: Active Ingredients: sodium cocoyl wheat amino acids, cocamidopropyl betaine, glycerin,Skin Type: normal, combination, drySize: 13 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day Health / Jessica Juliao Best Drugstore Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Why We Like It Hydrating glycerin keeps your skin moist, while gentle surfactants cleanse impurities. It’s Worth Noting If you have oily skin, this cleanser may not get your face clean enough to prevent clogged pores. The Neutrogena brand is a drugstore staple, but don’t let its ubiquity fool you: just because this Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Cleanser is everywhere doesn’t mean it isn’t a high-quality face wash (at a wallet-friendly drugstore cost). Formulated to be gentle enough for sensitive skin but with enough cream-cleansing power to wash away whatever you’ve faced—pun intended—that day, we love how totally foolproof using this hypoallergenic wash is. Containing dermatologist-recommended glycerin to draw water to the surface of your skin and zero sulfates, this cleanser removes dirt and makeup but leaves behind soft, hydrated skin instead of that dry, stripped-away feeling. Use it in the morning and then again at night, if you want—it’s non-irritating enough to refresh your face in the a.m. and get you beauty-sleep ready at night. Price at time of publish: $8 Product Details: Active Ingredients: glycerinSkin Type: sensitiveSize: 12 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day Best with Salicylic Acid Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA/AHA Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide Cleanser 4.8 Sephora View On Sephora View On Skinfix.com Why We Like It It’s a gel cleanser with acne-fighting salicylic acid that’s perfect for oily skin prone to breakouts. It’s Worth Noting Salicylic acid works better on blackheads and clogged pores than pustules or cystic acne, so make sure you have the right type of acne before you use this wash. Salicylic acid offers the benefit of gentle exfoliation and deep pore penetration, effectively unclogging pores, reducing acne, and promoting smoother, clearer skin. Skinfix Azelaic Acid BHA/AHA is a gentle cleanser with salicylic acid to effectively decongest pores by clearing excess oil and surface debris. The face wash comes in a convenient squeeze tube with a flip lid. Though the thin and liquidy texture wasn't appealing initially, once we added water and worked it into our skin, we discovered it was gentle and easy to spread, offering a nice slip. The fragrance was subtle and didn't cause any irritation to our skin. The face wash worked really well, leaving our skin feeling cleaner without the need for extra effort. Washing it off was a breeze, and despite our initial concerns about its color and texture, the results pleasantly surprised us. Even with the BHA content, we were worried about it being too stripping or drying, but it actually proved otherwise. Though we didn't experience intense hydration or moisturization after use, we understood that's something we typically achieve through our regular skincare routine. As for visible changes, we didn't notice any, but our skin felt clean. Price at time of publish: $35 Product Details: Active Ingredients: 10% benzoyl peroxide Skin Type: oily, combo, normal Size: 5 oz.Dosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day The 15 Best Salicylic Acid Products to Banish Blemishes, Dandruff, and More Best for Oily Skin Hyper Skin Hyper Even Gentle Brightening Cleansing Gel 4.9 Sephora View On Sephora View On Hyperskin.com View On Thirteenlune.com Why We Like It This cleanser leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth while harnessing the power of mandelic acid to control breakouts and buildup. It’s Worth Noting It may require a bit of rubbing to fully remove makeup and may not effectively remove all eye makeup with a single cleanse. Finding the right face wash can be a game-changer for those dealing with excess sebum oil and shine. So we were excited to try the Hyper Skin Even Gentle Brightening Gel Cleanser, a transformative face wash formulated with mandelic acid to regulate oil production and potent botanicals like licorice root, bearberry, and willow bark to unclog pores and shield against future acne breakouts.When mixed with water, this cleanser transforms into a milky cream; the gel-like texture spreads easily, forming a protective barrier on the skin, though we found that a slightly larger amount may be needed for full face coverage. We love how gentle the formula is, ensuring a pleasant application experience, even on our delicate eye area, and it effectively removes makeup with a single cleanse, though we sometimes opted for a second cleanse for complete foundation removal. After rinsing, our skin feels rejuvenated, hydrated, and radiant, with no residue left behind. Overall, the Hyper Skin Even Gentle Brightening Gel Cleanser proved to be a dependable and effective addition to our skincare routines, bringing out the best in our oily skin types. Price at time of publish: $28 Product Details: Active Ingredients: mandelic acid, vitamin eSkin Type: oily, balanced, combo, drySize: 5 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day Health / Jessica Juliao The 15 Best Salicylic Acid Products to Banish Blemishes, Dandruff, and More Best Exfoliating SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser With Glycolic Acid 4.7 Dermstore View On Dermstore View On Bluemercury.com View On Skinceuticals.com Why We Like It Unlike many other physical exfoliators, this one is safe and gentle enough to use daily on oily, normal, or combination skin. It’s Worth Noting Although this is called a daily exfoliator, it may not be the best choice for someone seeking brightening or blackhead reduction benefits. Exfoliating face washes are great for sloughing away dead skin to reveal a brighter, smoother appearance, but they can also be too harsh—which is why we like this gentler alternative by Skinceuticals. This purifying cleanser is known for its effectiveness in cleansing and exfoliating the skin. Its combination of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), such as glycolic and lactic acids, offers a potent exfoliation that helps to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve overall skin texture, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a rejuvenating exfoliator in their skincare routine. The consistency of the cleanser was thin and gel-like, and it foamed easily when water was applied to the skin. We found it to be very gentle and pleasant to use. The product lathered well, but we noticed that it required a good amount of water to keep the foam going. The scent was clean and not overly fragranced, just how we prefer it - almost like the smell of water. We only needed one cleanse to clean our skin thoroughly. It washed off easily, leaving no film behind and leaving our skin feeling great. The water-based formula worked exceptionally well for us, providing both hydration and cleansing without feeling heavy on our skin. While it didn't significantly reduce blackheads or brighten our skin, it drew out excess oiliness and left our skin feeling soft and refreshed. Price at time of publish: $39 Product Details: Active Ingredients: glycerin and glycolic acidSkin Type: dry, oily, combo, normalSize: 6.8 ozDosage: ½ tsp, once per day Strawberry Legs: Treatment Options Best for Dry Skin CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On CVS Why We Like It It’s an all-around reliable cleanser for every skin type that restores the skin's natural protective barrier with a nourishing blend of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It’s Worth Noting It might not be suitable for individuals with very oily skin, as its hydrating formula may leave a slightly residue-like feeling on the skin for some users. If you have dry skin, it’s important to ensure your face wash works to rehydrate your skin after cleansing the way this creamy, lotion-like cleanser by CeraVe does. It's a gentle and effective face wash enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and essential lipids to thoroughly clean and nourish the skin's natural barrier and maintain optimal hydration levels. This cleanser was a breeze to use, as one pump dispensed just the right amount for a full cleanse. We found the creamy and jelly-like consistency gentle and easy to spread on our skin, providing a smooth and even lather without feeling heavy. The best part was that there was no noticeable fragrance, and it did not irritate at all. We loved how the formula helped makeup slide right off without harsh rubbing, leaving our skin feeling soft, hydrated, and not at all tight or dehydrated. After using the product, our skin looked clear, with smaller pores and a more even tone, feeling refreshed and revitalized. This National Eczema Association-accepted cleanser was gentle yet effective, maintaining our skin's natural moisture without stripping it of hydration. Making it a fantastic face wash choice for quick and thorough cleansing capabilities. Price at time of publish: $15 Product Details: Active Ingredients: ceramides 1, 3, 6-II; hyaluronic acid; niacinamideSkin Type: oily, sensitive, dry, normalSize: 16 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day Best for Sensitive Skin Blueland Facial Cleanser Starter Set 4.9 Blueland View On Blueland.com Why We Like It The gel texture of the product creates a rich lather, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple, and cool, while its large reusable bottle ensures it lasts for over 4 weeks making it a sustainable skincare option. It’s Worth Noting Some users might find the powder-to-gel mixing process slightly inconvenient or time-consuming compared to traditional ready-to-use cleansers. Blueland Facial Cleanser is an eco-friendly and innovative skincare product that comes in powder form, reducing single-use plastic waste and promoting sustainability. Infused with nourishing and gentle ingredients, it effectively cleanses the skin while minimizing its environmental impact, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious consumers. To test this face wash, we started with a powder that we transferred into a reusable bottle, where it was mixed with water. A quick shake activates the mixture, turning it into a ready-to-use, sustainable cleansing solution. We found the cleanser easy to get out of the bottle, but we had to be careful because a bit of it foamed out once we opened it. The consistency of the face wash was a perfect blend of creamy and gel-like with a fantastic lather that spread easily. Surprisingly, there was no strong smell, which is a good sign for us as fragrance tends to irritate our skin. This cleanser did an excellent job of cleansing our skin, and it washed off easily without leaving any film, even though we may have used a bit more than necessary. The fun aspect of mixing the product ourselves made it feel like a mini science project, and we appreciated the opportunity to learn about the ingredients. Plus, its affordable, and the generous bottle size can last over a month. Price at time of publish: $16 Product Details: Active Ingredients: oat, kaolin clay and vitamin eSkin Type: very sensitive, eczema proneSize: 8 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day Health / Jessica Juliao Best For Combination Skin CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Walmart Why We Like It This milky-then-foamy formulation will leave every part of your face, whether oily or dry, perfectly balanced. It’s Worth Noting There are a lot of ingredients here, so people with sensitive skin might find one or more of them to be irritating. Cleansing combination skin can be tricky, because you need to remove excess oil and thoroughly moisturize; we love that you get the best of both worlds with the CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, which does exactly what the title suggests—it starts out as a hydrating, nourishing cream and then turns to a foam, allowing it to both hydrate and eliminate acne-causing oil. Like all CeraVe products, this cleanser is made without sulfates or fragrances, but does include plenty of other skin boosting ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. In addition to glycerin, this wash also has amino acids to draw water to the skin, so you won’t be left with that “just stripped” feeling of dryness after cleansing. Price at time of publish: $16 Product Details: Active Ingredients: amino acids, hyaluronic acid, ceramidesSkin Type: normal to drySize: 19 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day Health / Jessica Juliao Best For Hormonal Acne Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Nordstrom Why We Like It Cleansers with sulfur can be powerful fighters against all types of inflammatory acne and rosacea. It’s Worth Noting The manufacturers of this cleanser note it can be drying, so you’ll need to start off slow and gradually build up to more regular use. If you suffer from hormonal acne, you might need a face wash containing sulfur to treat your monthly breakouts, like the EradiKate Daily Cleanser from Kate Somerville. “Hormonal acne is caused by the overproduction of oil in the sebaceous glands and is linked to genetics, which can influence the activity of these glands,” says Dr. Palm. “The overproduction of sebum clogs pores, which leads to the formation of pimples.” Dr. Palm adds that when fighting back against hormonal acne, you might need to look beyond the usual salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide formulations to a face wash containing sulfur—which has been shown to have both anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The EradiKate cleanser is made with a concentration of three percent sulfur, along with soothing honey, oat, and rice bran extracts, to not only clear existing breakouts but soothe skin and improve its overall appearance. Price at time of publish: $44 Product Details: Active Ingredients: sulfurSkin Type: oily, combination, normalSize: 4 ozDosage: small amount, once or twice per day Best For Rosacea Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Target Why We Like It Two naturally soothing ingredients come together in this lightweight, hydrating gel cleanser to reduce redness and inflammation. It’s Worth Noting For some users with rosacea, the gel formulation here could still be too drying (even though it’s intended to provide a creamy, soothing effect). We chose the Aveeno Calm and Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser as our best for rosacea pick because it’s a milky gel cleanser with two powerful, natural anti-inflammatory ingredients: feverfew and prebiotic oat. According to Cybele Fishman, MD, of Advanced Dermatology PC, people with skin conditions like rosacea and eczema should opt for non-foaming cleansers, because these won’t disrupt the skin barrier (which is compromised in both these conditions). The lightweight, gel-like formulation of this Aveeno wash gently cleanses without leaving any residue behind, never feeling overly harsh or drying. As for beneficial ingredients, prebiotic oat is a naturally soothing addition, calming redness and inflammation, and feverfew has also been shown to have antioxidant and protective effects on the skin when used in skincare. Price at time of publish: $8 Product Details: Active Ingredients: prebiotic oat, feverfewSkin Type: dry, sensitive, irritatedSize: 7.8 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day The 14 Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes Best for Acne PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash 4.3 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Walgreens Why We Like It It’s the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide you can get in a face wash for the ultimate acne-fighting formulation. It’s Worth Noting It’s strong stuff: you’ll need to go slow to make sure you don’t dry out or irritate your skin, and it may be too potent for some. If you have whiteheads, pustular acne, or even mild cystic acne, salicylic acid may not work as well for you as a product with benzoyl peroxide, like this foaming wash from PanOxyl. Benzoyl peroxide is best known as an antiseptic acne-fighting ingredient, getting rid of the bacteria on your skin that causes pimples and breakouts. The consistency of the cleanser was a thick gel with a creamy texture. It felt slightly sticky on our skin but wasn't harsh. The cleanser was easy to spread, but it didn't lather. There was no scent or fragrance in the product, which was great as it didn't cause any irritation to our skin. We were pleasantly surprised by how effectively it removed a full face of foundation with just one use. While the thick gel formula worked wonders in removing makeup, using it daily might strip our skin of moisture due to the presence of Benzoyl peroxide, which is better suited for younger skin with acne and breakouts. After using the product, our skin felt clean, makeup-free, and surprisingly hydrated. We would recommend this product to anyone needing a medicinal face wash to treat acne and breakouts, but we wouldn't recommend it for those with dry skin. Price at time of publish: $9 Product Details: Active Ingredients: 10% benzoyl peroxideSkin Type: acne-proneSize: 5.5 ozDosage: small amount, once or twice per day Health / Jessica Juliao Best For Removing Makeup Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser 4.3 Sephora View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta Why We Like It The jelly-like formula is designed to dissolve and lift away oily, heavy makeup and sunscreen products. It’s Worth Noting It contains a common allergen, cocamidopropyl betaine, so don’t skip the patch test with this product. Many everyday cleansers claim to remove makeup just as well as dirt, but not all of them are as effective at dissolving oil-based makeup as the Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser. Although Dr. Fishman warns that cocamidopropyl betaine, a coconut oil-based product that’s a primary ingredient in this cleanser, can be a source of irritation for some people, we still have to give this jelly cleanser props for how well it works to break down oily makeup, lotions, and sunscreens, leaving you with a fresh face at the end of the day. In addition to how well it works to remove makeup, the Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser also uses aloe and cantaloupe extract to soothe and glycerin to hydrate, leaving you with super soft skin after cleansing. Like all Drunk Elephant products, the cleanser is made with clean ingredients, meaning it is free of alcohols, sulfates, fragrances, essential oils, and silicones. It may not be the right choice for everyone, but if removing every ounce of your makeup before you go to bed is your top concern, we think this pick from Drunk Elephant can’t be beat. Price at time of publish: $16 Product Details: Active Ingredients: aloe, glycerinSkin Type: allSize: 2 ozDosage: small amount, once per day at night Best for Eczema First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser 4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Target View On Sephora Why We Like It This face wash effectively cleanses the skin without causing dryness or discomfort, making it suitable for various skin types, including sensitive and eczema-prone skin. It’s Worth Noting It might not provide deep hydration for those seeking more skin renewal benefits. For those with eczema, the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser stands out as an excellent choice thanks to its sulfate-free and fragrance-free formula that effectively removes makeup, oil, and impurities without exacerbating dryness or discomfort, with ingredients like aloe and glycerin providing soothing and hydrating benefits for eczema-prone skin. We were cautious about trying new face washes due to our sensitive and dry skin, but this cleanser proved to be a winner. The consistency of the cleanser was like frosting—creamy, thick, and smooth. The lather spread fairly well, but adding more water to our hands during the 2-minute washing period helped keep it going. The best part was that the cleanser barely had any scent, which is a plus for us and a sign of a truly sensitive-skin-safe product. This product did an excellent job of removing makeup, except for minor traces of waterproof mascara. It left our skin feeling very clean and refreshed without any film or residue. While we didn't notice any major changes in our appearance, our skin felt clean and fresh after using the cleanser. The First Aid Beauty brand is known for formulating products for such skin types, and at $24, it's a decent value for its quality. Price at time of publish: $24 Product Details: Active Ingredients: aloe and glycerin Skin Type: balanced, dry, combo, oilySize: 1-11 ozDosage: 1-2 times a day Health / Jessica Juliao Best Foaming Kopari Lychee Clean Vitamin C Foaming Face Cleanser 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta Why We Like It The packaging is mess-free and dispenses the ideal amount of cleanser, while the lightweight, fluffy foaming texture effectively removes makeup and oil in a single cleanse without causing over-drying. It’s Worth Noting The tropical fragrance could be slightly off-putting for some. For those who appreciate lightweight, foaming cleansers, we strongly suggest giving the one from Kopari Beauty a try. The consistency of the face wash was light, soft, and fluffy, giving us a delightful foam feeling on our face. It felt very gentle and soothing, not sticky, thick, or watery, which we loved, thanks to the foamy texture. It lathered well, with the foam spreading easily and evenly across every area of our face. The smell was fantastic, like a tropical paradise, enhancing the soothing experience during application. This face wash did an excellent job of cleansing our skin. With just one take, it removed all the mascara and lotion from our initial morning routine, and we didn't need a second cleanse. The cleanser washed off effortlessly due to its light consistency, leaving no film or excess to deal with. Our skin didn't feel over stripped or tight after using the cleanser. It was adequately cleansed, leaving our face feeling hydrated and smooth. Our skin looked brighter and less clogged after washing, and it felt cool, soft, and more open. The foam and tropical scent won us over, and we appreciated the sufficient bottle size, especially since only one pump was needed for a face wash. We were also pleased with its beneficial properties, like Vitamin C and other superfoods. Although the bottle label mentioned "Body Wash" rather than a face cleanser, it still felt good on our face, so we were a bit skeptical but pleasantly surprised. Price at time of publish: $24 Product Details: Active Ingredients: lychee extract, vitamin B5, allantoinSkin Type: dry, combinationSize: 5 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day Health / Jessica Juliao Best Gel iS Clinical Cleansing Complex 4.9 Bluemercury View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Walmart Why We Like It This face wash effectively cleanses makeup, dirt, and oil, catering to all skin types, while incorporating salicylic acid for gentle exfoliation. It’s Worth Noting The gel texture has a slight stickiness to it. Gel cleansers are great for deep-cleansing routines and for removing excess oil particles on most skin types. The iS Clinical Cleansing Complex stands out by not causing excessive dryness and boasting acne-controlling properties. Infused with white willow bark extract, it exfoliates to dissolve pore-clogging oil while promoting boosted cell turnover and a refined pore appearance. Additionally, antioxidants sourced from chamomile and centella asiatica aid in healing skin damage, ultimately leaving your skin's surface impeccably clean and balanced. The face wash was gentle during application, though while initially rubbing between our hands, the product exhibited a slight stickiness; however, it transformed into a smooth and soft sensation upon application to our faces. The scent wasn't strong, but it smelled clean and light, making the experience pleasant. The cleanser effectively broke down and removed the dirt, leaving our faces feeling clean and refreshed. Washing off the cleanser was pretty easy, without leaving any film behind. The cleanser didn't make our skin feel tight or dry; on the contrary, it left our faces feeling more moisturized, resulting in a smoother complexion. Our skin appeared brighter, less clogged, and more open after using the product. We felt our skin was well moisturized, refreshed, light, and clean. We would recommend this product, especially for those looking for a light gel cleanser, especially if they have dry skin. Price at time of publish: $25 Product Details: Active Ingredients: white willow bark extract, centella asiatica, chamomileSkin Type: dry, combinationSize: 2, 6 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day Health / Jessica Juliao Best for Redness EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Walmart Why We Like It Catering to sensitive skin, this cleanser effectively cleanses while maintaining the skin's hydration and softness. It’s Worth Noting The fragrance may not be suitable for some sensitive skin. EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is a great choice for those with sensitive skin concerns, as the brand is known for trusted sensitive skin care products. It's a gentle daily cleanser suitable for removing makeup and dirt. This facewash is a vegan, pH-balanced, oil-free, and paraben-free formula that offers anti-inflammatory benefits, effectively reducing inflammation while featuring apple amino acids and bromelain to gently remove excess facial oils, makeup, and impurities.This face wash feels great on the skin, providing a gentle and soothing experience. The consistency of the face wash is a hybrid between cream and gel, leaning more towards cream. It feels thick, rich, and luxurious on the fingertips. The lather is thick and easily emulsifies, making it effortless to spread and massage across the face. It lathers like a dream and can be adjusted by adding water to achieve a thinner lather if desired.The fragrance is subtle, reminiscent of mild soap or baby soap, which is fresh and soothing. It effectively cleanses the skin, removing all face makeup and eyeshadow. It rinses off well, leaving the face feeling clean, refreshed, and not overly dry or stripped. At $30, it's not the most affordable option. Still, a little goes a long way, making it a decent investment for quality skin care, especially for those who prioritize sensitive skin-friendly products. Price at time of publish: $32 Product Details: Active Ingredients: apple amino acids and bromelain brotSkin Type: sensitive, combination, oilySize: 2, 7 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day Health / Jessica Juliao Best Calming Youth to The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser Courtesy of Nordstrom View On Sephora View On Kohls.com Why We Like It Its nutrient-rich formula features a blend of superfood ingredients that provide thorough cleansing while offering antioxidant benefits. It’s Worth Noting Its has a relatively higher price point compared to similar cleansers on the market. The Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser offers an ideal soothing solution for a calming and gentle cleansing experience for those with easily inflamed or irritated skin. This face wash prevents pore buildup, effectively removes makeup, and balances pH without causing dryness or stripping. It's enriched with skin-loving phytonutrients and vitamins C, E, and K, promoting skin health and a radiant glow, while soothing and conditioning with essential fatty acids, and combatting visible signs of aging. The consistency of the cleanser was thick and a bit heavy, with a clear gel-like texture that felt slightly sticky when spread on the fingers. However, once applied to the face, it felt cool and gentle. While rinsing, it still felt a bit thick and sticky. Its thick, gel consistency made it easy to spread across the face. The scent was very good, a fresh scent that was noticeable when it came out of the bottle but not overpowering. It didn't irritate our skin, even the sensitive areas.At first, the lack of foam felt strange, but after seeing the end results, we think it worked well. The cleanser didn't overstrip our skin, and despite the difficulty in washing off, it adequately cleansed and hydrated our skin. Surprisingly, it even calmed our rosacea, which is unusual for us. While our skin didn't feel clogged, it didn't feel fully open either. Nevertheless, it felt soft, clean, hydrated, and cool. Price at time of publish: $39 Product Details: Active Ingredients: kale, spinach, and green teaSkin Type: normal, combination, oilySize: 2, 8 ozDosage: 1-2 pumps, once or twice per day Health / Jessica Juliao How We Selected the Face Washes To find the best face washes for every skin type, we spoke with three dermatologists about ingredients, textures, and formulas to look for and avoid when choosing a product that will work for you. They emphasized the importance of choosing gentle, non-irritating ingredients, considering the climate you live in, and figuring out which formulation of cleanser (cream or gel, foaming or bar) is most compatible with your skin type. The experts we interviewed are: Melanie Palm, MD, MBA of Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California Erum N. Ilyas, MD, MBE, FAAD of Schweiger Dermatology in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Cybele Fishman, MD, of Advanced Dermatology, PC in New York City Then we gathered a selection of 30 face wash products to test in the Health lab. We carefully selected a variety to cater to different skin types, whether it’s fighting acne, moisturizing, hydrating, or treating common skin conditions like rosacea and ingredient preferences. These face washes underwent a comprehensive evaluation, covering cleaning efficacy, ease of use, and post-use skin sensations. Throughout the testing phase, we assessed each face wash, considering its feel, effectiveness, and ability to keep the skin hydrated while also taking note of the final appearance. Our evaluations also factored in the overall value of each product, we chose budget-friendly and luxury cleansers, aiming to give you plenty of spending options so you could splurge or save. More Face Washes to Consider Here are a few other face washes that we tested but didn’t fully make the final cut. The BYOMA Creamy Jelly Cleanser got positive reviews in our test for being gentle, hydrating, and effectively cleansing the skin without causing dryness. However, it may not effectively remove heavy makeup or stubborn impurities for users who require a more thorough cleansing experience. While we value the accessibility of Aveeno Positively Radiant Brightening Facial Cleanser, this budget-friendly drugstore face wash, in our test, we noted that it had a rather sticky consistency and a feeling of moisture depletion after using it, which can be a potential concern for some skin types. Farmacy Whipped Greens is praised for its innovative whipped texture that feels luxurious on the skin and its rich blend of superfood ingredients. However, the cleanser's unique consistency can take time to get used to, and its price point might be considered higher compared to other cleansers on the market. What to Know About Face Washes Before you choose a face wash, there are a few main points to consider: the type or formulation of the wash (cream versus gel, for example), the climate you live in, and the ingredients of the product. Type of Face Wash Basically all face washes perform the same task, says Dr. Ilyas: cleaning your skin through the use of surfactants and detergents, pulling away oil or grease and dirt from your skin while leaving behind hydration. “Almost all products, whether they are cream, foaming, gel, or bar soaps, work in this manner,” she explains, adding that the differences between formulations really comes down to user experience and the cleanser’s ability to treat certain skin problems, like dryness or acne. Here are the most common types of cleansers and the type of skin they’re often best for. Foaming face wash: best for normal, oily, or acne-prone skinCream face wash: best for dry, sensitive, condition-prone (eczema or rosacea), or combination skinGel face wash: best for oily or acne-prone skinBar face wash: best for oily or acne prone skin Your climate If you’re putting in a lot of time thinking about your skin type before committing to a face wash, that’s a good start but if you’re forgetting to think about the type of environment your skin is normally subjected to, you’re missing a key consideration. Depending on where you live, this might mean choosing a single cleanser that works year-round for your climate, or switching cleansers based on the changing seasons. “It’s not uncommon to switch out skincare products throughout the year, depending on the season,” says Dr. Palm. “Most people are oilier and more prone to breakouts during the summer months, so it might make sense to use a face wash that has acne-fighting properties, [but] in the drier winter months, it makes sense to swap out this cleanser for a more hydrating formula.” Ingredients to Look For In general, you want to stick with non-irritating ingredients that gently cleanse the skin, but since pretty much every face wash will have some kind of potentially-damaging surfactant in order to do its job, it’s more important to look at the other ingredients—the ones that provide a certain benefit like hydrating, fighting acne, and protecting the skin barrier. Glycerin: Dr. Fishman says glycerin is a common humectant ingredient included in my face washes that’s worth keeping an eye out for; it works by drawing water to the skin, which helps your skin stay hydrated even after cleansing. Emollients: She also recommends looking for face washes with emollients, such as ceramides. Emollients soften the skin, and ceramides are one of the most popular emollients included in skincare products today; our skin already contains these fatty molecules, but products with ceramides can boost the quality of your skin barrier in super beneficial ways, allowing it to retain moisture while protecting you from environmental damage. Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide: If you have acne-prone skin, you should also be looking for a face wash containing either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients unclog pores and get rid of acne-causing bacteria. Ingredients to Avoid While the list of things to look for in a face wash is relatively short, there are quite a few ingredients you might want to avoid. We’ve grouped them together so you can easily see what to skip (and why). Comedogenic ingredients: According to Dr. Palm, rich formulations can clog pores and worsen breakouts, so stick with face washes labeled non-comedogenic. Some common comedogenic ingredients include cocoa butter, coconut oil, and lanolin.Sulfates: Dr. Fishman suggests steering clear of surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS): “These are alkaline and our skin is acidic, [so] they disrupt the skin barrier.”Harsh exfoliators: If you’re looking for a facial scrub, be sure to choose one with gentle exfoliators like rice powder or jojoba beads. “I recommend steering clear of crushed walnut or fruit pit particles, included in many face washes or scrubs as exfoliants,” says Dr. Palm. These ingredients can irritate and even damage skin. Formaldehyde releasers: Dr. Fishman also flags a long list of these chemical compounds, which are associated with allergic reactions in some users. Try to avoid: Bronopol, Diazolidinyl Urea, DMDM Hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl Urea, MDM Hydantoin, and Quaternium 15.Common allergens: Lastly, Dr. Fishman recommends avoiding dyes and fragrances, as well as cocamidopropyl betaine, an ingredient derived from coconut oil. “People think it’s okay [because it’s] ‘natural,’ but there is a fair amount of allergy to it,” she says. Your Questions, Answered What is the best way to wash your face? The good news is that you don’t have to overthink it (you can spend all that brainpower on choosing a product instead!). “Your hands are enough [for washing your face],” Dr. Fishman says. “I don't like washcloths, as they can [be irritating, and] same with loofahs. If you like using something to put the cleanser on, use a cotton pad without abrasives.” When is the best time to wash your face? If you had to choose only one good time to wash your face to get the most benefits, it would be at night before you go to bed. Your face is exposed to a lot of elements throughout the day, from dirt and air pollutants to makeup and sunscreen, and it’s important to get rid of all that junk before lying down to sleep. If you feel like you need to wash your face once in the morning, as well—like if you have oily skin—that’s okay, but Dr. Fishman recommends only using water, not a cleanser: “In general, I think people over-wash their faces, stripping away the natural oils and sebum.” These oils and sebum, she adds, not only contain antimicrobial peptides which help prevent infection, they’re also natural moisturizers that help maintain the skin barrier. In other words, don’t wash them away by cleansing your skin too often. How much does a good face wash cost? No matter what kind of budget you have, you can find a good face wash—you can find a great one at your local drugstore for less than $10 or splurge on a luxury brand and spend over $50. Our best overall pick, La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser, is on the more affordable end of the spectrum. It was $15 at time of publish. Who We Are Sarah Bradley has been a freelance writer since 2017, tackling health commerce articles, product reviews, and shopping guides on everything from dry skin moisturizers and wart removers to menstrual cups and toothbrushes for braces. She has personally tested electric toothbrushes and water flossers, so knows what makes a good product stand out from a great one (and really, really wants to tell you about it). Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 6 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. How to test skin care products. (2021). The use of sodium sulfacetamide in dermatology. A purified feverfew extract increases skin’s antioxidant and cellular detoxification defenses by activating the antioxidant response element promoter. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2011;64(2):AB23. Benzoyl peroxide: medicine used to treat acne. nhs.uk. What is comedogenicity, and what ingredients are comedogenic? Acne.org. Formaldehyde and your health | atsdr.