We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Soothing and effective skincare solutions for every skin type. Celimax Cleansing Oil
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. Selecting a face wash depends on your skin type and needs, but there are some universal guidelines to follow no matter your skin type. Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, of Art of Skin MD 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. 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 over 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.
Before you choose a face wash, consider a few main points: the type or formulation of the wash (cream versus gel, for example), the climate you live in, and the product's ingredients.
All face washes, whether cream, foaming, gel, or bar soaps, perform the same task: they clean your skin using surfactants and detergents, pulling away oil, grease, and dirt while leaving behind hydration. The differences between formulations really come 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.
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. Most people are oilier and more prone to breakouts during the summer months, so it might make sense to use a face wash with acne-fighting properties. It makes sense to swap out this cleanser in the drier winter months for a more hydrating formula.
You generally want to stick with non-irritating ingredients that gently cleanse the skin. However, since pretty much every face wash will have some potentially damaging surfactant 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.
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).
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. 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.
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 excellently, 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.
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is the top drugstore choice for effective yet affordable skincare. Infused with hints of glycerin, it provides a spa-like experience without stickiness. This gentle cleanser effectively refreshes and clears the skin while imparting a subtle bronze glow when hit by sunlight. Its reasonable price and compact bottle make it convenient for travel, solidifying its recommendation as a go-to drugstore option.
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser was user-friendly, requiring a slightly increased amount due to its gel-like consistency. The pump facilitates precise dispensing, balancing between a solid and liquid mixture, feeling like a creamy lotion, possibly due to glycerin. Lathering the product unveils a satisfyingly sudsy texture, resembling an expensive moisturizing cream. Despite a faint scent, its non-irritating formula effectively matches up to pricier alternatives like La Roche Posay, leaving the skin refreshed and awake.
Fans of gel cleansers, like us, will appreciate its moisturizing effect, eliminating the need for extra lotion. It left our skin looking slightly brighter and offers a clear and refreshed appearance. The compact, travel-friendly bottle ensures it's a staple in households and a recommended choice for affordable skincare enthusiasts.
The gentle and hydrating formula that makes it suitable for sensitive skin may not provide sufficient oil control or deep cleansing for those with excess sebum production or acne issues.
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 liquid 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. 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.
Salicylic acid works better on blackheads and clogged pores than pustules or cystic acne, so ensure you have the right type of acne before using this wash.
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.
It may require a bit of rubbing to remove makeup fully and may not effectively remove all eye makeup with a single cleanse.
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, almost like the smell of water.
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.
Although this is called a daily exfoliator, it may not be the best choice for someone seeking brightening or blackhead reduction benefits.
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.
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.
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 those that fragrance tends to irritate their skin. This cleanser did an amazing 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.
Some users might find the powder-to-gel mixing process slightly inconvenient or time-consuming compared to traditional ready-to-use cleansers.
The KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser stands out as an excellent skincare choice, tailor-made for combination skin. The gel-to-cream formula is lightweight and hydrating, delivering a gentle and rejuvenating cleansing experience. It not only effectively removes makeup and impurities, leaving the skin refreshed and moisturized, but also promotes a brighter complexion and reduces congestion.
The cleanser comes with a convenient safety seal that's effortless to remove, and the dispenser allows for precise control over the amount dispensed. The texture is reminiscent of a liquidy gel, flowing smoothly like water but with more control. The cleanser transitions from a gel to a clear, light cream upon application, offering a gentle and soothing cleansing experience. It effectively removes makeup and grime, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and lightly moisturized.
The KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanse is highly recommended, especially for those with combination skin, hyperpigmentation, dryness, uneven texture, or sensitive skin. It's a valuable addition to any skincare routine, ensuring a refreshed, light, and clean complexion.
While many users appreciate its gel-to-cream consistency, some individuals with very oily skin might find it a tad too creamy or moisturizing for their liking.
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 your 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.
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.
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 Sephora Collection Clean Skin Gel Cleanser.The lightweight gel texture provides a gentle and refreshing cleanse, lathering well to form a creamy foam swiftly. This cleanser stands out for its efficiency in completely removing makeup, including delicate products like clear mascara, without causing irritation. It leaves no residue and hydrates the skin post-use, solidifying its position as a top choice for makeup removal.
The lightweight gel consistency feels cool and gentle, offering a refreshing cleanse. The cleanser efficiently removes makeup, leaving the skin hydrated and clear. It's notably effective and doesn't require a follow-up cleanse. The formula suits sensitive areas and effectively removes makeup without irritation.
Post-cleansing, the skin feels tight, yet nourished and exceptionally soft. Considering the positive experience, particularly the softness and irritation-free outcome, it shines as an exceptional makeup remover.
The bottle may leave more prote
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 a spectacular 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 it's a good value for its quality.
It might not provide deep hydration for those seeking more skin renewal benefits.
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 incredible 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.
The tropical fragrance could be slightly off-putting for some.
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 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 would recommend this product, especially for those looking for a light gel cleanser, especially if they have dry skin.
The gel texture has a slight stickiness to it.
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser is a great choice for those with sensitive skin concerns like redness. 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 remove excess facial oils, makeup, and impurities gently. This face wash feels great on the skin, providing a delicate 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. 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.
The fragrance may not be suitable for some sensitive skin.
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 to combat 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. 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. While our skin didn't feel clogged, it didn't feel fully open either. Nevertheless, it felt soft, clean, hydrated, and cool.
Its has a relatively higher price point compared to similar cleansers on the market.
The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment is an exceptional facial scrub reminiscent of a high-quality mud mask with its vibrant green hue and gentle exfoliating beads. Its creamy texture and pleasant, soothing scent enhance the overall skincare experience.
The creamy consistency and light, pleasant scent provide a relaxing occasion during application. It has a slightly intense tingling sensation when left on the skin, so limiting usage to twice a week ensures optimal results without irritation. This product impressively leaves the skin feeling noticeably smoother, softer, and more moisturized, making it a standout option for those seeking an invigorating facial scrub to rejuvenate and brighten their complexion. This facial scrub impresses with its efficacy and delightful attributes, making it a favored choice for rejuvenating and brightening the skin.
While it indicates the product's active exfoliation, the tingling might not be suitable for everyone, especially those with skin conditions that are prone to irritation or sensitivity.
If you suffer from hormonal acne, you might need a face wash containing sulfur to treat your monthly breakouts, like the Differin Daily Refreshing Cleanser. Particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, its gentle yet potent formula addresses hormonal acne without excessive drying.
Dispensing the Differin Daily Refreshing Cleanser with the twist-lock pump was effortless once unlocked. The consistency, resembling a light gel, didn't produce the anticipated foam but still offered a satisfactory cleanse. Lathering required more water than typical cleansers, and the strong chemical scent, a drawback, lingered post-application.
While effectively removing makeup, a residue remained on the towel, suggesting a need for a double cleanse with makeup. The gel-like formula was gentle, providing a good cleanse without over-drying. Although it didn't deliver a significant change in skin appearance, it left the skin feeling clean without excessive dryness, making it suitable for oily skin. For those with very oily or acne-prone skin, this product is highly recommended.
The scent, resembling a medical, chemical odor, is quite prominent and can be off-putting to some users.
To find the best face washes for every skin type, we gathered a selection of over 30 face wash products to test in the Health lab. We carefully selected a variety to cater to different skin types, whether 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 noting 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.
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.
Here are a few other face washes we tested but didn’t fully make the final cut.
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 many 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 that help prevent infection, but 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.
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).
How to test skin care products. (2021).
What is comedogenicity, and what ingredients are comedogenic? Acne.org.
Formaldehyde and your health | atsdr.
Complete Cleansing Oil Benzoyl peroxide: medicine used to treat acne. nhs.uk.