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One could say your choice of the best face wash can make or break your routine. Because the wash is “meant to remove dirt, oil, sweat, makeup, and other impurities from your face,” as dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi puts it, a good cleanse sets the stage for an efficacious skin care routine to follow. Ahead, read on to learn about the best face washes, according to dermatologists and Vogue editors. Look for the “best for” callouts to determine if each cleanser is suited for your skin type.
Our Favorite Face Washes for Every Skin Type
- Best for Acne: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, $10
- Best for Oily Skin: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel, $45
- Best for Hyperpigmentation: Revision Brightening Facial Wash, $44
- Best for Combination Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Facial Cleanser, $17
- Best for Dry Skin: Dior La Mousse OFF/ON Foaming Face Cleanser, $50
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, $18
- Best Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, $13
- Best Cleansing Milk: Osea Ocean Cleansing Milk, $54
- Best Gel: Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3%, $18
- Best Foam: La Prairie Foam Cleanser, $100
- Best Cleansing Oil: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, $31
- Best Cleansing Balm: True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm, $48
- Best for a Deep Cleanse: Sofie Pavitt Face Clean, Clean Gentle Cleanser, $34
In This Story
- Qualities of a Good Face Wash
- How to Find The Best Face Wash for Your Skin Type
- Things to Consider When Trying a New Face Wash
- How Often Should You Wash Your Face
- Meet the Experts
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
- Why We Love It: La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane cleanser is one of the most beloved face washes on the market—often recommended by the industry’s leading dermatologists. Penzi names it a solid option for those with combination skin, and Dr. Whitney Bowe says it s one of her long-time favorites. “[It] is milky and leaves my skin feeling hydrated and nourished, not stripped and tight.”
- Key Ingredients: La Roche-Posay’s prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide
- Type: Cream
- Best For: All skin types, sensitive skin
- More to Know: Vegan, fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, sulfate-free, soap-free
Best Drugstore Face Wash: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Why We Love It: “[The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser] removes impurities from the skin delicately and works well for those with the most sensitive skin,” dermatologist Dr. Carlos A. Charles tells Vogue. “Also, it’s a good choice when starting a prescription-strength acne or anti-aging regimen.” This is Penzi’s pick for best drugstore face wash because it’s classic and affordable, featuring ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid “that work to restore skin’s natural barrier to help the skin lock in moisture.”
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP)
- Type: Gel
- Best For: Normal to dry skin, sensitive skin, drugstore
- More to Know: Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, Cradle to Cradle Certified, accepted by National Eczema Association
Best Exfoliating Face Wash: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel
- Why We Love It: Dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman looks to the SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel to cleanse his oily, acne-prone skin each morning. A blend of exfoliating acids works alongside glycerin and sorbitol to remove excess oils and refine congested pores (keeping breakouts at bay) without drying the skin.
- Key Ingredients: LHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin
- Type: Gel
- Best For: Acne-prone skin, enlarged pores
- More to Know: Free of fragrance, soap, alcohol, dyes, and parabens
Best Cream-to-Foam Face Wash: Dior La Mousse OFF/ON Foaming Face Cleanser
- Why We Love It: When we asked skin-care expert Sean Garrette to detail the best beauty products under $50, he name-checked this Dior cleanser. Why? “[It’s] an effective cleanser that gently removes all impurities from the skin and is packed with soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant-rich ingredients.” Vogue’s production and editorial coordinator Irene Kim is a fan too. “The Dior foaming cleanser has a very light foam, and after washing my face, it doesn’t feel like my skin barrier is stripped dry of any moisture,” she says.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, purifying water lily (from the Dior gardens), nymphaea alba root extract
- Type: Cream-to-foam
- Best For: Dry skin
- More to Know: N/A
Best Face Wash for Oily Skin: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
- Why We Love It: Those with oily or acne-prone skin should look to this iS Clinical formula as their daily cleanser. Powered by white willow bark, a botanical salicylic acid, and sugarcane, a plant-based AHA, this gently exfoliates the skin for a smoother, softer visage. Though one might expect its gel texture to be drying, centella asiatic, glycerine, and chamomile keep skin calm and nourished.
- Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, chamomile flower, sugarcane, white willow bark
- Type: Gel
- Best For: Oily skin, acne-prone skin
- More to Know: Free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
Best Face Wash for Acne-Prone Skin: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
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- Why We Love It: Few acne treatments come as highly recommended as PanOxyl s foaming wash. In fact, when we asked Dr. Shereene Idriss for her advice on calming stressed skin, she cited it “as a staple in [her] shower.” Why? It s formulated with benzoyl peroxide and boasts antimicrobial properties that clear zits and prevent future breakouts.
- Key Ingredients: 10% benzoyl peroxide
- Type: Cream
- Best For: Acne-prone skin, oily skin
- More to Know: Free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrances
Best Resurfacing: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser is the clean beauty wash to know. A cult-favorite salve in the beauty industry, this wash pairs the best of chemical and physical exfoliation—brightening and resurfacing skin thanks to apricot microspheres, supercharged botanicals like white willow bark, pomegranate enzymes, coral clay, and phytic acid salt. Of course, gentle hydrators like aloe vera and crystalline coconut are also featured for conditioning benefits.
- Key Ingredients: Apricot microspheres, white willow bark, pomegranate enzymes, pink grapefruit, bergamot, aloe vera, kimchi ferment
- Type: Cream with exfoliating microspheres
- Best For: Dull skin, rough texture
- More to Know: Vegan, 100% natural origin ingredients, COSMOS ORGANIC certified by Ecocert Greenlife, Free of toxins, fillers, artificials, synthetics, and GMOs, cruelty-free
Best Gentle Face Cleanser: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Fresh’s Soy Cleanser is as classic—and gentle—as they come. Through a blend of aloe vera, cucumber extract, and soy proteins, this wash aims to remove dirt and makeup, while soothing redness, hydrating skin, and boosting elasticity.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, cucumber extract, borage seed oil, soy proteins
- Type: Gel
- Best For: Dry skin, sensitive skin, redness
- More to Know: Ophthalmologist-tested, pH balanced
Best Cleansing Oil: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
- Why We Love It: One looking to quickly remove all traces of makeup or practice double cleansing should strongly consider incorporating DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil. According to the brand, this binds to dirt, makeup, sunscreen, and sebum to easily wipe it away—leaving skin soft and conditioned.
- Key Ingredients: Olive oil, rosemary leaf oil, vitamin E
- Type: Oil
- Best For: Removing makeup, double cleansing, dry skin
- More to Know: Fragrance-free, colorant-free
Best Cleansing Balm: True Botanicals Ginger Turmeric Cleansing Balm
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- Why We Love It: True Botanicals’s cleansing balm is a sensory experience from start to finish. You’ll remove the lid to reveal a citrus, neroli-scented balm that melts as soon as it touches skin. Powered by a blend of natural-biocompatible ingredients (think: botanical extracts, oils, and butters), plus lactic and azelaic acid to lift away makeup, sunscreen, and dirt whilst gently exfoliating, brightening, and even tone.
- Key Ingredients: Yucca extract, turmeric, ginger root, cucumber seed oil, lactic acid, azelaic acid, avocado butter
- Type: Balm
- Best For: Removing makeup, double cleansing, all skin types
- More to Know: Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, soy-free, naturally-scented (free of synthetic fragrances), free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone and talc
Best Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
- Why We Love It: Micellar water comes in handy to remove stubborn makeup residue (think: waterproof mascara and long-wear liner) or give skin a quick boost come morning. Bioderma’s is Vogue editor-approved, and, in our opinion, a must-have in any beauty cabinet. Using it is as simple as placing a few drops on a cotton round and swiping it across your face.
- Key Ingredients: Micellar technology, xylitol, cucumber fruit extract
- Type: Micellar water
- Best For: Removing makeup
- More to Know: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested
Best Cruelty-Free Face Wash: Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Partial to a no-fuss gel-cream cleanser? Glossier’s got you covered. Its pH-balanced Milky Jelly Cleanser is non-comedogenic (meaning it will not clog pores), and features nourishing ingredients like vitamin B5, rose water, and allantoin to promote a fresh, soft, glowing complexion.
- Key Ingredients: Rose water, vitamin B5, allantoin, comfrey root extract, xylitol
- Type: Gel-cream
- Best For: Normal-to-combination skin
- More to Know: Vegan, cruelty-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested
Best Foaming Face Wash: La Prairie Foam Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Don’t let the name fool you: La Prairie’s Foam Cleanser transforms from a rich cream to a silky mousse that deftly sloughs away dirt and oils. Licorice, green tea, and aloe vera give it moisturizing, soothing, and protective properties that make it excellent for mature and sensitive skin types—priming skin for serums and oils to follow.
- Key Ingredients:
- Type: Cream
- Best For: Mature skin, dry skin, combination skin
- More to Know: N/A
Best Gel Face Wash: Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3%
- Why We Love It: I picked up Naturium’s cleansing gelée at the drugstore before vacation and haven’t looked back since. Its unique gel texture massages into a lush foam that quickly removes traces of dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup. What’s more, it s infused with niacinamide to help balance and soothe skin.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerine, hyaluronic acid, Myrciaria Dubia fruit extract
- Type: Gel
- Best For: Oily-to-combination skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin
- More to Know: Vegan, dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, free of parabens, gluten, and fragrance
Best Milk Cleanser: Osea Ocean Cleansing Milk
- Why We Love It: A milky cleanser is an optimal choice for someone with dry or mature skin and interested in weightless moisture. Osea’s option is especially gentle, relying on soothing hydrators and natural-based ingredients to soothe the skin barrier while cleansing the skin.
- Key Ingredients: Saccharide isomerate, witch hazel, safflower seed oil, glycerin
- Type: Milk
- Best For: Sensitive skin, dry skin
- More to Know: Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, Climate Neutral Certified + Ocean Positive, dermatologist-tested
Best Face Wash for Hyperpigmentation: Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash
- Why We Love It: In dermatologist Dr. Karen Kagha’s oily, acne-prone morning regimen, she often reaches for the Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash because it helps tackle hyperpigmentation. Enriched with AHA, BHA, vitamin C, and botanical extracts, this seeks to illuminate your complexion, reduce the look of dark spots, and exfoliate dead surface cells.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, licorice extract, lily extract, vitamin E, white tea extract
- Type: Gel
- Best For: Hyperpigmentation, dull skin, mature skin, oily-to-combination skin
- More to Know: Sulfate-free, paraben-free
Best Vegan Face Wash: Youth To The People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Often described as a green juice for your face, Youth To The People’s vegan cleanser is packed with kale, spinach, and green tea to deliver superfood antioxidants directly to the skin. Users rave about its acne-quelling benefits—limiting excess oils and staving off stubborn breakouts.
- Key Ingredients: Kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Type: Gel
- Best For: Acne-prone skin, oily-to-combination skin
- More to Know: Vegan, cruelty-free, recyclable packaging
Best for a Deep Cleanse: Sofie Pavitt Face Clean, Clean Gentle Cleanser
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- Why We Love It: Beloved New York esthetician Sofie Pavitt (a.k.a. the acne whisperer) released a skin-care line so now, even those who don’t live near Pavitt’s Chinatown studio can take a some of her skin-care magic home. This gentle cleanser is made for reactive skin types and formulated with anti-inflammatory ingredients like panthenol and glycerin for increased hydration. The result is a deep cleanse that doesn’t strip the skin or leave a tight feeling.
- Key Ingredients: Allantoin, panthenol, glycerin
- Type: Gel to foaming
- Best For: Acne-prone skin, sensitive skin
- More to Know: Vegan, cruelty-free
Best Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser: Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser
- Why We Love It: This exfoliant cleanser comes out of the bottle in powder form, but don’t be alarmed—with a splash of water, it turns into a light foam that gently buffs skin. Unlike some older physical cleaners with too large and abrasive granules, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s cleanser relies on enzymes to reduce excess sebum clogging pores and soften dry patches.
- Key Ingredients: Maltodextrin, vitamin C, subtilisin, lipase, cellulose
- Type: Powder to foam
- Best For: Textured skin, congested pores, sensitive skin
- More to Know: Cruelty-free, paraban-free, fragrance-free, sulfate-free, microplastic-free, silicone-free
Best K-Beauty: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Cleanser
- Why We Love It: As you may have noticed from the product name, centella asiatica from Madagascar is the star in this K-Beauty cleanser. Known for its anti-acneic and anti-inflammatory properties, this hero ingredient helps calm acne-induced redness and inflammation. This cleanser initially starts as a cream but turns into a fluffy foam once mixed with water. Meanwhile, fine baking soda powder gently exfoliates congested pores to reveal deeply cleaned skin.
- Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica extract, glycerin, citric acid, sodium hyaluronate
- Type: Cream to foaming
- Best For: Normal to sensitive skin types
- More to Know: Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, EWG Green Grade approved
Qualities of a Good Face Wash
“A good quality face should be capable of effectively cleaning your face, but not strip the skin of its natural oils that would cause dryness and irritation,” Penzi explains. “It should be effective at removing makeup and other heavier buildup on its own, without the addition of other facial products.”
How to Find the Best Face Wash for Your Skin Type
Penzi continues that, generally speaking, sodium lauryl sulfate is the central ingredient of any face wash—acting as the “soap” that cleanses the skin. Otherwise, the ingredients to look for depend on your skin goals. “If you are dry, look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. If you are prone to acne look for acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. For pigment and texture issues, look for AHAs and BHAs.”
- Dry Skin: “Those with dry skin should opt for a cleanser that is hydrating and will help to nourish the skin, such as a cream-based cleanser containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide,” explains Garshick.
- Acne Prone Skin: “Those with acne-prone skin should look for a cleanser that is oil-free to prevent clogged pores or one that contains key acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid,” Garshick explains, adding that the former is best for red, inflamed blemishes while the latter works well with blackheads and whiteheads. “For those with oily skin who cannot tolerate active ingredients like salicylic acid, using a foam or gel-based cleanser can help to reduce excess oil without irritating the skin.”
- Pigmentation and Texture: “For those with pigmentation and textural changes, it can help to use an exfoliating cleanser that can help to get rid of dead skin cells and buildup while also improving the appearance of skin texture and tone,” Garshick notes.
Things to Consider When Trying a New Face Wash
Knowing a face wash works for you can feel tricky. Does my face feel too clean? Did this formula strip my skin of its natural oils? Do the featured ingredients work well in my skincare routine and help me actually achieve my goals? To help answer these questions and more, we tapped Garshick to detail the qualities to consider when trying a new face wash.
- Ingredients: Garshick explains that when looking at a cleanser, the main ingredient should be a gentle surfactant to thoroughly cleanse the skin, plus moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to simultaneously nourish the skin. “Depending on an individual’s skin type or skin concerns, it may also help for a cleanser to contain other ingredients such as niacinamide to calm inflammation for those with sensitive skin, or acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in those with acne-prone skin.”
- Type: Take your pick of a handful of face wash types. “Gel and foam based cleansers are especially good for those with oily skin as they help to remove excess oil and build up, and may also be a good option for certain individuals in the summer months as temperatures rise,” she explains. “Cream cleansers are especially good for those with dry or sensitive skin as they help to moisturize the skin so it won’t be left feeling dry or stripped.”
- Skin Type: “When considering the type of cleanser, it is important to determine your skin type in order to select the most appropriate cleanser option,” says Garshick. “Certain cleansers are best for those with dry skin such as creamy hydrating cleansers while others may be preferred for those with oily skin, such as foaming or gel-based cleansers.”
- Fragrance: According to Garshick, those with sensitive skin should avoid cleansers with fragrance.
- Cruelty Free/Clean Products: “Ultimately deciding to use a ‘clean’ product comes down to personal preference,” Garshick notes. Remember: there is still no formal definition for what makes a product “clean.”
- Season: Board certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss emphasized the importance of paying special attention to introducing hydrating ingredients during the colder months. “I always recommend introducing different products into a routine during the winter as this is when skin tends to be a bit more dry and dehydrated,” she previously explained. “Skin lacks moisture in cold, dry climates, therefore, you want to load on all the hydration you can get.”
How Often Should You Wash Your Face
How often you wash also depends on your goals. Double cleansing, the K-beauty practice of cleansing with an oil ahead of a water-based wash, is best for those who wear a lot of makeup or are exposed to environmental pollutants or debris. Those with dry skin, on the other hand, might opt for the French pharmacy secret of washing just once daily. Keep in mind, though, that over-cleansing is possible. Per Penzi, avoid washing more than two times per day to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Carlos A. Charles is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a Birmingham, Alabama-based and board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology who specializes in dermatologic surgery, injectables, hair restoration, and laser dermatology.
- Dr. Karen Kagha is a Los Angeles–based and Harvard cosmetic and laser fellowship-trained dermatologist who specializes in hyperpigmentation, acne, and skin of color.
- Dr. Lauren Penzi is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Shereene Idriss is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology, facial rejuvenation, and minimally invasive body contouring.
