The Best Face Wash for Every Skin Type and Concern, According to Dermatologists

A great skincare routine starts with a clean slate.

best face wash
(Image credit: Future)

Whether your skincare routine is 12 steps long or maxes out at three products, it should always start with a good cleanser. Choosing the best face wash depends on several things—but before diving into that, take note that this is easily the most important part of your routine. “The right cleanser can help support healthy skin function,” explains Joshua Zeichner, M.D. FAAD and board-certified dermatologist. On the other hand, “choosing the wrong type of cleanser can negatively impact your skin by worsening existing skin issues or failing to address specific skin concerns,” adds Pooja Rambhia, M.D. FAAD and board-certified dermatologist.

While you can never go wrong with a no-fuss, drugstore gentle cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and oil, you might find a targeted cleanser helpful to address additional skin concerns. The ingredient makeup of the best face washes for dry skin or sensitive skin will likely be packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, while those for oily skin or acne-prone skin can contain detoxing, sebum-absorbing salicylic acid or tea tree extract.

To help you sort through the abundance of options, top board-certified dermatologists weighed in with their tips on finding the best face washes for every skin type and concern. Here, Dr. Zeichner, Dr. Rahmbia, Robert Finney, M.D. FAAD, Nina Desai, M.D. FAAD, and Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD share their favorite face washes.

First Things First: How Should You Choose a Face Wash?

Step one in selecting the best face wash is identifying your skin type. If you’re not sure which of the skin categories you fall into, there’s an easy beauty hack to find out. “First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser—don’t apply anything to the skin. Wait 30 minutes and then see how your skin feels,” explains Dr. Desia. “If your skin feels dry and tight your skin type is most likely dry. If your skin appears shiny or greasy, then you are oily. If you notice a combination of oiliness in the T-Zone and dryness on the cheeks, you have combination skin. You have normal skin if your skin feels great and there’s no signs of oiliness or dryness.” Sensitive skin on the other hand typically looks red and has a burning or stinging sensation.

The Best Face Washes for Every Skin Type

  • Best Overall Face Wash: Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
  • Best Face Wash for Dry Skin: Saint Jane Beauty Pore Clarity Cleanser
  • Best Face Wash for Brightening: Youth To The People Superfruit Cleanser
  • Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin: Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
  • Best Anti-Aging Face Wash: Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel

Nykia Spradley Tula using Tula The Cult Classic cleanser

Nykia Spradley Tula using Tula The Cult Classic cleanser

(Image credit: Nykia Spradley)

Marisa Petrarca using Saint Jane Beauty Pore Clarity Hyaluronic + Flower Acid Cleanser

Marisa Petrarca using Saint Jane Beauty Pore Clarity Hyaluronic + Flower Acid Cleanser

(Image credit: Marisa Petrarca)

Nykia Spradley using Youth to the People Superfruit Cleanser

Nykia Spradley using Youth to the People Superfruit Cleanser

(Image credit: Nykia Spradley)

Nykia Spradley using Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser

Nykia Spradley using Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser

(Image credit: Nykia Spradley)

Nykia Spradley using Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel

(Image credit: Nykia Spradley)

Why Is It Important to Wash My Face?

If you're on the fence about which products are necessary to add do your regimen, it's always best to check with your dermatologist—especially if you're dealing with specific concerns like dryness or acne. Generally, speaking though, face wash is an ideal first step in any skincare routine. Dr. Mraz explains why: "Our skin encounters and collects impurities throughout the day such as sweat, dirt, makeup, environmental toxins and allergens. It's important to cleanse that away and let it reset so that it can naturally repair and regenerate. It's also important to cleanse your face before applying skincare so that it can absorb into the skin and do its job!"

How Should I Choose a Face Wash?

Choose a face wash tailored to your skin type and concerns, keeping in mind that you might need to change up your wash throughout the year based on weather and lifestyle. Dr. Mraz recommends a gentle cleanser for the AM when you've got less to remove and something stronger and more strategic for the PM to cleanse, treat and prep the skin for skincare before sleep. Keep in mind that nighttime is when skin naturally works to repair and regenerate new, healthy collagen, elastin and skin cells so you want your skin clean so that your potent ingredients can absorb and work properly.

What Is the Best Face Wash for Normal Skin?

Normal skin types are like the favorite child. Overall, you’ll be well-balanced; not too oily and not too dry. “Those with normal skin typically have smaller pores with an overall smooth skin texture and are not specifically prone to acen breakouts or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Rambhia. As such, picking a cleanser is pretty simple. Pick a no-fuss option with whatever texture you prefer.

What Is the Best Face Wash for Combination Skin?

Combination skin is a little tricky. While you might find your T-zone—forehead, nose, chin—oily, your cheeks can be dry. Your skin’s balance can fluctuate with season, stress, or even hormonal changes. Finding the best cleanser for this skin type is more about texture than ingredients. “Gel, foaming, and oil-based formulas can work well, as they are able to balance cleansing oilier areas without over-drying other areas of the face,” says Dr. Rambhia.

What Is the Best Face Wash for Dry Skin?

Dry skin has less natural moisturizing oils, which can leave you with a complexion that looks a little dull and a texture that feels rough, inflamed, or itchy. “Dry skin often feels tight, cracks easily, and is visibly dehydrated,” says Dr. Rambhia. As a result, you want to seek out deeply hydrating face washes. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides in a cream or lotion texture. “Cream cleansers gently cleanse the skin using natural oils and emulsifiers and are ideal for those with dry skin.”

What Is the Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin?

As a sensitive skin girl myself, I can confirm that finding a cleanser to actively calm my complexion is a game changer. “Sensitive skin is more vulnerable to external irritants or allergens, such as dyes or fragrances, resulting in inflamed and itchy skin,” says Dr. Rambhia. You might experience stinging or burning frequently, which is precisely why looking for non-irritating cleansers is ideal. Avoid fragrances, dyes, and intense exfoliating acids.

What Is the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin?

Oily skin produces more oil, making your skin look greasy or shiny. “People with oily skin tend to be more susceptible to the appearance of large pores, acne breakouts, and blackheads and whiteheads, too,” says Dr. Rambhia. The plus side: “Those with oily skin tend to have fewer wrinkles.” Foaming and gel cleansers are ideal for oily skin types as they can effectively dissolve excess oil that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. You may also want to consider chemical exfoliant ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid.

Meet the Dermatologists

Dr. Deanne Mraz portrait/headshot
Deanne Mraz

Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD is a fellowship-trained, board-certified dermatologist based in CT. She is the President and Co-Founder of Modern Dermatology of Connecticut, Founder of DMR Research, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital. Along with her distinguished experience in dermatology, Dr. Mraz remains active in academia and clinical research and was named a Castle Connolly “Top Doctor” every year from 2018-2025.

dermatologist
Joshua Zeichner

Dr. Joshua Zeichner is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and the Director of Cosmetic & Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He is one of the country's key opinion leaders in treating acne and rosacea, and is an expert in cosmeceuticals, skin care, and cosmetic Dermatology.

dermatologist
Pooja Rambhia

Pooja H. Rambhia, M.D. is a dermatologist, who is currently completing her American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) accredited Cosmetic and Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship at UnionDerm.

Dr. Rambhia is a Long Island, NY native who received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in biochemistry and her Doctorate of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, through their prestigious BA/MD pre-professional scholars program. During her medical school training, she completed an additional pre-doctoral fellowship through the National Institute of Health T32 training grant in investigative and molecular dermatology.

Dr. Rambhia has published numerous peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals including Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, Dermatologic Surgery and International Journal of Dermatology. She has also presented on several national meetings including the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS) annual meeting, American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting, and ASDS annual meeting.

Dr. Rambhia is an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and Women’s Dermatologic Society.

dermatologist
Robert Finney

Robert Finney, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, Fellowship-Trained in Hair Restoration and Aesthetics. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Finney completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at Pennsylvania State University. He completed his internship and dermatology residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA where he served as chief resident during his final year. Following his residency, he completed an advanced fellowship in aesthetics, hair restoration, and skin surgery with renowned hair surgeon Dr. Marc Avram in New York City. Dr. Finney has authored several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on hair loss. He frequently lectures both nationally and internationally on the topic, leading him to be sought after by major media outlets to share his expertise on skin and hair.

dermatologist
Nina Desai

Dr. Nina Desai is a board certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist.  She received both her undergraduate degree and medical degree from Brown University, working under some of the smartest minds in medicine.  Her passion to understand skin disease and how the skin heals led her to pursue research fellowships at both Harvard University, and Cornell University where she published numerous papers and book chapters on skin cancer and skin diseases, in particular in skin of color.

She understands that the world of skin and beauty is continually evolving and she is committed to keeping up to date on all that is changing in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. She is a member of many relevant national and international organizations including the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, American Academy of Dermatology, and Women’s Dermatologic Society.

How We Tested the Best Face Washes

As resident testers of a lot of products here at Marie Claire, face wash is always the first step in our skin care routines. We started our testing process by looking to the products we love and trust and then tapped experts like other beauty editors and writers, and the dermatologists we interviewed here, to share their top picks. We also looked to customer reviews to ensure we had a rounded and honest list that covers the wide range of skin types and tones for anyone who may be on the hunt for a new face wash.

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When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.

Samantha Holender
Senior Beauty Editor

Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.