- The Best Face Washes
- Why Is It Important to Wash My Face?
- How Should I Choose a Face Wash?
- What Is the Best Face Wash for Normal Skin?
- What Is the Best Face Wash for Combination Skin?
- What Is the Best Face Wash for Dry Skin?
- What Is the Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin?
- What Is the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin?
- How We Tested the Best Face Washes
- Why Trust Marie Claire?
Samantha Holender
Whether your skincare routine is 12 steps long or maxes out at three products, it should always start the same: with one of the best face washes. Choosing the best cleanser for your skin depends on your texture preference, skin type, and skin concerns, so it's essential to research before adding one to your cart. “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 (or cleansing oil) helpful to address additional skin concerns like dullness, acne, or hyperpigmentation. The best face washes for dry or sensitive skin will likely be packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. In contrast, formulas for oily 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 go-to face wash picks at every price point.
The Best Face Washes
- 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
Whether you double-cleanse or not, this face wash alone does a great job of clearing away external grime and gunk that can clog the pores. The formula bubbles up nicely to melt away makeup and the grittiness sunscreen can leave behind. A hydrolyzed rice protein and chicory blend keeps skin from drying out while turmeric, white tea, and blueberry extracts gently resurface uneven skin.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed rice protein (moisturizer); Turmeric, white tea, blueberry (retexturizes); Chicory (nourishment)
Who It’s For: All skin types
What I Love: Leaves skin feeling clean but not stripped; Removes makeup and sunscreen remnants
What I Don't: It's a bit more expensive than other comparable cleansers; The scent can be off-putting for some.
Review for MC: "This has quickly become my favorite daily cleanser. It’s gentle, but the gel texture does a great job of removing makeup remnants and excess oil. I particularly like to use it as the second step in a double cleanse routine since it breaks down leftover product, including sunscreen, without completely drying my face out." — Nykia Spradley, Contributing Beauty Writer
Nykia Spradley Tula using Tula The Cult Classic cleanser
This exfoliating cleanser from Saint Jane Beauty feels as luxurious on the skin as it looks in the bottle. Typically, cleansers with skin-smoothing ingredients like AHAs and BHAs can be really drying, but this one retexturizes even dry skin without leaving it tight and stripped. That's thanks to gentler acids derived from hibiscus flowers and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture as it cleanses and smoothes.
Key Ingredients: Hibiscus acids (resurfaces); Porcelain flower and cotton flower (softens); Hyaluronic acid (moisturizes)
Who It’s For: All skin types
What I Love: Helps prep skin for makeup and effectively takes it off; Gently resurfaces uneven skin texture without irritation
What I Don't: May be too strong for sensitive skin
Review for MC: "Not only does this cleanser look luxurious on my vanity, but its ingredient list makes my beauty editor heart so happy. It’s basically the dream formula for my skin, which leans dry and dull with the occasional clogged pore that turns into a tiny, uninvited breakout. It’s packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing botanicals, and a blend of glycolic and salicylic acids to gently exfoliate while keeping pores clear. The refreshing gel texture, combined with its subtle, calming floral scent, seals the deal. It’s easily one of my all-time favorites." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Marisa Petrarca using Saint Jane Beauty Pore Clarity Hyaluronic + Flower Acid Cleanser
A trio of vitamin C, lactic acid, and papaya enzymes works on dark spots and uneven texture while clearing away everyday dirt and excess oil. Over time, the gel's glycolic acid, which helps with cellular turnover, might even smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Key Ingredients: Ginger root and papaya (brightening); Vitamin C, lactic acid, glycolic acid (cellular turnover)
Who It’s For: Normal, dry, combination, and oily
What I Love: Skin is noticeably smoother after one use
What I Don't: Not ideal for sensitive skin
Review for MC: "Hyperpigmentation is a constant for my combo skin, so I like to incorporate a brightening cleanser into my routine to help take down dark spots and smooth any rough patches. This option does both of those things in literally one wash. The formula is pretty potent, so I only cleanse with it once a week or less and follow it with a good moisturizer. I did find that on first use, areas of my face that were drier stung a bit, but after balancing my skin with a good moisturizer, it wasn't an issue. " — Nykia Spradley, Contributing Beauty Writer
Nykia Spradley using Youth to the People Superfruit Cleanser
A good everyday cleanser that can gently clear away just about anything the day throws at you, in every season, is hard to come by—but Dieux nailed it. Some cleansers formulated with non-irritating ingredients don't always feel like they're working, but with the nice lather, ease of rinse, and a combo of moisturizing glycerin and betaine, skin is left with that desirable squeaky-clean feel without the tightness and dryness.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (moisturizes); Betaine (seals in moisture)
Who It’s For: All skin types
What I Love: It feels soothing on the skin but dissolves makeup pretty quickly; Available with or without fragrance
What I Don't: Requires a double cleanse for waterproof mascara and long-wear makeup
Review for MC: "At points in the season when my face feels extra sensitive, either from the weather or hormonal shifts, this is a winner. It’s very gentle but still feels like it's working. The foamy lather is soothing and melts down makeup and any other film I can feel on my skin. Plus, there’s zero tightness or residue once I rinse it off." — Nykia Spradley, Contributing Beauty Writer
Nykia Spradley using Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
This luxe cleanser's sensory experience is glorious. It starts out as a pearly cream, and with a touch of water and a light rub, it turns into a rich foam on the skin. The formula is laced with Augustinus Bader's special blend of amino acids and peptides that help firm skin, smooth fine lines over time, and clear away blotchiness and hyperpigmentation.
Key Ingredients: TFC8® (ingredient delivery); Rose flower water (astringent); Cucumber extract (moisturizes and calms); Aloe leaf juice (humectant)
Who It’s For: All skin types
What I Love: The richness of this cream cleanser is great, especially when skin has been exposed to harsher elements. It's moisturizing but doesn't leave any film behind.
What I Don't: It's an investment; Requires a double cleanse for long-wear makeup
Review for MC: "After using the brand's groundbreaking The Cream, I had pretty high hopes for this cleanser—and it lived up to almost all of my expectations. The silkiness feels so luxurious on my skin and I love how it turns into a light lather when mixed with water. The only point deduction is that it's not the best at removing a day's worth of makeup and waterproof mascara. But as the second step of a double cleanse routine, or on its own in the morning when I'm starting with bare skin, this cleanser does a great job at removing excess oil while leaving my skin hydrated and balanced." — Nykia Spradley, Contributing Beauty Writer
Other Cleansers I Love
Dr. Mraz loves this Clinique pick for its versatility: "It's a gentle cleanser that won't leave your skin feeling taut and comes in three options based on your skin type: Extra Mild, Mild, and Oily Skin." So whether you need a cleanser for your specific skin type or want to change it up based on the state of your skin at the moment, you have options. Plus, the price point can't be beat.
Key Ingredients: Sucrose (humectant and exfoliant); Aloe leaf juice (moisture)
Who It’s For: Sensitive, combination, dry, and oily skin
What I Love: It's gentle enough to use twice a day; It comes in three different options for various skin types and skin concerns; Fragrance and alcohol-free
What I Don't: It's not sulfate-free; Not great at removing makeup
Customer Review: "I absolutely love this facial soap, feels super gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling clean and refreshed. I will say that this product has a smell similar to pool water, which I personally like but some people may not." — Ulta Beauty
If you want the benefits of a cream cleanser but crave the squeaky-clean feeling only executed by foam, this drugstore option is for you. “It’s ideal for dry skin types as it’s able to remove dirt and makeup without stripping away natural moisture or leaving the skin feeling tight and dry,” says Dr. Rambhia. “This is perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin, given its fragrance-free formula with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid."
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (moisture); Ceramides (moisture sealing)
Who It’s For: Dry and sensitive skin
What I Love: The foaming action makes skin feel very clean but not dry or tight
What I Don't: This won't break down heavy makeup without double cleansing
Customer Review: "This is my favorite face wash. I have sensitive rosacea skin that tends to get dry and tight. I have been using this face wash for a couple of years now. It never irritates my skin and leaves it feeling moisturized. I occasionally try other face washes, but always come back to this one. It always removes sunscreen and light makeup, (if I wear heavy makeup I will use makeup wipes first)." — Ulta
There’s no such thing as too many French skincare staples. Thankfully, this one is a staple stateside, too. “It’s formulated with glycerin, which is super silky and gentle,” says Dr. Desai. “I love the creamy, silky consistency. They’re easy even for those with sensitive skin who are eczema prone.”
Key Ingredients: Avène Thermal Spring Water and glycerin (moisturizers)
Who It’s For: Dry, sensitive skin
What I Love: The silky texture feels nice and smooth against sensitive skin
What I Don't: Requires a double cleanse, especially when removing makeup
Customer Review: "The gentleness of this cleanser is amazing because its cleaning effect is not compromised. Even the scent is a heavenly complement that continuously gives me a mini spa-like experience every day!" — Avene
Oftentimes, cleansers for sensitive skin can feel a bit sterile. Such is not the case with Dr. Idriss’ Soft Wash, which gets Dr. Finney’s stamp of approval. It’s a super-gentle pH-balancing cleanser that removes sunscreen and makeup in one fell swoop. “It is also important to note that people with sensitive skin can also just rinse off with water in the morning and only use a cleanser once daily,” he adds.
Key Ingredients: Poloxamer (cleansing agent); Decyl glucoside (surfactant); Glycerin (moisture)
Who It’s For: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin
What I Love: Remove sunscreen; Gentle; Works on all skin types
What I Don't: More expensive than other gel cleanser options
Customer Review: "Fantastic jelly cleanser! Leaves my face feeling great and feels so nice on the skin to use. Dr. Idriss is amazing, this is definitely a staple in my skincare routine." — Sephora
Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor at MC has nothing but good things to say about this cleanser. "This is my daily cleanser, so bear with me while I praise it. The cream-meets-gel texture is delightful and leaves my skin feeling incredibly fresh. It instantly soothes redness and irritation, bringing my face back to a state of balance. Plus, the exploding vitamin E beads provide an extra dose of hydration to my complexion."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E (soothing); Sodium hyaluronate (moisture); Green tea (antioxidant)
Who It’s For: All skin types, redness-prone, sensitive
What I Love: Calms irritation and redness. Face feels very clean and hydrated after washing, not dry.
What I Don't: It's on the pricier side.
Customer Review: "This is a gentle, luxurious foaming cream that gives immediate results. I can always tell how effective a cleanser is by what I see on the washcloth, and mine showed makeup that was as vivid as a color chart. After cleansing, I don’t have to rush to apply moisturizer." — Nordstrom
Charlotte Tilbury is loved first and foremost for its makeup, but it has also earned a seal of approval from Dr. Zeichner for its makeup-removing cleanser. “The unique formula starts as a cream, but offers a gentle lather necessary to remove excess oil from the skin,” he explains. “As it sits on the skin, the formula turns milky, preventing it from overly drying the outer skin layer. In addition to gentle cleansing surfactants, it’s formulated with a peptide complex that supports healthy skin cell function and helps minimize the appearance of pores.”
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (moisture); Peptide complex (refines texture)
Who It’s For: Normal, dry, combination, and oily skin
What I Love: Reduces the look of pores; Moisturizes; Nice texture
What I Don't: More expensive than drugstore options
Customer Review: "I am absolutely IN LOVE with my Charlotte Tilbury Magic Hydration Revival Cleanser ! It completely removes all of my makeup and leaves my skin feeling so clean and hydrated. I keep it in my skincare fridge, which makes it feel wonderful on my skin. I can definitely say my skin looks more glowy and radiant after using it for the last 30 days! I will definitely continue using this!" — Sephora
This unique oil-to-gel texture is a dead giveaway that this face wash was made with combination skin in mind. “It first gently lifts away excess sebum, makeup, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants,” says Dr. Rambhia. “Once water is added, the oil forms a milky emulsion that washes away impurities."
Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil (moisture); Vitamin E (antioxidant); Tumeric root extract (anti-inflammatory)
Who It’s For: Combination skin
What I Love: Removes sunscreen and makeup with little effort or over-drying.
What I Don't: Some find the texture too oily
Customer Review: "I love this cleanser. It removes make-up and leaves my skin soft. It does not dry or irritate my skin. I like that you massage a small amount to dry skin and then add water to create a gentle foam. Then it rinses off easily. I live in a dry climate and this really keeps my skin soft and clean." — Dermstore
Eucerin is one my personal favorite drugstore brands; their products are typically eczema-safe and non-irritating. “This foaming gel cleanser can be used by all skin types, making it my pick for people with normal skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “It uses gentle cleansing surfactants and hyaluronic acid to offer hydrating and plumping effects in addition to washing the face.”
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (moisture), APG complex (cleanses)
Who It’s For: All skin types
What I Love: Inexpensive; Gentle; Moisturizing
What I Don't: Some find the bottle to be a bit too long
Customer Review: "I've been using this cleanser for a couple of weeks now, and it's been fantastic for my dry, sensitive skin—especially since I recently started an adapalene treatment. It’s super gentle, doesn’t irritate my skin, and gets the job done with just 1-2 pumps. I love how effective it is at cleansing while still feeling hydrating. For the price, the quantity and quality are totally worth it. Highly recommend!" — Amazon
Here's another pick that Dr. Mraz co-signs, particularly for oily and acne-prone skin since it's powered by LHAs, AHAs, and BHAs that work in tandem to remove excess oil and makeup while decongesting pores and brightening the skin.
Key Ingredients: Caproloyl salicylic Acid (decongests, antibacterial); Glycolic (exfoliates); Salicylic acid (refines and exfoliates)
Who It’s For: Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
What I Love: Helps unclog pores and removes dead skin build-up on the skin's surface.
What I Don't: It's not ideal for makeup removal; Expensive
Customer Review: "I love this cleanser. My skin feels so clean after using it and not at all too tight or dry. I use it everyday and have had absolutely no issues. The pores around my nose have disappeared. Really great cleanser! " — Dermstore
With a large TikTok fandom behind it, Kate Sommerville’s daily cleanser is worth the hype. It is suitable for normal skin types and will actively improve any skin issue that may arise. Sulfur, an antibacterial ingredient, can help with breakouts, excess oil, and skin reactions. Essentially, it keeps normal skin normal.
Key Ingredients: Sulfur (antibacterial); Honey (humectant); Rice bran extract (soothes); Oat extract (absorbs excess sebum)
Who It’s For: Oily and acne-prone skin
What I Love: Sulfur in the formula kills acne-causing bacteria and breaks down excess sebum
What I Don't: It's expensive
Customer Review: "This stuff is amazing. It clears up breakouts overnight and doesn’t dry out my skin at all. You have to really get in there and scrub for a while, then leave it on like a mask for a few more minutes. It even works on my stubborn hormonal acne."
Why Is It Important to Wash My Face?
If you're unsure which products to add to 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. "Our skin encounters and collects impurities throughout the day such as sweat, dirt, makeup, environmental toxins and allergens," explains Dr. Mraz. "It's important to cleanse that away and let it reset to 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, considering 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 morning when you've got less to remove and something stronger and more strategic for the nighttime 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 healthy collagen, elastin, and skin cells, so you want your skin clean so that your potent ingredients can absorb and work properly.
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.
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 acne 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 the season, stress, or 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 can balance cleansing oilier areas without overdrying 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 when looking for your next favorite face wash.
Meet the Dermatologists
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
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.
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