After Testing 30 Face Washes, We Found the 16 Picks That'll Rejuvenate Your Skin

With options for all skin types.

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Best face washes collaged against neutral background

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

Despite cleansing being the first essential step in your skincare routine, people often neglect to be selective with a face wash the same way they would with a serum or a treatment. But the truth is, the face wash you use should be chosen based on your skin type, your needs, and your skincare goals. Formulas can vary from oils to cleansing balms and gels to gentle exfoliators, each designed with specific skin types and concerns in mind. 

So, we tested face washes in our lab facility in New York City and out in the real world to determine the best options for people with various skin types, skin concerns, and preferences. We evaluated each product based on ease of use, feel, effectiveness, and how it made our skin look, and below, we're sharing which ones impressed us the most.

Best Overall

KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser

KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser

KraveBeauty

What We Like
  • Consistency is gel-like and easy to spread

  • Creates subtle cooling effect on the skin

  • Thoroughly removes makeup and impurities

  • Leaves skin feeling refreshed and comfortable

  • Affordable

What We Don't Like
  • Takes a bit of effort to fully wash off

Out of all the face washes we tested, this one has claimed our best overall title. It has a jelly-like formula that’s silky and has just the right consistency, making it easy to spread across the skin and create a nice lather. The formula features coconut-based surfactants to cleanse, as well as matcha and hemp seed oil for antioxidant protection and hydration. 

We adored how soothing it felt—the soft texture and subtle cooling effect it created left our skin feeling refreshed. It did an excellent job at thoroughly removing excess makeup and oil without leaving us with a dry or stripped feeling. It's effective, balancing, and created a nice sensorial experience. We also appreciate that it's fairly affordable.

The one downside? It takes a few extra seconds and splashes of water to fully remove it due to the jelly texture, but considering how nice the formula is and how comfortable it left our skin feeling, we don't mind this. We think it's a great option for all skin types because it's not drying or stripping, but it's also not heavy or oily.

Skin Type: All | Size: 4.05 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lightweight, creamy gel texture

  • Creates nice lather

  • Effectively removes makeup and dirt

  • Doesn’t leave residue behind

  • Keeps skin feeling soft and hydrated

What We Don't Like
  • Not ideal for those with oily skin

If you scroll through BeautyToK, chances are you’re familiar with CeraVe products and how great they are—and this one is no exception. In addition to being affordable and accessible, it does a great job at doing exactly what it was designed to do: effectively cleanse the skin. It’s not super fancy, and it doesn’t offer “extras” like exfoliation or antioxidant protection, but it’s fantastic at cleansing the skin without stripping it or creating that tight feeling that many face washes do. It has a creamy, slightly gel-like texture, and it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides for hydration and skin barrier support which is excellent for those with dry and sensitive skin. 

We were pleasantly surprised by how well it removed makeup. Just one wash was all it took to leave our skin looking and feeling clean, hydrated, and even. While it’s an excellent choice for people with balanced, dry, or even sensitive skin, those with very oily skin might need something a bit more powerful to effectively break down excess oil.

Skin Type: Dry, balanced, sensitive | Size: 16, 19 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Walmart

What We Like
  • Non-drying

  • Lightweight, creamy formula

  • Gentle on the skin

What We Don't Like
  • Might not be ideal for those with oily skin

This incredibly popular face wash has been a drugstore staple for decades, and given how simple and effective the formula is, its popularity is justified. It’s free from common irritating ingredients, has a lightweight, creamy texture, and contains glycerin and niacinamide for hydration and skin barrier support. 

During testing, we liked that the consistency wasn’t overly thick or runny, making it easy and comfortable to apply on the face. It rinsed off easily and left our skin looking and feeling clean and moisturized. It’s a fantastic option for people with dry or sensitive skin, and we also recommend it for those seeking a very gentle face wash in the morning when they don’t need to remove makeup. If you have oily skin or makeup to remove, this could be a nice option as a second cleanse after an oil-based face wash that will be tougher on makeup and grime.

Skin Type: Dry, balanced, sensitive | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Dry Skin

Paula’s Choice Resist Optimal Results Cleanser

Paula’s Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser

Paula's Choice

What We Like
  • Soft, lotion-like texture

  • Effectively removes face makeup

  • Leaves skin feeling moisturized

What We Don't Like
  • Some online reviewers say it isn’t powerful enough to break down SPF and excess oil

If you have dry skin, then you can probably identify with the tight, uncomfortable feeling that some face washes leave you with. That’s why we love this creamy, hydrating face wash for people with dry skin—it doesn’t do that. The lotion-like texture is formulated with glycerin to hydrate the skin, as well as chamomile extract to soothe it. 

In addition to the texture, we loved how well it removed foundation and concealer and left our skin feeling clean and moisturized rather than stripped and tight. We also liked that it felt gentle and non-irritating around our eyes, a real plus if you’re sensitive in that area. 

One thing to note is that, like many cream cleansers, some online reviewers say this one isn’t ideal for removing stubborn eye makeup or breaking down SPF or excess oil. If you have oily skin and still want to use a hydrating face wash like this one, we recommend starting with a cleansing balm first.

Skin Type: Dry, balanced, sensitive | Size: 6.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Oily Skin

Hyper Skin Hyper Even Cleansing Gel

Hyper Skin Hyper Even Gentle Brightening Cleansing Gel

Sephora

What We Like
  • Gelatinous texture easily emulsifies

  • Consistency is thick and won’t run down the face, creating a mess

  • Leaves skin feeling clean and balanced

What We Don't Like
  • Takes a bit of rubbing to fully remove makeup

When you have oily skin, finding a face wash that fully removes excess oil without completely drying out your skin can be challenging, but this one does the job. It has a unique gel texture that’s pretty viscous without being heavy, making it really easy to lather. We enjoyed the consistency because it was easy to work into the skin. It did take a bit of effort to fully remove makeup while using this face wash, but after cleansing a second time with it, it left those of us with oily skin feeling grease-free but not stripped.

We also love that this formula contains mandelic acid, which helps to gently exfoliate, as well as licorice root extract and willow bark extract to soothe and tone down redness. If you’re on the hunt for a face wash to balance out your oily skin type, we highly recommend this one.

Skin Type: Oily, balanced, combo, dry | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Sensitive Skin

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Amazon

What We Like
  • Free of sensitizing ingredients

  • Affordable

  • Leaves skin feeling balanced

What We Don't Like
  • Not great at removing makeup

People with sensitive skin often struggle to find skincare products that don’t create redness or irritation. If that sounds like you, then we recommend checking out this affordable face wash that was specifically formulated without many of the ingredients that are known to be sensitizing. It’s free from fragrance, soap, dyes, gluten, and more. The light, creamy formula contains glycerin to hydrate the skin, as well as coco-glucoside, a coconut-based surfactant to cleanse. 

One tester with sensitive, reactive skin shared that the face wash felt soft and gentle on her face. While it wasn’t super effective at removing makeup, it did do a nice job at cleansing without creating a tight feeling. It’s a basic, affordable face wash that’s effective and non-irritating on dry and sensitive skin, but if you’re looking to remove makeup as well, we suggest using a makeup remover first.

Skin Type: All, especially sensitive | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Pores

Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Cleanser

Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Cleanser

Sephora

What We Like
  • Soft, foaming gel formula

  • Lathers well

  • Cleans the skin without over-stripping

  • Contains BHA to gently exfoliate the skin

What We Don't Like
  • Product comes out of the tube too fast and gets messy

You probably know that you can’t actually alter the size of your pores, but ridding your skin of excess sebum can help to make your pores appear smaller and more clear. If you struggle with clogged pores, this gel face wash is a great option for you because it’s formulated with BHA, which works to remove excess oils and dead skin cells. It also contains niacinamide to help prevent excess oil production, as well as azelaic acid to reduce the appearance of post-breakout marks. 

The texture is a thin, slippy gel formula that lathered well and was easy to spread around the face. We didn’t have to apply pressure or exert much effort to thoroughly cleanse with this product, and we were pleased that it left our skin feeling nicely balanced.

Our one con? The packaging isn’t ideal. The thin formula came out of the opening way too fast, which caused a little bit of a mess.

Skin Type: Oily, combo, normal | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Redness

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

Amazon

What We Like
  • Soft, creamy texture

  • Creates a thick lather

  • Leaves skin feeling balanced

What We Don't Like
  • Foaming description is slightly misleading

If you have sensitive skin, chances are, you've experienced redness after using a face wash that's just too harsh for you. Whether your skin is sensitive or you’re just prone to redness, this is a great option for you. The formula contains bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple which is known to be anti-inflammatory—this can help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation. 

We enjoyed the texture of this face wash, although it’s not exactly like most lightweight, foaming washes. Most foaming washes have airy, mousse-like textures, but this one is definitely more rich and viscous and forms a much thicker foam. Regardless, it felt soft and luxurious when applied to our skin, and it was easy to lather and massage across the face. It effectively removed makeup and excess oil and left our skin feeling clean and not stripped.

Skin Type: All | Size: 7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Acne

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lightweight, creamy texture

  • Removes makeup

  • Contains high concentration of benzoyl peroxide 

What We Don't Like
  • Not ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin

If you have stubborn acne, you know how frustrating it can be to find products that actually work to reduce breakouts and leave you with clear skin. But if you haven’t tried this face wash from PanOxyl, we highly recommend that you do—that is, if your skin isn’t overly sensitive or dry. The formula contains 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, the highest concentration of the ingredient that can be included in over-the-counter products. Why is this so helpful for those with acne-prone skin? Because benzoyl peroxide works to kill much of the acne-causing bacteria on the skin, which helps to clear current breakouts and prevent new ones from popping up. In addition to how well it works to clear acne, we enjoyed the lightweight, creamy texture.

Note that while this face wash is an excellent option for those with acne-prone skin, it can be drying. So if you have sensitive or dry skin, we recommend that you consult with your dermatologist before using it.

Skin Type: Acne-prone | Size: 5.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Hydrating

Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Saks Fifth Avenue

What We Like
  • Slippery gel texture lathers easily

  • Luxurious feeling on the skin

  • Fully cleanses skin without stripping it

  • Contains hydrating ingredients

What We Don't Like
  • Some online reviewers say there are similar options that are more affordable

Face wash is supposed to clean your skin, but sometimes it cleans it a little bit too well, resulting in uncomfortable dryness and a tightening sensation. That’s why it’s important to seek out cleansers that effectively cleanse excess dirt and oil without completely robbing your skin of necessary hydration—especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. We love this silky gel cleanser because it’s formulated with marine peptides to boost hydration, as well as chamomile essential oils to soothe it. 

We're big fans of the consistency because it's a lightweight, slippery gel that lathers nicely and feels soft and luxurious on the skin. It effectively removed our makeup, cleaned our face from excess oil and grime, and left our skin feeling perfectly balanced and hydrated.

While we absolutely recommend this product to anyone looking for a solid hydrating face wash, some online reviewers say they’ve found comparable options on the market for a more affordable price.

Skin Type: Dry, combo, balanced, sensitive | Size: 6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Exfoliating

SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser

SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser With Glycolic Acid

Dermstore

What We Like
  • Thin, gel consistency

  • Foams and lathers easily

  • Cleanses excess oil without over-drying

  • Contains glycolic acid for gentle exfoliation

What We Don't Like
  • It’s not ideal for breaking down makeup and SPF

Exfoliation is great for the skin because it works to remove dead skin cells and leave your complexion smoother and brighter. But, use an exfoliator that’s too harsh, and you could do more harm than good. That’s why we love this exfoliating cleanser—it’s formulated with glycolic acid, which works to get rid of dead skin cells and boost collagen, making it a more gentle option than a harsh scrub. It has a thin gel consistently that foams and lathers well, and we appreciated how soft and comforting it felt as we applied it on our skin. It effectively removed excess oil without feeling stripping or leaving behind a residue, and our skin felt clean and soft after using it.

Skin Type: Oily, combo, balanced, dry | Size: 6.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Cream Cleanser

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

Amazon

What We Like
  • Soft, creamy texture

  • Gentle on the skin

  • Effectively removes makeup and dirt

What We Don't Like
  • Could be slightly more hydrating

Cream face washes are great for anyone who likes a soft, sensorial experience while cleansing. They’re also usually ideal options for those with dry or combination skin because they tend to be less drying than gel or foaming cleansers. We love this one because it’s formulated without drying alcohols, has a thick, creamy texture, and lathers with ease. It felt soft and gentle on our skin, and we were pleasantly surprised by how well it removed makeup. We certainly didn't find it to be drying, but it left our skin feeling normal—not stripped, yet not hydrated. We love that it delivers on its claims and isn’t so gentle and creamy that it’s not effective, but we wish it were just the slightest bit more moisturizing. If you have balanced or combination skin and you’re looking for a cream cleanser, this is a Byrdie-approved product for you.

Skin Type: Balanced, dry, combo, oily | Size: 2, 5, 11 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Foaming Cleanser

Kopari Lychee Clean Vitamin C Face Cleanser

Kopari Lychee Clean Vitamin C Foaming Face Cleanser

Amazon

What We Like
  • Packaging is mess-free and dispenses ideal amount of cleanser

  • Lightweight, fluffy foaming texture

  • Effectively removes makeup and oil in one cleanse

  • Not over-drying

What We Don't Like
  • Fragrance could be slightly off-putting for some

If you like lightweight, foaming cleansers, we highly recommend that you try this one from Kopari Beauty. While some foaming formulas can be pretty drying due to a high alcohol concentration or a lack of nourishing ingredients, this one is the opposite. In fact, it’s formulated with hydrating B5 and allantoin, a soothing plant extract, making it a great option for people with dry or even sensitive skin. 

In addition to loving how functional the recyclable packaging is because it easily dispenses the ideal amount of product, we enjoyed how fluffy the consistently is and how soft it felt against our skin. It successfully removed makeup without leading to dryness or creating a tight sensation, and we noticed an improvement in the brightness of our complexions after using it.

While we liked the tropical fragrance, which is derived from plant extracts, we know fragrances can be undesirable for some people, so we would love to see a fragrance-free option.

Skin Type: All | Size: 5.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Gel Cleanser

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

Bluemercury

What We Like
  • Thoroughly cleanses makeup, dirt, and oil

  • Safe for all skin types

  • Contains salicylic acid for mild exfoliation

What We Don't Like
  • Gel texture is slightly sticky

According to dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, “Gel cleansers are great for deep-cleansing routines and for removing excess oil particles and oilier skin types.” And while they can sometimes be a bit drying, this one isn’t. It’s formulated with glycerin to hydrate the skin, as well as chamomile flower to soothe it, making it a solid choice no matter your skin type. It broke down makeup with ease, cleansed our skin of excess oil, and left it feeling purified, smooth, and even moisturized. It also contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin, which is an added bonus if you struggle with breakouts or uneven skin texture.

We found the gel consistency to be slightly sticky, which might be a bit off-putting for some, but it can be mitigated by adding a bit more water during your cleansing process. Plus, because it has a subtle tackiness to it, it’s not as messy or runny when you’re applying it to your skin. If you’re in the market for a face wash that thoroughly removes makeup and gives the skin a deep yet gentle clean, this is the one for you.

Skin Type: All | Size: 2, 6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Milky Cleanser

Hero Cosmetics Gentle Milky Cleanser

Hero Cosmetics Gentle Milky Cleanser

Amazon

What We Like
  • Extremely gentle

  • Easy to spread across the skin

  • Leaves skin feeling hydrated

What We Don't Like
  • Leaves a slight film behind

Think of a milky cleanser as a more lightweight, liquidly version of a cream cleanser. Milky formulas are typically gentle, hydrating, and non-foaming. We love this one for those with dry or sensitive skin because it contains jojoba and ceramides to moisturize the skin, as well as colloidal oatmeal to calm it. Plus, it’s also a great gentle option for people who struggle with acne because oatmeal helps to soothe stressed skin, and it also contains PHA to help clarify congested pores. 

We enjoyed it a lot during our test—the texture wasn’t too thin or runny, and it felt incredibly calming and non-irritating on the skin. Despite its gentle formula, it worked to remove dirt, and even makeup, leaving our skin both clean and hydrated. The one minor con? It left a thin film on the skin, so it could take a bit of effort to fully remove.

Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, acne-prone | Size: 5.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Sustainable

Blueland Facial Cleanser Starter Set

Blueland Facial Cleanser Starter Set

Blueland

What We Like
  • Mess-free option for traveling

  • Easy DIY assembly of the product

  • Gentle on the skin

What We Don't Like
  • Not currently available at accessible retailers

  • Not ideal for makeup removal

Let’s face it—the beauty industry creates an immense amount of waste. If this is something you feel passionately about, and you want to opt for sustainable brands and products, we highly recommend this cleanser from Blueland. The starter kit comes with a bottle that you can use over and over again, as well as a packet (or three if you choose the three-pack) of powdered cleanser. You’ll then fill the bottle up with your water, add in the packet of cleanser, shake the bottle, and wait one hour for the formula to activate. The formula contains soothing oat and vitamin E, as well as kaolin clay, which is also great for oil absorption. Once you run out, you can simply order refill packets rather than purchasing a whole new bottle each time.

Aside from the incredible sustainability component of this product, we enjoyed how gentle the gel formula felt on our skin. It was easy to spread around, and we appreciated that it didn’t drip as we applied it. We didn’t find it to be super impressive when it came to removing makeup, so we think this face wash is a better choice for the morning or for when you’re makeup-free.

Skin Type: All | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Meet the Expert

  • Carmen Castilla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She specializes in cosmetic and medicinal dermatology and is a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital. 
  • Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is also the founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, and the CEO of The Henry Research Group. 

What to Look For When Buying a Face Wash

Formula: Considering the formula and texture of a face wash is important to ensure you’re selecting something effective for your skin type.

  • For dry/sensitive skin: Look for a cream-based cleanser that incorporates humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help the skin stay moisturized post-cleanse.
  • For combination skin: Look for a gel cleanser, since they are "best for removing excess oils and cleaning out pores,” according to Dr. Carmen Castilla, MD.
  • For oily skin: Look for a foam cleanser as they are typically soap-based and are highly effective at removing makeup and excess oil. That said, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, warns that foaming cleansers can be drying, so they’re often best suited for people with very oily skin.

Ingredients: According to Dr. Henry, "whether you have oily, dry, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, choosing the right ingredients in your face wash is key.” Dr. Castilla agrees, adding that you want to look for a face wash that will remove buildup and grime from the day without stripping your skin of its natural oils. 

  • For sensitive skin: Look for face washes that contain calming ingredients, like glycerin, jojoba esters, niacinamide, and vitamin E, and avoid high concentrations of exfoliating acids that could potentially be irritating.
  • For oily skin: Look for face washes that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid. “These ingredients help control oil production, help kill surface bacteria on the skin, and can act as gentle exfoliants,” Dr Henry says.
  • For dry skin: Look for face washes that contain "sulfate-free" and "fragrance-free" distinctions.
FAQ
  • How often should you wash your face?

    According to Dr. Henry, you should wash your face morning and night. However, Dr. Castilla says if you have dry or sensitive skin, you might not need to use soap in the morning, a simple rinse with water will do the trick.

  • Is it necessary to double cleanse?

    The short answer is: there’s no right answer. If you’re not wearing makeup, you likely won’t need to double cleanse unless you’re having trouble breaking down stubborn SPF. However, if you are wearing makeup and you typically use a cream or milky cleanser, it likely won’t do a thorough enough job at breaking down and completely removing your makeup. In that case, we recommend starting with an oil-based cleanser, like a cleansing balm, to break down your makeup and following up with your usual face wash to cleanse your skin. 

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has tested dozens of facial cleansers, including several on this list. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty. 

Alyssa also consulted with multiple experts to learn more about what to keep in mind when shopping for face wash. Those experts include:

  • Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City who specializes in cosmetic and medicinal dermatology and is a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital. 
  • Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is also the founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, and the CEO of The Henry Research Group. 

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