Cleansing is a vital part of every routine, and the right formula can make a major difference to your complexion. There are tons of standout drugstore face washes out there, many of which are under $20 (and some even under $10). The best formulas don't need pricey actives to be effective. "I like gentle cleansers without sodium lauryl sulfate, alcohol, or fragrance to avoid irritation," says Dr. Martha H. Viera.
Dr. Adebola Dele-Michael of Radiant Skin Dermatology & Laser is also a fan of using a mild cleanser and notes skin can benefit from gentle formulas, especially when it comes to retaining moisture. A drugstore face wash, she concludes is best to remove dead skin buildup and pollutants.
We conducted hours of research on the best drugstore face washes, evaluating each on their active ingredients, and benefits to the skin, while also taking into account what ingredients the formulas are free from, like soaps, sulfates, dyes, and fragrance, which can be potential irritants. We also tested some of the picks for ourselves, using them consistently for two weeks at home. After consulting two board-certified dermatologists, and considering dozens of options, we landed on the following picks.
Best Overall
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Budget-friendly
Pump dispenser
Non-comedogenic
Accepted by National Eczema Association
Can be a bit stripping
Dr. Viera says Vanicream's Gentle Facial Cleanser is among the best in the drugstore category, and we couldn't agree more. Don't let the basic-looking bottle deter you—this no-nonsense face wash is clutch when it comes to cleaning sensitive, acne-prone, and eczema-prone skin.
Boasting a stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association, it's free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, and other potentially irritating ingredients. Even those who don't struggle with skin sensitivities can benefit from using Vanicream. The soap-free formula won't clog your pores. Oh, and did we mention it's one of the most affordable options on the market?
While this soap doesn't really sud, we loved that it wasn't runny and spread around the skin gently when cleansing. It has a hydrating, almost lotion-like consistency, so our skin didn't feel tight or dry after washing. With continued use, our complexion felt softer and smoother overall.
Benefits: Helps remove dirt, oil and makeup without drying the skin | Active Ingredients: Glycerin, coco glucoside | Skin Type: Acne-Prone, Sensitive, and Eczema-Prone | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Pump
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Great value
Convenient pump dispenser
Good for all skin types
Contains alcohol
One of the best parts about drugstore face washes is that they often come in large pump bottles, offering easy dispensing and more bang for your buck. With that said, Dr. Viera recommends Cetaphil's 16-ounce Gentle Skin Cleanser, which is soothing, hydrating, and suitable for all skin types.
We love using this refreshing, gentle cleanser, as it has a soothing texture that leaves the face feeling clean—not stripped. We noticed that our skin felt even more moisturized then before, and looked brighter and more hydrated.
Benefits: Gently cleanses to create softer skin | Active Ingredients: Aloe, chamomile extract, green tea extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 16 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Natural
Urban Hydration Bright & Balanced Aloe Vera Leaf Face Wash
pH balancing
Moisturizing
Soothing
Gel doesn't form lather
If you're considering a natural face wash—read: one without any additives or foam agents, this fragrance-free, sulfate- and phthalate-free formula makes a good option. We love that it's aloe-based formula soothes skin and calms inflamed skin. Although it's touted as a brightening face wash, it's not as effective when it comes to fading spots. But if you're looking for a natural clean without stripping, this is a great choice.
Benefits: Washes away dirt, makeup and daily buildup, leaving it feeling soft and balanced | Active Ingredients: Aloe, vitamins A and E | Skin Type: All | Size: 6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Oil-Free
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Facial Cleanser
Non-comedogenic
Fragrance-free
Pump dispenser
Could remove makeup better
Recommended by both Dr. Dele-Michael and Dr. Viera, La Roche-Posay Toleriane is among the best from the drugstore aisle. This ultra-gentle, oil-free, pleasantly milky cleanser promises to clean with glycerin, soothe with thermal spring water and niacinamide (vitamin B3), and replenish the skin barrier with essential ceramides.
Benefits: Removes impurities while reinforcing the skin barrier | Active Ingredients: Thermal spring water, niacinamide, glycerin, ceramides | Skin Type: Sensitive, Dry, and Oily | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Soap-Free
Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel
Soap-free formula
Reduces redness
Prevents breakouts
Biodegradable packaging
Not fragrance-free
Contains dyes
If you prefer a soap-free formula, Dr. Viera suggests Avène Cleanance. This cleansing gel uses gentle ingredients like milk thistle and thermal spring water meant to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without irritating or drying out the skin.
Benefits: Helps reduce excess oil | Active Ingredients: Thermal spring water, zinc gluconate, milk thistle extract | Skin Type: Oily, Sensitive, and Acne-Prone | Size: 6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Gel
Good Light Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser
Reduces inflammation
Improves skin barrier
pH-balanced
Fragrance-free
Might be slightly stripping
We also love Good Light Cosmic Dew, a fragrance-free, gel-to-foam cleanser formulated to address inflammation and strengthen fragile skin. Standout ingredients include prebiotics, skin-soothing seaweed, and deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid. It's a pro at removing makeup—we found that we had no makeup left over after our first cleanse with this. We love that the foam consistency is rich when first applied, but it becomes gentle and soothing once rubbed in.
Benefits: Helps with inflammation and strengthens sensitive skin | Active Ingredients: Glycerin, seaweed, prebiotic plant sugars, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Sensitive, Dry, and Combination | Size: 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best K-Beauty
COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
Budget-friendly
pH-balanced
Good for all skin types
Antibacterial
Small amount
If you're not on the Korean cosmetics bandwagon yet, order a tube of CosRx Good Morning Gel and hop on. This pH-balanced face wash contains all-star ingredients like tea tree oil and salicylic acid meant to remove impurities.
Benefits: Gently purifies pores | Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil, salicylic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 5.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best With BHA
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Pump dispenser provides measured amount
Gently exfoliates
Non-comedogenic
Unpleasant smell
CeraVe's widely celebrated SA Cleanser contains salicylic acid, arguably the most common and effective BHA. This superstar ingredient helps reduce redness, and gently exfoliates, while hyaluronic acid and ceramides provide restorative moisture.
Benefits: Cleanses, exfoliates, and removes impurities | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Foaming
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
Gently exfoliates
Removes makeup well
Nice foamy lather
Can be drying due to alcohol ingredient
Dr. Viera also likes CeraVe's Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, which comes in a generous 19-ounce pump bottle. This face wash contains moisturizing amino acids, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, plus lactic acid for oh-so-gentle exfoliation.
Benefits: Effectively removes oil and makeup while reinforcing the skin barrier | Active Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, amino acids, lactic acid | Skin Type: Dry, Sensitive, and Combination | Size: 19 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Cleansing Balm
Nyakio Cleansing Oil Balm
Dissolves makeup
Softens skin
Nourishing
Unhygienic container
If you're in the market for a cleansing balm, check out this brilliant formula from Nyakio. Flaunting a rich blend of earth-sourced ingredients like shea butter and sweet almond oil, the formula effortlessly breaks down makeup and dirt, leaving your skin soft, nourished, and glowing.
Benefits: Provides a nourished glow | Active Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, shea butter, coconut oil | Skin Type: Combination, Dry, and Mature | Size: 3.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Makeup Removal
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Dissolves makeup
Pump dispenser
Nourishing
Might irritate acne-prone skin
When you're ready to take your makeup off at the end of the day, reach for DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. This popular Japanese face wash contains a concoction of olive oil, vitamin E, and antioxidants meant to dissolve stubborn, waterproof products.
Benefits: Nourishes and hydrates for younger-looking skin | Active Ingredients: Olive oil, capric triglyceride, vitamin E | Skin Type: Dry and Mature | Size: 6.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Rosen Skincare Super Smoothie Cleanser
Smooths uneven texture
Balances sebum
Antibacterial
Could come in a larger size
For those battling breakouts, we recommend Rosen's Super Smoothie Cleanser. The notably thick, creamy formula promises to confront acne-causing bacteria, balance sebum, and help smooth uneven texture, leaving you with a brighter, even-toned complexion.
Benefits: Packed with active fruit powders to help brighten and tighten | Active Ingredients: Strawberry powder, lemon peel | Skin Type: Acne-Prone | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
Read Full Review: Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser Review
Budget-friendly
Provides a very balanced, clean feel
Soap-free formula
Not suited for removing makeup
Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Cleanser is one of Dr. Viera's drugstore favorites, and we can see why. The non-comedogenic, soap-free, luxuriously creamy formula simultaneously cleans, moisturizes, and softens without stripping the skin.
Benefits: Provides skin-friendly cleansing | Active Ingredients: Thermal water, glycerin, cetearyl glucoside | Skin Type: Sensitive, Dry, and Eczema-Prone | Size: 12 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Teens
Sun Bum Daily Cleanser
Contains antioxidants
Adds a glow to the face
No skin-irritating synthetics
Smell could be better
Sun Bum's playful new skincare line has some real gems, like this antioxidant-rich face wash. Containing coconut water, banana extract, and other beachy ingredients, the simple formula is an excellent intro-to-skincare pick for teens.
Benefits: Washes away dirt, makeup and daily buildup, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated | Active Ingredients: Ginseng, coconut water, banana extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is undoubtedly the best drugstore face wash on the market. The extra-mild, non-comedogenic, soap-free formula is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive, plus it's one of the most affordable options out there. If you're open to spending a tad bit more, you might consider La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser, a dermatologist-approved formula with a pleasant milky consistency.
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Adebola Dele-Michael, MD FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, and the founder of Radiant Skin Dermatology & Laser in New York. She specializes in cosmetic dermatology and dermatologic surgery.
- Dr. Martha H. Viera, MD FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami, Florida. She is a fellow member of several dermatological organizations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the Women's Dermatologic Society, and the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.
What to Look for in a Drugstore Face Wash
Your Skin Type
According to Idris, your best bet when choosing a drugstore face wash is to consider your skin type and choose a formula accordingly. Because the choices of great drugstore cleansers are limitless, it's helpful to narrow them down by skin type. For example, those with sensitive skin should opt for the mildest formula they can find, like the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser. A good face wash for oily skin, on the other hand, is one that contains BHA to control sebum, like the CeraVe SA Cleanser.
The Texture
Once you've identified your skin type, it's easier to know what texture is best. If you have dry skin, creams, oils, or balms are the way to go. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, gel cleansers (like the Good Light Cosmic Dew Water Cleanser) are best, she says.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in lifestyle, self-care, and beauty. For this story, she interviewed two board-certified dermatologists and researched different ingredients, formulations, and packaging types for cleansers. She looked at dozens of drugstore face washes from a wide range of brands and pored over user reviews before making her final selections. As a skincare enthusiast with a routine nearing ten steps, Theresa has tried several cleansers on this list. She is particularly fond of Vanicream, La Roche-Posay, CosRx, CeraVe, and DHC. She has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020, where she covers skincare, makeup, and fitness apparel.