The skincare product aisle in the drugstore has to be one of the most confusing, overwhelming places. How are you supposed to make a decision? 

Let’s take skin cleansers. You would think that would be easy. Pick a product to clean the skin on your face. But there are so many questions. Do you need cleansing oil? Or maybe cleansing balm. What about a serum? Micellar water? Lotion? OK, that’s too complicated. Let’s look at the ingredients. Should you choose a soap-free or natural option with glycerin or aloe vera? What about enzymes? Is glycolic acid better than niacinamide? 

Still too much! 

OK, deep breath. If you’re like most people, you start and end your day by washing your face. It’s a simple act that bookends your waking life. The products you use should be as simple as the process.

We’ve done the heavy lifting and have made a list of our favorite face washes. Take your time and review the products to decide the best face wash to address your specific skin concerns. If you have any questions, speak to a board-certified dermatologist for guidance.

1. Yes To Tomatoes Charcoal Facial Cleanser 5oz

Tired of acne and unwanted oil? Get ready for eco-friendly pore-fection! Formulated with antioxidant-rich tomato extract to help balance oily skin, charcoal to help detoxify and draw out impurities, and biodegradable Jojoba Spheres to gently exfoliate. It’s a non-comedogenic gel cleanser with BHA salicylic acid to remove dirt and other impurities using only warm water and gentle massaging action. 

$10.99

2. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Cleanser 8oz

Nourish your skin while removing dirt, oil, and impurities that build up overnight with this daily face wash. This unique gel cleanser is made with vitamin C and ginseng to wake you up with a fresh citrus scent. Its soft, oil-free formula and exfoliating beads deliver a dose of vitamins to leave your skin feeling clean, energized, and ready to face the day.

$8.99

3. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser For Normal to Dry Skin 12oz

Developed in consultation with dermatologists, CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin is a unique formula that cleanses and restores the protective skin barrier with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) while hydrating. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid to help retain your skin's natural oils while gently removing dirt, oil, and makeup. The cleanser is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, non-drying, and non-irritating.

$15.99

4. Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser For Sensitive Skin 7.8oz

This gentle cleansing gel is made with nourishing oat and calming feverfew to help preserve your skin’s natural oils. It’s a foaming cleanser that gently lifts away dirt and impurities, leaving skin looking healthy and feeling hydrated. It’s a hypoallergenic product that has nothing you don’t want. It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, dye-free, phthalate-free, and non-comedogenic. Plus, it’s tested on sensitive skin, so you know it’s gentle.

$10.99

5. St. Ives Apricot Face Scrub 6oz

Bye-bye blemishes! St. Ives Apricot Acne Control Face Scrub contains 100% natural walnut shells to deeply exfoliate your skin, plus 2% salicylic acid to help prevent acne breakouts. This cleanser also contains apricot fruit extract, which is known to help skin feel super soft and smooth. Dermatologist tested, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and oil-free, this face wash will leave your face soft, refreshed, and glowing.

$5.79

6. Dove Men Care Deep Clean Face Wash 5oz

Cleansing is the most important part of a skincare routine. It washes away dirt and oil while keeping your skin looking healthy and clean. Dove Men Care's Deep Clean Face Scrub contains natural pumice for gentle exfoliation that helps clean your face without stripping skin of essential moisture. The clinically tested scrubbing agents activate on contact, cleansing skin effectively while fighting dryness and invigorating your senses.

$8.09

7. Simple Moisturizing Face Wash 5oz

Simple Moisturizing Face Wash works as a face wash for sensitive skin by gently yet thoroughly removing a build-up of dirt and oil from your face. You can use it daily without irritation. This gentle cleanser helps maintain your skin's natural hydration, leaving your face feeling soft, moisturized, and replenished. Infused with bisabolol from chamomile, it soothes and calms. At the same time, pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E deliver hydration to every skin type, even the most sensitive, without artificial perfumes, dyes, or harsh chemicals.

$7.99

8. Olay Regenerist Facial Cleanser Detoxifying Pore Scrub 5oz

Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub deeply cleans and exfoliates to reveal bright, smooth skin. Its special brightening formula increases surface cell turnover to reveal softer skin and reduce the appearance of pores. This face cleanser’s lathering formula exfoliates to polish away dull skin. It regenerates the skin's surface while deep cleaning your pores to remove sebum and other impurities. Discover a refreshing clean that primes skin for the rest of your skincare regimen.

$10.49

9. Harry's Men's Exfoliating Face Wash 5.1oz

Harry’s Exfoliating Face Wash for Men combines a facial cleanser with a facial scrub in one bottle. This wash exfoliates naturally using volcanic rock while scrubbing away impurities like dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Formulated with refreshing peppermint and eucalyptus oils, this wash will leave your face feeling cool and clean after washing. While it’s made to work hard to clean your skin, this foaming face wash is equally gentle and perfect for cleansing day or night.

$7.59

10. Noxzema Moisturizing Cleansing Cream 12oz

With Noxzema Classic Clean Moisturizing Cleansing Cream, you’ll get smooth skin, the classic refreshing Noxzema tingle, and an added dose of moisture to invigorate your skin. This dermatologist-tested cream cleanser digs deep to remove oil, dirt, and makeup to leave your skin soft, while the additional moisturizers keep skin from overdrying.

$6.99

11. Clearasil Rapid Rescue Acne Deep Treatment Wash with Salicylic Acid 6.78oz

Clearasil Rapid Rescue is a dermatologist-tested deep cleaning face wash. It delivers maximum strength acne medication directly into your pores to fight pimples and resolve breakouts. It contains 2% salicylic acid, the doctor-recommended treatment for acne-prone skin. It also delivers deep cleansing power into your pores and provides oil control throughout the day. Your skin will be visibly clearer in as fast as 12 hours.

$10.49

12. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes 25ct

You don’t always have time to cleanse your face, but that doesn’t mean you can’t remove makeup, excess oil, and grime on the fly. Gently and quickly wash your skin with Neutrogena’s soft pre-moistened facial cleansing towelettes. These makeup remover wipes work to dissolve all traces of dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup for fresh, clean-looking skin in a jiffy.

$9.49

FAQ

Which brand of face wash is best?

This depends. A brand of face wash that works wonders on one person may not work well on your skin. There are a lot of factors to consider like age, environment, oil production, and skin type. 

Let's keep it simple and cover skin type.Face Wash For Dry Skin: Dry skin requires a gentle cleanser that protects and hydrates the tissues using a natural oil like lanolin, shea butter, or jojoba oil. If you can tolerate them, mineral oil can also work. These ingredients will leave a thin layer on your skin that helps to lock in moisture. You also want to find a cleanser that’s fragrance-free and alcohol-free. Finally, avoid chemical exfoliators like salicylic or glycolic acid. All of these ingredients can also contribute to skin dryness. 

Face Wash For Oily Skin: If you produce a lot of oil daily, your go-to face cleanser should include aloe vera or tea tree oil. These ingredients help balance your skin’s oil production and improve your face’s overall clarity. You aren’t looking to dry your skin, so avoid a face wash with alcohol. If your skin feels tight and dry after washing, the product could be drying it out, stimulating your skin to produce more oil to compensate. You want to avoid products that use additional oils in their formulation. Finally, if you’re prone to breaking out, find a cleanser with salicylic acid to help clean out your pores and remove any excess oil.

Face Wash For Sensitive Or Combination Skin: If you have sensitive skin, you need to use an extra gentle cleanser. Look for a hypoallergenic product free from fragrances, parabens, and soap. You want to avoid irritation as much as possible. In some cases, micellar water may be preferential to a cleanser.

If you have skin issues that are more complicated than the occasional pimple, like an extreme case of acne or eczema, consult with a board-certified dermatologist. You may need a prescription-strength product that you can’t find in the skincare aisle.

What is the #1 recommended face wash?

Our #1 recommendation is also one of the best drugstore face washes you can find, and that’s CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser For Normal to Dry Skin. CeraVe provides combination skin with the best of both skincare worlds. Its creme to foam formulation delivers hydrating nourishment to your skin while gently removing excess oil and dirt. It contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids to help lock in hydration and maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

What face washes do dermatologists recommend?

Here’s a set of general recommendations based on skin type. Not every product is going to work the same way for everyone. If you develop a rash or irritation, discontinue using the product immediately and speak to a board-certified dermatologist. They can also help answer your questions and develop a customized skin care routine just for you.

Best Face Wash For Acne:Two ingredients can help acne-prone skin: salicylic acid to reduce swelling and inflammation and benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent breakouts. We suggest Clearasil Rapid Rescue Acne Deep Treatment Wash to help clear up your acne as quickly as possible.

Best Men’s Face Wash: We love the great smell of Harry's Men's Exfoliating Face Wash. It’s a convenient product that allows you to cleanse and exfoliate in one go. It’s also paraben-free, sulfate-free, and never tested on animals.

Best Face Wash For Oily Skin: Yes To Tomatoes Charcoal Facial Cleanser is our go-to to manage oily skin. Its gentle formula has salicylic acid to clean away oil, charcoal to draw out impurities, and jojoba spheres to gently clear the gunk out of your pores. 

Best Face Wash For Dry Skin: Does your face feel tight after washing? You might be using a product that’s stripping away your skin’s natural moisture. Try Simple Moisturizing Face Wash. It’s formulated with pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E, which help restore moisture to your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth without an oily residue.

Best Face Wash For Blackheads: Blackheads can be stubborn. You need a face scrub to get into your pores and clear them out. St. Ives Apricot Face Scrub takes a double-headed approach. First, it uses salicylic acid to loosen the accumulated dirt and oil. Then 100% walnut shells take over to gently exfoliate and mechanically remove the blackheads from your pores, leaving your skin with a healthy glow.