The 15 Best Facial Cleansers of 2023 for Every Skin Type
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Including gel cleansers, balms, oils, and more.
Real Simple / Brian Kopinski
Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel
A quality facial cleanser removes the makeup, dirt, and oil that accumulates throughout the day, without stripping the skin or causing breakouts.
“It's important to listen to your skin and adjust your cleansing routine as needed to maintain a balance between effective cleansing and preserving your skin's natural moisture barrier,” says Danuta Mieloch, esthetician and founder of skincare brand Danucera.
To determine the best facial cleansers, we considered different skin concerns and ingredients: For drier skin types we focused on moisture-locking ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane, and for oily and acne-prone skin types, we focused on cleansers with ingredients that nourish the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. In addition to Mieloch, we also spoke with Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, to discuss the best face washing practices.
Best Overall Facial Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
What Stands Out
It’s an affordable, gentle cleanser that’s suitable for sensitive skin and removes makeup.
What Could Be Improved
It’s not for people with very oily skin.
This gentle yet powerful cleanser is a great choice for anyone with normal to dry, sensitive skin. Not only does it effectively remove makeup, but it helps the skin retain moisture and remove impurities. Key ingredients include Ceramide-3, which supports the skin's natural barrier; glycerin, which hydrates the skin; and niacinamide, which soothes the skin and helps with hyperpigmentation. Additionally, La Roche-Posay products contain thermal water that's rich in antioxidants like selenium.
The cream formula feels much more luxurious and moisturizing than foaming cleansers, and a little definitely goes a long way. With the lower price point and larger bottle size, this is a cleanser that'll last for quite awhile. It's made with normal/combination and dry skin in mind, but if you're more oily there's a foaming version of this cleanser that's designed to purify skin without totally drying it out.
Price at time of publish: From $14
Key Ingredients: Ceramide-3, glycerin, niacinamide, prebiotic thermal water | Formulation: Cream | Size: 6.76 or 13.5 ounces
Best Budget Facial Cleaner: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
What Stands Out
It’s extremely gentle and is approved by the National Eczema Association.
What Could Be Improved
It’s not as effective at removing makeup.
One reason why the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is such a great choice is that it's free of pretty much any irritation-causing ingredients. It's so gentle that it's often recommended for people who have severe eczema or psoriasis, and it has received the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. On top of that, it's also eyelid- and lip-safe, and is gluten-free.
Its key ingredients are glycerin and coco glucoside—glycerin is a humectant, which means it holds in moisture and protects the skin barrier; coco-glucoside loosens dirt and oil from the skin to help it wash away more easily. The formula is incredibly gentle and can be used more than once per day, and it's a great makeup remover since it doesn't irritate the eyes and lathers into a foam, which is a great way to gently slough away makeup and grime. Still, those who wear a full face of makeup may need to use a separate makeup removing balm before cleansing with this face wash.
Price at time of publish: $8
Key Ingredients: Glycerin | Formulation: Foaming | Size: 8 ounces
Best Splurge Facial Cleaner: Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel
What Stands Out
It’s specifically formulated to help with dullness and hyperpigmentation, so it’s especially ideal for mature skin.
What Could Be Improved
It comes in a small bottle, so it doesn’t go very far.
When a face wash costs this much, it better come with something special–and for Augustinus Bader's The Cream Cleansing Gel, it's their patented ingredient, TFC8. According to the brand, this formula is composed of amino acids, high-grade vitamins, and synthesized versions of molecules that the skin produces naturally. All together, these ingredients support the skin's cell renewal, resulting in brighter, smoother skin.
In addition to this proprietary ingredient, The Cream Cleansing Gel contains rose flower water, which acts as a toner. This is great for reducing discoloration and redness, all while soothing any inflammation or skin irritation. The other ingredient that makes this a skin-restoring powerhouse is aloe leaf juice, which is packed with antioxidants and acts as an emollient, helping the skin trap in moisture. The gel formula doesn't foam and instead has a creamy consistency that is entirely non-comedogenic, with an incredibly lightweight and refreshing feel. For the price, though, we wish a bottle contained more product.
Price at time of publish: $70
Key Ingredients: TFC8, rose flower water, cucumber extract, aloe vera leaf juice | Formulation: Dual cream-gel | Size: 3.38 ounces
Best Natural Facial Cleanser: Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil
What Stands Out
It’s EWG-verified and is highly effective at removing makeup and impurities.
What Could Be Improved
The formula can be pore-clogging to those with acne-prone skin types.
With a certification from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the Kora Organics Milky Mushroom Gentle Cleansing Oil is the ideal natural cleanser. The cruelty-free and vegan formula uses silver ear mushrooms, a natural alternative to hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin deeper, offering more hydration. It also includes babassu and sunflower seed oils to fortify the skin with antioxidant protection while effectively removing dirt and other impurities.
The formula is unique—it starts as an oil and then transforms into a creamy milk that can remove oil and makeup. This nourishing formulation won't strip the skin of essential moisture and visibly plumps and softens, although it might be too much for those with acne-prone or very oily skin. If you want a more traditional cleanser, Kora’s Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser has a foaming formulation and can be used in conjunction with the Milky Mushroom Oil for a double cleanse.
Price at time of publish: $44
Key Ingredients: Silver ear mushroom, babassu oil, sunflower seed oil | Formulation: Dual-phase cleansing milk | Size: 5 ounces
Best Gentle Facial Cleanser: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
What Stands Out
It’s non-stripping and gently removes all makeup, including eye makeup.
What Could Be Improved
It contains fragrance, which might be irritating for those with very sensitive skin.
If you're looking for something gentle, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser definitely won't leave your skin feeling tight and stripped of its natural oils; instead, you'll walk away with softer skin that feels plump and clean. Suitable for all skin types, it's a particularly great option for anyone dealing with breakouts, since it has calming and redness-reducing ingredients like cucumber extract and aloe vera.
The formula also includes soy proteins, which helps to improve the skin's elasticity. This is a particularly helpful quality for those with cystic acne, as it will help the skin bounce back much more quickly from scarring. The soy proteins also remove dirt and excess oil, all while giving the pores a deep clean. This is a great face wash if you are hoping to use it to remove eye makeup because it's so gentle that it won't cause any irritation if it gets in your eyes. It's also good for those using acne treatments or prescription medications that can cause dryness or flaking, as the nourishing ingredients will continue to hydrate your skin even after it has been rinsed away.
Price at time of publish: From $39
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, cucumber extract, borage seed oil, soy proteins | Formulation: Gel | Size: 5, 8.4, or 13.5 ounces
Best Facial Cleanser for Dry Skin: Shani Darden Skincare Cleansing Serum
What Stands Out
The serum-like texture is ultra hydrating.
What Could Be Improved
It’s not as effective at removing makeup.
Dry skin requires ingredients like hyaluronic acid and oat to draw moisture into the skin and help prevent erosion of the skin's moisture barrier. Fortunately, the Cleansing Serum from celebrity esthetician Shani Darden's namesake brand features those ingredients and more, like soothing olive and chicory leaf extracts, to balance dehydrated skin types.
Not quite a gel and far from a cream, the unique serum-like texture feels lightweight on the skin, and while it does cleanse, it won't remove natural oils from your complexion like other cleansers on the market. It's a unique product worth incorporating into any routine, especially since it’s suitable for all skin types.
Price at time of publish: $38
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, olive and chicory leaf extracts, oat bran extract | Formulation: Gel | Size: 5 ounces
Best Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin: Paula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
What Stands Out
It removes oil without drying out the skin.
What Could Be Improved
It contains salicylic acid, which might not be necessary for some people.
While this face wash is on the gentler side, it still contains salicylic acid, which is commonly known as an acne-fighting powerhouse. Salicylic acid acts as an antibacterial agent, which is great because it removes oil and debris in your pores that could lead to future breakouts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a good pick for people who are also struggling with the occasional breakout or even deeper blemishes caused by cystic acne.
This formula also contains arginine, which is an amino acid that has even been found to increase collagen production. This can help to reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as restore moisture to the skin's barrier. Finally, this face wash contains vitamin B55, which is more commonly known as panthenol. This is another anti-inflammatory ingredient, and it has the added benefit of providing the skin with hydration and improved elasticity. This formula has no smell and is free of parabens and dyes.
Price at time of publish: $19
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, arginine, panthenol | Formulation: Gel | Size: 6 ounces
Best Facial Cleanser for Acne: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
What Stands Out
It’s packed with exfoliants.
What Could Be Improved
It might be too powerful to use daily.
This cleanser is packed with ingredients that are known as chemical exfoliants, but it's important to note that they are balanced out with moisture-enhancing and anti-inflammatory ingredients. The salicylic acid will work to pull away dead skin cells along with any other dirt and grime that may have accumulated on your skin, making it a great option for those who are sensitive to scrubs or facial cleansing brushes.
The formula also contains hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides. These ingredients work to add in moisture and reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles. The ceramides are lipids that are naturally produced by the skin that work to make up the skin's barrier. They're great at holding in fluid and moisture, which allows them to not only nourish the skin, but also act as a protectant from outside irritants. The cleanser does lather into a foam, which helps to pull away makeup and grime, and it will leave your skin feeling refreshed and smoothed. Still, some may find it too harsh to use daily.
Price at time of publish: From $12
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Formulation: Foaming gel | Size: 8 or 16 ounces
Best Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Face Cleanser
What Stands Out
It’s free from fragrance, alcohol, dyes, and parabens.
What Could Be Improved
The pump can get clogged.
Aveeno products are a staple for anyone with sensitive skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. The Calm + Restore Gentle Nourishing Oat Face Cleanser includes nourishing and soothing oat, which helps alleviate redness, dryness, and other inflammatory markers commonly associated with these concerns. It also helps preserve the skin's moisture barrier, meaning it won't strip the skin of natural oils needed to keep rough patches at bay.
This cleanser is non-comedogenic and free from fragrance, dyes, and alcohol, so it can be used for skin concerns outside of just sensitivity. Plus, when you’re done you can purchase a refill pouch to cut back on plastic waste.
Price at time of publish: $14
Key Ingredients: Oat, feverfew flower | Formulation: Gel cream | Size: 7.8
Best Facial Cleanser for Redness: First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
What Stands Out
It has a creamy formulation to soothe even the most irritated, sensitive skin.
What Could Be Improved
It’s not the best choice for those with oily skin.
Redness in the skin is a type of inflammation that isn't specific to one skin type or concern. This redness can result from dehydration, breakouts, rosacea, and over-exfoliation, so it's crucial to have a cleanser that nourishes and soothes as it effectively cleanses. The First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser uses aloe and allantoin to moisturize and balance, while glycerin hydrates the skin.
This face wash is perfect for daily and nightly use, making it ideal for those hoping to maintain a minimal skincare regimen. It’s safe for sensitive skin, and can be combined with the brand’s iconic Ultra Repair Cream for even more soothing action.
Price at time of publish: From $24
Key Ingredients: Aloe, allantoin, glycerin | Formulation: Cream | Size: 5, 8, or 11 ounces
Best Brightening Facial Cleanser: Hyper Skin Hyper Even Gentle Brightening Cleansing Gel
What Stands Out
A small amount of product goes a long way.
What Could Be Improved
The cap can be difficult to open and close.
Tackle pores and hyperpigmentation with the Hyper Even Gentle Brightening Gel Cleanser from Hyper Skin. The blend of mandelic acid (known for being gentler than other acids), licorice root, and willow bark work to reveal a brighter, more vibrant complexion with continued usage.
The gel-like consistency of this cleanser keeps it feeling lightweight and ideal for all skin types, particularly those who are overly oily or prone to acne. Despite the weightlessness of the formula, this face wash won't strip the skin of essential oils as it contains known hydrators like aloe, and won't exasperate redness like some other brightening cleansers.
Price at time of publish: $28
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, licorice root, willow bark | Formulation: Gel | Size: 5 Ounces
Best Exfoliating Facial Cleanser: Tatcha The Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
What Stands Out
It’s gentle enough to be used daily, and can even be used on sensitive skin.
What Could Be Improved
It’s not a good choice for those with dry skin.
An exfoliating cleanser is a good choice for oily, acne-prone skin that needs some extra attention. Tatcha’s The Deep Cleanse Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser stands out because it can be used daily, and is gentle enough to be used on even sensitive skin. That’s because this cleanser doesn’t use chemical exfoliants—instead, the star ingredient is Japanese luffa fruit, which helps turn over dead skin cells and decongest pores. Rose and leopard lily are added to calm and balance the skin.
This cleanser is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it’s a good choice for those with acne-prone and oily skin who want to improve skin texture without the use of harsher exfoliants. Still, it’s probably too drying for those with dry skin, even without the use of chemicals.
Price at time of publish: $40
Key Ingredients: Japanese luffa fruit, Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily | Formulation: Gel | Size: 5 ounces
Best Cleansing Balm: Then I Met You Living Cleansing Balm
What Stands Out
It removes makeup and is an ideal first step in a double-cleanse.
What Could Be Improved
You shouldn’t use it on its own, but instead with a second cleanser.
Not only does this cleansing balm have a satisfying texture, but it also leaves your skin feeling amazing. It's different from your typical cleanser—first off, it comes in a little pot with a tiny spoon to scoop it out with. As you massage it into your skin you will visibly see any makeup melt away, even heavy makeup. Use it as a first step in your double-cleanse routine, or use it on its own if you're wearing no or light makeup.
It's packed with seaberry, persimmon extract, and olive oil, all of which work to moisturize and nourish the skin. The standout ingredient is seaberry (or sea buckthorn) oil, which is full of antioxidants and fatty acids. It's believed to help improve any discoloration or texture problems, as well as hold in moisture, making it a soothing choice for those who are prone to irritation. It's also completely free of ingredients like parabens, polyethylene, mineral oil, and alcohol (which can be drying).
Price at time of publish: $38
Key Ingredients: Seaberry oil, olive oil, persimmon extract, grape seed oil, vitamin E | Formulation: Balm | Size: 3.17 ounces
Best Cleansing Oil: Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
What Stands Out
It doesn’t leave behind any residue, so doesn’t need to be followed up with a second cleanser.
What Could Be Improved
It contains essential oils, which some people may find irritating.
If you’re looking for a cleanser that won’t strip the skin, a cleansing oil like Biossance’s Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil might be for you. Full of antioxidants and sugarcane-derived squalane, this oil leaves skin feeling moisturized and soft, without any tightness. Cleansing oils are also a great option for removing makeup, and this one is highly effective at getting rid of even the most stubborn foundations and concealers.
While many cleansing oils need to be followed up with a regular cleanser, this one does not. To use, apply it to dry skin and massage in before adding water to really amp up the cleaning power. Rinse with water and you’re set, with no residue left behind. You can also apply to damp skin if you want a deeper cleanse. And the best part? This cleansing oil is EWG-verified, so it’s environmentally-friendly as well as gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Price at time of publish: $32
Key Ingredients: Squalane | Formulation: Oil | Size: 6.7 ounces
Best Bar Facial Cleanser: Good Molecules Clarify & Cleanse Bar
What Stands Out
It’s very affordable, and can be purchased in multi-packs.
What Could Be Improved
It’s best for oily, acne-prone skin.
The Clarify & Cleanse Bar from Good Molecules has a cruelty-free and vegan formula full of ingredients like oil-regulating kaolin clay, breakout-fighting salicylic acid, and moisture-balancing rosehip oil. This blend of plant-based botanicals comes together in a bar that works for all skin types, rivaling that of a luxury cleanser.
Additionally, you won't find harsh surfactants that are known to deplete the skin of natural moisture. Instead, additional ingredients like the humectant glycerin hydrate the skin, leaving behind a fresh, never-tight complexion.
Price at time of publish: $5
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree oil, kaolin clay | Formulation: Bar | Size: 3.01 ounces
Final Verdict
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is our top choice thanks to its gentle formula, moisturizing properties, and budget-friendly price. It's formulated to support the skin's natural barrier, lock in moisture, and infuse the skin with powerful antioxidants.
How to Shop for Facial Cleansers Like a Pro
Type
There are four main types of cleansers: gel, cream, foaming, and oil-based. Each face wash type lends itself to be helpful for distinct skin types and concerns, with some of them overlapping. For example, esthetician Danuta Mieloch explains that oil-based cleansers "are particularly beneficial for removing makeup and can be used as part of a double-cleansing routine," adding that they "work by effectively dissolving oil-based impurities, such as sunscreen and makeup, without stripping the skin of its natural oils. They can be an excellent choice for any skin type, especially those with dehydrated skin."
A cream cleanser moisturizes and can help prevent dryness or tightness after cleansing, making it ideal for drier skin types. Those with oily skin will find that gel cleansers perform optimally, as they tend to be lightweight and remove excess sebum and impurities, leaving the skin refreshed. As for a foam face wash, Mieloch says that although they’re suitable for all skin types, "they can be slightly drying for individuals with dry or sensitive skin, so it's important to choose a gentle formula and consider your skin's needs."
Ingredients
Mieloch states you should avoid ingredients like silicones and harsh surfactants. “These feel good on the skin but do nothing for it. They can change the pH of your skin causing imbalance. Instead, choose clean products that have beneficial ingredients.”
To determine what ingredients to opt for, you should consider your skin type and concerns. If you have dry skin, focus on moisture-rich ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane. For oily or acne-prone skin, consider lactic and salicylic acids, which are gentle exfoliants, as well as colloidal oatmeal, which can soothe irritation. If you're looking for a makeup remover, you may want to opt for an oil-based balm cleanser, as these are great at breaking up makeup particles.
Use
According to Mieloch, “As a general guideline, I recommend that you cleanse your face twice a day, in the morning and evening. This helps remove dirt, oil, and impurities accumulated throughout the day and overnight. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may opt for cleansing once a day or using a gentle cleanser to avoid over-stripping the skin.”
If you want something with a higher concentration of active ingredients for conditions like acne, the most popular cleansers can be used twice a day—although, you might want to start by using it once a day and see how your skin reacts. If you want something specifically for melting away your makeup, opt for an oil-based formula.
Questions You Might Ask
How often should you wash your face?
If you choose to wash your face twice per day, make sure you're using a super gentle formula (or just water!) in the morning. Marisa Garshick, MD, specifies that once per day is definitely sufficient for those with dry skin, "to avoid stripping the skin or causing it to become overly dry." That said, in the evenings, make sure you're taking time to wash away any dirt, makeup, or impurities you've picked up throughout the day.
What's the best way to wash your face?
Garshick recommends adding a "dime- to nickel-sized amount" of face wash to your skin using your fingers to minimize potential irritations. Then gently massage it into the skin using small circles for 30 to 60 seconds. For eye makeup, make sure you're using an oil-based formula and spending a little extra time gently massaging the area—and make sure your cleanser is eye-safe before you put it near your eyes. You can also use a damp muslin cloth and let it soak over the eyes for a second to break down the makeup.
Should you use a facial cleanser brush when washing your face?
If you use a facial cleansing brush, make sure you're using it gently and no more than once or twice per week. You can also choose to focus it on areas that are more prone to clogged pores like the nose and the chin. "If opting to use a facial cleanser brush it is best to find one that is gentle on the skin and won't cause injury to the skin barrier, as this can subsequently lead to skin irritation and redness," explains Garshick.
Take Our Word For It
This article was written by Brittany Loggins and updated by Samantha Parsons, two writers who specialize in beauty and lifestyle content. To come up with the best facial cleansers, they considered ingredients, skin type, and formulation, taking into account the gentleness of each cleanser and versatility among different skin types and concerns. They also spoke to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, and Danuta Mieloch, esthetician and founder of skincare brand Danucera, to get expert advice on face washing and choosing a cleanser.
For more Real Simple news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Real Simple.
