The 18 Best Face Washes of 2024, Tested by Real People
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CeraVe's Hydrating Facial Cleanser lathers beautifully, cleanses effectively, and leaves skin fresh and hydrated
People / Jessica Juliao
Even the most minimalist of shoppers need a good face wash, and there are endless options out there. Whether you’re at the drugstore, the department store, or online, you’ll find options for all skin types and all skin concerns.
It can be hard to sort through the possibilities, so we tried out 30 face washes that address different skin concerns. We selected 18 of our favorites, so whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, there’s a face wash for you. Keep reading for the products that deserve a spot in your skincare routine.
Best Overall: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Star Qualities
Effectively cleanses and removes makeup
Ceramides and hyaluronic acid soothe and hydrate
Gentle formula is safe for those with sensitive skin
Red Flags
There's nothing we didn't like about this face wash!
Make sure to pick up this winner the next time you’re at the drugstore. While extremely affordable, it still delivered, outperforming much of its pricier competition and scoring a perfect five out of five in every category we tested.
It removes dirt and makeup with ease, not to mention leaves skin feeling plenty soft and hydrated. Credit the addition of ceramides which bolster the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid which attracts and traps water in the skin.
On top of that, it’s a super mild and gentle pick, a dermatologist-developed formula — which touts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval — that’s safe for all skin types, even extremely sensitive ones.
Size: 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 19 ounces | Skin Type: Normal to dry | Star Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance: No
Best Budget: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Star Qualities
Can be removed with a tissue instead of water (although both work)
Lotion-like feel still creates some suds for lathering
Super creamy and hydrating
Red Flags
Not as effective at removing makeup compared to other face washes we tested
This is one of the best drugstore cleansers out there, fully checking all of the face wash boxes without breaking the bank. For starters, the formula is super gentle: hypoallergenic, soap-free, and fragrance-free. It has the texture of an expensive moisturizing cream, though it still suds up a bit, offering the best of both worlds. This face wash left our faces feeling so moisturized that we could even skip moisturizer without getting a dry, tight feeling on our skin over time.
And, per the point of moisture, this is so creamy that we felt like we didn’t even need to use a moisturizer after. That’s largely due in part to the ceramides, vitamin B5, and niacinamide in the mix, which help to hydrate and bolster the skin barrier, keeping natural moisture locked in. While it's not as great as a makeup remover as other face washes we tested, you really can't beat the quality for the price.
Size: 20 ounces | Skin Type: All | Star Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5, niacinamide, ceramides | Fragrance: No
Pro Tip!
While this can be used like any other face wash, if you’re in a bind without water, you can wipe it off instead of rinsing.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Star Qualities
Dermatologist-tested formula safe for all skin types
Pump-top bottle dispenses the perfect amount in just one pump
Didn't leave skin feeling stripped or dry in our tests
Red Flags
Not particularly effective at removing makeup compared to others
There’s a good reason why dermatologists often recommend this cleanser for those with sensitive skin. It’s free of a litany of common irritants: fragrance, parabens, dyes, soap, and more. It’s so gentle that it even has the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval.
To that point, it won’t leave skin feeling stripped or dried, and we confirmed that it didn’t cause any type of irritation or reaction when tested on sensitive skin. Just keep in mind that the lotion-like texture doesn’t really suds up or lather, and, since it is so gentle, you likely will need to use a dedicated makeup remover beforehand if you’re wearing a full face of makeup.
Size: 8 ounces | Skin Type: Sensitive | Star ingredients: Glycerin | Fragrance: No
Best for Removing Makeup: First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
Star Qualities
Contains aloe and allantoin, both skin-soothing ingredients
Super creamy consistency that almost feels like frosting
One of the best makeup-removing cleansers we tested
Red Flags
A bit on the expensive side, particularly given the size of the tube
Doesn’t lather especially well
Even the most parched of skin doesn’t stand a chance against this cleanser, a crazy creamy pick with a frosting-like texture. Credit moisturizing aloe and glycerin in the mix, alongside soothing allantoin, which makes this a good choice for those with easily irritated and/or sensitive skin, too.
While it doesn’t lather super well (standard operating procedure for most formulas that are this thick), it cleansed and took off a full face of makeup — we’re talking primer, color corrector, concealer, foundation, and more — with ease. If you’re looking for the moisturizing power of our Cetaphil pick, with the makeup-removing abilities of CeraVe’s cleanser, then this face wash it for you.
Size: 5 ounces | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Star Ingredients: Aloe, allantoin, glycerin | Fragrance: No
Best Refillable: Blueland Facial Cleanser Starter Set
Star Qualities
Powder format is refillable, making it ideal for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint
Ingredients do everything from soothe to hydrate to absorb excess oil
Both hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
Red Flags
Easy to accidentally dispense too much once mixed
Looking to reduce the carbon footprint of your beauty routine? Using refillable products, like this one, is an easy way to do so. Here, you get a reusable bottle and packet of the powder face cleanser. Pour the contents of the sachet into the bottle, add some water, shake, let it settle for an hour, and ta-da, you just mixed up your own cleanser.
Even those who love our foaming formulas will be won over by the cream-gel hybrid — we even got compliments on how our skin looked after using it. Thanks to the use of a variety of different ingredients, including moisturizing vitamin E, soothing oat, and oil-absorbing kaolin clay, the formula is a top pick for all skin types.
Size: .6 ounce of powder cleanser, 8-ounce bottle | Skin Type: All | Star Ingredients: Oat, kaolin clay, vitamin E | Fragrance: No
Best for Acne: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
Star Qualities
Can be used on the face or body, adding even more value to the low cost
Highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide that’s available without a prescription
Removed makeup well
Red Flags
A bit too intense and stripping for those with naturally drier skin
Benzoyl peroxide (a.k.a. BP, as dermatologists call it) is one of the most often recommended acne-fighting ingredients out there. Why? It’s both anti-bacterial, targeting the bacteria that cause acne, and anti-inflammatory. Here, you get it in a potent 10 percent concentration, the most you can get in over-the-counter acne products.
On top of combatting existing blemishes and keeping future breakouts at bay, it earned a five out of five when it came to effectively cleansing the skin and even taking off makeup. And while it’s affordable in and of itself, it can be used on the face or body, meaning you’re getting even more bang for your buck.
Size: 5.5 ounces | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Star Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Fragrance: No
Best for Rosacea: Sephora Collection Clean Skin Gel Cleanser With Prebiotics
Star Qualities
Soothing, cooling formula leaves skin feeling refreshed and hydrated
Lathers nicely despite being sulfate-free
Removed makeup in just one wash
Red Flags
Squeeze tube makes it a bit hard to determine how much product to dispense
As a general rule of thumb, gel cleansers tend to be refreshing and soothing, and that was certainly the case here. This effectively cleansed skin, leaving our faces feeling cool, soothed, hydrated, and soft — even on skin that experiences sensitivity and rosacea. It also lathers and foams up beautifully, a win for anyone who appreciates that part of the sensorial aspect of face washing.
If you’re looking for the makeup-removing power of the PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash but have sensitive skin, this is the pick for you. This product will leave you feeling just as fresh-faced without any irritants.
Size: 4.22 ounces | Skin Type: All | Star Ingredients: Aloe, prebiotics | Fragrance: No
Best Anti-Aging Face Wash: Kopari Lychee Clean Vitamin C Foaming Face Cleanser
Star Qualities
One pump dispenses the perfect amount of product
Lychee fruit extract is a good source of skin-brightening vitamin C
Bottle is 100 percent recyclable
Red Flags
Does contain fragrance, which can be irritating for some
Foaming cleansers are a great choice for those with oily skin, as they tend to be slightly more intense than creamy or milky formulas. This formula also contains anti-aging vitamin C, as well as vitamin B5 and allantoin to add back moisture, making this more hydrating than many other foaming cleansers. It works extremely well, too, removing makeup and mascara with just one use, and rinsing cleanly without leaving behind any unwanted residue.
It is one of the few winners on our list that contains fragrance; still, we loved the scent which we describe as a tropical paradise and only enhanced the spa-like experience of using this face wash.
Size: 2.1 ounces | Skin Type: Normal, oily | Star Ingredients: Lychee, allantoin, vitamin C | Fragrance: Yes
Best Gel: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
Star Qualities
Ingredients include exfoliating white willow bark extract and protective antioxidants
Gel-like texture works well in lieu of a shaving cream
Easy to rinse off and leaves skin looking brighter and feeling refreshed and moisturized
Red Flags
Feels a bit sticky at first when rubbed on the palm of your hand
6-ounce size is the most expensive option on this list at $45
As mentioned, gels are a great choice for oily skin, and this cleanser takes it up a notch with exfoliating ingredients. It contains protective antioxidants, as well as white willow bark extract (the natural precursor to salicylic acid) that helps to gently exfoliate and break down pore-clogging oil. (The versatility doesn’t end there — this cleanser can also double as a shaving cream!)
While we found it to be slightly sticky initially, that feeling dissipated once it was mixed with water and massaged onto the face. It also rinsed beautifully, leaving skin brighter, refreshed, and feeling more moisturized. Plus, it's one of Chrissy Teigen's go-to cleansers, and we'll try anything to achieve her fresh-faced glow.
Size: 2 ounces, 6 ounces | Skin Type: Normal, oily, acne-prone | Star Ingredients: White willow bark extract | Fragrance: No
Best for Combination Skin: KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
Star Qualities
Moisturizing oils ensure this isn’t the least bit stripping
Available to purchase once or via a convenient subscription model
Gel becomes creamy once mixed with water and won't drip down your face during cleansing
Red Flags
Easy to dispense too much product
Doesn’t remove makeup as well as others we tested
Combination skin can pose somewhat of a conundrum when it comes to choosing a cleanser. After all, you want something something strong enough to remove the excess oil in slick spots, but not so strong that it’s going to dry out the drier areas of your face.
Enter this winner, which hits the perfect balance, leaving skin cleansed, refreshed, and moisturized. That’s thanks to plenty of hydrating ingredients in the gel-based formula, alongside coconut-derived surfactants that do the heavy-lifting cleansing work. Speaking of, while it comes out a bit on the liquidy side, the gel quickly becomes more creamy when emulsified with water, enough that it won’t drip down your face as you lather up.
Size: 4.05 ounces | Skin Type: Normal, combination | Star Ingredients: Green tea, vitamin B5, hemp seed oil | Fragrance: No
Best for Oily Skin: Hyper Skin Hyper Even Gentle Brightening Cleansing Gel
Star Qualities
Both exfoliating and brightening ingredients
Naturally derived floral and fruity scent is very pleasant
Transforms into a milky texture that effectively removes eye makeup
Red Flags
Slimy consistency is not the most pleasant texture
Required two passes to completely take off foundation
Say sayonara to slick spots. This face wash will break down unwanted oil, combat redness, and brighten skin. The texture reminded us of slime at first, but once emulsified with water, transformed into more of a milky formula — one that’s amazing at removing eye makeup without any stinging or burning.
This product offers the exfoliating properties of our iS pick at a lower price, as the products share a key ingredient — willow bark extract. This exfoliating ingredient will rid your skin of excess oils, while mandelic acid and licorice root work to brighten your complexion.
Size: 5 ounces | Skin Type: All | Star Ingredients: Mandelic acid, willow bark, licorice root | Fragrance: No, but natural ingredients create a slight floral scent
Related: The 14 Best Face Moisturizers for Oily Skin, Tested and Reviewed
Best Hydrating: Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Star Qualities
Fragrance-free but has a naturally derived soothing scent
Lathers beautifully, easily removing all traces of makeup
Minimal ingredient list makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin
Red Flags
Pump-top dispenser is screwed very tightly
Does require a few passes to completely rinse off
This hydrating cleanser excelled in all of our testing categories, leaving skin noticeably more hydrated and refreshed, taking off all traces of makeup, and lathering beautifully, even though it is sulfate-free. And while it’s a great pick for those seeking a hydrating option, it’s a good choice for the sensitive set, as well, thanks to the fact that it’s soap- and fragrance-free, and boasts a very minimal ingredient list.
If we're being picky, we did have some small complaints, although nothing to do with its effectiveness. The pump dispenser on the bottle is screwed very tightly, making it hard to dispense product once you get to the end of the bottle. And we did find it takes a few passes to completely rinse off the face. Overall, though, this cleanser is a hydrating option perfect for any skin type, especially those with dry, sensitive skin.
Size: 6.76 ounces | Skin Type: All, dry, sensitive | Star Ingredients: Marine peptides, chamomile, hydrolyzed algae | Fragrance: No, but natural ingredients create a slight pleasant scent
Best for Redness: EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
Star Qualities
Several sizes, including one that’s good for travel
Formula delivers a satisfying thick and creamy lather
Red Flags
Does contain fragrance
One of the more expensive options on the list
With the help of bromelain, a pineapple-derived enzyme, this face wash quells inflammation and gently exfoliates for a smoother, more even skin tone. It’s also oil-free and pH-balanced, and while it does contain fragrance, we noted that it didn’t trigger any kind of irritation when used on sensitive skin.
The texture of the cleanser was another standout point in our testing, delivering an extra luxurious, super thick lather — though this lather can easily be thinned out or amped up based on exactly how much water you use, and it rinses well regardless.
Size: 2.7 ounces, 3.4 ounces, 7 ounces | Skin Type: Normal | Star Ingredients: Bromelain | Fragrance: Yes
Related: The 11 Best Toners of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Blackheads: Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Cleanser
Star Qualities
2% salicylic acid formula is especially good for oily and acne-prone skin, including fungal acne
Cleanses without stripping skin or being too drying
Multipurpose use since it also exfoliates skin
Red Flags
One of the more expensive options we tested
Fairly watery consistency dispenses quickly and gets messy
For those battling breakouts, blackheads, or oily skin, salicylic acid is a must. The ingredient is a beta-hydroxy acid, and one that’s lipophilic. (Translation: It’s able to penetrate deep into pores, where it can dissolve excess oil to help keep them clear.)
This face wash contains it at a 2 percent concentration, along with anti-inflammatory niacinamide and bacteria-fighting azelaic acid. There’s also exfoliating glycolic acid in the mix, making this a good pick for anyone who wants an easy way to exfoliate on the regular, no additional products needed.
Still, this face wash doesn’t feel drying or stripping. Where it did get dinged a bit in our testing was for ease of use, given that the consistency is fairly watery and a lot of product can come out of the tube too fast.
Size: 5 ounces | Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily, acne-prone | Star Ingredients: Azelaic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide | Fragrance: No
Best Investment: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel
Star Qualities
3 different sizes, including a travel-friendly size
Gently exfoliates as it cleanses, thanks to both alpha and beta hydroxy acids
Left skin generally brighter, more even, with less-noticeable pores
Red Flags
Needs plenty of water to evenly spread on face
Gel texture feels sticky at first
Going above and beyond the basic cleansing call of duty, this splurge-worthy winner contains alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate. Translation: On top of thoroughly cleansing the skin, it also helps to smooth skin texture, even out tone, minimize the appearance of prominent pores, and brighten your overall complexion.
All of the above panned out in our testing, leaving pores less noticeable and skin generally brighter and more even. It scored a little lower in the feel category, however, as the gel texture can be a bit sticky initially, and requires a good amount of water to easily spread across your face.
Size: 2 ounces, 7.5 ounces, 16 ounces | Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily, acne-prone | Star Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, willowbark extract | Fragrance: No
Best for Dry Skin: Paula’s Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
Star Qualities
Very hydrating thanks to the added glycerin
Easy to use pump top bottle that dispenses just the right amount
Great at removing makeup — no scrubbing needed
Red Flags
None we could find!
We were so smitten with this hydrating pick that we were ready to take it home with us. That’s not surprising, given its lotion-like texture and the glycerin in the sulfate-free formula that makes it extra hydrating (so much so that it pulled in a perfect hydration rating).
The cleanser also excels at taking off makeup without any scrubbing and comes in an easy-to-use pump-top bottle. As if that weren’t enough, it also touts good-for-your-skin, antioxidant-rich green tea and chamomile extracts, always a win in our book.
Size: 6.4 ounces | Skin Type: Normal, dry | Star Ingredients: Glycerin, green tea, chamomile | Fragrance: Marked as fragrance-free, though it still has a noticeable scent
Related: The 20 Best Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Exfoliating: SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser With Glycolic Acid
Star Qualities
Glycolic acid offers skin-brightening and smoothing benefits
pH-balanced formula that doesn't strip skin
Quickly lathers into a nice foam consistency
Red Flags
On the more expensive side, with only one size/price point available
Glycolic acid is a choice chemical exfoliating ingredient: Not only does it check the usual boxes of helping to brighten skin, fade discoloration, and smooth out bumpy texture, it also has some long-term collagen-boosting benefits that can help combat fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s the star of the show in this cleanser, which was lauded for striking the perfect balance between cleansing the skin while still leaving it nice and hydrated. (That’s likely because the formula is pH-balanced and contains glycerin, too.) It also earned a call-out for how nicely it lathers, transforming from a gel to a full-on foam almost instantly.
Size: 6.8 ounces | Skin Type: All | Star Ingredients: Glycolic acid, glycerin | Fragrance: No
Related: The 6 Best Facial Cleansing Brushes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Textured Skin: Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
Star Qualities
Contains both prebiotics and probiotics for nourishment
Left skin feeling refreshed and hydrating in our tests thanks to the lactic acid
Works well at removing dirt
Red Flags
Fragrance is very intense
Not as effective at removing makeup compared to others we tested
Try this if you’re dealing with a rough or uneven skin tone. It relies on lactic acid, a gently exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acid that also attracts water to and traps it in the skin. That’s part of the reason why this doesn’t leave skin overly dry or with that ‘squeaky’ clean feeling; this was another winner that earned top marks for hydration.
It does contain fragrance, and the intense scent wasn’t well-received in our experience. While it removes dirt well, it’s less effective when it comes to taking off makeup.
Size: 1.69 ounces, 4 ounces, 6.7 ounces | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination | Star Ingredients: Turmeric, white tea, lactic acid | Fragrance: Yes
What to Know About Face Wash
Skin Type
According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, your skin type should be the absolute first thing you think about when choosing a face wash. Use it to help determine which ingredients to look for. For example, if your skin is on the drier side, seek out things such as glycerin, ceramides, aloe, and jojoba oil. (The winning First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser fits the bill.) Oily? Salicylic acid will help decongest pores, she says. Find it in the Skinfix Acne+ 2 percent BHA Cleanser featured on this list. And if you don’t want to scan the ingredient label, the texture of the face wash itself is a good indicator.
Texture
Speaking of, the consistency of the formula is also a good thing to check. There are exceptions to the rule, of course, but broadly speaking, gels and foaming formulas are good for oily skin, while cream, lotion, or milky cleansers are better for those with dry skin. Foaming cleaners help to better dissolve dirt and oil, whereas creamier formulas contain ingredients that bind to dirt and oil to rinse them away, explains celebrity esthetician Joshua Ross.
Fragrance
Fragrance is one of the most common skin irritants. So, if your skin is sensitive or prone to allergic reactions, choosing fragrance-free formulas is the move. Most of the winners on this list are fragrance-free, with a few exceptions.
Cost
Expensive doesn’t always equal better: “Many drugstore face washes are made by the same companies as the more expensive ones,” notes Dr. Jaliman. Case in point: Many of the winners on our list are inexpensive drugstore buys, including the best overall CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Not to mention that, at the end of the day, the face wash is just getting rinsed off and washed down the sink, not necessarily the best place to spend your money. If you have the budget to buy a pricey face wash, go for it, but this is also a good skincare category to save your hard-earned cash.
People / Jessica Juliao
Behind the Scenes
Our PEOPLE Tested team came to the lab wearing minimal makeup to test out 30 popular face washes. To start, we lathered up each face wash for two minutes, massaging it evenly across our faces before rinsing and drying. We then assessed our skin to see how well the cleanser had worked, rating each product on a scale of 1 to 5 (from worst to best) based on five categories:
Ease of Use: Was the product easy to dispense? Is it easy to get the perfect amount of face wash each time?
Feel: Products that felt gentle on the skin took the cake in this category, while face washes that felt harsh, sticky, or too watery were docked. The best face washes lathered easily and evenly, all while feeling gentle on our skin.
Effectiveness: We went into each wash with makeup applied, so we preferred the products that easily washed away makeup and left skin feeling fresh after the first cleanse.
Hydration: A good face wash shouldn’t leave your face feeling dry or tight. Face washes that left skin feeling hydrated got top marks in this category.
Appearance: Products that left us fresh-faced, without any signs of irritation or leftover residue, got high scores in this category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a face cleanser the same thing as a face wash?
In theory, yes. Sometimes face washes are associated with a deeper cleanse for those who have clogged pores or acne, whereas face cleansers are associated with hydration and a creamier texture, but this really all just comes down to marketing, says Dr. Jaliman.
How many times per day should you wash your face?
“You should cleanse either once or twice per day depending on your skin type,” advises Ross. “Everyone should definitely be cleansing in the evening, but sensitive and drier skin types are fine to skip using cleanser in the morning and just rinse with cool water,” he says.
Should you use the same face wash year-round?
Just like you swap out your wardrobe as the seasons change, you may want to do the same with your face wash. “Your skin changes seasonally, and so should your cleanser,” says Ross. Opt for lighter, gel-based formulas in the summer (when our skin is innately oilier) and richer, creamier formulas in the cooler months to combat seasonally-induced dryness. Not to mention that having a few different options on-hand is a good idea to use for different purposes, i.e. if a breakout pops up or you need something that offers more of a deep cleanse in order to take off a full face of makeup, he points out.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Melanie Rud is a freelance beauty writer, editor, and expert. She is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers all things skincare, interviewing top dermatologists to get to the bottom of the latest trends and products. For this story, Melanie consulted real-world insights from our PEOPLE Tested labs, which involved testers with all different skin types, textures, and maturity. She also interviewed dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman and celebrity esthetician Joshua Ross for their skincare expertise when it comes to face washes.
Our Expert Panel
Dr. Debra Jaliman is a board-certified dermatologist and an assistant professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.
Joshua Ross is a celebrity esthetician and the founder of SkinLab.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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