22 Best Dermatologist-Approved Face Washes Your Skin Will Love

There’s nothing like the feeling of clean skin after washing your face—but dermatologists know not every facial cleanser is crafted for the same type of skin. Some facial cleansers can contain overly drying ingredients, while others are oil-based to replenish moisture, but may be too much for someone with oily skin.

The key to finding the best face wash for you is to learn your skin type and find a facial cleanser that meets your skin’s needs. You may not be using the right wash for your skin type. “Most people believe that an effective cleanse is one that leaves the skin feeling tight and squeaky clean, but this is generally a sign that the skin has been stripped of its natural oils and in fact, the cleanse was too harsh on the skin,” says Marisa K. Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist located in New York City. “While it is important for a cleanser to eliminate dirt and build-up, it is also important that the skin isn’t left feeling dry or irritated.”

As for how much you should wash your skin: It may be less often than you think. “The vast majority of individuals over 30 should wash their face every night to get the sunscreen and grime off,” says Heather Rogers, M.D., medical director of modern dermatology. But, if you wake up with oily skin, or don’t feel like your skin is overly dry from double washes, you can suds up in the morning too, she says.

How to choose the best cleanser for you

When choosing the best face wash, Dr. Rogers suggests avoiding harsh products or manual exfoliation (like sugar scrubs or products with exfoliating beads) that can leave micro-cuts in your skin and irritate it. Additionally, avoid overly-drying bars of soap and opt for a liquid, gel, or cream cleanser, based on your skin type.

Dr. Rogers notes to check the ingredient list for familiar ingredients, like water or aloe, and avoid products that try to do too much. “I like cleansers that don’t have a huge number of ingredients,” she says. Plus, she warms against products that tout labels like clean, natural, or organic, which aren’t standardized well in the beauty industry.

And if you’re hoping your cleanser will not only clean but also ward off breakouts, you’ll want to check for active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid, says Heather Richmond. M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Houston. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are particularly important for those with dry or sensitive skin to restore moisture, adds Dr. Garshick.

Additionally, Dr. Richmond notes that those with oily or acne-prone skin should opt for a foaming or gel-based cleanser, and those with dry or mature skin can use an oil-free or cream cleanser to “help minimize stripping of oils and moisturize while cleaning.” Dr. Garshick adds that those with acne-prone skin should opt for a gentle cleanser if they’re using any anti-acne ingredients that promote drying.

What’s your skin type?

The easiest way to determine your skin type? Wash your face. Dr. Rogers suggests taking a moment after you wash your face to see how your skin feels. Notice if it feels totally fine, tight and dry, or greasy, and you’ll likely have your answer.

And it’s especially important to check in with yourself over time and see how your skin is changing. “As we age, we all get dryer,” Dr. Rogers says. “Even if you’re super oily as a teenager and in your 20s, your skin dries out as you get older.” Some common skin types include:

• Normal. Those with normal skin don’t feel necessarily dry or oily after washing, Dr. Rogers says.
• Oily. Dr. Richmond explains that this skin type is typically from overactive oil glands. “Your skin is likely to have a greasy sheen to it, and you might feel like you have to wash your face more often,” she says. This is more common in those under 30 years old, Dr. Rogers says.
• Acne-prone. Most often presented with oily skin (though those with dry skin can also be acne-prone), this skin type is characterized by patients whose pores tend to clog, Dr. Richmond says. Acne-prone skin will often look like clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, and red bumps, adds Dr. Garshick.
• Dry. People with dry skin tend to have skin that appears flaky or red and feels tight and itchy, explains Dr. Garshick. Dr. Rogers adds this skin type is more common in those over 30 years old.
• Mature. Often synonymous with dry skin, mature skin typically shows a greater appearance of wrinkles and is due to the lack of oil produced by aging skin, Dr. Richmond says.
• Combination. Just as it sounds, this skin type means portions of your face are typically dry, while others are more oily. Dr. Rogers explains this most often appears as a more oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and center of the chin) and dry in other areas like the cheeks.
• Sensitive. Those with sensitive skin may be due to a procedure, allergies, or have skin that is easily irritated. “Those patients tend to have burning or stringing with many products and often have to stick with gentle or hypoallergenic cleansers,” Dr. Richmond says.