Choosing the right face wash for your skin type is the foundation of a great skincare routine. Cleansing isn’t just a quick rinse—it’s the crucial first step that sets the stage for everything that follows. A good cleanser should do more than create suds; it needs to remove oil, dirt, and daily buildup effectively without upsetting your skin’s natural balance.
As dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi notes, a cleanser is designed to “remove dirt, oil, sweat, makeup, and other impurities from your face”—and how well it performs this task matters greatly. The aim is to leave your skin clean and ready to absorb serums, moisturizers, and other products for optimal results. Whether you struggle with breakouts, dryness, or sensitivity, the ideal cleanser is one that’s suited to your specific skin type.
Below, explore top-rated face washes recommended by leading dermatologists and Vogue editors. Use the “best for” labels to find the perfect match for your skin’s needs, turning your daily cleanse into a mindful ritual rather than just a habit.
In This Article:
– Qualities of a Good Face Wash
– How to Find The Best Face Wash for Your Skin Type
– Things to Consider When Trying a New Face Wash
– How Often Should You Wash Your Face
– How We Tested
– Others We Tested
– Meet the Experts
Best French Pharmacy: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser
$20 $18 (10% off) AMAZON
Why We Love It: La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Cleanser remains a top choice for good reason. Frequently recommended by dermatologists, this gentle formula is pH balanced, non-comedogenic, and ideal for sensitive and combination skin. Dr. Penzi praises it as a reliable option for those with both dry and oily areas, and Dr. Whitney Bowe considers it a personal staple. Its milky texture leaves skin feeling hydrated and nourished, not tight or stripped, thanks to ingredients like prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide.
Key Ingredients: La Roche-Posay’s prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide
Type: Cream
Texture: Milky, gel cream
Foaming: No
Non-Comedogenic: Yes
Best For: All skin types, sensitive skin
More to Know: Vegan, fragrance-free, oil-free, non-comedogenic, paraben-free, sulfate-free, soap-free
Best for Dry Skin: Dior La Mousse OFF/ON Foaming Face Cleanser
Dior La Mousse OFF/ON Foaming Face Cleanser
$50 NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: Skin-care expert Sean Garrette included Dior’s foaming cleanser in his list of best beauty products under $50, describing it as an effective wash that gently removes impurities while providing soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant benefits. Two Vogue beauty editors also swear by it. After visiting Dior’s New York spa, senior beauty and wellness editor Margaux Anbouba switched to this cleanser. It combines glycerin and lily water extract for hydration and niacinamide for anti-inflammatory effects, making it a favorite in beauty editor-at-large Arden Fanning Andrews’s nightly routine.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, purifying water lily (from the Dior gardens), nymphaea alba root extract
Type: Cream-to-foam
Texture: Cream that turns into a fluffy lather
Foaming: Yes
Non-Comedogenic: No
Best For: Dry skin, normal skin, mature skin
More to Know: N/A
Best Oil Cleanser: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil
$40 AMAZON
$40 NORDSTROM
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer KianMurden uses Sulwhasoo’s gentle cleansing oil.
Why we love it: Regarded by many as the gold standard of cleansing oils, this K-beauty staple easily removes all makeup without stripping your skin’s natural moisture. Unlike heavier balms, it feels silky and lightweight. Enriched with tangerine peel extract, squalane, and a blend of traditional Korean oils like pine nut, camellia seed, and plum seed, it’s both effective and nourishing. Esthetician Amity Murray recommends it for dry skin, describing it as “a gorgeous, natural formula that emulsifies and rinses off clean, leaving skin refreshed but never tight.” It even tackles waterproof mascara in one wash.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalene, mulberry leaf extract, mountain yam extract
Type: Oil
Texture: Silky, lightweight oil that turns milky when emulsified
Foaming: No
Non-Comedogenic: No; while not inherently pore-clogging, it contains multiple oils that may be heavy for acne-prone skin
Best For: Normal, dry, mature, and combination skin
More to Know: Free of formaldehyde, sulfates, and phthalates
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser – $13 (originally $19, 32% off) at Amazon
Why we love it: Dermatologists and editors have long favored the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser for its gentle yet effective formula. Dermatologist Dr. Carlos A. Charles notes that it “removes impurities delicately and works well for even the most sensitive skin,” adding that it’s a great choice when beginning prescription acne or anti-aging treatments. Dr. Penzi also highlights it as her top drugstore pick, praising its simple, performance-driven formula. With skin-strengthening ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, it helps restore the skin’s barrier to lock in moisture, making it perfect for dry, irritated, or recovering skin.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP)
Type: Cream
Texture: Jelly-like
Foaming: No
Non-Comedogenic: Yes
Best For: Normal to dry skin, sensitive skin, drugstore shoppers
More to Know: Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, Cradle to Cradle Certified, accepted by the National Eczema Association
Best for Oily Skin: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex – $49 at Amazon and BlueMercury
Why we love it: This iS Clinical formula is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin as a daily cleanser (and it’s safe for dry skin too). With white willow bark, a natural salicylic acid, and sugarcane, a plant-based AHA, it gently exfoliates for smoother, softer skin. Despite its gel texture, it doesn’t dry out the skin thanks to centella asiatica, glycerin, and chamomile. Actress Meghan Fahey uses it to manage her adult acne, sharing that investing in her skincare routine has made a noticeable difference.
Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, chamomile flower, sugarcane, white willow bark
Type: Gel
Texture: Jelly-like
Foaming: No
Non-Comedogenic: Mostly (contains only one potential pore-clogging ingredient)
Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin
More to Know: Free of parabens, phthalates, and sulfates
Best Exfoliating: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel
SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel – $45 at BlueMercury
Why we love it: Dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman uses the SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel each morning to prep his oily, acne-prone skin. Its lightweight gel texture provides a deep, refreshing cleanse, perfect for starting your day or unwinding after a long one. A combination of glycolic and salicylic acids targets blemishes, making it a great option for those who want a cleanser that does more than just clean.This cleanser uses exfoliating acids along with glycerin and sorbitol to remove excess oil and unclog pores, helping prevent breakouts without drying out the skin. However, the AHAs and BHAs may be too strong for sensitive or reactive skin types.
Key Ingredients: LHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin
Type: Gel
Texture: Jelly-like consistency that turns into an airy foam
Foaming: Yes
Non-Comedogenic: Mostly (contains one potential pore-clogging ingredient)
Best For: Acne-prone skin, enlarged pores, oily skin
More to Know: Free of fragrance, soap, alcohol, dyes, and parabens
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash – $10 at Amazon
Why We Love It: PanOxyl’s foaming wash is highly recommended for acne treatment. Dr. Shereene Idriss even called it “a staple in [her] shower” for stressed skin. Its benzoyl peroxide formula has antimicrobial properties that clear existing breakouts and prevent new ones. It also works as a body wash—Vogue’s beauty shopping writer Conçetta Ciarlo uses it every summer to combat sweat-induced body acne, though she finds it too intense for her sensitive face.
Key Ingredients: 10% benzoyl peroxide
Type: Cream
Texture: Dense cream that lathers into a rich foam
Foaming: Yes
Non-Comedogenic: Mostly (contains one potential pore-clogging ingredient)
Best For: Acne-prone skin, oily skin
More to Know: Free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrances
Best for a Deep Cleanse: Sofie Pavitt Face Clean, Clean Gentle Cleanser
Sofie Pavitt Face Clean, Clean Cleanser – $34 at Violet Grey or Goop
Why We Love It: Esthetician Sofie Pavitt’s gentle gel cleanser provides a deep clean without stripping the skin. Ciarlo recalls Pavitt advising her to simplify her skincare routine with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser free of extra actives. It’s ideal for those already using daily chemical exfoliants and includes anti-inflammatory ingredients like panthenol and glycerin to soothe and balance reactive skin.
Key Ingredients: Allantoin, panthenol, glycerin
Type: Gel to foam
Texture: Lightweight gel that lathers slightly into a gentle foam
Foaming: Yes, but minimal
Non-Comedogenic: Yes
Best For: Acne-prone skin, sensitive skin
More to Know: Vegan and cruelty-free
Best Bi-Phase: Merit Great Skin Double Cleanse
Merit Great Skin Double Cleanse – $32 at Merit
Why We Love It: Merit’s formula transforms from a light foam to a milky serum that removes impurities while leaving skin soft. Oat-derived surfactants gently cleanse excess oil and makeup without stripping, while plant-based humectants and emollients restore the skin barrier. The gentle PHA exfoliation even allows for sting-free eye makeup removal. It’s luxurious, effective, and perfect for sensitive skin or anyone seeking a mild cleanse, with chic packaging to match.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba esters, oat amino acids, caramel, tocopherol, bacillus ferment
Type: Bi-phase foaming cleanser
Texture: Milky serum to rich foam
Foaming: Yes
Non-Comedogenic: Yes
Best For: Oily, combination, and normal skin
More to Know: Cruelty-free, clean, and vegan
Everything You Need to Know: How to Find the Best Face Wash for Your Skin Type
Penzi adds that, generally…In most face washes, sodium lauryl sulfate is the main ingredient that works like soap to clean your skin. Beyond that, the ingredients you should look for depend on your skincare goals. If you have dry skin, choose hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. For acne-prone skin, opt for acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. If you’re dealing with pigmentation or texture issues, look for AHAs and BHAs.
For dry skin, select a hydrating, nourishing cleanser, such as a cream-based formula with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, or niacinamide.
If your skin is acne-prone, choose an oil-free cleanser to avoid clogged pores, or one with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide is best for red, inflamed breakouts, while salicylic acid works well on blackheads and whiteheads. For oily skin that can’t handle active ingredients like salicylic acid, a foam or gel cleanser can reduce excess oil without causing irritation.
For pigmentation and texture concerns, an exfoliating cleanser can help remove dead skin cells and buildup, improving skin tone and texture.
When trying a new face wash, it can be hard to know if it’s right for you. Does your face feel overly clean or stripped of natural oils? Do the ingredients fit your routine and help you meet your goals? To guide you, consider these factors:
Ingredients: A good cleanser should have a gentle surfactant to clean thoroughly and moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to nourish. Depending on your skin type, it may also include niacinamide to soothe sensitive skin or acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
Type: Gel and foam cleansers are great for oily skin as they remove excess oil and buildup, especially in summer. Cream cleansers are better for dry or sensitive skin, as they moisturize without leaving skin feeling dry.
Skin Type: Identify your skin type to choose the best cleanser—creamy, hydrating options for dry skin, and foaming or gel-based for oily skin.
Fragrance: If you have sensitive skin, avoid fragranced cleansers.
Cruelty-Free/Clean Products: Choosing “clean” products is a personal preference, as there’s no official definition for what makes a product clean.
Season: In colder months, focus on adding hydrating ingredients to your routine, as skin tends to become drier and more dehydrated in cold, dry climates.
A good face wash should effectively cleanse while addressing your specific skin needs.A good face wash should clean your skin effectively without stripping away its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and irritation. According to Penzi, it should also remove makeup and buildup on its own, without needing other products.
How often you wash your face depends on your skin goals. Double cleansing—a Korean beauty method that starts with an oil cleanser followed by a water-based one—is ideal for heavy makeup wearers or those exposed to pollution. If you have dry skin, you might prefer the French approach of washing just once a day. Be careful not to over-cleanse; Penzi recommends washing no more than twice daily to protect your skin’s natural oils.
When we test products, we take a comprehensive approach to provide well-rounded recommendations. We consult Vogue’s network of experts, including dermatologists and estheticians, to identify top products they use with clients. Combining their insights with our editorial standards, we curate the selections you see on our site.
For face washes, we evaluated them based on ingredients, texture, finish, and the skin concerns they address. We tested each formula personally, considered expert advice, and reviewed customer feedback to determine our recommendations.
The face wash market is crowded, and narrowing it down to just a few top picks is challenging. Whether you prefer drugstore favorites like Vanicream, department store classics such as Clinique, or luxury indie brands, dermatologists praise options across the board. There are plenty of excellent choices—here are some other cleansers worth trying:
– Revision Skincare Brightening Facial Wash – $45 at Amazon
– Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser – $88 at Nordstrom or Tata Harper
– Osea Ocean Cleansing Milk – $54 at Osea
– La Prairie Foam Cleanser – $105 at Nordstrom
– Youth To The People Superfood Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser – $39 at Amazon or Nordstrom
– Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser – $19 at Glossier
– Fresh Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser – $39 at Nordstrom or Fresh
– Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser – $80 at Nordstrom, BlueMercury, or Violet Grey
– Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% – $18 ($14 with 22% off) at Amazon or $18 at Soko Glam
– Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule Foam – $17 at Amazon
Meet the Experts:
– Dr. Carlos A. Charles: Board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
– Dr. Marisa Garshick: Board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University in New York City.
– Dr. Corey L. Hartman: Board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, specializing in surgery, injectables, hair restoration, and lasers.
– Dr. Karen Kagha: Harvard-trained cosmetic and laser dermatologist in Los Angeles, focusing on hyperpigmentation, acne, and skin of color.
– Dr. Lauren Penzi: Board-certified dermatologist in New York, specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
– Dr. Shereene Idriss: Board-certified dermatologist in New York City, specializing in cosmetic dermatology, facial rejuvenation, and body contouring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and natural FAQs about the top face washes for every skin type in 2025
Beginner General Questions
1 Why is using the right face wash so important
Its the first and most crucial step in any skincare routine A good face wash cleanses your skin without stripping it preparing it to absorb the benefits of serums and moisturizers that follow
2 How do I know what my skin type is
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser pat it dry and dont apply any other products After 30 minutes check how your skin feels
Oily Shiny all over
Dry Feels tight flaky or rough
Combination Oily in the Tzone but drynormal on the cheeks
Normal Balanced comfortable and not shiny
Sensitive Easily gets red itchy or stings
3 How often should I wash my face
For most people twice a day is ideal If you have very dry or sensitive skin you might only use a gentle cleanser in the evening and just splash with water in the morning
4 Whats the difference between a gel cream and foam cleanser
Gel Great for oily and combination skin provides a deep clean
Cream Ideal for dry and sensitive skin hydrating and gentle
Foam Best for very oily skin creates a lather that removes excess oil
Questions About Choosing a Product
5 I have combination skin What should I look for in a face wash
Look for a balanced gentle gel or lowfoaming cleanser that can remove oil from your Tzone without overdrying the rest of your face Ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin are great for maintaining hydration
6 What ingredients are best for sensitive skin
Seek out fragrancefree formulas with calming ingredients like centella asiatica oat ceramides and niacinamide Avoid harsh sulfates and alcohol