From Oily to Eczema-Prone Skin, These Are the 9 Best Facial Cleansers to Use For Every Skin Type and Concern
I love fancy face serums and a great moisturizer as much as the next beauty editor, but a solid skincare routine always starts with one of the best facial cleansers. It's going to remove your makeup and sunscreen from the day, help clean out pores, and act as the first step in strengthening your skin barrier. “The right cleanser can help support healthy skin function,” explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. On the other hand, “choosing the wrong type of cleanser can negatively impact your skin by worsening existing skin issues or failing to address specific skin concerns,” adds Pooja Rambhia, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC.
While you can never go wrong with a no-fuss, gentle drugstore cleanser to remove makeup, dirt, and oil, you might find a targeted cleanser (or cleansing oil) helpful to address additional skin concerns like dullness, acne, or hyperpigmentation. The best facial cleansers for dry or sensitive skin will be packed with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. In contrast, formulas for oily or acne-prone skin can contain detoxing, sebum-absorbing ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree extract.
To help you sort through the abundance of options, top board-certified dermatologists weighed in with their tips on finding the best face washes for every skin type and concern. Here, Dr. Zeichner, Dr. Rahmbia, Robert Finney, MD, FAAD, Nina Desai, MD, FAAD, and Deanne Mraz, MD, FAAD, share their go-to facial cleanser picks at every price point.
The Best Facial Cleansers for Every Skin Type
- Best Face Wash for Oily Skin: Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
- Best Face Wash for Dry Skin: Saint Jane Beauty Pore Clarity Cleanser
- Best Face Wash for Glowy Skin: Youth To The People Superfruit Cleanser
- Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin: Dieux Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser
- Best Anti-Aging Face Wash: Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel
- Best Hydrating Face Wash: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Face Wash
- Best Face Wash for Eczema-Prone Skin: Avéne Milk Cleanser
- Best Face Wash for Redness: ReVive Foaming Cleanser
- Best Face Wash for Combination Skin: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleanser Gel
Best Face Wash for Oily Skin
Whether you double-cleanse or not, this face wash alone does a great job of clearing away external grime and gunk that can clog the pores. The formula bubbles up nicely to melt away makeup and the grittiness sunscreen can leave behind. A hydrolyzed rice protein and chicory blend keeps skin from drying out while turmeric, white tea, and blueberry extracts gently resurface uneven skin.
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed rice protein (moisturizer); Turmeric, white tea, blueberry (retexturizes); Chicory (nourishment)
Who It’s For: All skin types
What I Love: Leaves skin feeling clean but not stripped; Removes makeup and sunscreen remnants
What I Don't: It's a bit more expensive than other comparable cleansers; The scent can be off-putting for some.
Review for MC: "This has quickly become my favorite daily cleanser. It’s gentle, but the gel texture does a great job of removing makeup remnants and excess oil. I particularly like to use it as the second step in a double cleanse routine since it breaks down leftover product, including sunscreen, without completely drying my face out." — Nykia Spradley, Contributing Beauty Writer
Best Face Wash for Dry Skin
This exfoliating cleanser from Saint Jane Beauty feels as luxurious on the skin as it looks in the bottle. Typically, cleansers with skin-smoothing ingredients like AHAs and BHAs can be really drying, but this one retexturizes even dry skin without leaving it tight and stripped. That's thanks to gentler acids derived from hibiscus flowers and hyaluronic acid to restore moisture as it cleanses and smoothes.
Key Ingredients: Hibiscus acids (resurfaces); Porcelain flower and cotton flower (softens); Hyaluronic acid (moisturizes)
Who It’s For: All skin types
What I Love: Helps prep skin for makeup and effectively takes it off; Gently resurfaces uneven skin texture without irritation
What I Don't: May be too strong for sensitive skin
Review for MC: "Not only does this cleanser look luxurious on my vanity, but its ingredient list makes my beauty editor heart so happy. It’s basically the dream formula for my skin, which leans dry and dull with the occasional clogged pore that turns into a tiny, uninvited breakout. It’s packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, soothing botanicals, and a blend of glycolic and salicylic acids to gently exfoliate while keeping pores clear. The refreshing gel texture, combined with its subtle, calming floral scent, seals the deal. It’s easily one of my all-time favorites." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Best Face Wash for Glowy Skin
A trio of vitamin C, lactic acid, and papaya enzymes works on dark spots and uneven texture while clearing away everyday dirt and excess oil. Over time, the gel's glycolic acid, which helps with cellular turnover, might even smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Key Ingredients: Ginger root and papaya (brightening); Vitamin C, lactic acid, glycolic acid (cellular turnover)
Who It’s For: Normal, dry, combination, and oily
What I Love: Skin is noticeably smoother after one use
What I Don't: Not ideal for sensitive skin
Review for MC: "Hyperpigmentation is a constant for my combo skin, so I like to incorporate a brightening cleanser into my routine to help take down dark spots and smooth any rough patches. This option does both of those things in literally one wash. The formula is pretty potent, so I only cleanse with it once a week or less and follow it with a good moisturizer. I did find that on first use, areas of my face that were drier stung a bit, but after balancing my skin with a good moisturizer, it wasn't an issue. " — Nykia Spradley, Contributing Beauty Writer
Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin
A good everyday cleanser that can gently clear away just about anything the day throws at you, in every season, is hard to come by—but Dieux nailed it. Some cleansers formulated with non-irritating ingredients don't always feel like they're working, but with the nice lather, ease of rinse, and a combo of moisturizing glycerin and betaine, skin is left with that desirable squeaky-clean feel without the tightness and dryness.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin (moisturizes); Betaine (seals in moisture)
Who It’s For: All skin types
What I Love: It feels soothing on the skin but dissolves makeup pretty quickly; Available with or without fragrance
What I Don't: Requires a double cleanse for waterproof mascara and long-wear makeup
Review for MC: "At points in the season when my face feels extra sensitive, either from the weather or hormonal shifts, this is a winner. It’s very gentle but still feels like it's working. The foamy lather is soothing and melts down makeup and any other film I can feel on my skin. Plus, there’s zero tightness or residue once I rinse it off." — Nykia Spradley, Contributing Beauty Writer
Best Face Wash for Combination Skin
This luxe cleanser's sensory experience is glorious. It starts out as a pearly cream, and with a touch of water and a light rub, it turns into a rich foam on the skin. The formula is laced with Augustinus Bader's special blend of amino acids and peptides that help firm skin, smooth fine lines over time, and clear away blotchiness and hyperpigmentation.
Key Ingredients: TFC8® (ingredient delivery); Rose flower water (astringent); Cucumber extract (moisturizes and calms); Aloe leaf juice (humectant)
Who It’s For: All skin types
What I Love: The richness of this cream cleanser is great, especially when skin has been exposed to harsher elements. It's moisturizing but doesn't leave any film behind.
What I Don't: It's an investment; Requires a double cleanse for long-wear makeup
Review for MC: "After using the brand's groundbreaking The Cream, I had pretty high hopes for this cleanser—and it lived up to almost all of my expectations. The silkiness feels so luxurious on my skin and I love how it turns into a light lather when mixed with water. The only point deduction is that it's not the best at removing a day's worth of makeup and waterproof mascara. But as the second step of a double cleanse routine, or on its own in the morning when I'm starting with bare skin, this cleanser does a great job at removing excess oil while leaving my skin hydrated and balanced." — Nykia Spradley, Contributing Beauty Writer
Best Hydrating Face Wash
If you want the benefits of a cream cleanser but crave the squeaky-clean feeling only executed by foam, this drugstore option is for you. “It’s ideal for dry skin types as it’s able to remove dirt and makeup without stripping away natural moisture or leaving the skin feeling tight and dry,” says Dr. Rambhia. “This is perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin, given its fragrance-free formula with hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid."
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid (moisture); Ceramides (moisture sealing)
Who It’s For: Dry and sensitive skin
What I Love: The foaming action makes skin feel very clean but not dry or tight
What I Don't: This won't break down heavy makeup without double cleansing
Customer Review: "This is my favorite face wash. I have sensitive rosacea skin that tends to get dry and tight. I have been using this face wash for a couple of years now. It never irritates my skin and leaves it feeling moisturized. I occasionally try other face washes, but always come back to this one. It always removes sunscreen and light makeup, (if I wear heavy makeup I will use makeup wipes first)." — Ulta
Best Face Wash for Eczema-Prone Skin
There’s no such thing as too many French skincare staples. Thankfully, this one is a staple stateside, too. “It’s formulated with glycerin, which is super silky and gentle,” says Dr. Desai. “I love the creamy, silky consistency. They’re easy even for those with sensitive skin who are eczema prone.”
Key Ingredients: Avène Thermal Spring Water and glycerin (moisturizers)
Who It’s For: Dry, sensitive skin
What I Love: The silky texture feels nice and smooth against sensitive skin
What I Don't: Requires a double cleanse, especially when removing makeup
Customer Review: "The gentleness of this cleanser is amazing because its cleaning effect is not compromised. Even the scent is a heavenly complement that continuously gives me a mini spa-like experience every day!" — Avene
Best Face Wash to Calm Redness
Samantha Holender, Senior Beauty Editor at MC has nothing but good things to say about this cleanser. "This is my daily cleanser, so bear with me while I praise it. The cream-meets-gel texture is delightful and leaves my skin feeling incredibly fresh. It instantly soothes redness and irritation, bringing my face back to a state of balance. Plus, the exploding vitamin E beads provide an extra dose of hydration to my complexion."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E (soothing); Sodium hyaluronate (moisture); Green tea (antioxidant)
Who It’s For: All skin types, redness-prone, sensitive
What I Love: Calms irritation and redness. Face feels very clean and hydrated after washing, not dry.
What I Don't: It's on the pricier side.
Customer Review: "This is a gentle, luxurious foaming cream that gives immediate results. I can always tell how effective a cleanser is by what I see on the washcloth, and mine showed makeup that was as vivid as a color chart. After cleansing, I don’t have to rush to apply moisturizer." — Nordstrom
Best Face Wash for Removing Makeup
This unique oil-to-gel texture is a dead giveaway that this face wash was made with combination skin in mind. “It first gently lifts away excess sebum, makeup, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants,” says Dr. Rambhia. “Once water is added, the oil forms a milky emulsion that washes away impurities."
Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil (moisture); Vitamin E (antioxidant); Tumeric root extract (anti-inflammatory)
Who It’s For: Combination skin
What I Love: Removes sunscreen and makeup with little effort or over-drying.
What I Don't: Some find the texture too oily
Customer Review: "I love this cleanser. It removes make-up and leaves my skin soft. It does not dry or irritate my skin. I like that you massage a small amount to dry skin and then add water to create a gentle foam. Then it rinses off easily. I live in a dry climate and this really keeps my skin soft and clean." — Dermstore
Best Face Wash for Combination Skin
Here's another pick that Dr. Mraz co-signs, particularly for oily and acne-prone skin since it's powered by LHAs, AHAs, and BHAs that work in tandem to remove excess oil and makeup while decongesting pores and brightening the skin.
Key Ingredients: Caproloyl salicylic Acid (decongests, antibacterial); Glycolic (exfoliates); Salicylic acid (refines and exfoliates)
Who It’s For: Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
What I Love: Helps unclog pores and removes dead skin build-up on the skin's surface.
What I Don't: It's not ideal for makeup removal; Expensive
Customer Review: "I love this cleanser. My skin feels so clean after using it and not at all too tight or dry. I use it everyday and have had absolutely no issues. The pores around my nose have disappeared. Really great cleanser! " — Dermstore
Why Is It Important to Wash My Face?
If you're unsure which products to add to your regimen, it's always best to check with your dermatologist—especially if you're dealing with specific concerns like dryness or acne.
Generally speaking, though, using a facial cleanser is an ideal first step in any skincare routine. "Our skin encounters and collects impurities throughout the day such as sweat, dirt, makeup, environmental toxins and allergens," explains Dr. Mraz. "It's important to cleanse that away and let it reset to naturally repair and regenerate. It's also important to cleanse your face before applying skincare so that it can absorb into the skin and do its job!"
How Should I Choose a Face Wash?
Choose a face wash tailored to your skin type and concerns, considering that you might need to change up your wash throughout the year based on weather and lifestyle. Dr. Mraz recommends a gentle cleanser for the morning when you've got less to remove and something stronger and more strategic for the nighttime to cleanse, treat, and prep the skin for skincare before sleep. Keep in mind that nighttime is when skin naturally works to repair and regenerate healthy collagen, elastin, and skin cells, so you want your skin clean so that your potent ingredients can absorb and work properly.
If you’re not sure which of the skin categories you fall into, there’s an easy beauty hack to find out. “First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser—don’t apply anything to the skin. Wait 30 minutes and then see how your skin feels,” explains Dr. Desia. “If your skin feels dry and tight your skin type is most likely dry. If your skin appears shiny or greasy, then you are oily. If you notice a combination of oiliness in the T-zone and dryness on the cheeks, you have combination skin. You have normal skin if your skin feels great and there’s no signs of oiliness or dryness.” Sensitive skin on the other hand typically looks red and has a burning or stinging sensation.
What Is the Best Face Wash for Normal Skin?
Normal skin types are like the favorite child. Overall, you’ll be well-balanced, not too oily and not too dry. “Those with normal skin typically have smaller pores with an overall smooth skin texture and are not specifically prone to acne breakouts or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Rambhia. As such, picking a cleanser is pretty simple. Pick a no-fuss option with whatever texture you prefer.
What Is the Best Face Wash for Combination Skin?
Combination skin is a little tricky. While you might find your T-zone—forehead, nose, chin—oily, your cheeks can be dry. Your skin’s balance can fluctuate with the season, stress, or hormonal changes. Finding the best cleanser for this skin type is more about texture than ingredients. “Gel, foaming, and oil-based formulas can work well, as they can balance cleansing oilier areas without overdrying other areas of the face,” says Dr. Rambhia.
What Is the Best Face Wash for Dry Skin?
Dry skin has less natural moisturizing oils, which can leave you with a complexion that looks a little dull and a texture that feels rough, inflamed, or itchy. “Dry skin often feels tight, cracks easily, and is visibly dehydrated,” says Dr. Rambhia. As a result, you want to seek out deeply hydrating face washes. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides in a cream or lotion texture. “Cream cleansers gently cleanse the skin using natural oils and emulsifiers and are ideal for those with dry skin.”
What Is the Best Face Wash for Sensitive Skin?
As a sensitive skin girl myself, I can confirm that finding a cleanser to actively calm my complexion is a game-changer. “Sensitive skin is more vulnerable to external irritants or allergens, such as dyes or fragrances, resulting in inflamed and itchy skin,” says Dr. Rambhia. You might experience stinging or burning frequently, which is precisely why looking for non-irritating cleansers is ideal. Avoid fragrances, dyes, and intense exfoliating acids.
What Is the Best Face Wash for Oily Skin?
Oily skin produces more oil, making your skin look greasy or shiny. “People with oily skin tend to be more susceptible to the appearance of large pores, acne breakouts, and blackheads and whiteheads, too,” says Dr. Rambhia. The plus side: “Those with oily skin tend to have fewer wrinkles.” Foaming and gel cleansers are ideal for oily skin types as they can effectively dissolve excess oil that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. You may also want to consider chemical exfoliant ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid when looking for your next favorite face wash.
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