To find the best facial cleansers of the year, Fortune evaluated texture and feel, cleansing performance, comfort, and long-term results. Read on for our testers’ full reviews of the facial cleansers, along with how we tested, what to consider when shopping, and more.

Best Facial Cleansers of 2026

• Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser
• Best Luxury Face Wash: OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser
• Best Face Wash for Dry Skin: ELEMIS Sensitive Cleansing Wash
• Best Face Wash for Oily Skin: Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser for Face
• Best Face Wash for Blackheads: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
• Best Face Wash for Acne: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
• Best Face Wash for Reactive Skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
• Best Hydrating Face Wash: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
• Best Face Wash for Aging Skin: DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser
• Best Face Wash for Combination Skin: Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
• Best Face Wash for Rosacea: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Best Facial Cleansers Comparison Table

Facial Cleansers	Cleanser Type	Key Ingredients	Non-comedogenic?	Best For
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser	Cream	Surfactant, allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil	Yes	Dry or sensitive skin
OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser	Gel to foam	Niacinamide, antioxidant extracts	Yes	All skin types
ELEMIS Sensitive Cleansing Wash	Gel to foam	Chamomile, thyme, lady’s mantle	Yes	Dry skin
Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser for Face	Gel	Oat amino acids, aloe	Yes	Normal to oily skin
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil	Oil	Heartleaf extract and plant oil blend	Yes	Acne-prone skin
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser	Foaming	Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide	Yes	Normal to oily skin
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser	Cream	Glycerin, niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5)	Yes	Normal to dry skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser	Cream	Thermal spring water, ceramide-3, niacinamide (vitamin B3)	Yes	Normal to dry skin
DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser	Cream	Ceramide complex, peptide complex, sodium hyaluronate, botanical extracts	Yes	Normal, combination, dry skin
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser	Gel	Kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, vitamins C and E	Yes	All skin types
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser	Gel to foam	Glycerin, coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl glycinate	Yes	Dry or sensitive skin (including eczema and rosacea)

SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Cream
Key Ingredients	Surfactant, allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	Dry or sensitive skin
OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Gel to foam
Key Ingredients	Niacinamide, antioxidant extracts
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	All skin types
ELEMIS Sensitive Cleansing Wash
Cleanser Type	Gel to foam
Key Ingredients	Chamomile, thyme, lady’s mantle
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	Dry skin
Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser for Face
Cleanser Type	Gel
Key Ingredients	Oat amino acids, aloe
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	Normal to oily skin
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Cleanser Type	Oil
Key Ingredients	Heartleaf extract and plant oil blend
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	Acne-prone skin
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Foaming
Key Ingredients	Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	Normal to oily skin
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Cream
Key Ingredients	Glycerin, niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5)
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	Normal to dry skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Cream
Key Ingredients	Thermal spring water, ceramide-3, niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	Normal to dry skin
DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Cream
Key Ingredients	Ceramide complex, peptide complex, sodium hyaluronate, botanical extracts
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	Normal, combination, dry skin
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Gel
Key Ingredients	Kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, vitamins C and E
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	All skin types
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Gel to foam
Key Ingredients	Glycerin, coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl glycinate
Non-comedogenic?	Yes
Best For	Dry or sensitive skin (including eczema and rosacea)

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser

Our Thoughts on SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser

SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser is our pick for the best skin cleanser overall because its creamy formula removed our tester’s makeup well. The packaging is aesthetically pleasing, and the cleanser comes in a bottle with a pump. The pump ensures the product comes out easily and doses out a perfect amount of cleanser each time. Our tester also liked that the container is clear, so she can see how much product is left.

Emily tested SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser. She has oily, sensitive, and slightly acne-prone skin. She rated the texture of this cleanser a 4 out of 5. “It’s a cream, and it does spread easily across the skin and feels really gentle on my face, but I do feel like I need to double-cleanse when I use it, especially if I have makeup on,” she said.

When it comes to cleansing performance, Emily rated SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser a 4 out of 5. “I do feel like I need to double-cleanse to get the full effects of this product. My skin does feel clean after using the product twice, though. It does do a pretty good job of removing makeup, which I was impressed with considering how gentle it is,” Emily said. 

She rated comfort a 4.5 out of 5. “I haven’t felt any sensitivity while using this product; it’s super gentle and doesn’t dry out my skin,” our tester said.

However, long-term results are mixed (so far). “I haven’t noticed any difference to my skin after using this product for a couple of weeks, and I am not entirely sure if this product is worth the high price tag, especially given that I am double cleansing with it. It does work well with the rest of my skincare routine, and I have not seen any changes in oiliness or breakouts,” Emily said, rating long-term results a 3.5 out of 5. 

Specs:

• Best for: Dry or sensitive skin
• Cleanser type: Cream
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Surfactant, allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil

Best Luxury Face Wash: OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser

Our Thoughts on OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser

OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser is our pick for the best luxury face wash because it is efficient and doesn’t require multiple cleanses, fitting well into an elevated professional’s routine. It includes botanicals like cactus-flower extract, honeysuckle extract, and arnica extract. We think this cleanser has great potential to fit into a busy routine and will work well with the rest of your skincare regimen. 

Bella tested OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser. She has combination skin and experiences dryness in colder months. “My skin is not overly sensitive; I do have sensory issues when it comes to certain textures,” she said. “I have experienced light acne in the past and sometimes have acne scarring that takes a while for the redness to fade.” She rated the texture of this cleanser a 5 out of 5. “This cleanser is lightweight and spreads easily across the skin,” she said. “My skin feels cooled and refreshed after cleansing. The cleanser isn’t overly sticky.”

Our tester rated the cleansing performance a standout 5 out of 5. “This cleanser does a great job of removing excess oil and makeup from the day. When used gently around the eyes, it removes my light eye makeup (eyeliner and mascara) without leaving smear marks. My skin feels clean afterward without being left dry or tight. I love that it helps to cleanse and hydrate at the same time, leaving my face feeling supple. I did not need to scrub excessively for the cleanser to be effective,” she said.

When it comes to long-term results, Bella rated OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser a 5 out of 5. “My skin has felt a lot more hydrated and balanced after regular use. I haven’t noticed as many breakouts, and my face does not get oily as often. I would say this product has created a more consistent texture across my face, which is helpful for having to use fewer makeup products,” she said.

Specs:

• Best for: All skin types
• Cleanser type: Gel to foam
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Niacinamide, antioxidant extracts

Best Face Wash for Dry Skin: ELEMIS Sensitive Cleansing Wash

Our Thoughts on ELEMIS Sensitive Cleansing Wash

ELEMIS Sensitive Cleansing Wash is our pick for the best face wash for dry skin because it effectively removed makeup, sunscreen, oil, and mascara without drying out our tester’s skin. This cleansing wash starts as a gel and foams up when you add water. 

Charlotte tested ELEMIS Sensitive Cleansing Wash. She has pretty oily skin and has struggled with acne for her entire life. “In 2024, I went on Accutane, and my skin has changed a ton (for the better!), but I still struggle with discoloration, scarring, and occasional breakouts,” she said. Charlotte rated the texture and feel of this cleaning wash a 4.5 out of 5. “It’s very smooth when it comes out of the bottle, and there isn’t a ton of sticky texture to it. It is a gel cleanser that foams up when you rub it on your face with a bit of water. I thought it lathers up very well, and it doesn’t take forever to rinse off, either. This was easy to get off my face!”

She rated the cleansing performance a 5 out of 5. “This does a fantastic job of removing my light makeup, sunscreen, oil, and even mascara! Usually, I find myself having to take micellar water or makeup remover to get the rest off my eyes, but this takes it all off for me,” Charlotte said. This cleansing wash didn’t sting or cause a reaction, even when it got in Charlotte’s eyes. “I really love the performance of this cleanser; I could easily make it my daily facewash. I recommend it for anyone with sensitive skin,” our tester said.

When it comes to long-term results, Charlotte feels that her skin looks more balanced after testing. “I did notice some temporary breakouts, especially around my chin, which could be hormonal. Someone who is not used to this may get a bit freaked out and stop using it, but I know I have to push through to get real results when it comes to breakouts,” she said, rating her results a 4 out of 5.

Specs:

• Best for: Dry skin
• Cleanser type: Gel to foam
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Chamomile, thyme, lady’s mantle

Best Face Wash for Oily Skin: Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser for Face

Our Thoughts on Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser for Face

The Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser for Face is our pick for the best face wash for oily skin because it is quick and easy to use, fitting easily into a busy morning or evening routine. It won’t take a huge effort and is great for folks with busy lifestyles.

Charlotte tested Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser for Face. Her skin is usually combination, though it can be drier in the summer and oilier in the winter. She also noted that her skin can be slightly sensitive. She rated the texture and feel a 5 out of 5. “The product comes out as gel at first, then becomes foamy once you mix it with water,” Charlotte said. “A little goes a long way. It feels very pleasant during cleansing and then, when washed off, doesn’t leave your face feeling sticky or any residue.”

She loved the cleansing performance of Obagi, rating it a 5 out of 5. “This product effectively removes dirt and oil from the face, and even got off light makeup that I didn’t realize I still had on,” Charlotte said. “My skin felt very refreshed afterward, and no excessive scrubbing was needed to make it feel this way. My skin almost felt soft and well-moisturized after using this face wash.”

When it comes to comfort, our tester didn’t experience any tight, stripped, dry, or irritated skin after using this face wash. “It left my skin feeling super refreshed and balanced afterward,” she said. “There was no redness, burning, or sensitivity, either.” She rated Obagi a 5 out of 5 in this category.

Charlotte rated her long-term results a 5 out of 5. “I have tested this product for over a week now, and I have felt like it has made my face look more refreshed, hydrated, and brighter when I wake up and before I go to bed. I had my menstrual cycle while testing this product and had some occasional breakouts that I feel like the face wash helped clear up faster as well. I do not have much of a skincare routine, but I am excited to add this to it!”

Specs:

• Best for: Normal to oily skin
• Cleanser type: Foaming gel
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Oat amino acids, aloe

Best Face Wash for Blackheads: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

Our Thoughts on Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil

Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil is our pick for the best face wash for blackheads because, after using and rebuying at least 10 times, our tester had great success clearing her blackheads. “I started double cleansing about two years ago, and it has drastically improved my skin. I used to have issues with blackheads on my nose and after double cleansing, my pores have improved significantly,” our tester said.

Gwen tested Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil. “My skin is pretty normal; varying a little with the seasons,” she said. “I have eczema that flares when the weather is really dry, particularly in the Chicago winter. I don’t break out too often, but I occasionally get a blemish or two.” She rated the texture and feel of this oil cleanser a 5 out of 5. “I double cleanse my skin, which essentially involves washing your face with an oil-based cleanser first to remove makeup, sunscreen, etc. Then, I follow it with a gel cleanser (Cetaphil). The Anua oil spreads easily, and I love how it feels while cleansing. It glides smoothly and really helps me break down the products on my face,” she said.

Our tester gave Anua’s cleaning oil performance a 4.5 out of 5. “It achieves the intended goal, though my skin doesn’t feel 1000% clean after. Oil cleansers generally aren’t meant to be used alone; you use them in tandem with a gel cleanser. The oil cleanser breaks down your makeup/sunscreen, and then the gel really gets into the pores,” Gwen said. 

She added: “That being said, it does an excellent job of removing anything on my face, whether it’s sweat and dirt after horseback riding or a full face of makeup after a dressed-up dinner. I no longer use any kind of makeup wipes or micellar water to remove makeup from my face; this oil does a better job! It doesn’t require excessive scrubbing at all, and it’s so gentle on my skin, whereas makeup wipes often leave my skin sensitive because the chemicals are harsh.”

Gwen noted that this is the least irritating cleanser she’s ever used. It leaves her skin feeling soft and hydrated, so she rated her overall skin comfort a 5 out of 5.

Specs:

• Best for: Acne-prone skin
• Cleanser type: Oil
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Heartleaf extract and plant oil blend

Best Face Wash for Acne: CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Our Thoughts on CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is our pick for the best face wash for acne because it controls oil without making your face feel tight or stripped of all hydration. It includes ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, all of which may help your face feel more comfortable. Our tester noticed less congestion on her jawline, as well.

Sarah tested CeraVe’s facial cleanser. She’s got combination skin: her T-zone tends to get oily throughout the day, but around her mouth tends to be dry. She’s also been told that she has dehydrated skin. Sarah rated the texture and feel of this facial cleanser a 3.5 out of 5. “It foams up once you add water, though the texture is on the thicker side compared to what you’d expect from a foaming formula,” she said. “It spreads across the skin fine, though it takes a little extra time rinsing to fully get it off your face. I wouldn’t say it’s uncomfortable during use; it’s just pretty thick.”

She rated the cleansing performance a 4 out of 5. “It’s not advertised for removing makeup, so I used micellar water to take off my makeup before using it, but it effectively removed the leftover residue left behind,” Sarah said. “It got a lot of oil out of my face, which was nice. My skin felt clean afterward, and I didn’t get a tight feeling that I’ve had in the past from other cleansers. I didn’t need to scrub excessively to get there, though because of the thicker texture, I did find myself rinsing a bit longer than usual to make sure everything was fully off.”

Sarah rated her long-term results a 4.5 out of 5. “My skin has felt more balanced,” she said. “The oil production throughout the day feels more controlled without that stripped, dry feeling. I feel like my pores aren’t clogged along my jawline as they have been. My nose is a bit smaller from the oil being stripped away (sounds weird, I know, but true). The only reason I’m not giving a full five stars here is that the improvements, while consistent, have been gradual rather than dramatic.”

Specs:

• Best for: Normal to oily skin
• Cleanser type: Foaming
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide

Best Face Wash for Reactive Skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Our Thoughts on Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is our pick for the best face wash for reactive skin because it’s fragrance-free, soap-free, and hypoallergenic. It’s a wise pick for folks with sensitive skin who want a cleanser that won’t irritate. Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser includes glycerin, niacinamide, and panthenol to help hydrate and provide comfort to your skin.

Gwen tested Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Her skin is normal and a bit dry. She gets eczema in the Chicago wintertime, especially when the air is dry. She rated the texture and feel of this skin cleanser as a 5 out of 5. “I have been using Cetaphil’s cleanser for literal years, every day. It’s incredibly easy to spread on my skin, and I use this as my second cleanser (I double cleanse and start with the Anua oil). It spreads incredibly easily, and I don’t feel like I need to rub too hard while using it, as it lathers so smoothly. For lack of a better term, this cleanser makes my skin feel truly clean after use. It washes off easily and, again, no rubbing is required. I also like that it doesn’t leave any residue,” she said.

For those who are frequently on the go with busy schedules, we think the convenience of applying this face wash is a valuable feature.

Our tester rated the cleansing performance a 5 out of 5. “I have used this cleanser on my bare face; I’ve used this cleanser after a sweaty workout; I’ve used this cleanser on a face of makeup after leaving the office; and it performs beautifully in every instance. I wear a thick layer of sunscreen, and this cleanser easily breaks it down/washes it away,” Gwen said.

She rated her long-term results a 5 out of 5, too. “I’m not prone to acne, but I do often damage my skin barrier, as I get a little overeager with my routine. This cleanser is gentle and really helps me repair any issues. I used to have pretty oily skin as a teenager; I’ve used this cleanser pretty consistently ever since (I’m in my 30s now), and it definitely helped minimize my oil production,” Gwen said.

“I love how well this cleanser works with the rest of my products, too. It doesn’t leave any residue on my face and is so easy to wash off. I also like that it works for many skin types—my partner has a totally different skin type, including facial hair. We share this cleanser each day, and both love it!”

Specs:

• Best for: Normal to dry skin
• Cleanser type: Cream
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5)

Best Hydrating Face Wash: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

Our Thoughts on La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser is our pick for the best hydrating face wash because the main ingredients support moisture and overall skin comfort. Made with La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, glycerin, ceramide-3, and niacinamide, our team thinks this lightweight cream cleanser is a great choice for normal-to-dry and sensitive skin types.

Sophia tested La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser. Her skin is “typically pretty normal, with occasional oiliness around my nose, chin, and forehead,” she said. “My cheeks get dry. I am very fair and freckle/sunburn very easily. I sometimes get a bit of redness in my face/uneven skin tone. My skin is more sensitive, so I typically don’t do much skincare other than a micellar water cleanser, a gentle face wash, and daily sunscreen for my face,” Sophia said. 

She rated the texture and feel of this face cleanser a 4 out of 5. “The texture is extremely light and silky. The product itself is very thin, so it doesn’t feel like I’m spreading thick goop on my face. That being said, I didn’t feel like the cleanser really lathered up into a foam. It kept its texture the entire time I used it. It reminded me a lot of Cetaphil, which is what I used in high school for a while. It was easy enough to rinse off, though. I splashed my face a few times, and it came right off,” Sophia said.

Our tester rated cleansing performance a 4.5 out of 5. “I thought this cleanser did a great job. I hadn’t washed my face all day, and I felt a lot cleaner after use. It took away my greasiness/oilyness without leaving me feeling too dry. I usually apply moisturizer after washing my face, but I almost considered skipping this step entirely,” she said.

Sophia rated skin comfort a 4 out of 5: “I had no issues with this product despite having sensitive skin. It didn’t leave me feeling irritated, stripped, or dry. I felt like the cleanser was extremely soft and gentle on my face. Afterward, my skin felt soft and hydrated. I felt ready to take on the day with a fresh face,” she said. 

Specs:

• Best for: Normal to dry skin
• Cleanser type: Cream
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Thermal spring water, ceramide-3, niacinamide (vitamin B3)

Best Face Wash for Aging Skin: DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser

Our Thoughts on DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser

DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser is our pick for the best face wash for aging skin because it combines gentle cleansing ingredients with a peptide complex and ceramides, which may help support your skin barrier. This cleanser also includes sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid), which may help attract moisture and temporarily help your skin look plumper. If you’re taking a more comprehensive approach to aging-skin care, you may also be interested in learning more about collagen supplements.

Susan tested DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser; she has normal to oily skin. Susan rated the texture and feel of this cleanser a 4.5 out of 5. “The gel feels luxurious in my hand and has a subtle grapefruit scent. I typically run the gel under some water, which creates a sudsy foam that spreads evenly and smoothly across my face. The foam stung ever so slightly the first time I used it, but subsequent uses did not,” she said.

Our tester also rated the cleansing performance a 4.5 out of 5. “I don’t typically wear makeup but found this product to thoroughly clean the day-to-day grime of living in New York City from my face. I definitely feel clean and refreshed after each use without too much excess scrubbing or cleansing,” she said.

We think folks living and working in busy environments will find this a refreshing and effective cleanser. 

When it comes to comfort, Susan felt a slight stinging sensation the first time she used DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser. “This felt like a possible indicator that the product was cleaning excess grime that other products may have left behind,” she said, rating comfort a 4.5 out of 5. “After the first use, the experience was very comfortable and left my skin feeling and looking refreshed,” she said.

Susan used this cleanser for a week, rating the long-term use a 4.5 out of 5. “I used this cleanser twice daily, and there was a noticeable difference in the moisture and radiance in my skin,” she said. “I noticed no breakouts or blemishes, and my skin felt even throughout. The cleanser paired really well with the rest of my routine because of how simple it is to use. It fit nicely into my busy schedule, while still making me feel like I was giving my skin a treat.”

Specs:

• Best for: Normal, combination, dry skin
• Cleanser type: Cream
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Ceramide complex, peptide complex, sodium hyaluronate, botanical extracts

Best Face Wash for Combination Skin: Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser

Our Thoughts on Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser

Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser is our pick for the best face wash for combination skin because it includes kale, spinach, and green tea. Kale is rich in phytonutrients along with vitamins. Spinach has a high amount of moisture, and green tea is an antioxidant.

Sophia tested Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser; her skin is typically normal, with occasional oiliness around the nose, chin, and forehead. Her cheeks get a bit drier. She rated the texture and feel of this cleanser a 4.5 out of 5. “It comes out as a gel-like texture and then lathers into a soapy, foamy consistency. I thought it felt really nice and smooth on my skin. It didn’t feel goopy or slimy, and I didn’t get the ick from the texture at all. It felt like something I would gladly use every day with no complaints. It feels clean overall and not like I’m adding something heavy or clogging my pores,” she said.

She loved the cleansing performance, rating it a 4.5 out of 5. “I didn’t take off my makeup before showering, and when I emerged, I didn’t have raccoon eyes. My makeup appeared to have been completely washed off, and my skin felt really fresh and clean. In the morning, there was no face makeup on my pillow, so it did an effective job completely cleaning my skin from the day before,” Sophia said.

Our tester rated the comfort she felt a 5 out of 5. “My face felt great afterward. I didn’t feel overly dry, but my skin wasn’t oily either. I felt really refreshed and revived afterward, and I didn’t notice any sort of negative reaction. My skin can sometimes be sensitive to new products, but this one didn’t cause any irritation, redness, stinging, or itching. I felt very comfortable afterward,” she said.

After weeks of use, Sophia said, “The lack of negative reaction is a plus, but I’m even more impressed with the overall feel and cleanliness of my skin. It did a really good job removing face makeup and oil, and I felt really rejuvenated every time I’d use it. It also smells amazing. It reminds me a lot of the face wash I already use, so I wouldn’t mind switching over.”

Specs:

• Best for: All skin types
• Cleanser type: Gel
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, vitamins C and E

Best Face Wash for Rosacea: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Our Thoughts on Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is our pick for the best face wash for rosacea because it has just 12 ingredients total, including glycerin for hydration. It also includes coco-glucoside and sodium cocoyl glycinate, which are both very mild cleansing ingredients. 

Grace tested Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. She has very sensitive skin that’s prone to stinging when she uses random products. She’s been mostly acne-free since taking Accutane a few months ago. Grace rated the texture and feel of this cleanser a 4.5 out of 5. “It’s a smooth milky foam that spread easily,” she said. “It lathered enough to get all over my face and clean my skin. It felt very pleasant and didn’t sting or react with my sensitive skin at all.”

She loved the cleansing performance, rating it a 5 out of 5. “This cleanser cleaned my skin easily with just one application and rinse. I didn’t use it to remove sunscreen or makeup, but I think it would have been. My skin felt squeaky clean, and after I put on my daily face lotion, my face felt softer than normal,” Grace said.

Our tester rated the comfort of her skin a 5 out of 5. “I didn’t feel any irritation from the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. It didn’t irritate my eyes, and it didn’t make my face feel drier than normal after using it. I also don’t like facial products with strong scents, and this one had a very mild, neutral scent while using it that completely disappeared after I rinsed my face off. I would recommend this to people with sensitive skin or aversions to strong scents,” Grace said.

Specs:

• Best for: Dry and sensitive skin (including eczema and rosacea) 
• Cleanser type: Gel to foam
• Non-comedogenic: Yes
• Key ingredients: Glycerin, coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl glycinate

Other Facial Cleansers We Tested

We tested 21 facial cleansers. Here are a few that didn’t make our top picks, and why.

• CeraVe Acne Control Facial Cleanser: Our tester didn’t like how sticky this cleanser is, and if it’s not completely rinsed off, it leaves the skin feeling sticky.
• Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash: The texture was more gel-like than our tester expected and didn’t foam as much as she had hoped for.

Why the Right Facial Cleanser Matters to Professionals 

For professionals, cleaning your face before and after a long day is vital to looking and feeling your best. For a typical workday, you may wear sunscreen or makeup from 7 a.m. throughout your commute, meetings, and even dinner or happy hour. By the end of the day, you want a cleanser that makes it easy to remove buildup without adding multiple steps.

A facial cleanser that leaves your skin feeling clean, but not tight, dry, or greasy can help you start the day with confidence. The best facial cleanser is one that fits well into your morning and evening routines.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Face Washes

Here’s how our team tested and chose the best facial cleansers of the year.

Texture and Feel

Our testers considered whether the facial cleansers they tested felt lightweight, foamy, or gel-like. They also noted how easy it was to apply to their damp skin. Testers also considered if the facial cleansers lathered or foamed in ways that were effective.

Cleansing Performance

Testers made notes on how well the facial cleansers removed oil, sweat, makeup, dirt, and sunscreen from their skin in one wash. Some cleansers were effective with one wash, and some were best as a second cleanse after an oil cleanser or makeup remover. 

Our testers also noted how their skin felt after washing. Any leftover eye makeup or residue counted against convenience and ease of use.

Skin Comfort 

Testers shared whether the facial cleansers left their skin feeling hydrated and soft, or if they noticed any tightness, dryness, or irritation during and after washing.

Skin comfort is especially important for folks with sensitive or dry skin, and those managing conditions such as acne, rosacea, or eczema. 

Long-Term Results

After days or weeks of consistent use, testers shared whether their skin felt consistently balanced. They also noted if the cleanser worked well with their overall skincare routine.

Each tester’s results varied by skin type, climate/location, and other products used.

Value

Cleanser	Cleanser Type	Key Ingredients	Price
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser	Cream	Surfactant, allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil	$39
OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser	Gel to foam	Niacinamide, antioxidant extracts	$46
ELEMIS Sensitive Cleansing Wash	Gel to foam	Chamomile, thyme, lady’s mantle	$44
Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser for Face	Gel	Oat amino acids, aloe	$55
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil	Oil	Heartleaf extract and plant oil blend	$22
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser	Foaming	Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide	Varies by retailer, usually around $15.99
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser	Cream	Glycerin, niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5)	Varies by retailer, usually around $12.99
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser	Cream	Thermal spring water, ceramide-3, niacinamide (vitamin B3)	$19.99
DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser	Cream	Ceramide complex, peptide complex, sodium hyaluronate, botanical extracts	$29
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser	Gel	Kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, vitamins C and E	$39
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser	Gel to foam	Glycerin, coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl glycinate	Varies by retailer, usually around $12.99

SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Cream
Key Ingredients	Surfactant, allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil
Price	$39
OneSkin PREP Facial Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Gel to foam
Key Ingredients	Niacinamide, antioxidant extracts
Price	$46
ELEMIS Sensitive Cleansing Wash
Cleanser Type	Gel to foam
Key Ingredients	Chamomile, thyme, lady’s mantle
Price	$44
Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel Cleanser for Face
Cleanser Type	Gel
Key Ingredients	Oat amino acids, aloe
Price	$55
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Cleanser Type	Oil
Key Ingredients	Heartleaf extract and plant oil blend
Price	$22
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Foaming
Key Ingredients	Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide
Price	Varies by retailer, usually around $15.99
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Cream
Key Ingredients	Glycerin, niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5)
Price	Varies by retailer, usually around $12.99
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Cream
Key Ingredients	Thermal spring water, ceramide-3, niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Price	$19.99
DRMTLGY Essential Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Cream
Key Ingredients	Ceramide complex, peptide complex, sodium hyaluronate, botanical extracts
Price	$29
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Gel
Key Ingredients	Kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, vitamins C and E
Price	$39
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Cleanser Type	Gel to foam
Key Ingredients	Glycerin, coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl glycinate
Price	Varies by retailer, usually around $12.99

Benefits of Facial Cleansers

Here are some benefits of using a facial cleanser:

• Removes daily buildup
• Helps to balance skin
• Supports the rest of your skincare routine

What to Avoid in Facial Cleansers

Here are some aspects to avoid when using a facial cleanser:

• Irritation such as stinging, redness, or itching
• Requires multiple rinses to remove
• Added fragrance

How to Find the Best Facial Cleanser for You

Here’s what to consider when shopping for the best facial cleanser for you.

Your Skin Type

Determine your skin type (oily, dry, normal, combination, or sensitive) ahead of purchasing your facial cleanser. If you’re unsure, we recommend talking with a dermatologist about your skin type; they can help you decide what kind of facial cleanser is best for your skin.

Primary Skin Concerns

Think about what you’d like to address with a new facial cleanser. If you’re managing acne, rosacea, eczema, or another condition, talk with your dermatologist or other healthcare professional about a facial wash with helpful ingredients.

Formula

There’s no singular “best” facial wash formula. Our testers liked the gel and foaming cleansers for their lightweight feel and performance. Cream cleansers appealed to testers who wanted a gentler and more hydrating experience. Oil cleansers were preferred for dissolving makeup and sunscreen before doing a second cleanse. 

Fragrance

If you have sensitive skin or prefer to avoid fragrance in your facial cleanser, look for a face wash that is fragrance-free. “Unscented” products may still include fragrances. 

Cost

You’ll likely be using your facial cleanser at least once or twice a day, so consider usage when purchasing a new face wash. We recommend trying a smaller bottle (or even a travel size, if available) before committing to a pricier, full bottle of facial wash.

Looking for a self-care gift? Explore our guide to the best Mother’s Day gifts.

Fortune’s Final Thoughts

The best face wash works well with your skin type and budget. Our testers selected SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser as the best overall pick because it is gentle and effective. We think budget-friendly options like Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser and CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser work just as well, too.

Our team recommends choosing a facial cleanser that performs well without leaving your skin feeling tight or irritated. Talk with your dermatologist if you need help deciding what kind of skin type you have, or if you’re managing a skin condition like acne or rosacea. They can provide guidance and support.

Frequently asked questions

Are facial cleansers and face washes the same thing?

Yes, facial cleansers and face washes are just different terms used by brands to describe the same type of product.

What does dermatologist-recommended mean for facial cleansers?

Dermatologist-recommended means that one or more dermatologists endorse the product, typically based on the facial cleanser’s ingredients.

How often should you wash your face?

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends washing your face twice a day, or after sweating. That can include after a workout or after a sauna session, when sweat and heat can leave your skin feeling oily or congested.

What should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?

Talk with your dermatologist or other healthcare professional if you’re unsure about trying new products on your sensitive skin. In general, avoid any facial cleansers that sting, burn, or cause redness.