You're Probably Not Using the Right Face Wash—These Derm-Backed, Editor-Tested Recs Will Change That

Your first step to glowing, even-toned skin.

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Danielle Jinadu with glowing skin
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If you're in the process of revamping your skincare routine, there's a good chance you'll begin with taking a closer look at your face cleanser (which makes complete sense since it's one of the most crucial products in any well-rounded lineup). A facial cleanser should be in just about everyone's skincare routine, whether they have a luxurious 15-step ritual to target a single concern, or use a couple of trusted products night and day to keep their skin barrier healthy.

On a basic level, face cleansers do exactly what you think they're supposed to do—remove impurities like dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin—but experts say there's much more happening in your favorite formulas. To learn more about the secrets held within our skincare, we reached out to three dermatologists for all the helpful intel. Keep scrolling for the insider's scoop on everything you've wanted to know about face washes, plus some of the best dermatologist recommended products on the market at every price point.

Danielle Jinadu with a glowing, even complexion and tightly coiled hair

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

What are face washes?

Knowing what face washes are is the first step to leveling-up your skincare routine. Luckily, we have dermatologists on speed dial to tell us exactly what they are. Board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Farhaad Riyaz, MD, FAAD, FACMS says that they pave the way for your other skincare products to work more effectively. But let's get into the details, shall we? The first thing worth noting is that, face washes and cleansers are not quite interchangeable.

"Face washes are more targeted to deeply cleanse pores and are usually better options for oily skin, while face cleansers can have hydrating benefits," explains Kathleen S. Viscusi, MD, FAAD, FACMS. "Face washes are more soap-like, and face cleansers are milkier." When it comes to choosing a face wash or a cleanser, it's important to keep your skin type in mind. Product formulations have different ingredients, and some are better suited for certain types than others.

For individuals with oily, acne-prone skin, Lian Mack, MD., recommends using foaming facial cleansers because they offer a squeaky-clean feeling after washing. However, Mack warns that using an aggressively foaming facial wash when you have sensitive or inflamed skin can worsen the skin condition by causing dryness and irritation. "Moreover, many facial washes may have other irritating active ingredients, including exfoliants like alpha and beta hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. These ingredients may cause irritation in a more sensitive skin type. Sensitive-skinned patients should reach for gentle cleansers that help to reinforce the skin barrier, not break it down."

What is the best face wash for my skin type?

So how do you know which are better for your specific skin needs? The experts shared some general guidelines below plus some expert-approved product picks. "Those with 'normal' skin have the luxury of being able to use any type of cleanser they prefer," Riyaz explains. "However, it is still important to refrain from drying sulfates or mineral oil–based formulas for optimal hydration and age prevention." Viscusi recommends looking for gentle or nourishing ingredients like amino acids, ceramides, and gentle botanical blends.

Additionally, Riyaz says that combination skin (usually an oily T-zone and drier cheeks) needs a cleanser that controls oil, balances the T-zone, and hydrates drier areas. "I recommend sticking with a lighter cleanser option such as a gel or creamy cleanser," Viscusi adds. "I find that they effectively target oil production without overly stripping the skin of moisture." For people with oily and/or acne-prone skin, Viscusi recommends a salicylic acid–based cleanser. "Salicylic acid is the gold standard for treating blackheads, whiteheads, and excess oil," she explains. "It's known to prevent breakouts by exfoliating the skin and also help soothe active breakouts due to its anti-inflammatory properties."

For dry skin, your best bet is to reach for a cleanser that supports the skin barrier by locking in moisture without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Creamy, gentle cleansers are best for dry skin, as they will not strip oils and will keep skin from drying out. Dry Skin also requires gentle exfoliation, as buildup can prevent oils from gettin in and out. Lastly, because it is thinner, mature skin will see the most benefits from products that are free of harsh chemicals or fragrances. To brighten and revive mature skin, opt for a medical grade face wash with no irritating by-products.

The Best Face Washes, Listed

Best Resurfacing Face Wash: Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash

Best Smoothing Face Wash: Biologique Recherche Lait E.V.

Best Blemish Control Bar Cleanser: Blemish Control Bar

Best Hydrating Cleansing Oil: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil

Best Lightweight Foaming Face Wash: PCA Skin Facial Wash

Best Makeup Removing Micellar Water: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Micellar Water

Best Brightening Balm-to-Lather Cleanser: Rhode Pineapple Refresh

Best Impurity Removing Cream Cleanser: Pevonia Power Repair Hydrating Cleanser

Best Gentle Cream Cleanser: SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser

Amaka Hamelijnck with a glowing complexion and skin

(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Best Nourishing Cleansing Lotion: Revision Skincare Gentle Cleansing Lotion

Best Texture-Improving Exfoliator: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliator Cleanser

Best Fragrance-Free Cream Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Best Resurfacing Glycolic Acid Cleanser: Marini SkinSolutions Bioglycolic Face Cleanser

Best Skin Clarifying Cleanser: Glowbiotics Probiotic-Acne Treatment Cleanser

Best Skin-Barrier Supporting Cream Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Best Emollient Cleansing Lotion: Bioelements Moisture Positive Cleanser

Best Multipurpose Two-in-One Cleanser: Babor Gel & Tonic Cleanser

How I Tested

As with all of our buying guides at Who What Wear, we compile our edits based on original testing and expert recommendations. To decide which face washes and washes will do the best job of elevating a skincare routine, I relied on my knowledge of the products gained through firsthand testing as well as input from a board-certified dermatologist. I also considered several factors, including texture, ingredients, speed of absorption, and ease of use. We're aware of how important these factors are for a wide range of preferences, so I made sure to list out all the helpful details to help simplify the shopping process. Of course, customer reviews were also kept in mind when creating this list and are included beneath my top picks.

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Maya Thomas
Maya Thomas
Associate Beauty Editor

Maya Thomas is an Associate Beauty Editor at Who What Wear. Her strong love for all things beauty, interior design, and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.