The 17 Best Face Washes of 2024, Loved By Testers and Derms

Cleansing is the first essential step in your skincare routine, but people often aren’t as selective with a face wash as they might be with a serum or a treatment. We’re here to tell you it’s time to be more particular—your face wash should complement your skin type, needs, and skincare goals. Formulas can vary from oils and cleansing balms to gels and gentle exfoliators, each designed with specific skin types and concerns in mind.

To find the best face washes for each skin type, we tested nearly 100 formulas at home and in our lab facility in New York City and consulted two board-certified dermatologists to learn what to keep in mind when finding the best option for you. We evaluated each product based on formula, ingredients, feel, effectiveness, and how it made our skin look, and below, we’re sharing which ones impressed us the most.

Our Top Picks

Skin Type: All | Key Ingredients: Kale, spinach, green tea | Size: 2, 8, 16.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Coming in as our number one pick is this incredibly popular face cleanser from Youth To The People. It’s been a longtime best-seller in the category, and we can confirm that the hype is real. The gel-to-foam texture spreads and lathers beautifully, creating a nice sensorial experience. The superfood-packed formula effectively washes away dirt, excess oil, and makeup while depositing a healthy dose of antioxidants and vitamins into the skin.

It’s not the most hydrating option, but does a great job of thoroughly cleaning without stripping the skin or creating a tightening sensation. The well-balanced formula is great for all skin types, and we love that it comes in sustainable glass packaging and is available in three sizes, including a jumbo refill.

Alyssa Kaplan, commerce writer with combination skin: “I love that this face wash is gentle enough for me to use in the morning but effective enough to remove face makeup and excess oil at night. It always leaves my skin feeling balanced.”

Skin Type: All | Key Ingredients: Matcha, hemp, coconut-based surfactants | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This gentle face wash spreads across the skin easily, creating a soft lather with its silky, jelly-like consistency. It features coconut-based surfactants to cleanse as well as matcha and hemp seed oil for antioxidant protection and hydration. It was so soothing, and the soft texture and subtle cooling effect left our skin feeling refreshed. It did an excellent job of thoroughly removing excess makeup and oil without leaving us feeling dry.

The jelly texture takes a few extra seconds and splashes of water to fully wash away but considering how comfortable it left our skin feeling, we don’t mind this. It’s a great option for all skin types since it’s not drying, stripping, heavy, or oily.

Shannon Stubbs, commerce writer with combination/dry skin: “It feels like it’s giving me a deep cleanse but it’s also hydrating, so my skin still feels balanced after cleansing. I love that it doesn’t make my eyes sting! I often like to use a little bit of my face cleanser on my eyes to get the residue that my micellar water wasn’t able to catch, and I love that this doesn’t sting my eyes at all.”

Skin Type: All | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5, vitamin E | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re looking for a great drugstore face wash, we highly recommend this one from Cetaphil; it’s gentle, effective, and super affordable. We enjoyed the lightweight, foamy texture and how it thoroughly cleansed the skin without drying it out or leaving behind a greasy residue. While foam formulas are typically more drying than cream cleansers, we found this relatively moisturizing.

It’s fragrance-free and nonirritating, making it a nice option for all skin types, even sensitive skin. It is worth noting, however, that while it did a great job removing foundation, it doesn’t do quite as well removing eye makeup.

Kayla Friedman, commerce intern with balanced skin: “I like the gentleness of this product. I was surprised by how cleansing it was for such a gentle cleanser, but it gets the job done.”

Skin Type: Oily, combination, balanced | Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, bearberry, willow bark, and licorice root | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When you have oily skin, finding a face wash that totally removes excess oil without drying out your skin can be challenging, but this one does the job well. It has a unique gel texture that’s pretty viscous without being heavy, making it easy to lather. It did take a bit of effort to remove all makeup while using this face wash, but after cleansing a second time with it, our skin was grease-free and felt balanced.

The formula contains mandelic acid, which helps gently exfoliate, and licorice root extract and willow bark extract to soothe and tone down redness.

Dominique Hobdy, senior commerce editor with oily skin: “I used this after a day at the beach and it was able to pick up all the tiny sand left on my face that I couldn’t detect. It doesn’t leave any residue. My skin felt hydrated and not dried out.”

Skin Type: All | Key Ingredients: Squalane, apricot kernels, avocado oil | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This is our favorite cleanser for dry skin (although it’s suitable for all skin types) thanks to its gentle formula that doesn’t strip away natural oils. It’s formulated with moisturizing squalane and avocado oil to add a dose of nourishment to the skin while cleansing away impurities. During testing, we were thrilled to discover that it tamed redness, minimized pores, and left skin feeling clean and hydrated. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser also removed makeup well—no double cleanse required. It’s lightweight and perfect for morning and evening cleansing. We love pretty much everything about this pick, but the plastic cap is a little fragile, so, the packaging could be better quality.

Shannon Stubbs, combination/dry skin: “I like the consistency it creates while you’re washing your face; it’s creamy and pretty much the ideal face wash texture. It doesn’t create foam which I liked, but just became milky—making it easier to move around on the skin.”

Read Our Full Review: Reviewed: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser Gets the Job Done

Skin Type: Acne-prone, oily | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea extract | Size: 6.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A great face wash is essential in any good skincare routine, but if you have acne-prone skin, a formula that will help clear current breakouts and prevent future ones is game-changing. We were so impressed by this one’s performance during testing. It has a soft, gel texture that spreads easily and feels cooling and refreshing on the skin. It did a great job removing excess oil and dirt and left skin feeling soft and clean.

After using it consistently for a few weeks, one tester noticed a real improvement in breakouts and fewer new acne spots. This can likely be attributed to the salicylic acid in the formula, a well-known acne-fighting ingredient. While we didn’t find this face wash to be stripping, salicylic acid can be a bit drying, so if you have dry skin, it might not be ideal for everyday use.

Dominique Hobdy, oily skin: “Because it’s created with oily skin in mind, it really gets in there and clears any shine. It doesn’t leave any residue at all and feels closer to drying than hydrating but not overwhelmingly so.”

Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 3, 8, 12, 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

In addition to being affordable and accessible, this face cleanser is ideal for people with sensitive skin. It’s not super fancy, and it doesn’t offer “extras” like exfoliation or antioxidant protection but it’s fantastic at cleansing the skin without stripping or creating that tight feeling that many face washes do. The lack of potent actives and synthetic fragrances helps keep it from irritating reactive skin.

It has a creamy, slightly gel-like texture, and it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides for hydration and repairing the skin barrier. We were pleasantly surprised by how well it removed makeup. Just one wash was all it took to leave our skin looking and feeling clean, hydrated, and even. While it’s a great gentle option for people with balanced, dry, and sensitive skin, those with very oily skin might need something more powerful to effectively break down excess oil.

Cher Checchio, copy editor with dry/sensitive skin: “The creamy texture feels very soft on the skin and washes off well. Although it doesn’t foam, it does leave my skin feeling balanced.”

Skin Type: Mature, dry, oily, combination | Key Ingredients: Enzymes, white truffle | Size: 0.7, 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Our skin loses elasticity, moisture, and vibrancy as it matures. You’ll want to exfoliate regularly and use a rich facial moisturizer to keep it looking radiant. This cleanser from Elemis leans on enzymes to gently exfoliate rather than harsh or scrubby particles that could damage your skin. This type of exfoliation is great for your daily skincare routine, though it might not be intense enough for those with oily or very texture skin.

The texture is soft and creamy, and while it doesn’t lather or foam, it’s easy to spread across the face and does a great job of breaking down makeup. It’s hydrating, non-stripping, and leaves the skin looking radiant and feeling balanced—a winning combination for improving vibrancy.

Lauren Pardee, senior commerce editor with combination/dry skin: “This wash does a great job removing dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin, and it has a grippy texture which delivers a clean complexion. The grippiness of the formula does deliver on promises to gently exfoliate, too, which makes this feel like a really effective, multiuse product.”

Skin Type: Dry, combination, sensitive | Key Ingredients: Marine algae, chamomile essential oils, hydrolyzed algin | Size: 6.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Face wash is supposed to clean your skin, but sometimes it cleans it a little too well, resulting in uncomfortable dryness and a tightening sensation. That’s why it’s important to use a cleanser that effectively removes excess dirt and oil without completely robbing your skin of necessary hydration—especially if you’re prone to dryness or sensitivity. We love this silky gel cleanser because it’s formulated with marine peptides and glycerin to boost hydration, and chamomile essential oils to soothe inflamed skin.

The consistency is a lightweight, slippery gel that lathers nicely and feels soft and luxurious. It effectively removes makeup, cleanses excess oil and grime, leaving skin balanced and hydrated. While we certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a hydrating face wash, it might not be powerful enough to break down a ton of excess oil.

Ally Hirschlag, senior commerce editor with combination/sensitive skin: “I love that I can either use it quickly to get most of the grime off at the end of the day, or rub it in for a few minutes and enjoy the subtle, gingery scent. When I do the latter, I notice my skin is even softer afterward. It’s way more hydrating than other foaming cleansers I’ve tried. My skin never feels tight afterward, just clean and fresh.”

Skin Type: Oily, dry, combination | Key Ingredients: Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes, glycolic and lactic acids | Size: 1.7, 4, 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Regular exfoliation can help keep your complexion from looking dull. And if you want to knock out two steps in one (cleansing and exfoliating), opt for an exfoliating face wash. This pick from Kate Somerville is a fan favorite, and we love it, too. It has a rich texture that lathers beautifully, feels silky on the skin, and does a great job of removing excess oil, dirt, and makeup. It’s powered by a blend of fruit enzymes, as well as glycolic and lactic acids that gently exfoliate. It worked wonders on uneven skin texture, breakouts, and pores.

Testers saw a noticeable improvement in the texture and tone of their skin, and appreciated that the formula felt gentle—it didn’t burn or cause sensitivity. While we think it’s a great option for most skin types, it’s worth noting that it did cause a bit of dryness for testers with dry skin.

Katherine, tester with combination skin: “I have tried many kinds [of face washes] over the years, at various price points, and this one is definitely special! I believe that it helped clear up some existing acne. My skin 100% looked and felt better after each use.”

Skin Type: Mature, dry | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, avocado oil, hyaluronic acid | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A damaged skin barrier can present as acne, dry or flaky skin, inflammation, itchiness, and sensitivity; maintaining a healthy skin barrier is key to keeping your skin looking and feeling its best. We suggest opting for simple formulas that contain ceramides (lipids naturally present in the skin) and soothing and hydrating ingredients. This cleanser from Glow Recipe checks those boxes and more. The formula is packed with nourishing ingredients, like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and avocado oil, which help give skin a boost of hydration, as well as colloidal oatmeal, which is known to soothe inflamed skin and support a healthy skin barrier.

The texture is heavenly—it’s pillowy soft and oh-so creamy, making it truly enjoyable to massage across your face. It effectively removes complexion makeup, excess oil, and dirt without drying the skin or creating a residue. It left our skin feeling balanced and comfortable. We love everything about it except the packaging. The product comes out of the opening too fast, leading to waste if you’re not careful. But, we can look past this because the formula is so effective and such a pleasure to use.

Lauren Pardee, combination/sensitive skin: “I loved the texture of this gel cleanser, which is chock full of ceramides and colloidal oatmeal to nourish and clean the skin effectively. I want to really stress how moisturizing this product is. I think it’s a great option for people with drier skin.”

Skin Type: Dry, combination | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, red algae, Japanese rice powder | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

A lot of facial cleansers strip the skin, which can result in a dry, dull-looking complexion. This one from Tatcha does the opposite—it moisturizes the skin by harnessing the hydrating powers of hyaluronic acid and red algae, lending to a complexion that looks healthy and radiant. The ultra-creamy formula feels cushiony and luxurious as you apply it, and foams up a bit making it enjoyable to use. It does a nice job of removing dirt and impurities, though it’s not ideal for people with oily skin since it’s not tough on excess oil and grease. However, it’s one of our top picks for those with dry or combination skin who want a gentle, hydrating option. After using it consistently, our tester’s skin felt balanced and had a bit of a glow to it.

Alyssa Kaplan, tester with combination skin: “I love using this face wash in the morning as a gentle cleanse. The creamy texture effectively cleans my oily skin but is hydrating and leaves my complexion looking radiant.”

Skin Type: All | Key Ingredients: Spearmint extract, caffeine, aloe leaf juice, gluconolactone, red algae extract | Size: 1.7, 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you regularly experience skin irritation, you’ll want to use gentle, soothing skincare products. Packed with spearmint extract, caffeine, and aloe leaf juice, the brand claims this cleanser helps soothe skin while clearing it of dirt and oil, and we agree—it does feel gentle and soothing. The gel texture lathers nicely and works to break down oil and makeup without stripping the skin or creating a tight sensation. We do wish it was a bit more hydrating (caffeine can be a bit dehydrating which may account for the lack of moisture) but we appreciate that it effectively cleanses all skin types, lending to comfortable, balanced skin.

Kayla Friedman, balanced skin: “The texture is out of this world. It feels really soothing and luxurious and is the perfect product to use first thing in the morning for a gentle and effective cleanse.”

Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone | Key Ingredients: Lipo-hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A face cleanser with a blend of exfoliating acids, like this one, is perfect for those hoping to minimize blackheads. Rather than relying on scrubby particles to remove dead skin cells, which can be harsh and damaging to the skin, this exfoliating face wash relies on the power of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) to resurface the skin and dissolve gunk in your pores.

After just two weeks of consistent use, our tester noticed an improvement in the look of blackheads and a reduction in excess oil in the T-zone. This cleanser is not only super effective but also a pleasure to use thanks to the lightweight gel texture and cooling sensation it creates on the face.

Shannon Stubbs, combination/dry skin: “I like that while I can definitely tell that it’s exfoliating my skin, it still feels really gentle. My skin afterward felt like it had a deep cleanse because of the LHAs in the formula, but the cleanser itself didn’t feel rough on my skin or cause irritation. It also did a great job of removing the excess sebum on my nose, which a lot of cleansers tend to leave behind.”

Skin Type: All | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, coconut-based surfactants  | Size: 2, 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Although we recommend double-cleansing with a cleansing balm or makeup remover to ensure your makeup is fully removed, this gel face wash does a great job of removing makeup all on its own. Perfect if you’re feeling lazy at the end of the day (raises hand). Just a dime-sized amount spreads across your face nicely, working to remove excess oil, dirt, and even stubborn makeup. It can be a bit drying, but it did give us that deep-clean feeling. And we’re giving it bonus points for the packaging—all you have to do is twist the cap and squeeze a bit of the formula out. It’s quite functional and convenient.

Shannon Bauer, associate editorial director with combination/oily skin: “I have combination-oily skin and hate the sensation of a cream or overly foamy cleanser, so this struck all the right cords. It lathers just enough to spread across the face and neck and break up remnants of makeup, sunscreen, and daily grime without leaving a film on my skin.” 

Skin Type: All | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, ceramides  | Size: 1.7, 6.8, 13.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Those with oily or acne-prone skin will want to opt for a cleanser that doesn’t contain heavy or pore-clogging ingredients. We love this one because it’s oil-free and lightweight without being overly drying. It contains glycerin and ceramides to support a healthy skin barrier, and we love that it keeps our skin feeling balanced. We were also impressed by how nicely it removed makeup; one tester even remarked that she could skip a cleansing balm and just use this formula to remove everything at the end of the night. In addition to how much we enjoy the product, we also give it bonus points for being affordable and coming in multiple sizes.

Caitlyn Martyn, associate commerce editor with oily skin: “I love the versatility of this product. I’ve used it post-workout, I’ve used it after chemical peels, I’ve used it when I had bad acne, and also use it now that my skin is (mostly) clear. It’s just one of those oldies but goodies.”

Skin Type: All | Key Ingredients: Ectoin, chamomile  | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Whether it’s due to too much sun, overuse of exfoliants, or general sensitivity, sometimes you just need a truly gentle cleanser that you know will not contribute to irritation. This is one we recommend for that. It’s a simple (in the best way) formula that contains soothing ectoin and chamomile and does not contain harsh acids or actives. The gel texture is smooth and foams nicely on the skin, gently washing away excess oil and the last remnants of makeup. Testers with multiple skin types found this formula left their skin feeling healthy and balanced.

Our only con with this one is the packaging—it can leak a bit even if the cap is locked.

Ally Hirschlag, combination/sensitive skin: “I really love the gel texture and what a good job it does cleaning the skin without stripping it of natural oils. It feels very soothing on the skin.”

What to Look for When Buying a Face Wash

Formula: Considering the formula and texture of a face wash is important to ensure you’re selecting something effective for your skin type.

• For dry/sensitive skin: Look for a cream-based cleanser that incorporates humectants, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, to help the skin stay moisturized post-cleanse.
• For combination skin: Dr. Carmen Castilla, M.D. recommends you use a gel cleanser since they’re best for removing excess oil and helping to clear pores.
• For oily skin: Look for a foam cleanser as they are typically soap-based and are highly effective at removing makeup and excess oil. That said, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, M.D., warns that foaming cleansers can be drying, so they’re often best suited for people with very oily skin.

Ingredients: “Whether you have oily, dry, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, choosing the right ingredients in your face wash is key,” says Dr. Henry. Dr. Castilla agrees, adding that you want a face wash that will remove buildup and grime from the day without stripping your skin of its natural oils.

• For sensitive skin: Look for face washes that contain calming ingredients, like glycerin, jojoba esters, niacinamide, and vitamin E, and avoid high concentrations of exfoliating acids that could potentially be irritating.
• For oily skin: Look for face washes that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid. “These ingredients help control oil production, help kill surface bacteria on the skin, and can act as gentle exfoliants,” Dr Henry says.
• For dry skin: Look for face washes that contain “sulfate-free” and “fragrance-free” distinctions.

Why Trust Byrdie

Alyssa Kaplan is an experienced writer in the beauty industry and product tester specializing in cosmetics. She has tested dozens of facial cleansers (including several on this list) in her quest to find the perfect one for her oily skin. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied marketing and product development in the cosmetics industry as well as fashion business marketing. Alyssa has been a commerce writer at Byrdie since 2022, where she covers all things beauty.

Alyssa also consulted with multiple experts to learn more about what to keep in mind when shopping for face wash. Those experts include:

• Dr. Carmen Castilla, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City specializing in cosmetic and medicinal dermatology and is a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital.
• Dr. Michelle Henry, M.D., FAAD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is also the founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan and the CEO of The Henry Research Group.