Start Your Routine Off Strong With the Best Face Washes

The ideal face wash tailored to your skin type is undeniably the cornerstone of an effective skin-care regimen. Facial cleansing goes beyond a mere rinse—it lays the groundwork that affects the efficacy of subsequent products. A good cleanser should not only foam; it must effectively eliminate excess oil, dirt, and daily impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural balance.

Vogue’s Top Picks for Face Washes

According to dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi, a proper cleanser is “designed to eliminate dirt, oil, sweat, makeup, and other impurities from your complexion”—its effectiveness can significantly influence your overall skincare results. The aim is to create a clean slate, perfectly primed to absorb your serums, moisturizers, and other skincare products optimally. Whether you’re battling breakouts, dryness, or sensitivity, the ideal cleanser is specifically suited to your skin’s needs.

Below, uncover the finest face washes, endorsed by leading dermatologists and the esteemed editors at Vogue. Use the “best for” labels to pinpoint the right choice for your skin’s current state—transform your daily cleansing routine into a mindful ritual.

Contents of This Article

• Qualities of an Excellent Face Wash
• Finding the Right Face Wash for Your Skin Type
• Factors to Keep in Mind When Choosing a New Face Wash
• Frequency of Facial Washing
• Evaluation Methods
• Other Washes That Made the List
• Meet the Specialists

Top French Pharmacy Choice: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser

• What We Appreciate: La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Cleanser consistently earns its reputation as a top facial cleanser—and with good reason. Regularly suggested by esteemed dermatologists, this gentle formulation covers all bases: it’s pH balanced, non-comedogenic, and tailored for sensitive and combination skin. Dr. Penzi recommends it as a dependable choice for managing dryness and oiliness in various areas, and dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe also counts it among her favorite products. “[It] has a milky texture that hydrates the skin instead of leaving it tight and stripped,” thanks to ingredients like the brand’s prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide.
• Noteworthy 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, particularly sensitive skin
• Additional Information: 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

• Why We Love It: When skin-care expert Sean Garrette discussed the top beauty items under $50, he highlighted Dior’s foaming cleanser. “[It’s] an effective foaming cleanser that gently clears out all impurities, containing soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant-rich elements,” he noted. Furthermore, two Vogue beauty editors also swear by this product. After a visit to Dior’s New York spa, senior beauty and wellness editor Margaux Anbouba switched to this cleanser. Packed with glycerin and lily water extract, it delivers the hydration the skin craves, while niacinamide offers anti-inflammatory properties, making it a favorite in beauty editor-at-large Arden Fanning Andrews’s nightly routine.
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, purifying water lily (extracted from the Dior gardens), nymphaea alba root extract
• Type: Cream-to-foam
• Texture: Cream that transforms into a fluffy lather
• Foaming: Yes
• Non-Comedogenic: No
• Best For: Dry skin, normal skin, mature skin
• More to Know: N/A

Top Oil Cleanser: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil

• What We Appreciate: Often regarded as the gold standard of cleansing oils, this beloved K-beauty staple swiftly dissolves every trace of makeup without depleting the skin’s moisture levels. Unlike thicker cleansing balms, this oil offers a smooth, lightweight touch. Enriched with tangerine peel extract, squalane, and a nourishing array of traditional Korean oils—including pine nut, camellia seed, and plum seed—the formulation is both skin-loving and efficacious. Esthetician Amity Murray recommends it to her clients with dry skin, previously praising it as “a beautiful, natural formulation that emulsifies and rinses clean, leaving the skin refreshed but never stripped.” Plus, if you struggle with waterproof mascara, you can rest easy, as it requires only one wash to remove.
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, squalene, mulberry leaf extract, mountain yam extract
• Type: Oil
• Texture: Silky, light oil that transforms into a milky lather
• Foaming: No
• Non-Comedogenic: No; this pick contains several oils which might be too heavy for those with acne-prone skin
• Best For: Normal skin, dry skin, mature skin, combination skin
• More to Know: Free from formaldehyde, sulfates, and phthalates

Best Drugstore Option: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Why We Appreciate It: The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser has been a sought-after choice among dermatologists and editors alike. Dr. Carlos A. Charles commends it, stating, “[It] delicately cleanses impurities from the skin and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.” Dr. Penzi also endorses it as her preferred drugstore face wash, applauding its gentle and straightforward formula that maintains its effectiveness. Formulated with skin-boosting ceramides and deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, this cleanser “works to restore the skin’s natural barrier to retain moisture.” This approach is especially beneficial for those grappling with dryness, irritation, or skin in recovery.
• 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, and drugstore options
• More to Know: Non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, Cradle to Cradle Certified, endorsed by the National Eczema Association

Best for Oily Skin: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

• Why We Appreciate It: This iS Clinical formulation is ideal for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin (and it’s safe for dry skin too). Enhanced with white willow bark, a botanical salicylic acid, and sugarcane, a plant-derived AHA, it gently exfoliates for softer, smoother skin. While the gel-like texture might seem drying, centella asiatica, glycerin, and chamomile ensure the skin remains soothed and hydrated. Actress Meghan Fahey has even noted that this is her go-to for managing adult acne. “Recently I’ve been getting regular facials and investing in the products I apply to my skin—and I can truly attest, it made a visible difference,” Fahey shared in her Vogue Beauty Secrets video.
• Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, chamomile flower, sugarcane, white willow bark
• Type: Gel
• Texture: Jelly-like
• Foaming: No
• Non-Comedogenic: Mostly (has one ingredient that could clog pores).
• Best For: Oily skin, acne-prone skin
• More to Know: Free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates

Best Exfoliating Cleanser: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel

• Why We Appreciate It: Dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman relies on the SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel to prep his oily, acne-prone skin each morning. Its lightweight gel texture provides a deep, refreshing cleanse—perfect for revitalizing your morning routine or cleansing after a long day. Combining glycolic acid and salicylic acid to target blemishes, it’s a smart choice for anyone desiring their face wash to offer more than just cleansing. These exfoliating acids, along with glycerin and sorbitol, work to eliminate excess oils and minimize congested pores, keeping breakouts at bay without drying out the skin. However, those with sensitive or reactive skin might find these active ingredients to be overly potent.
• Key Ingredients: LHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin
• Type: Gel
• Texture: Starts as a jelly-like gel and lathers into an airy foam
• Foaming: Yes
• Non-Comedogenic: Mostly (contains one ingredient that may clog pores).
• Best For: Acne-prone skin, enlarged pores, oily skin
• More to Know: Free from fragrances, soap, alcohol, dyes, and parabens

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

• Why We Appreciate It: Few acne products come as highly praised as PanOxyl’s foaming wash. In fact, when Dr. Shereene Idriss was asked for her recommendations on calming stressed skin, she remarked that it’s a staple in her bathroom. What’s the reason? It contains benzoyl peroxide, which has antimicrobial properties that combat pimples and prevent future breakouts. Additionally, this product doubles as a body wash. “Every summer, like clockwork, I buy PanOxyl to tackle sweat-induced back acne,” shares Vogue beauty shopping writer Conçetta Ciarlo, who acknowledges that it’s a bit too intense for her sensitive, acne-prone facial skin. “Bacne doesn’t stand a chance when using this!”
• Key Ingredients: 10% benzoyl peroxide
• Type: Cream
• Texture: A rich cream that froths into a luxurious foam
• Foaming: Yes
• Non-Comedogenic: Mostly (contains one pore-clogging ingredient).
• Best For: Acne-prone skin, oily skin
• More to Know: Free from parabens, phthalates, and fragrances

Top Choice for Deep Cleansing: Sofie Pavitt Face Clean, Clean Cleanser

• What We Appreciate: For a thorough cleanse without harsh ingredients, look no further than esthetician Sofie Pavitt’s gentle gel cleanser. “During a facial with Pavitt, she promptly informed me I was overcomplicating my skincare routine,” explains Ciarlo. “The directive she gave was straightforward: use a gentle facial cleanser with no excess actives, and prioritize a non-comedogenic formula.” Pavitt’s philosophy emphasizes that if you’re already using a mild daily chemical exfoliant, it’s unnecessary to introduce more actives throughout your complete regimen. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate that this product is formulated with anti-inflammatory agents, including panthenol and glycerin, to maintain a calm and balanced complexion.
• Key Ingredients: Allantoin, panthenol, glycerin
• Type: