The 18 Best Face Washes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

No matter whether you’re a skincare minimalist or maximalist, we’re willing to bet that you’re using a face wash. Like toothpaste or deodorant, it’s one of those things that really falls into the ‘basic necessities’ skincare camp, an essential part of anyone and everyone’s day-to-day routine.

Maybe that’s why there are so many options out there — different kinds of formulas for all different skin types, no matter whether you’re shopping at the drugstore, the department store, or online. According to SkinLab's Joshua Ross, a celebrity aesthetician who works with Lisa Rinna and Erika Jayne, the easiest way to at least start to narrow down this very expansive playing field is to consider your skin type. For example, creamier formulas with more hydrating ingredients are a better choice for those with dry skin, whereas face washes with exfoliating ingredients are better suited for those with oily or acne-prone skin, he adds. (More on those specifics to come.)

That being said, even once you do hone in a bit more of these specific subsets, there is still a dizzying array of options to choose from. So we put 30 through our testing process, evaluating which ones not only effectively cleansed skin but also left it feeling and looking hydrated, were easy to use, and had a pleasant consistency.

Keep reading to learn more about the best face washes that PEOPLE tested.

Best Overall

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  5/5

Pros

• Effectively cleanses and removes makeup — no second cleanse needed

• Added benefits of ceramides and hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate

• Gentle formula is safe for those with sensitive skin

Make sure to pick up this winner the next time you’re at the drugstore. While extremely affordable, it still delivered, outperforming much of its pricier competition and scoring a perfect five out of five in every category we tested.

It removes dirt and makeup with ease (no second cleanse needed), not to mention leaves skin feeling plenty soft and hydrated. Credit the addition of ceramides which bolster the skin barrier and hyaluronic acid which attracts and traps water in the skin.

On top of that, it’s a super mild and gentle pick, a dermatologist-developed formula — which touts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval — that’s safe for all skin types, even extremely sensitive ones.

Size: 12 oz., 16 oz., 19 oz. | Skin Type: Normal to dry | Star Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance: No

Best Budget

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Walmart

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  4.5/5

Pros

• Can be removed with a tissue instead of water (although both work)

• Lotion-like feel still creates some suds for lathering

• So creamy and hydrating we didn't need to moisturize after cleansing

This is one of the best drugstore cleansers out there, fully checking all of the face wash boxes without breaking the bank. For starters, the formula is uber-gentle — hypoallergenic, soap-free, and fragrance-free. It boasts a lotion-like feel — we liken the texture of an expensive moisturizing cream — though it still suds up a bit, offering the best of both worlds.

And, per the point of moisture, this is so creamy that we felt like we didn’t even need to use a moisturizer after. That’s largely due in part to the ceramides, vitamin B5, and niacinamide in the mix, which help to hydrate and bolster the skin barrier, keeping natural moisture locked in.

Fun fact: While this can be used like any other face wash, if you’re in a bind without any water, you can wipe it off rather than rinse it. While it's not as great as a makeup remover as other face washes we tested, you really can't beat the quality for the price.

Size: 20 oz. |  Skin Type: All | Star Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5, niacinamide, ceramides | Fragrance: No

Best for Sensitive Skin

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  4.2/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  3/5

Pros

• Dermatologist-tested formula safe for all skin types

• Pump-top bottle dispenses the perfect amount in just one pump

• Didn't leave skin feeling stripped or dry in our tests

There’s good reason why dermatologists often recommend this cleanser for those with sensitive skin. It’s free of a litany of common irritants: fragrance, parabens, dyes, soap, and more. It’s so gentle that it even has the National Eczema Association’s seal of approval.

To that point, it won’t leave skin feeling stripped or dried, and we confirmed that it didn’t cause any type of irritation or reaction when tested on sensitive skin. Just keep in mind that the lotion-like texture doesn’t really suds up or lather, and, since it is so gentle, you likely will need to use a dedicated makeup remover beforehand if you’re wearing a full face of makeup.

Size: 8 oz. | Skin Type: Sensitive | Star ingredients: Glycerin | Fragrance: No

Best for Severe Dryness

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  4/5

• Appearance

  4.5/5

Pros

• Contains aloe and allantoin, both skin-soothing ingredients

• Super creamy consistency that almost feels like frosting

• One of the best makeup-removing cleansers we tested

Cons

• A bit on the expensive side, particularly given the size of the tube

• Doesn’t lather especially well

Even the most parched of skin doesn’t stand a chance against this cleanser, a crazy creamy pick with a frosting-like texture. Credit moisturizing aloe and glycerin in the mix, alongside soothing allantoin, which makes this a good choice for those with easily irritated and/or sensitive skin, too.

While it doesn’t lather super well (standard operating procedure for most formulas that are this thick), it cleansed and took off a full face of makeup — we’re talking primer, color corrector, concealer, foundation, and more — with ease.  

Size: 5 oz. | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Star Ingredients: Aloe, allantoin, glycerin | Fragrance: No

Best Refillable

Blueland Facial Cleanser Starter Set

Blueland

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.9/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  5/5

Pros

• Powder format is refillable, making it ideal for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint

• Contains a variety of different ingredients that do everything from soothe to hydrate to absorb excess oil

• Both hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested

Looking to reduce the carbon footprint of your beauty routine? Using refillable products, like this one, is an easy way to do so. Here, you get a reusable bottle and packet of the powder face cleanser. Pour the contents of the sachet into the bottle, add some water, shake, let it settle for an hour, and ta-da, you just mixed up your own cleanser, one whose texture is particularly noteworthy.

Even those who love our foaming formulas will be won over by the cream-gel hybrid — we even got compliments on how our skin looked after using it. Thanks to the use of a variety of different ingredients, including moisturizing vitamin E, soothing oat, and oil-absorbing kaolin clay, the formula is a top pick for all skin types.

Size: .6 oz. of powder cleanser, 8 oz. bottle | Skin Type: All | Star Ingredients: Oat, kaolin clay, vitamin E | Fragrance: No

• 

  People / Jessica Juliao

• 

  People / Jessica Juliao

Best for Acne

PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Consistency

  4.5/5

• Hydration

  4/5

• Cleansing Ability

  4/5

• Effectiveness

  4.5/5

Pros

• Can be used on the face or body, adding even more value to the low cost

• Contains the highest concentration of benzoyl peroxide that’s available without a prescription

• Worked really well at removing makeup

Benzoyl peroxide (a.k.a. BP, as dermatologists call it) is one of the most often-recommended acne-fighting ingredients out there. Why? It’s both anti-bacterial, targeting the bacteria that cause acne, and anti-inflammatory. Here, you get it in a potent 10 percent concentration, the most you can get in over-the-counter acne products.

On top of helping to combat both existing blemishes and keep future breakouts at bay, it still earned a five out of five when it came to effectively cleansing the skin and even taking off makeup, too. And while it’s affordable in and of itself, add to that the fact that it can be used on the face or body, and you’re getting even more bang for your buck.

Size: 5.5 oz. |  Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Star Ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide | Fragrance: No

Best Soothing

Sephora Collection Clean Skin Gel Cleanser

Sephora 

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  4.8/5

• Hydration

  4.8/5

• Appearance

  5/5

Pros

• Soothing, ooling formula leaves skin feeling refreshed and hydrated

• Despite the fact that it’s sulfate-free, it still has a very nice lather

• Removed makeup in just one wash

As a general rule of thumb, gel cleansers tend to be refreshing and soothing, and that was certainly the case here. This effectively cleansed skin and removed makeup in just one wash, all while leaving skin feeling cool, soothed, hydrated, and soft — even on skin that experiences sensitivity and rosacea. It also lathers and foams up beautifully, a win for anyone who appreciates that part of the sensorial aspect of face washing. 

Size: 4.22 oz. | Skin Type: All | Star Ingredients: Aloe, prebiotics | Fragrance: No

Best Foam

Kopari Lychee Clean Vitamin C Face Cleanser

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  5/5

Pros

• One pump dispenses the perfect amount of product

• Lychee fruit extract in the formula is a good source of skin-brightening vitamin C

• Bottle is 100 percent recyclable

Foaming cleansers are a great choice for those with more oily skin, as they tend to be slightly more intense than creamy or milky formulas. That being said, while this one is a topnotch foam, it also contains anti-aging vitamin C, as well as vitamin B5 and allantoin to add back moisture, making this more hydrating than many other foams. It works extremely well, too, removing makeup and mascara with just one use, and rinsing cleanly without leaving behind any unwanted residue.

It is one of the few winners on our list that contains fragrance; still, we loved the scent which we describe as a tropical paradise and only enhanced the Zen-like experience of using this face wash.

Size: 2.1 oz. | Skin Type: Normal, oily | Star Ingredients: Lychee, allantoin, vitamin C | Fragrance: Yes

Best Gel

iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

Bluemercury

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  4.8/5

• Effectiveness

  4.9/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  5/5

Pros

• Contains added ingredients like exfoliating white willow bark extract and protective antioxidants

• Gel-like texture also works well in lieu of a shaving cream

• Easy to rinse off, leaving skin looking brighter and feeling more refreshed and moisturized

As mentioned, gels are a great choice for oily skin, and this takes it one step further. It contains white willow bark extract (the natural precursor to salicylic acid) that helps to both exfoliate ever-so-gently and break down pore-clogging oil. There are protective antioxidants in the mix, too, and fun fact, it can pull double duty as a shaving cream.

While we found it to be slightly sticky initially, that feeling dissipated once it was mixed with water and massaged onto the face. It also rinsed beautifully, leaving skin brighter, refreshed, and feeling more moisturized. Plus, it's one of Chrissy Teigen's go-to cleansers, and we'll try anything to achieve her fresh-faced glow.

Size: 2 oz., 6 oz. | Skin Type: Normal, oily, acne-prone | Star Ingredients: White willow bark extract | Fragrance: No

Best for Combination Skin

KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser

KraveBeauty

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  5/5

Pros

• Variety of moisturizing oils in the mix ensures this isn’t the least bit stripping

• Available to purchase once or via a convenient subscription model

• Gel becomes creamy once mixed with water and won't drip down your face during cleansing

Cons

• Squeeze too hard and too much product can come out, as it is a bit more liquid-y in texture.

• May need to use a separate makeup remover beforehand if you’re wearing a full face of makeup.

Combination skin can pose somewhat of a conundrum when it comes to choosing a cleanser. After all, you want something that’s strong enough to remove the excess oil in slick spots, but not so strong that it’s going to dry out the drier areas of your face.

Enter this winner, which hits the perfect balance, leaving skin cleansed, refreshed, and moisturized. That’s thanks to plenty of hydrating ingredients in the gel-based formula, alongside coconut-derived surfactants that do the heavy-lifting cleansing work. Speaking of, while it comes out a bit on the liquid-y side, the gel quickly becomes more creamy when emulsified with water, enough that it won’t drip down your face as you lather up.

Size: 4.05 oz. | Skin Type: Normal, combination | Star Ingredients: Green tea, vitamin B5, hemp seed oil | Fragrance: No

Best for Oily Skin

Hyper Skin Hyper Even Cleansing Gel

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.8/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  4.9/5

• Hydration

  4.8/5

• Appearance

  5/5

Pros

• Contains a variety of exfoliating and brightening ingredients

• Naturally-derived floral and fruity scent is very pleasant

• Transforms into a milky texture that was effective at removing eye makeup

Cons

• While not sticky, the slimy consistency is not the most pleasant texture

• Required two passes to completely take off foundation

Say sayonara to slick spots. The willow bark extract and mandelic acid in this winner work to gently exfoliate and break down unwanted, excess oil; the former also helps to combat redness while the latter is a great skin brightener, as is the licorice root in the formula.

But perhaps what’s most noteworthy is the texture, which we found to be pretty akin to slime or even putty. Still, once it’s emulsified with water, it transforms into more of a milky texture, one that’s amazing at removing eye makeup, without causing any stinging or burning.

Size: 5 oz. | Skin Type: All | Star Ingredients: Mandelic acid, willow bark, licorice root | Fragrance: No, but natural ingredients create a slight floral scent

Best Hydrating

Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

Saks Fifth Avenue

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.9/5

• Feel

  4.9/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  5/5

Pros

• Fragrance-free, but has a soothing, aromatherapeutic scent that’s naturally-derived

• Lathers beautifully, easily removing all traces of makeup

• Minimal ingredient list makes it a good choice for those with sensitive skin

Cons

• Pump-top dispenser is screwed very tightly, making it hard to dispense product once you get to the end of the bottle

• Does require a few passes to completely rinse off

This hydrating cleanser excelled in all of our testing categories, leaving skin noticeably more hydrated and refreshed, taking off all traces of makeup, and lathering beautifully, even though it is sulfate-free. And while it’s a great pick for those seeking a hydrating option, it’s a good choice for the sensitive set, as well, thanks to the fact that it’s soap- and fragrance-free, and boasts a very minimal ingredient list.

If we're being picky, we did have some small complaints, although nothing to do with its effectiveness. The pump dispenser on the bottle is screwed very tightly, making it hard to dispense product once you get to the end of the bottle. And we did find it takes a few passes to completely rinse off the face. Overall, though, this cleanser is a hydrating option perfect for any skin type, especially those with dry, sensitive skin.

Size: 6.76 oz. | Skin Type: All, dry, sensitive | Star Ingredients: Marine peptides, chamomile, hydrolyzed algae | Fragrance: No, but natural ingredients create a slight pleasant scent

Best for Redness

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

Amazon

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  4.8/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  4.8/5

• Appearance

  4.5/5

Pros

• Comes in several sizes, including one that’s good for travel

• Formula delivers a satisfying thick and creamy lather

Cons

• Does contain fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin or those with sensitive noses

• One of the more expensive options on the list

See redness run. Bromelain, a pineapple-derived enzyme, is included in this formula; it both helps to quell inflammation and gently exfoliate for a smoother, more even skin tone. It’s also oil-free and pH-balanced, and while it does contain fragrance, we noted that it didn’t trigger any kind of irritation when used on sensitive skin.

The texture of the cleanser was another standout point in our testing, delivering an extra luxurious, super thick lather, though one that can easily be thinned out or amped up based on exactly how much water you use, and rinses completely cleanly regardless.

Size: 2.7 oz., 3.4 oz., 7 oz. |  Skin Type: Normal | Star Ingredients: Bromelain | Fragrance: Yes

Best with Salicylic Acid

Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Cleanser

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  4/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  4.5/5

• Appearance

  4.5/5

Pros

• 2 percent salicylic acid formula especially good for oily and acne-prone skin, including fungal acne

• Cleanses without stripping skin or being too drying

• Multipurpose use since it also exfoliates skin

Cons

• One of the more expensive options we tested

• Fairly watery consistency can come out of the tube fast, which can get messy

For those battling breakouts, blackheads, or oily skin, salicylic acid is a must. The ingredient is a beta-hydroxy acid, and one that’s lipophilic. (Translation: It’s able to penetrate deep into pores, where it can dissolve excess oil to help keep them clear.)

This face wash contains it at a 2 percent concentration, along with anti-inflammatory niacinamide and bacteria-fighting azelaic acid. There’s also exfoliating glycolic acid in the mix, making this a good pick for anyone who wants an easy way to exfoliate on the regular, no additional products needed.

Still, despite all of this, it doesn’t feel drying or stripping. Where it did get dinged a bit in our testing was for ease of use, given that the consistency is fairly watery and a lot of product can come out of the tube too fast.

Size: 5 oz. |  Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily, acne-prone | Star Ingredients: Azelaic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide | Fragrance: No

Best Investment

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.9/5

• Feel

  4.5/5

• Effectiveness

  4.8/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  5/5

Pros

• Available in three different sizes, including a travel-friendly size

• Gently exfoliates as it cleanses, thanks to both alpha and beta hydroxy acids

• Left our skin generally brighter, more even, with less-noticeable pores

Going above and beyond the basic cleansing call of duty, this splurge-worthy winner contains alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate. Translation: On top of thoroughly cleansing the skin, it also helps to smooth skin texture, even out tone, minimize the appearance of prominent pores, and brighten your overall complexion.

All of the above panned out in our testing, leaving pores less noticeable and skin generally brighter and more even. It scored a little lower in the feel category, however, as the gel texture can be a bit sticky initially, and requires a good amount of water to get it to a consistency where it can be spread easily across your face.

Size: 2 oz., 7.5 oz,. 16 oz. |  Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily, acne-prone | Star Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, willowbark extract | Fragrance: No

Best for Dry Skin

Paula’s Choice Resist Optimal Results Cleanser

Paula's Choice

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  5/5

• Feel

  5/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  4/5

Pros

• Silky, lotion-like formula is very hydrating, thanks to the added glycerin

• Pump-top bottle was easy to use and dispensed the right amount of product

• Great at removing makeup during testing, no scrubbing needed

We were so smitten with this hydrating pick that we were ready to take it home with us. That’s not surprising, given its lotion-like texture and the glycerin in the sulfate-free formula that makes it extra hydrating (so much so that it pulled in a perfect hydration rating).

The cushiony cleanser also excels at taking off makeup without any scrubbing required and comes in an easy-to-use pump-top bottle. As if that weren’t enough, it also touts good-for-your-skin, antioxidant-rich green tea and chamomile extracts, always a win in our book.

Size: 6.4 oz. |  Skin Type: Normal, dry | Star Ingredients: Glycerin, green tea, chamomile | Fragrance: Marked as fragrance-free, though it still has a noticeable scent

Best Exfoliating

SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser

Dermstore

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.8/5

• Feel

  4.9/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  4/5

Pros

• Glycolic acid offers skin-brightening and smoothing benefits

• pH-balanced formula ensures that it doesn’t strip the skin

• Quickly lathers into a nice foam consistency

Glycolic acid is a choice chemical exfoliating ingredient: Not only does it check the usual boxes of helping to brighten skin, fade discoloration, and smooth out bumpy texture, it also has some long-term collagen-boosting benefits that can help combat fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s the star of the show in this cleanser, which was lauded for striking the perfect balance between cleansing the skin while still leaving it nice and hydrated. (That’s likely because the formula is pH-balanced and contains glycerin, too.) It also earned a call-out for how nicely it lather, transforming from a gel to a full-on foam almost instantly.

Size: 6.8 oz. | Skin Type: All | Star Ingredients: Glycolic acid, glycerin | Fragrance: No

Best for Texture

Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser

Sephora

Our Ratings

• Ease of Use

  4.9/5

• Feel

  4.8/5

• Effectiveness

  5/5

• Hydration

  5/5

• Appearance

  4.5/5

Pros

• Contains both prebiotics and probiotics to help nourish the skin

• Left skin feeling refreshed and hydrating in our tests, thanks to the lactic acid

• Works well at removing dirt

Cons

• Fragrance is very strong and intense, which may not be for everyone

• Not as effective at removing makeup compared to other options we tested

Try this if you’re dealing with a rough or uneven skin tone. It relies on lactic acid, a gently exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acid that also attracts water to and traps it in the skin. That’s part of the reason why this doesn’t leave skin overly-dry or with that ‘squeaky’ clean feeling; this was another winner that earned top marks for hydration.

It does contain fragrance, and the intense scent wasn’t well-received in our experience, and while it removes dirt well, it’s less effective when it comes to taking off makeup.

Size: 1.69 oz., 4 oz., 6.7 oz. | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination | Star Ingredients: Turmeric, white tea, lactic acid | Fragrance: Yes

• 

  People / Jessica Juliao

• 

  People / Jessica Juliao

Things to Consider Before Buying Face Wash

Skin Type

According to Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, your skin type should be the absolute first thing you think about when choosing a face wash. Use it to help determine which ingredients to look for. For example, if your skin is on the drier side, seek out things such as glycerin, ceramides, aloe, and jojoba oil. (The winning First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser fits the bill.)  Oily? Salicylic acid will help decongest pores, she says. Find it in the Skinfix Acne+ 2 percent BHA Cleanser featured on this list. And if you don’t want to scan the ingredient label, the texture of the face wash itself is a good indicator.

Texture

Speaking of, the consistency of the formula is also a good thing to check. There are exceptions to the rule, of course, but broadly speaking, gels and foaming formulas are good for oily skin, while cream, lotion, or milky cleansers are better for those with dry skin. Foaming cleaners help to better dissolve dirt and oil, whereas creamier formulas contain ingredients that bind to dirt and oil to rinse them away, explains Ross.

Fragrance

Fragrance is one of the most common skin irritants. So, if your skin is sensitive or prone to allergic reactions, choosing fragrance-free formulas is the move. Most of the winners on this list are fragrance-free, with a few exceptions.

Cost

Expensive doesn’t always equal better: “Many drugstore face washes are made by the same companies as the more expensive ones,” notes Dr. Jaliman. Case in point: Many of the winners on our list are inexpensive drugstore buys, including the best overall CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. Not to mention that, at the end of the day, the face wash is just getting rinsed off and washed down the sink, not necessarily the best place to spend your money. If you have the budget to buy a pricey face wash, go for it, but this is also a good skincare category to save your hard-earned cash.

People / Jessica Juliao

How We Tested

Our PEOPLE Tested team came to the lab wearing minimal makeup to test out 30 popular face washes. To start, we lathered up each face wash for two minutes, massaging it evenly across our faces before rinsing and drying. We then assessed our skin to see how well the cleanser had worked (and repeated the process if necessary), as well as if we noticed any changes in the hydration and appearance of their skin.

Finally, we ranked each product on a scale of 1 to 5 in the following categories: ease of use, feel, effectiveness, hydration, and appearance of skin. We noted details on everything from how easy it was to dispense the product to how well it lathered to what changes we saw in our skin after using. The products that received the highest average rating across the five categories earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a face cleanser the same thing as a face wash?

  In theory, yes. Sometimes face washes are associated with a deeper cleanse for those who have clogged pores or acne, whereas face cleansers are associated with hydration and a creamier texture, but this really all just comes down to marketing, says Dr. Jaliman.

• How many times per day should you wash your face?

  “You should cleanse either once or twice per day depending on your skin type,” advises Ross. “Everyone should definitely be cleansing in the evening, but sensitive and drier skin types are fine to skip using cleanser in the morning and just rinse with cool water,” he says.

• Should you use the same face wash year-round?

  Just like you swap out your wardrobe as the seasons change, you may want to do the same with your face wash. “Your skin changes seasonally, and so should your cleanser,” says Ross. Opt for lighter, gel-based formulas in the summer (when our skin is innately oilier) and richer, creamier formulas in the cooler months to combat seasonally-induced dryness. Not to mention that having a few different options on-hand is a good idea to use for different purposes, i.e. if a breakout pops up or you need something that offers more of a deep cleanse in order to take off a full face of makeup, he points out.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Melanie Rud is a freelance beauty writer, editor, and expert. She is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers all things skincare, interviewing top dermatologists to get to the bottom of the latest trends and products. For this story, Melanie consulted real-world insights from our PEOPLE Tested labs, which involved testers with all different skin types, textures, and maturity. She also interviewed dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman and celebrity esthetician Joshua Ross for their skincare expertise when it comes to face washes.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

ncG1vNJzZmiolaS9rbGNnKamZ5KawLV5xZqanmWnlsCpsdJmbmxvZmZ%2BdQ%3D%3D

 Share!

• Share on Facebook
   
• Tweet
   
• Share on Google+
   
• Post to Tumblr
   
• Pin it
   
• Submit to Reddit