9 Best Face Washes for All Skin Types, According to Dermatologists and Editors
You can use the fanciest serums in the world, but they won’t do much if you’re not starting with one of the best face washes to give your skin a truly clean slate. Layer on collagen creams, swipe on growth factors, splurge on that $200 moisturizer—none of it works the way it should if you’re applying it over leftover makeup, sunscreen, oil, and pollution. Cleansing isn’t just step one; it’s the step that makes every other step better.
The right formula does more than remove the day. It helps balance oil, support your skin barrier, and prep your complexion so treatments can actually penetrate. And while we might’ve once believed that tight, squeaky feeling meant our skin was really clean, we know better now. True cleansing shouldn’t leave your face stripped or parched—it should feel balanced, comfortable, and perfectly prepped for whatever comes next.
Our Top Face Washes
- Best for Dull Skin: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $48
- Best for Mature Skin: Chanel Mousse Cleanser, $70
- Best for Combination Skin: Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser, $22
- Best Makeup Remover: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm, $23
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser, $68
- Best Travel-Friendly: Personal Day Full Clarity Cleansing Powder, $24
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fragrance-Free Gel Cleanser, $13
- Best for Dry Skin: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil, $18
- Best for Oily Skin: Tatcha the Matcha Cleanse, $40
From creamy washes that cushion dry or mature skin to clarifying gels that help keep excess oil and breakouts in check, finding the right formula for your skin type makes all the difference. The wrong cleanser can leave dry skin feeling tighter or oily skin overcompensating with even more shine, while the right one supports your barrier and targets your top concerns from the very first step. Ahead, our editor-tested, dermatologist-approved picks to help your routine start strong.
Best for Dull Skin: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Why it's worth it: Unlike many exfoliating cleansers that rely on a single acid, SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser takes a more layered approach. It combines four naturally derived alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)—lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic—to smooth surface texture and revive radiance, alongside salicylic acid, the oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works deeper within pores to help clear excess sebum and buildup. And it doesn’t stop at chemical exfoliation: “It has gentle beads that help exfoliate in addition to the acids,” Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. The rounded jojoba spheres offer soft, physical polishing without the harsh, scratchy feel of traditional scrubs.
Keep in mind that AHAs can increase UV sensitivity. So, be vigilant about applying and refreshing your sunscreen when using this cleanser (and in the week following discontinuation).
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“This exfoliating cleanser does the impossible: It leaves my skin super-soft and smooth, even when I'm dealing with hormonal breakouts, but never feeling squeaky-clean or overly tight. That's a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup. Plus, the combo of AHAs and BHA targets my two primary concerns, dark spots and acne. I've found that after using it consistently, my skin is brighter and more even—even if I'm not dealing with an active breakout.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, jojoba oil
- Who it’s for: all skin types, especially dull, oily, or combination
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: Chanel La Mousse Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: When our tester told us this was the cleanser that officially made washing her face the favorite part of her routine, we were intrigued. The moment it hits skin, the Chanel La Mousse Cleanser foams into an airy, cushiony lather that feels instantly comforting, especially for those with dry or mature skin. The mousse-like lather tackles dirt with ease, immediately whisking away sunscreen, makeup, and everyday grime, while glycerin and ceramides reinforce the skin barrier and deliver a hit of hydration. At the heart of the formula is camellia (Chanel’s signature flower), which is rich in antioxidants that help support the skin barrier and defend against environmental stressors, an elevated touch you won’t find in every foaming cleanser. It leaves skin feeling clean, plump, and refreshed—and never tight or stripped. The subtle, elegant fragrance gives it that unmistakable Chanel touch, turning a quick face wash into a self-care moment. Plus, a little goes a long way, so it’ll last a while.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
“A cleanser is a necessary, but uneventful part of a skin-care routine—or so I thought, until I started using Chanel Mousse. Oh my goodness, the texture on this product. Creamy, foamy, luscious, and effective without remotely stripping your skin down. It's an expensive purchase, for sure, but just a dab is all you need, and it'll easily cover your entire face and neck once it hits the water. Plus, I used to despise washing my face at night and often skipped it (shh!) before the Mousse entered my life. Now cleansing is a favorite part of my routine. The cream foams up and gently lifts the day away, leaving me with soft, supple, clean skin that doesn't need to be washed twice.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
- Key ingredients: glycerin, camellia flower, ceramides
- Who it’s for: those with dry skin
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Combination Skin: Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser
Why it's worth it: Hanyul’s Atemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser pulls double duty, functioning as both a cleanser and a face mask in one. The formula pairs calming Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica), mugwort-derived artemisia powder, a botanical used for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and smooth, plus a blend of 10 types of hyaluronic acid and glycerin to leave skin feeling plump and hydrated. (One caveat: The brand doesn’t disclose the BHA percentage, and while it appears low on the ingredient list, it’s best to patch-test if your skin is extra-sensitive.)
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“The Hanyul Artemisia Soothing 2-in-1 Mask to Foam Cleanser has this extra-satisfying gooey, mochi-like texture that lets you really slather it on evenly, like you would with a mask. Due to its two-in-one nature, I usually leave it on for about two minutes because I find that it goes above and beyond my usual cleansers and truly helps clear out my clogged pores without causing dryness (combo-skin life). It emulsifies into a lightweight foam that feels oh so sensorial, that I don't mind that I need to be a little more thorough rinsing it off—again, it acts like a mask! My skin always looks clearer and brighter after the fact and the BHA helps set my skin up for all of the hydrating essences, serums, and moisturizers I slather on afterwards. The goal is better skin-care absorption always, folks!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: cica, mugwort, artemisia powder, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
- Who it’s for: those with normal or combination skin
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Makeup Remover: Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
Why it’s worth it: When we first tried a grinding cleansing balm, our immediate reaction was: Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner? Dr. Althea’s Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm takes everything we like about a rich, makeup-melting balm and makes it mess-free and portable. Instead of dipping your fingers into a jar (and inevitably using too much), you twist the top, and a perfectly portioned amount is freshly shaved off. The design also limits repeated air and finger exposure, helping keep the formula feeling fresher over time.
The streamlined, 14-ingredient formula is designed to efficiently dissolve sunscreen, excess oil, and even waterproof mascara—without leaving behind a heavy, greasy film. Antioxidant-rich green tea (camellia sinensis) seed oil and grape seed oil help defend against environmental stressors, while madecassoside, Centella asiatica extract, and asiaticoside (one of cica’s key soothing compounds) work to calm skin and visibly reduce redness as you cleanse, making it especially appealing for sensitive or easily reactive complexions.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
“My main metric for cleansing balms is how easily they remove makeup (specifically eye makeup) and how soft my skin feels afterwards. Dr. Althea's Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm checks both of those boxes. The formula emulsifies so well and melts mascara, eyeliner, and the rest off like a total dream. My skin feels baby-soft and perfectly smooth every time I use it. Plus, the grinder dispensing method means no searching for an applicator spoon and no dipping my hands into a pot of product (something I've always found semi-gross). Genius.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
- Key ingredients: madecassoside, Centella asiatica (cica) extract, grape seed oil, camellia seed oil
- Who it’s for: those with redness or who want a makeup-removing formula
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: Acne-prone skin is often already compromised, so it requires a face wash that deeply cleanses without exacerbating inflamed or active breakouts. Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser is here to save the day, offering a skin-renewing clean that lifts dead skin cells and excess oil away. The formula targets breakout triggers with prickly pear enzymes and naturally derived lactic and citric acids to smooth and refine texture, while white willow bark helps decongest pores. And because balance is everything when you’re dealing with breakouts, soothing ingredients like chlorella, mint extract, and raw honey help calm visible redness—so you get that satisfying deep clean without your skin feeling stripped or sensitized.
Tester feedback from Pai
“I've had breakouts for years—they're a fact of life (and hormones). But I've found that washing with this cleanser (after removing my makeup with an oil-based formula) really helps dispatch both large cysts and smaller whiteheads more quickly. It smells herbal and fresh, builds to a nice lather, and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped of moisture. I really concentrate massaging it in around my problem areas, like around my nose, chin, and jawline, and feel like it's made a difference in my acne's lifespan and, as important, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (as in, there's less).” —Deanna Pai, contributing editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: chlorella, honey, mint, lactic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid
- Who it’s for: acne-prone, oily, sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Travel-Friendly: Personal Day Full Clarity Cleansing Powder
Why it’s worth it: Created by actress Lili Reinhart after she navigated her own acne journey, Personal Day’s Full Clarity Cleansing Powder is designed with blemish-prone, sensitive skin in mind. A 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, this water-activated powder turns into a creamy lather that exfoliates and soothes without stripping or irritating skin. According to the brand, powder cleansers require fewer preservatives than liquids, which makes them even more reliable for sensitive skin. Rice powder provides gentle exfoliation without drying out the skin, papaya fruit extract smooths and calms, azelaic acid boosts cell renewal, and zinc hyaluronate delivers hydration while supporting repair and decreasing inflammation. Plus, since it’s a powder, it’s the easiest thing to throw in your bag for travel.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
“I’m extremely careful when putting together my skincare routine. Acids (even the gentlest ones) cause redness along my jawline and cheeks. Added fragrance often triggers breakouts. I also have to think about how my prescription tretinoin will react. This is the one cleanser I can rely on to do its job—and feel amazing while doing it. You know that “squeaky-clean” feeling? You actually get it with this cleanser, but without stripping your skin. A dime-sized amount, mixed with water, is enough to thoroughly cleanse my face and neck while keeping that much-needed moisture intact.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: zinc, azelaic acid, zinc hyaluronate, rice powder, papaya fruit extract
- Who it’s for: people with sensitive, blemish-prone skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fragrance-Free Gel Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: If you absolutely refuse to spend more than $10 on something that’s on your face for all of 60 seconds, you’re not alone. Manhattan Beach, California-based dermatologist Divya Shokeen, MD, told Allure she’s a fan of Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Fragrance-Free Gel Cleanser because it effectively lifts away dirt, oil, and makeup without leaving skin feeling tight or stripped. The formula leans on hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin to leave skin feeling plump and soft post-cleanse. And, since it’s fragrance-free, it’s an especially solid pick for those with sensitive skin, too.
Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
“I've tried a lot of cleansers, okay? Drugstore and high-end, but nothing beats this one from Neutrogena. It lathers perfectly and cleanses oh-so-well. It even gets those hard-to-reach places around my nose and under my mouth. If you need a simple but über-effective cleanser that actually removes dirt and grime without stripping your skin, grab this, stat!” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
More to know
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin
- Who it’s for: those with dry or sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Why it’s worth it: There are cleansing oils—and then there’s Ma:nyo’s Pure Cleansing Oil, a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner that’s earned a loyal following around the world. The streamlined formula leans on 14 non-comedogenic, plant-derived ingredients, including argan kernel oil, cushioning jojoba seed oil, and antioxidant-rich olive fruit oil. Lightweight grapeseed and sunflower oils help dissolve makeup and excess sebum while supporting the skin barrier, so dry skin is not left feeling stripped. Squalane and jojoba oil help mimic skin’s natural lipids for a soft, balanced finish that never feels greasy. Add water, and it emulsifies into a milky rinse that melts everything away, leaving skin supple, calm, and perfectly prepped for step two of your double cleanse.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
"Oil cleansing for a few minutes every single night has taken my skin from good to great, and Ma:nyo's Pure Cleansing Oil has been my go-to. When my pores are particularly clogged, I can physically feel the sebum and dirt coming out after rubbing a couple of pumps of this gentle formula into my skin. It's the only reason my facialists are always telling me there's no need for extractions." —Nicola Dall'Asen, senior news editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: argan kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil
- Who it’s for: people with blackheads
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Tatcha the Matcha Cleanse
Why it’s worth it: Oil-prone? Meet your matcha. Though Tatcha’s The Matcha Cleanse is gentle enough for most skin types, it’s particularly well-suited to oily or acne-prone complexions thanks to antioxidant-rich Japanese Kyo matcha, sourced from Uji, Kyoto. Matcha is packed with antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, calm visible redness, support overall skin balance, and help regulate excess oil. Paired with soothing Japanese mugwort, it helps keep the barrier comfortable while tackling shine.
The formula also features coix seed—a botanical known for its oil-balancing and subtle brightening properties—alongside willow bark (a plant-based source of salicin) for mild clarifying benefits that help keep pores looking refined without the intensity of a traditional exfoliating acid. Add water and the gel transforms into a dense, cushiony, latte-like foam that rinses clean. Used in the morning, it creates a smoother, less slick canvas for makeup; at night, it lifts away buildup without over-drying.
Tester feedback from senior director of creative programming and development Natalie Campbell
“The Tatcha Matcha Cleanser is my daily go-to face wash. Although it’s made for oily skin, it thoroughly cleans my acne-prone, dry-leaning skin without stripping. Since putting in my daily rotation, I've noticed a reduction in my acne and an increase in moisture without shine. The wonderful smell is an added bonus!” —Natalie Campbell, senior director of creative programming and development
More to know
- Key ingredients: Japanese Kyo matcha, Japanese mugwort, coix seed, willow bark
- Who it’s for: oily skin
- Fragrance-free: no
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to cleanse your face?
Washing your face is the foundation of an effective skin-care regimen—and not just on days when you’re wearing a full face of makeup. “Even if you don't wear makeup, the skin on your face comes into contact with residue from other skin-care products as well as pollutants, microbes, dirt, and other debris, not to mention oils, sweat, and dead skin cells,” Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. Only after you sweep away all the breakout-causing dirt, makeup, and excess oil on your face can your skin absorb and benefit from other products.
How should I choose a facial cleanser?
Different face washes address different skin concerns, so keep your skin type in mind when picking out a new cleanser. If you have sensitive skin, reach for a moisturizer that won't irritate your skin barrier. "You want to use gentle, hydrating cleansers that remove impurities without stripping the skin barrier of all its natural moisturizing factors," explains Washington, D.C.-based dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD. He also suggests looking for humectants like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, as they "help keep water in the skin," which is essential, especially for people with sensitive skin.
According to NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Brandith Irwin, MD, people with sensitive skin should seek out “products free of artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates.”
If you deal with acne, choose a cleanser with active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to tackle blemishes (like whiteheads and blackheads). Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, always recommends gentle cleansers over harsh soaps with physical exfoliants to clear dirt and excess oil. She also backs soothing, acne-fighting, and inflammation-reducing tea tree oil and green tea.
Meanwhile, oily skin needs—you guessed it—oil-fighting ingredients. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King suggests looking for oil-absorbing cellulose and niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that can help reduce the look of pores.
What should I know about double cleansing?
There's more to double-cleansing than just washing your face twice. "I define double-cleansing as using two separate types of cleansers to wash your face," board-certified dermatologist Rita V. Linkner, MD, told Allure.
We have an entire dermatologist-approved guide to double-cleansing if you want to perfect the art, but here's the gist: Start your cleansing routine with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to break down and remove makeup and sunscreen. The type of your second cleanser is up to you, as long as it's gentle and washes away pollutants and acne-causing bacteria.
Meet the experts
- Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC
- Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Brandith Irwin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Rita V. Linkner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
- Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but skin-care products are another story. While some can be used across different skin types, tones, textures, and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. We guarantee that these factors are considered when determining whether a skin-care product is worthy of a recommendation.
For our review of the best face washes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts we've interviewed for the piece—who all have different complexion concerns and types, desired outcomes (e.g. diminished appearance of blackheads), and whether one product was tested across multiple skin types. Testers considered performance across the following primary categories: efficacy, texture, ingredients, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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