We’ve rounded up the best face washes because skincare is never right for everyone. What works on “normal” skin is often harsh, drying and irritating for the most sensitive people. The best face wash for sensitive skin will be gentler, with soothing ingredients that preserve the skin’s precious balance. They will prevent excessive dryness, rashes and irritation.
It’s tempting to opt for a cleaner that’s too aggressive. Maybe you’ve even chased away that “tugging” feeling, the telltale feeling of your skin being pulled on your cheekbones when you rub it. But that feeling is a bad sign, a signal that your cleanser is too strong and will only harm your skin in the long run. These peaks, on the other hand, are as gentle as a lamb. They range from on-the-go wipes to milky washes, from pore-cleansing powders to oil-removing wonders. Which means there’s bound to be an option that suits your skin type, ridding your livelihood of unwanted impurities. (And once you’ve locked in the right face wash for your skincare routine, why not choose a moisturizer and UV sunscreen too?
The best face wash, period
Philosophy’s ridiculously popular cleanser—seriously, read the reviews—remains a hallmark of eco-conscious skincare for a reason. His secret sauce? The brand’s Meadowfoam Seed Oil, an antioxidant-rich formula suitable for all skin types and sourced from the imprint’s extensive list of environmentally conscious suppliers.
The best facial cleanser that replaces the diet
Your skincare routine shouldn’t be limited to washing your face. But when the shit hits the fan (read: your traveling beauty apothecary explodes in your bag) or you’re in trouble, iS’s Cleansing Complex offers a pretty close approximation of the whole shebang. Willow bark exfoliates and unclogs your pores, antioxidants fight free radicals, and it all works overtime to help smooth your complexion.
The best gentle face wash
Our newest Grooming Award cleanser won top honors for its amazing ability to clean your cup without causing irritation or uncomfortable tightness.
The best face wash for dry skin
Dry and sensitive skin are often categorized together, and for good reason: they both react negatively to many otherwise “normal” products and remain parched or reddened. This cleansing milk effectively removes toxins and dirt, but leaves the skin as hydrated as it is clean.
The best face wash to fight sebum
This creamy gel cleanser enriched with calendula soothes and strengthens the skin while eliminating grease. It’s formulated for oily skin (and as you may know, men have oily skin most often). But to remove all that extra grime, you need a cleanser that balances and soothes skin instead of stripping it of moisture entirely. Kiehl’s and its calendula cleanser are the solution for this.
The Best Non-Traditional Face Wash
Not all cleansers are liquids. This powder needs a few drops of water in your palms to create a lightly exfoliating foam. It uses exfoliating fruit enzymes (from pineapple and papaya) to dissolve dead skin and reveal your brightest complexion, along with vitamins C, E, B3 and B5, which combine for a soft, smooth and , again, bright.
The best drugstore face wash
It’s easy to be skeptical of mass-produced skincare, but sometimes the most affordable option is also one of the simplest and most effective. This hypoallergenic foaming cleanser is completely free of soaps and dyes – so cleanse in the morning, cleanse at night, cleanse after the gym. It’s a drugstore staple that won’t dry you out.
The after-sun choice
A multitasking creamy cleanser that uses aloe to hydrate and soothe the skin. It’s a great addition to your regimen after a day in the sun. And while it’s formulated for the face (which is inherently more sensitive than the body), you can also use it on other sunburned parts.
Dermatologist’s Choice
One of the dermatologists I trust most for product recommendations, Dr. Heather Rogers of Modern Dermatology, recommends Revision’s Gentle Cleansing Lotion to most patients with sensitive skin. It uses apple amino acids to lift oil, then soothes and hydrates with chamomile and seaweed extracts.
For aftershave
Half-cleansing, half-toning, these wipes gently balance the skin after each shave. They disinfect and clean pores with tea tree oil and witch hazel, while soothing sensitivities with eucalyptus. You can pack them for occasional trips to the gym or for a midday refresher, even if you don’t shave.
Plus 5 More Face Washes We Love
