22 Best Dermatologist-Approved Face Washes Your Skin Will Love (2024)

There’s nothing like the feeling of clean skin after washing your face—but dermatologists know not every facial cleanser is crafted for the same type of skin. Some facial cleansers can contain overly drying ingredients, while others are oil-based to replenish moisture, but may be too much for someone with oily skin.

How to choose the best cleanser for you

When choosing the best face wash, Dr. Rogers suggests avoiding harsh products or manual exfoliation (like sugar scrubs or products with exfoliating beads) that can leave micro-cuts in your skin and irritate it. Additionally, avoid overly-drying bars of soap and opt for a liquid, gel, or cream cleanser, based on your skin type.

Dr. Rogers notes to check the ingredient list for familiar ingredients, like water or aloe, and avoid products that try to do too much. “I like cleansers that don’t have a huge number of ingredients,” she says. Plus, she warms against products that tout labels like clean, natural, or organic, which aren’t standardized well in the beauty industry.

And if you’re hoping your cleanser will not only clean but also ward off breakouts, you’ll want to check for active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acid, says Heather Richmond. M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Houston. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are particularly important for those with dry or sensitive skin to restore moisture, adds Dr. Garshick.

Additionally, Dr. Richmond notes that those with oily or acne-prone skin should opt for a foaming or gel-based cleanser, and those with dry or mature skin can use an oil-free or cream cleanser to “help minimize stripping of oils and moisturize while cleaning.” Dr. Garshick adds that those with acne-prone skin should opt for a gentle cleanser if they’re using any anti-acne ingredients that promote drying.

What’s your skin type?

The easiest way to determine your skin type? Wash your face. Dr. Rogers suggests taking a moment after you wash your face to see how your skin feels. Notice if it feels totally fine, tight and dry, or greasy, and you’ll likely have your answer.

And it’s especially important to check in with yourself over time and see how your skin is changing. “As we age, we all get dryer,” Dr. Rogers says. “Even if you’re super oily as a teenager and in your 20s, your skin dries out as you get older.” Some common skin types include:

• Normal. Those with normal skin don’t feel necessarily dry or oily after washing, Dr. Rogers says.
• Oily. Dr. Richmond explains that this skin type is typically from overactive oil glands. “Your skin is likely to have a greasy sheen to it, and you might feel like you have to wash your face more often,” she says. This is more common in those under 30 years old, Dr. Rogers says.
• Acne-prone. Most often presented with oily skin (though those with dry skin can also be acne-prone), this skin type is characterized by patients whose pores tend to clog, Dr. Richmond says. Acne-prone skin will often look like clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, and red bumps, adds Dr. Garshick.
• Dry. People with dry skin tend to have skin that appears flaky or red and feels tight and itchy, explains Dr. Garshick. Dr. Rogers adds this skin type is more common in those over 30 years old.
• Mature. Often synonymous with dry skin, mature skin typically shows a greater appearance of wrinkles and is due to the lack of oil produced by aging skin, Dr. Richmond says.
• Combination. Just as it sounds, this skin type means portions of your face are typically dry, while others are more oily. Dr. Rogers explains this most often appears as a more oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and center of the chin) and dry in other areas like the cheeks.
• Sensitive. Those with sensitive skin may be due to a procedure, allergies, or have skin that is easily irritated. “Those patients tend to have burning or stringing with many products and often have to stick with gentle or hypoallergenic cleansers,” Dr. Richmond says.

Effectively removing dirt and buildup without leaving the skin too dry, this cleanser helps hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier, Dr. Garshick says. “It is a great option for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin,” she says. Plus, it uses MVE technology which provides a steady release of hydrating ingredients all day, she adds.

Leave your skin feeling healthy, soft, and smooth with this fragrance-free gentle cleanser. “It contains a combination of aloe, allantoin, and glycerin which work together to hydrate, calm, and soothe skin,” Dr. Garshick says.

Dr. Richmond suggests this cleansing gel as a great option for those with dryer skin. The lightweight cleanser contains hyaluronic acid and locks in hydration after each wash, leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed.

This opaque gel cleanser is great for normal skin types, Dr. Rogers says. She loves it because it has a great ingredients list, it has a light fragrance, it’s not over-drying, and it can even take your makeup off. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free.

Dr. Rogers loves this gel cleanser for those with oily and acne-prone skin types. “It does a great job breaking down blackheads without over-stripping the skin,” she says. Plus, this plant-based product uses willow bark, the precursor to salicylic acid, she notes.

This plant-based and hypoallergenic cleanser is dermatologist-created (Dr. Rogers made it herself). She will often suggest patients use this face wash post-procedure or as an ultra-gentle cleanser for those with rosacea, dry winter skin, or extra irritated, sensitive skin.

Dr. Garshick loves this gel-to-foam cleanser for combination skin because it cleanses without stripping skin of its natural moisture, while also washing away excess oil, dirt, and makeup. It won’t irritate or dry, and is gentle enough to use twice daily, she says.

The inclusion of tea tree oil helps to rid the skin of extra oil, dirt, and buildup to prevent and treat breakouts, Dr. Garshick says. Plus, the oil-free cleanser can unclog pores, treat acne, and is especially helpful to those dealing with blackheads and whiteheads, she adds.

“This exfoliating gel cleanser contains a combination of lipo-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid to help unclog pores and reduce breakouts and blemishes, without drying out the skin,” Dr. Garshick says. “It helps to improve overall texture and tone while removing excess oil and buildup.”

For those with extra-dry skin, a cleansing oil may be your best route for cleansing and moisturizing. “It does a great job getting off sunscreen and sweat,” Dr. Rogers says. “It’s oil-based, which is lovely, so it’s great for sensitive skin.”

For dry skin types, this cleanser is gentle but feels heavier to nourish and moisturize your face, Dr. Rogers says. For those with combination skin, she suggests washing with this cleanser and using toner on your oily areas for some balance.

For those with normal to dry skin, this light cleanser is a great option. “It’s a very gentle cleanser that does a pretty good job with taking off makeup,” Dr. Rogers says.

Though many derms won’t recommend a bar soap because they tend to be extra drying, Dr. Garshick says this Dove bar is exceptional for those who prefer bar soaps. “Unlike ordinary soaps, which can strip the skin of natural oils, this bar effectively cleanses and washes away dirt, without drying out the skin as it helps to replenish moisture lost,” she says.

Free of fragrance, dyes, paraben, formaldehyde, and preservatives, this gentle cleanser is ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, Dr. Garshick says. Plus, it’s oil-free and non-comedogenic.

Remove makeup and oil, without leaving the skin irritated or dry. “It incorporates moisture-rich soy and kiwi complex, helping to boost moisture, improving overall dryness of the skin,” Dr. Garshick says.

Dr. Richmond says this cleanser is great for normal to dry skin types, and it’s free of any harsh soaps or oil. Dr. Garshick adds it’s especially effective in removing oil without damaging the natural skin barrier. Plus, Jennifer Garner says it's the one skincare product she can't live without.

Reduce dead skin cells, unclog pores, improve breakouts, and wash away dirt and bacteria with this cleanser, says Dr. Garshick. It’s oil-free, contains 0.5% salicylic acid, zinc, and copper minerals, which help reduce excess oil, she adds.

Containing 5% benzoyl peroxide, this cleanser reduces bacteria and inflammation without the risk of antibacterial resistance, Dr. Garshick says. Plus, you can use it all over your body, making it a great pick for someone dealing with breakouts on their back or chest, she adds.

Containing 4% benzoyl peroxide, this facial cleanser (and full body wash, too) is great for treating and preventing breakouts, Dr. Garshick says.

Containing glycerin and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent over-drying, this creamy cleanser will help remove dirt and oil while still hydrating, Dr. Garhshick says. Plus, it contains La Roche Posay prebiotic thermal spring water to soothe and is perfect for those with combination skin, she adds.