We’ve rounded up the best face washes because skin care is never one-size-fits-all. What works on “normal” skin is often harsh, drying, and irritating for those who are more sensitive. The best cleansers for sensitive skin are gentler, with gentle ingredients that help protect skin precious balance of the skin. They will prevent over-drying, breakouts and irritation.
It’s tempting to reach for a cleanser that’s too harsh. Perhaps you’ve even chased that “tight” feeling, the strange new sensation of your skin being pulled across your cheekbones as you rub it down. But that feeling is a bad sign, a signal that your cleanser is too strong and will only hurt your skin in the long run. On the other hand, these options are as gentle as a lamb. They range from on-the-go wipes to cleansers, from pore-clearing powders to magical oil-removers. That means there’s bound to be an option here to suit your skin type, removing unwanted impurities for the moneymaker. (And once you’ve locked in a cleanser that’s right for your skin-care routine, why not choose moisturizer and some Sunscreen protects against UV rays too?
Best face wash, period
Philosophy’s oddly popular cleanser — seriously, read the reviews — remains a sign of environmentally conscious skin care for a reason. Its secret sauce? The brand’s meadowfoam seed oil, an antioxidant-rich formula suitable for all skin types, is sourced from a supplier’s list of environmentally conscious suppliers.
The best alternative face wash
Yours skin care routine should include more than just washing your face. But when something happens to the fans (read: your portable beauty potion explodes in your upholstery) or you’re having a hard time, the iS cleaning complex provides a number approximate in its entirety. Willow bark exfoliates and unclogs pores, antioxidants fight free radicals, and they all work overtime to help keep your skin smooth.
The best gentle face wash
Our most recent Grooming Award Winning Facial Cleanser nabbed gets top honors for its uncanny ability to clean your cup without causing irritation or discomfort.
Best face wash for dry skin
Dry skin and sensitive skin are often classified together, and for good reason: Both react adversely to many other “normal” products, and experience dryness or redness. This cleansing milk is a powerful cleanser to remove toxins and dirt, yet leaves skin feeling hydrated as though it were cleansed.
Best face wash for fighting oil
This calendula-rich gel cleanser soothes and strengthens skin while washing away grease. It’s formulated for oily skin (and as you probably know, men have oily skin more often than not). But to get rid of all that dirt, you need a cleanser that balances and soothes your skin instead of completely removing moisture. Kiehl’s and calendula cleansers are the solution to that.
The best non-traditional face wash
Not all cleaners are liquids. This powder needs to put a few drops of water on the palm of the hand to create a gentle exfoliating foam. It uses exfoliating fruit enzymes (from pineapple and papaya) to melt away dead skin and bring out your brightest complexion, as well as vitamins C, E, B3 and B5, which combine to Leaves skin soft, smooth and – again – bright.
Best pharmacy face wash
It’s easy to be skeptical with mass-produced skin care products, but sometimes the most affordable option is also one of the simplest and most effective. This hypoallergenic foaming cleanser is completely soap and dye-free — so clean in the morning, clean at night, clean after exercise. This is a drugstore staple that won’t dry you out.
Post-Sun selection
A multitasking creamy cleanser that uses aloe to hydrate and soothe skin. It’s a great addition to your regimen after a day in the hot sun. And although it’s formulated for the face (which is more sensitive than the body), you can also use it on other sunburned areas.
Dermatologist’s Choice
One of the dermatologists I trust most with product recommendations, Dr. Heather Rogers of Modern dermatologyRevision’s gentle cleansing lotion is suitable for most patients with sensitive skin. It uses apple amino acids to control oil, then soothes and hydrates with chamomile and algae extracts.
For After Shave
Part cleanser, part toner, these cloths gently balance skin after every shave. They disinfect and unclog pores with the help of tea tree and witch hazel oils, while soothing sensitivities with eucalyptus. You can pack them for a one-time use to the gym or for a midday refreshment, even when you’re not shaving.
5 more face washes we love
