Do you want to keep your skin healthy and clear from blemishes? Well, in that case, it’s vital that you cleanse your face daily. Daily facial cleansing removes pollutants, germs, bacteria, and makeup residue. Keeping your face clean also helps avoid never-ending breakouts, excessive skin dryness or oiliness, and even premature aging. However, the skin on your face is much more delicate than the rest of your body, and washing your face with a bar of soap is almost as bad as not washing it at all. Invest in a gentle but powerful face wash or facial cleanser — your skin will thank you.
Not all face washes and facial cleansers are created equal, though. With that in mind, we reviewed dozens of face washes and facial cleansers to help you find the product that will help you keep your skin beautiful and glowing. During our comprehensive research, we looked at factors such as ingredients, skin type and conditions, packaging, size, application, safety, and cost. Whenever possible, we chose face washes and facial cleansers that come with a money-back guarantee so that you can try them risk-free.
After careful consideration, we identified the InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser as our top choice. Suitable for both men and women of all skin types, this facial cleanser leaves you with cleaner and brighter skin, minimizes pores, and reduces some signs of aging. It’s also extremely safe and eco-friendly. Most of the ingredients used are derived from natural sources and the product contains no parabens, dyes, petroleum, or other ingredients that could damage your skin.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Face Washes and Facial Cleansers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Facial Cleanser Overall | InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser | 4.4 |
| Best CBD Face Wash | CBDFX CBD Face Cleanser - Rejuvediol | 4.9 |
| Best Budget Face Wash | Biore Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Cleanser | 4.6 |
| Best Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin | Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser | 4.6 |
| Best Facial Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin | DERMALA CLEANSE with Benefits AM/PM Cleanser | 5.0 |
*Ratings are from the time of publication and can change
Best Facial Cleanser Overall: InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser
There’s a good reason why the InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser, which promises to minimize the appearance of dullness and fine lines, is a bestseller on Amazon. It suits all skin types, works for both men and women, and is free from harmful ingredients like parabens, petroleum, and synthetic dyes. Instead, this cleanser contains mostly natural ingredients, like sugar cane extract and coconut water. It’s also cruelty-free.
This oil-based cleanser doesn’t just reduce blemishes. It also promises to clear and unclog pores and prevent breakouts. Since it contains soothing oils and moisturizers, it can help keep your skin hydrated, as well. And, because this cleanser is packed full of powerful antioxidants such as vitamin C, green tea, and aloe vera, it can reduce common signs of aging, like wrinkles and dark spots, leaving your skin looking radiant, bright and youthful.
Due to the various oils and extracts used, this cleanser has a mild citrus aroma. It comes in a 200mL bottle with a pump to help control the amount you dispense, minimizing waste. According to customer reviews, this product has a 12-month shelf-life (but don’t forget to check the use-by date anyway!) You can use this cleanser both morning and night.
InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser Key Features:
- 200mL
- Suitable for men and women of all skin types
- Can reduce acne and signs of aging
- Clean ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Pleasant citrus aroma
Best CBD Face Wash: CBDFX CBD Face Cleanser – Rejuvediol
This hemp facial cleanser by CBDFX contains charcoal and mint and is useful in treating acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It also has an amazing smell and texture.
Check PriceYou might know that CBD oil can help alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and even pain. However, few people realize that CBD can also minimize the production of sebum in the skin, which can lead to less acne. CBD might also help control skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Unfortunately, there aren’t many face washes that use hemp extract. The CBDFX CBD Face Cleanser – Rejuvediol is one of the few face cleansers that do use hemp extract.
In addition to 50mg of organic hemp extract, the Rejuvediol face cleanser also contains charcoal and mint. As you massage the minty gel into your skin, it turns into foam. This foamy combination of charcoal and mint eliminates dirt and excess oil and opens up pores to leave your skin feeling refreshed and soft. The fact that this product has a lovely minty smell is a nice bonus.
This facial cleanser is gentle on the skin, vegan, and cruelty-free. It’s also non-GMO. CBDFX is completely transparent about the ingredients it uses in all its products. The company not only shares a complete list of ingredients on the product page but also includes links to third-party laboratory reports verifying what’s in every single batch of their CBD cleansers. Although a little bit more expensive than other facial cleansers on the market, CBDFX gives you the option of paying in installments.
CBDFX CBD Face Cleanser – Rejuvediol Key Features:
- 100mL
- Contains 50mg of hemp extract, charcoal, and mint
- Foaming formula
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and non-GMO
- Links to third-party lab reports
- Option to pay in installments
Best Budget Face Wash: Biore Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Cleanser
Although cheaper than our other top picks, the Biore Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Cleanser is no less effective. Made with witch hazel, which acts as an astringent, this cleanser can apparently eliminate over 99% of blemish-inducing oil and dirt. Since this cleanser also contains 2% salicylic acid, it can help clear up acne scars and prevent new acne blemishes from forming.
The Biore Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Cleanser is dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and oil-free. It can even help you take all of your makeup off without you having to use makeup wipes first. However, while this cleanser is gentle enough to be used every day by people with oily skin, individuals with combination or very dry skin might want to use this product once or twice a week only. This is because this cleanser can be a little drying. As such, it’s worth keeping in mind that a little goes a long way.
This product is easy to apply (it lathers quite nicely) and wash off. It has a nice, gentle scent that doesn’t linger and leaves a cool tingly sensation post-application (some customers have compared the sensation to the feeling you might get after using a peppermint sugar scrub).
Biore Witch Hazel Pore Clarifying Cleanser Key Features:
- 200mL
- Contains witch hazel and 2% salicylic acid
- Dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- Oil-free
- Pleasant scent
- Leaves a tingly sensation
Best Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Formulated with people with sensitive skin in mind, the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, lanolin, formaldehyde releases, and other preservatives that could make your skin worse. It comes as no surprise then that the product’s ingredient list is fairly short. In fact, this cleanser contains only purified water, coco-glucoside, glycerin, acrylates copolymer, sodium cocoyl glycinate, mica, sodium chloride, caprylyl glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, sodium hydroxide, titanium dioxide, and disodium EDTA. Remember: the shorter the ingredients list, the less likely you are to have an adverse reaction.
Even though this cleanser is very gentle on sensitive skin, it’s 100% effective. Unlike some cleansers meant for sensitive skin, which are useless when it comes to actually cleansing your skin and dissolving makeup, this product removes makeup, dirt, and oil in a matter of minutes, without leaving your skin feeling stripped or tight.
The National Eczema Association approves this cleanser and dermatologists often recommend it for people who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, winter itch, and ichthyosis. Also, whereas many gentle cleansers don’t foam up, this one does. However, it’s worth noting that this cleanser isn’t completely scentless. Although some customers have said that it has a slightly medicinal smell, most don’t seem too bothered by it.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser Key Features:
- 237mL
- Free of parabens, dyes, fragrance, and other preservatives
- Short list of ingredients
- Effectively removes makeup, dirt, and oils
- National Eczema Association approved
- Slightly medicinal smell
Best Facial Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin: DERMALA CLEANSE with Benefits AM/PM Cleanser
Achieve ultra-smooth skin with the DERMALA CLEANSE with Benefits AM/PM Cleanser that contains natural plant oils, vitamins, and amino acids, as well as a unique microbiome complex.
Check PriceThe DERMALA CLEANSE with Benefits AM/PM Cleanser is gentle and pH balanced and promises to not only remove dirt and oil without drying out your skin but also to keep breakouts away. This cleanser contains something known as “SE Microbiome Complex,” which apparently merges prebiotics and postbiotics from the skin microbiome. According to DERMALA, this microbiome complex can effectively remove acne-causing bacteria and encourage the growth of acne-fighting bacteria.
The microbiome complex aside, this cleanser also consists of natural plant oils, vitamins, and amino acids. The plant oils help calm the skin, whereas the vitamins help make your skin glow. The amino acids help keep your skin hydrated and supple.
To make sure that this product works as intended, DERMALA ran an eight-week controlled study. The results are available on the product page. According to DERMALA, most study group participants who used this cleanser reported that their acne got better. Most customers seem to agree that the cleanser decreased pimples overall. Customers that did not notice significant results nevertheless noted reduced oiliness. If you’re not quite sure if this cleanser is right for you, you could try taking DERMALA’s skin quiz to get a personalized #FOBO (Fear of Breaking Out) Kit.
DERMALA CLEANSE with Benefits AM/PM Cleanser with Benefits Key Features:
- 88mL
- Gentle
- SE microbiome complex
- Contains natural plant oils, vitamins, and amino acids
- Reduces oiliness and pimples
Who Should Buy Face Washes and Facial Cleansers
Pretty much everyone, regardless of their gender and age, should buy and use a face wash and/or facial cleanser. No matter who you are, your skin gets covered with dirt, pollutants, and bacteria throughout the day. Face washes and facial cleansers remove these impurities and keep your skin looking healthier. They also remove makeup, excess oil, and dead skin cells, helping keep your pores clear and preventing skin conditions like acne.
And no, washing your face with soap isn’t the same as using a face wash or cleanser. Although soap can no doubt make your skin feel squeaky clean, it’s actually too harsh. Regular soaps strip natural oils from your skin, change the skin’s acidic pH to be more alkaline (healthy skin pH is about 5.5, but most conventional soaps have a pH of 9 to 11), and damage the skin barrier.
As such, washing your face with soap can cause your skin to become dry and flaky, which can lead to premature signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles. Using soap on your face can also cause breakouts. That’s because the skin might overproduce oil to compensate for the dryness, causing clogged pores.
Washing your face with just water isn’t an option, either. That’s because water can’t get rid of dead skin cells. A build-up of these dead skin cells can make your skin dry and uneven, and — you guessed it — cause breakouts.
For more ways to beat acne, check out our review of The Best Acne Medications.
Important Features to Consider
A face wash and facial cleanser should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a face wash or facial cleanser:
- Ingredients. Avoid face washes and cleansers that contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohols, and fragrances. Also, steer clear of products with mineral oil-derived ingredients as these can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Instead, opt for cleansers with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and aloe vera.
- Skin type. While some face washes and facial cleansers suit all skin types, others are formulated with oily, dry, or sensitive skin types in mind. If you have a normal skin type, you can probably try any kind of cleanser you want. On the other hand, those with oily skin should look for face washes that regulate oil production, whereas those with dry and combination skin should opt for hydrating cleansers. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to be extra careful. Go for products with soothing ingredients such as witch hazel and aloe vera that can cleanse your face without causing discomfort and redness.
- Skin conditions. Some cleansers include ingredients that can help you deal with specific skin problems. For example, retinol can help reduce fine lines and improve skin texture and salicylic acid can prevent acne. Similarly, vitamin E can stop premature aging and reverse sun damage, whereas vitamin C can help even out skin tone.
- Packaging. Whenever possible, try to go for a face wash or facial cleanser that comes in a pump bottle. With pump bottles, you can dispense metered doses and finish the entire bottle without wasting any product. Face washes and facial cleansers with vulnerable anti-aging ingredients like retinol should come in an airtight pump.
- Size. If you’re planning on using a specific face wash or facial cleanser at home, the size of the bottle might not matter to you too much. But if you travel often, you might want to choose products that come in travel-sized packaging.
- Application. Always read the directions at the back of the bottle. Most face washes and facial cleansers can be used twice a day: once in the morning and once at night time. However, some cleansers can be a little harsh, so if you find that your skin doesn’t tolerate a specific product too well, consider using it once a day only.
- Safety. The majority of face washes and facial cleansers are perfectly safe. However, it’s possible to buy a knock-off product with dangerous ingredients. Some cleansers might also simply not suit your skin type. For this reason, it’s a good idea to patch test face washes and facial cleansers that you’ve never tried before.
- Cost. Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean bad. There are plenty of affordable face washes and cleansers on the market. Just make sure that the product you’re considering doesn’t contain sulfates. Also, note that some face washes and facial cleansers come with a money-back guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between facial cleanser and face wash?
Both face washes and facial cleansers do the same thing: cleanse your face. However, whereas a facial cleanser removes makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin’s surface, a face wash can remove deep-seated debris and help unclog pores.
Also, facial cleansers have a creamy, gel-like consistency and may or may not need to be rinsed off (often, you’re supposed to wipe the cleanser off instead). In contrast, face washes have a foamy texture and need to be rinsed off.
Which is best: cleanser or face wash?
It depends on your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you might want to opt for a cleanser. On the other hand, if you have oily or combination skin, you’d be wise to go for a face wash.
Can I use both face wash and cleanser?
Yes! You could deep cleanse your face with a face wash in the morning and remove makeup, dirt, and excess oil with a cleanser in the evening. If you wear heavy makeup daily or find yourself exposed to pollutants, use a cleanser first followed by a face wash.
Should I use a cleanser every day?
Definitely. If you have sensitive skin, cleanse your skin once a day, preferably in the evening. But if you have normal or oily skin, you should cleanse your face twice a day: once in the morning and once before you go to bed.
Other Face Washes and Facial Cleansers We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other face washes and facial cleansers. Even though they didn’t make our five best face washes and facial cleansers list, they’re the best of the rest, and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
CBD Face Washes
CBD Medic Natural Foaming Facial Cleanser
Containing 50mg of CBD hemp extract, this travel-sized facial cleanser by CBD Medic is gentle on the skin and can help clear up blemishes and pimples.
Key Features:
- Travel-friendly (50mL)
- Pump bottle
- Contains CBD hemp extract
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Gentle
- Foaming formula
Cost: $20
Pacifica Cosmic Hemp Balancing Face Wash
The hemp-infused Pacifica Cosmic Hemp Balancing Face Wash is free from parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, and silicone and mineral oil.
Key Features:
- 172mL
- Suits all skin types
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Free of parabens
Cost: $10
Every Man Jack Beard + Face Wash
The Every Man Jack Beard + Face Wash is a face wash for men with hemp seed oil, coconut oil, and fresh herbs. It can deep cleanse and condition both your skin and beard.
Key Features:
- 200mL
- Cleanses skin and beard
- Pump bottle made from at least 50% recycled material
- Non-GMO and free of parabens, dyes, and phthalates
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cost: $12
Krave Beauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
Made in Korea, this Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser by Krave Beauty, which contains matcha, hemp seeds, oats, almonds, vitamin B5, and sodium PCA, can improve skin health.
Key Features:
- 120mL
- Made in Korea
- Gentle on the skin
- Contains hemp seed extract
- Subtle green tea scent
Cost: $40
Captain Thug Multi-Active Face Cleanser
The Captain Thug Multi-Active Face Cleanser is enriched with hemp oil, green tea, vitamin C, and chamomile oil. You can use this cleanser to wash your face, hands, and other body parts.
Key Features:
- 200mL
- Suits all skin types
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Free of parabens
- Natural ingredients
Facial Cleansers for Sensitive Skin
Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Featuring an oil-free formula, this foaming facial cleanser by Clean & Clear removes makeup, dirt, and oil without overdrying your skin.
Key Features:
- 240mL
- Pump bottle
- Foaming face wash
- Light scent
- Can help treat acne
Cost: $5
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser
Since this cleanser by Aveeno contains Feverfew extract, a close relative of chamomile, it can reduce redness and calm irritated skin.
Key Features:
- 180mL pump bottle
- Foaming formula
- Free of fragrance and soap
- Contains calming Feverfew extract
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
Cost: $11
SeboCalm Facial Cleansing Soap for Sensitive Skin
The SeboCalm Facial Cleansing Soap for Sensitive Skin is ideal for oily, dry, or combination skin prone to acne, redness, rosacea, or eczema.
Key Features:
- 150mL
- Works for men and women
- Dermatologically & clinically tested
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and alcohol
- Cruelty-free
Cost: $17
LuxeOrganix Purifying Facial Cleanser
Safe for all skin types, this activated bamboo charcoal cleanser by LuxeOrganix promises to unclog pores, soothe irritated skin, and improve skin texture and elasticity.
Key Features:
- 150mL
- Pump bottle
- No artificial fragrances
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Organic ingredients
- Free of sulfates, parabens, dyes, and fragrances
Cost: $20
Bliss Rose Gold Rescue Gentle Foaming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Infused with rose flower water, colloidal gold, and willow bark extract, the Bliss Rose Gold Rescue Gentle Foaming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin can protect the skin barrier, nourish damaged skin, and brighten your complexion.
Key Features:
- 190mL
- Pump bottle
- Foaming formula
- Free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist tested
Facial Cleansers for Acne-Prone Skin
Biore Charcoal Acne Clearing Facial Cleanser
This oil-free charcoal cleanser with 1% salicylic acid can purportedly clear your acne (or at least some of it) in just two days.
Key Features:
- 200mL
- Pump bottle
- With natural charcoal and 1% salicylic acid
- Gets rid of acne in 2 days
- Oil-free
- Dermatologically-tested and non-comedogenic
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cost: $6
Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
Because the Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser contains 10% glycolic acid, an anti-aging ingredient, it can help with acne, age spots, and other signs of premature aging.
Key Features:
- 170mL
- Suitable for all skin types
- Anti-aging
- Cruelty-free
- With 10% glycolic acid
- Money-back guarantee
Cost: $21
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Cleansing Foaming Gel
If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you’ll want to give this oil-free cleanser by La Roche-Posay, a brand recommended by thousands of dermatologists worldwide, a go.
Key Features:
- 200mL
- Made in France
- Oil-free
- Free of parabens, soap, and alcohol
- Tested on sensitive skin
- Formulated with Zinc Pidolate to help remove excess oil
- Gel texture
Cost: $15
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Use the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser on the face, hands, and body. Since this cleanser contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, it can bring moisture to the skin’s surface and improve skin texture.
Key Features:
- 473mL
- Foaming formula
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and non-drying
- Normal to oily skin
- With hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
- Contains 3 essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II)
Cost: $15
This cleaner is made with 5% benzoyl peroxide, which is known to remove excess oil, help shed dead skin cells, and kill acne-causing bacteria under the skin.
Key Features:
- 118mL
- Contains 5% benzoyl peroxide
- Dermatologist-developed formula
- Oil-absorbing and moisture-releasing
Cost: $11
Dr. Song Glycolic Acid Face Wash
This glycolic acid cleanser by Dr. Song can deep cleanse and exfoliate your skin, minimize hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and other blemishes, and prep your skin for other products, like makeup.
Key Features:
- 118mL
- With 10% glycolic acid
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and dyes
- Oil-free formula
- Non-drying
- Suits of all skin types
Cost: $12
Solimo Daily Acne Control Cleanser
The Solimo Daily Acne Control Cleanser is an Amazon brand. It’s affordable, formulated with 10% benzoyl peroxide, and comes with a 1-year money-back guarantee.
Key Features:
- 147mL
- Amazon brand
- Affordable
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist and pediatrician tested
- 1-year money-back guarantee
Cost: $4
Nixa Skincare 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash
If you’re not satisfied with the results after using the Nixa Skincare 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Wash, you can get your money back, no questions asked (you don’t even have to return the product!)
Key Features:
- 236mL
- Pump bottle
- 10% benzoyl peroxide
- Money-back guarantee
Cost: $16
Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash for Oily Skin
With zero chemicals and all-natural ingredients like Hawaiian white ginger and chamomile essential oil, this cleanser by Desert Essence works best for people with oily and combination skin.
Key Features:
- 946mL
- For oily and combination skin
- Free of chemicals
- All-natural ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cost: $15
RUGGED & DAPPER Facial Cleanser
The RUGGED & DAPPER Facial Cleanser is a multi-purpose product for men that acts as a face wash, toner, and exfoliator.
Key Features:
- 237mL
- For men of all ages
- Suits most skin types
- Natural, alcohol-free fragrance
- Multi-purpose
- Natural ingredients like aloe vera and willow bark
Cost: $40
