Editor’s note (updated October 2026): all five cleansers on this list are still made. We have added who each one suits, how to choose a face wash for your skin, and how to use it.
The first product in your routine matters more than people realize. Strip too hard and the rest of the routine works against you. Here are five face washes that get the balance right, and how to choose your own.
The five
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. The drugstore standard dermatologists have recommended for years, for good reason: a mild, fragrance-free cleanser that will not strip even sensitive skin. Best for dry, sensitive and easily irritated skin.
- Tatcha The Deep Cleanse. A gentle exfoliating gel cleanser with luffa fruit, for skin that wants a deeper clean without a gritty scrub. Best for normal, oily and congested skin.
- Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. A soap-free foaming gel that lifts the day off without the squeaky-tight feeling. Best for most skin types, especially normal to oily.
- Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash. The cult foaming wash for combination skin, which cleans oily zones without overdrying the rest.
- Eve Lom Cleanser with Muslin Cloth. The splurge: a balm you massage onto dry skin and remove with a hot muslin cloth, so it doubles as a mini facial. Best for dry and normal skin, and for anyone who wears a lot of makeup.
How to choose a face wash
- Dry or sensitive skin: cream, lotion or balm cleansers, fragrance-free if you react easily.
- Oily or acne-prone skin: gel or foaming cleansers. A cleanser with salicylic acid a few times a week can help with congestion.
- Combination skin: a gentle foam or gel that does not leave dry areas tight.
- If you wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen: double-cleanse at night, a balm or oil first, then your regular cleanser.
The test is how your skin feels ten minutes after you wash. Comfortable is right; tight, squeaky or itchy means the cleanser is too strong for you.
How to wash your face properly
- Use lukewarm water, not hot.
- Massage the cleanser in with your fingertips for 30 to 60 seconds, including along the hairline and jaw.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply your serum or moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.
Twice a day is enough for most people. If your skin is dry, a splash of water in the morning and a proper cleanse at night is fine. Whatever you choose, give a new cleanser two to four weeks before you judge it, unless it stings or irritates you, in which case stop using it.
The verdict
Pick the one that matches your skin, not the one with the loudest packaging. A gentle cleanser used properly will do more for your skin than a harsh one used in a rush.
Frequently asked questions
What face wash do dermatologists recommend?
Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that clean without stripping. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has been a dermatologist favorite for dry and sensitive skin for years. The right choice depends on your skin type.
How do you know if a cleanser is too harsh?
If your skin feels tight, squeaky or itchy, or looks red after washing, the cleanser is probably too strong. Skin should feel clean and comfortable.
How many times a day should you wash your face?
Twice a day suits most people. If your skin is dry or sensitive, a rinse with water in the morning and a proper cleanse at night is enough.
What is double cleansing?
Cleansing twice at night: first with an oil or balm to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, then with your regular cleanser. It is most useful if you wear makeup or water-resistant sunscreen.