The Best Face Cleansers for Whatever Your Skin Type

A good face wash should leave your skin feeling comfortable enough that you don’t have to race for your moisturizer. Whether you wear a full face of makeup, deal with midday shine, or find that almost everything makes your cheeks sting, the right cleanser comes down to what your skin needs after you rinse.

These are the face washes worth considering for different routines and skin types. Some are everyday cleansers; others work best as the first step when you’re removing makeup or sunscreen.

Best Overall: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

If you want one bottle that can handle an ordinary morning and a makeup-wearing evening, start here. It goes on as a cream and turns into a soft foam with water, giving you a more thorough-feeling wash than a traditional cream cleanser without the tight finish many people associate with foaming formulas. CeraVe positions it for normal to dry skin, including sensitive skin, and says it removes makeup as well as daily buildup. CeraVe

Best for: Someone who wants a simple daily cleanser with a little more cleansing power.

Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Dry skin rarely needs an aggressive wash. This creamy, non-foaming cleanser is made for normal to dry skin and contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It’s a particularly good fit if your face feels tight after cleansing or you prefer a soft, lotion-like texture. If you wear heavy makeup, remove that first. CeraVe

Best for: Dry skin and low-key morning routines.

Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash

Want a proper foam without the squeaky-clean aftermath? This is the one to look at. La Roche-Posay makes it for normal to oily skin, and the gel lathers into a satisfying wash for days when your T-zone feels shiny. It’s also positioned for sensitive skin, which makes it more appealing than a harsh cleanser that leaves your face feeling stripped. Clinically Tested, Derm Recommended

Best for: Oily or combination skin that still needs a gentle daily wash.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

When your skin is irritated, a cleanser doesn’t need to do anything clever. Vanicream’s straightforward face wash is designed for sensitive skin and uses a mild, soap-free cleansing formula. It’s the pick for anyone who wants to simplify their routine while figuring out what their skin will tolerate. vanicream.com

Best for: Easily irritated skin or a pared-back routine.

Best for Removing Makeup: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

For foundation, sunscreen, and eye makeup, a balm can make the end of the day feel much easier. Clinique’s Take The Day Off starts as a solid balm and melts as you massage it in, helping break down makeup before you rinse. Follow it with a regular face wash if you prefer a second cleanse, especially after a full makeup look. Clinique

Best for: Makeup wearers who want a dedicated first cleanse.

Best Affordable Makeup-Removing Cleanser: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser has a richer texture than a standard gel wash and is designed to lift makeup, dirt, and daily buildup while leaving skin feeling soft. It’s a useful choice if you like the idea of a balm but would rather keep a tube beside the sink. The Ordinary

Best for: A gentle evening cleanse without another jar in your bathroom.

Best for Breakout-Prone Skin: Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser

If breakouts are your main concern, Paula’s Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser is an option to consider. Its formula includes salicylic acid and is made for blemish-prone skin. A cleanser is only on your face briefly, though, so don’t expect it to do the entire job of an acne routine on its own. Paula's Choice

Best for: Breakout-prone skin that wants a cleansing step with salicylic acid.

How to Choose

If your skin feels tight after washing, try a cream cleanser. If you get oily through the day, a gentle foaming wash may feel better. And if you regularly wear makeup or substantial sunscreen, consider a balm or oil cleanser in the evening before your usual face wash.

The easiest way to tell whether your cleanser is working? Pay attention to your skin once it’s dry. Clean and comfortable is the goal; stinging, flaking, or that stretched feeling is a reason to try something gentler.