Cleansing is hardly the most glamorous step in a skin-care lineup, but in many ways, it’s the most important — so we believe in using only the best face wash around. Whether your skin-care routine consists of a basic wash-and-moisture duo or you indulge in a 10-step ritual that your younger self would probably find very impressive, starting with a fresh canvas is vital. Only after you sweep away all of the breakout-causing dirt, makeup, and excess oil residing on your face, can your skin properly absorb and reap the benefits of all that skin-loving goodness — including, but not limited to, toners, essences, serums, and moisturizers — you layer on afterward.
To make this daily task a little bit more enjoyable, here are 17 refreshingly pampering options at a variety of price points that do the job seamlessly and wash away without a trace. This elite breed of all-star face cleansers includes Best of Beauty-winning classics and Readers’ Choice gems that are gentle as can be, board-certified dermatologist favorites that pack numerous benefits, and some fancy finds for those who want to give your skin a spa-like treatment. (P.S. If you’re looking for cleansing balms or cleansing oils, we have separate roundups for those.)
So, what sets this lineup apart from all other cleansers and puts them in a league of their own? The answer lies in the meticulous formulations that combine dirt-eliminating, makeup-melting cleansers with impressively softening hydration that’ll leave your face feeling refreshingly clean without ever over-drying your skin. The result is a fresh, supple, and glowy complexion that turns an everyday chore into a twice-daily treat.
Ready to feel more confident when reading your beauty products’ ingredient labels? Enter, the Allure Ingredient Index. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the most in-demand (and under-the-radar) ingredients in your favorite skin-care products.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, $17
- Best for Oily Skin: SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser, $39
- Multitasking Formula: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $39
- Best for Dry Skin Types: Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Moisture Barrier Cleanser, $28
- Antioxidant-Fueled Formula: Youth to the People Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser, $39
- Skin-Soothing Formula: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Foaming Cleanser, $28
- Best Gel Cleanser: Rose Ingleton MD SuperFruit Brightening Cleanser, $38
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