The 17 Best Face Washes to Keep You Looking Fresh (2024)

We're going to assume you’re already washing your face as part of your skincare routine. If you’re not, you need to be—seriously. When you do wash it, which for the record should be both morning and night, what you use to cleanse your mug is just as important as actually doing it. Using your body wash or bar soap isn’t going to cut it. Those products tend to be too harsh for your face and can cause more issues than they solve, like dryness, breakouts, and stripping away the protective skin barrier (which is what's happened when you get that too-tight feeling after cleansing). You need to be using a face cleanser.

Face cleansers come in all shapes and sizes, but what they all have in common is that they’re specifically designed to be used...on your face. And that’s a good thing. When you’re choosing a cleanser, think about your specific skin issues. If you have oily skin or are prone to breakouts, look for a gel cleanser that controls oil or has a pimple-busting ingredient like salicylic acid. If you have sensitive skin, go for a non-foaming cream cleanser that won’t be too harsh. And if you’re not sure where to even start thinking about a face wash, this list will help.

This deep cleaning, but refreshing gel helps cut oil and shine and keep it away throughout the day.

This cleanser is specifically formulated to deep clean pores and help keep ingrown hairs and razor bumps away, but it’s still gentle enough for all skin types.

The combination of lightly exfoliating polyhydroxy acid and brightness-boosting Vitamin C is tailor made for morning cleansing and leaves your face looking fresh and ready to take on the day.

This soothing cleansing gel helps clear up pimples and blackheads (and keep them away) thanks to a dose of salicylic acid.

This foaming gel cleanser is perfect for skin that tends toward oiliness, and thanks to ingredients like ceramides, it cleans deeply but doesn’t disrupt your skin barrier and leave your face feeling tight.

Cream cleansers are great for dry and sensitive skin, but sometimes you want a little bubble to really feel fresh. This does both—it starts as a cream but lathers into a foam for a deep clean.

This face wash froths up to balance out your skin and leave you smelling and feeling fresh, without drying you out. Great for acne-prone and normal skin alike.

Sulfate-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free, this Baxter cleanser will hydrate your skin and reduce redness.

Perricone MD makes a great hypoallergenic exfoliating face wash for any skin type.

A cleansing MVP, this lightly foaming gel is great for all skin types and can whisk away even heavy oils like sunscreen easily.

If you have sensitive skin (or like avoiding harsh ingredients), Grown Alchemist's plant-based products wash gently.

Indie Lee’s Brightening Cleanser removes impurities and firms skin. It smells fruity and is rich with antioxidants and vitamins.

This gel cleanser transforms into a dense foam when you lather up, helping lift impurities without drying out your skin.

Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser is a all-natural lightweight gel that works for all skin types. Both gentle and powerful, it’s a cult classic for a reason.

For ultra-sensitive skin, this soap-free formula won’t disturb your skin’s natural moisture balance.

This purifying cleanser will clean and exfoliate skin that has to face city pollution and dirt.

This mild cleanser from Kiehl's is a great everyday choice for normal skin that just needs freshening up.