Derm-Favorite Face Washes for Every Type of Skin

My top priority in selecting the best overall pick is to choose a face wash compatible with all skin types. Given that Kihel's fan-favorite cleanser earned high marks from Camp and it only costs $25, I was confident this was our clear winner.

"This facial cleanser is appropriate for all skin types because it helps clear skin of excess and residue without stripping it dry," says Camp.

The creamy face wash is pH-balanced, meaning it's close to the skin's usual pH range of 4-7, and will help the skin barrier function normally. Ulta Facial Cleanser is gentle enough to cleanse and dissolve excess oil and debris, without over-drying the skin.

It's also infused with several standout ingredients including, squalane, glycerin, and avocado, which is rich in fatty acids that help soften the skin.

Camp advises those with sensitive skin to keep it simple and use this gentle, non-irritating face wash from Vanicream for the best results. A mild cleanser that is appropriate for sensitive skin because it is free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, formaldehyde, botanical extracts, sulfates, and gluten," he says.

So what does Vanicream's cleanser contain? A blend of 13 non-irritating ingredients, like purified water, glycerin, and sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt. With a minimal ingredient list, a coveted approval by Camp, and thousands of glowing online reviews, it's unsurprising this face wash is one of our top picks.

"This stuff has drastically changed my skin and I only switched to it a week ago! The persistent redness I'd had for over a decade is now non-existent, and this is the only cleanser I've ever used that I can put directly on the seborrheic dermatitis around my nose, and it doesn't irritate it at all," says a 5-star review. The reviewer adds it is a life-changing product that faded their hyperpigmentation significantly, and their dry flaky areas are gone.

Created by Harvard-trained dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin, M.D., this gentle face wash has been a delight to use. My oily skin feels rebalanced, and the cleanser doesn't overly strip my natural oils, even during harsh NYC winters. It also does a solid job of removing makeup. However, I like to go in with a separate makeup remover to ensure I remove every drop of concealer, eyeshadow, and mascara.

It contains a trifecta of standout ingredients to help my skin look and feel healthy, including conditioning glycerin, plant-derived squalane, and soothing bisabolol. And FWIW, the SEEN body wash, shampoo, and hair serums are best-in-class products that are safe for the hair and body.

Those with dry skin need to use a hydrating, non-foaming face wash to prevent moisture loss. This fragrance- and paraben-free option from CeraVe is cheap, effective, and earned snaps from Camp.

"Ceramides in this cleanser maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and improve the ability of the skin to retain moisture," he says. It's also made with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to avoid over-stripping the skin.

Online reviewers are also obsessed with this affordable face wash. To quote a 5-star Amazon review, "After each use, my skin feels clean, refreshed, and comfortably hydrated, ready to absorb the benefits of the following skincare steps. It has also contributed to reducing occasional breakouts, leaving me with a clearer and more radiant complexion."

Sometimes it's best to keep it simple, and this Cetaphil cleanser delivers an effective formulation with an affordable price tag.

"A gel-to-foam cleanser, this product contains niacinamide, known for its calming properties, and glycerin to smooth the skin surface," says Camp. There's also a blend of panthenol and glycerin to help decrease transepidermal water loss and prevent the skin from feeling dry or tight.

Not only is this face wash for normal skin recommended by a dermatologist, but it earned plenty of love from thousands of Amazon reviewers. "My dermatologist recommended this product in my 20’s, and I am still using it in my 40’s. I started my boys using this as well (one is a pre-teen, and the other is nine). This product has helped my skin a lot. I will always use this product," says a 5-star review.

There's nothing wrong with aging as it's natural and part of life. However, if you want to give mature skin a little extra love and cater to its specific needs, then this dermatologist-approved face wash is a must-have.

"Lactic acid in this product helps gently exfoliate skin, and antioxidants help prevent the formation of fine lines and skin dullness," explains Camp.

The convenient 2-in-1 cleanser and face scrub helps boost cell turnover and ensure skin is smooth like a newborn baby. Don't believe us? Well, to quote a 5-star Amazon review, "Have used this cleanser for years. It beats out any other one out there. So light and creamy, leaves your face feeling fresh and clean. Wouldn't use anything else. Great product!"

Camp says oily skin will benefit from using foaming cleansers, such as this one from Cetaphil. The NYC-based doctor appreciates that it uses many bubbles to penetrate pores and remove excess oil, leaving behind clean skin.

The deep cleansing face wash removes skin impurities and excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture balance. Pro Oil is so effective that it can even remove makeup, so there's one less step in your nightly routine.

"My face says thank you. I love these face washes, and they actually work! My family has complimented my noticeably clearer skin and my coworkers as well," says one 5-star online review.

When you experience dry and oily patches, it's safe to say you've got combination skin. To help regulate oil production in the greasy T-Zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and hydrate the dryness on your cheeks, Camp says this cream cleanser is appropriate for those with combination skin. He appreciates that Pure Skin Face Cleanser includes aloe to calm skin and glycerin to improve hydration.

This cleanser has a lightweight creamy formulation that leaves the skin soft and supple. In addition to aloe and glycerin, it contains allantoin to help calm and soothe your stressed skin.

Sephora reviewers with combination skin agree it is a must-have product in their daily routine. "The combination of unique lathering texture and the subtle clean scent makes for an effective, gentle cleanser that leaves my skin feeling clean and not at all stripped. The name 'Pure Skin' is very fitting for this product, as my skin tone looks improved after every use," says a 5-star review.

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment is my secret weapon for shrinking zits, so when Camp highlighted their cleanser as a fitting option for those with acne-prone skin, I instantly added it to this article.

"Salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid, a salicylic acid derivative, in this cleanser remove oil to treat existing acne and prevent future acne," says Camp. These ingredients target angry, red pimples, whiteheads, clogged and enlarged pores, and overly oily skin. And don't worry; there's also some glycerin to help prevent excessively stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

This is also the winning product for stopping new zits from popping up. To quote a 5-star Amazon review, "I tried this once before, and it worked great, but I ran out and was using a cheap generic face cleanser... my face started breaking out like a pubescent teen. No exaggeration, after the first wash back on the La-Roche, my face felt so clean, and NO NEW ZITS the next day!!"