Washing your face might not seem a glamorous step in your beauty routine, but one thing is for sure: it’s essential. You can’t expect to have healthy skin and flawless makeup if you skip this part. It’s a common misconception that these products don’t do much as they are on the skin for a very little time (which is closer to 60 seconds); the right one has the power to make or break your game.
Using the facewash that fits your needs and concerns will ensure that your skin is ready for all that is about to come – toners, serums, moisturizers, and more. The reason why it’s the fundamental step is because it clears your face of all the dirt and gunk that accumulates over the day. It offers you squeaky clean skin, and sets a foundation for healthy-looking skin.
So without any further ado, let’s begin.
Comparing the Most Top Face Washes
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser — Best Overall
Rinse away the day’s worth of dirt, grime, sweat, makeup and oil off your face without stripping your skin of its natural moisture with the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It’s been making rounds on the Internet since its launch and is a favorite of many skin enthusiasts, beauty experts and dermatologists. The non-drying, super gentle, lotion-like formula is loaded with glycerin, vitamin B5, and niacinamide that amps the hydration factor and supports a healthy skin barrier. It’s so light that you can use it twice daily, at a.m and p.m. As if all that was not enough to make us the number one fans of this pick, this item is free from harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates and is suitable for all skin types, thus deserving of being the best overall product on our list.
Pros
- Affordable
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons
- Double cleaning is required with this when removing makeup
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser — Best For Dry Skin
Chock full of ingredients that amp up hydration levels and support the skin’s moisture barrier, the Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser is worthy of all the praises it gets. The affordable yet highly effective formula is created with patented technology that ensures all-day hydration, thus never stripping your skin of its natural oils. What’s more impressive, it’s accepted by the National Eczema Association, which means it has a seal of approval for even sensitive skin types. The price point is also convenient, and a little goes a long way. We simply love this drugstore staple and can’t imagine our life without it.
Pros
- Unscented
- Great value
- It’s non-comedogenic
Cons
- Not suitable for oily skin
EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser — Best for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin folks, we see you, and we feel you. The never-ending frustration of spending hundreds, if not thousands, of money on finding the right face washes for your skin type, only to know that instead of calming the horses down, it’s flaring up, which is downright irritating and infuriating. But here’s good news, you can put your fears to rest with the EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser. The super ingredient, like bromelain, is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce swelling, redness and irritation. So add this great pick to your daily routine, and have a healthy, glowy complexion, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Has a refreshing cucumber scent
- Doesn’t strip your skin off its natural oils
Cons
- Not makes a very good foam
PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash — Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Behold, the star product of the day is here. This PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash is a one-stop shop for all your acne-related concerns. The addition of 10 percent benzoyl peroxide in this formula makes this pick a power-pack product that deals with stubborn acne like a pro. This hero ingredient kills the acne-causing bacteria and helps in clearing breakouts and unclogging pores for fresher, cleaner skin. The best part? You can use this powerful pick even on the chest and back, and get rid of those tiny zits that are annoying you. So, do yourself a favor, open your wallet to this acne-preventer, and thank us later with your glowy, acne-free skin.
Pros
- Effective formula
- Free from parables and phthalates
- Prevents new breakouts and blemishes from forming
Cons
- Not cruelty-free
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser — Best for Oily Skin
Whisk away the makeup and impurities off your face gently with the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser. Infused with heavy hitters like ceramides, glycerin and niacinamide, this pick thoroughly cleanses your skin, removes dirt, and gunk with ease, while making sure that your skin is adequately hydrated and never too dry. It keeps the oil production in check and never messes with the skin’s PH or natural moisture barrier, thus making itself safe to be used during the day and at night. What’s more impressive, it’s free from toxic chemicals such as sulfates and parabens and doesn’t irritate most skin types.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Soothes the skin
- Dermatologists recommended
Cons
- Might be too drying for sensitive skin types
Buying Guide: Face Wash
To have clean, fresh, healthy skin is a desire of many, yet many people struggle with this. It all lies in the right products you pick for your skin, only if choosing was as easy as saying this. To find a skincare product that suits your type and caters your concerns is not a walk in the park. The endless roaming in the supermarket aisle can be frustrating, especially when, after spending hours searching, you don’t have anything up your sleeve. So what is the criteria when choosing your next favorite face wash, and how do you determine if it’s right or not? Well, there is no denying that each individual’s skin is unique, but there are some general guidelines that can ease the hunting process. Keep reading to know what they are.
Things to Look for
Ahead are few things you should keep in mind during face wash shopping.
Ingredients
Knowing what you’re putting on your face is crucial to determine whether it’s a right fit for you. Just like all beauty care products, the ingredient list of your face wash also matters, as it’ll directly impact your skincare goals. For instance, humectants like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin are great if you are struggling with dry, irritated skin. They hydrate the skin and replenish its natural barrier. But if you’re struggling with oily or acne-prone skin, products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid would work. These ingredients work to control oil production and kill surface bacteria, thus saving your skin from future breakouts. On the other hand, fragrance-free and sulfate-free products work wonders for sensitive skin as they don’t irritate the skin and gently cleanse it.
Texture
The texture or consistency of your face wash determines the skin type. Cream-based face wash usually incorporates humectants in it and makes it a good fit for dry skin folks. On the other hand, gel ones are great for oily or combination skin types. But if you want a product that thoroughly cleanses the skin and effectively removes makeup, look for foam cleansers, as they are soap-based and best at removing excess oil, grime and makeup from your face.
With countless options to choose from, the process of finding the right sunscreen for your skin tone and type can be overwhelming and frustrating. Ahead find some tips to narrow down your search when shopping for this essential pick.