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  4. The Best Drugstore Face Washes, According to Dermatologists

The Best Drugstore Face Washes, According to Dermatologists

By Erin Lukas
Updated Apr 09, 2020 @ 5:30 pm
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
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SEO UPDATE: Best Drugstore Face Washes, According to Dermatologists
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Splurging on a fancy face mask or serum is one way to indulge in a little self-care. But on the other hand, finding effective, affordable skincare products at the drugstore can be just as magical. After all, who doesn't like saving money?

Take face washes for example. Whether you're prone to breakouts or have seriously sensitive skin, you can find cleansers for every skin type and concern at your local drugstore. Convenient? Yes, but think about it: You'll also never feel bad about rinsing off your reasonably-priced face wash and watching it go down the drain.

RELATED: The Exact Order You Should Apply Your Skincare Products — Morning and Night

The only problem with drugstore cleansers is there's so many options. That's why we polled top dermatologists to find out the formulas they trust and recommend to their patients, so you can skip the trial and error that comes with finding the right face wash. 

Keep scrolling for the eight best drugstore face washes to use, according to dermatologists. 

Dove Beauty Bar for Sensitive Skin No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Foaming Facial Cleanser  Dove DermaSeries for Dry Skin Fragrance-Free Face Wash Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash Cream Cleanser Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil with Coconut & Argan Oil La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash

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Dove Beauty Bar For Sensitive Skin 

Best Drugstore Face Washes - Dove Beauty Bar Sensitive Skin 
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"The Dove Beauty Bar For Sensitive Skin is a tried-and-true option that can be used across all skin types," says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital. "Its gentle cleansing ingredients effectively remove dirt and oil from the skin without damaging the outer skin layer. It also contains skin-hydrating ingredients like stearic acid, actually leaves the skin moisturized after washing."

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No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator 

Best Drugstore Face Washes - No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator 
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$18
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"My favorite facial wash for gentle physical exfoliation is No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator," says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "The aluminum oxide micro-crystals help to sweep away dead skin cells to reveal a fresh glow. Over time, regular exfoliation can reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve the tone and texture of skin."

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Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser for Senstive Skin 

Best Drugstore Face Washes - Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser for Senstive Skin 
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"If you prefer a liquid cleanser, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Cleanser is a great option that can be used widely across different skin types," Dr. Zeichner says. "The lathering formula is great for people with oily skin, but the gentle HMP cleansing technology is gentle enough that even people with sensitive skin can use it."

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Dove DermaSeries Face Wash 

Best Drugstore Face Washes - Dove DermaSeries Face Wash 
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"Dove has always been my body cleanser of choice, but this product line is hypoallergenic and non-irritating which makes it amazingly gentle for facial skin," says Dr. Elizabeth Hale, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology, NYU Langone Medical Center. "I recommend this for my patients with rosacea or eczema, or those just with dry, sensitive skin."

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Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser 

Best Drugstore Face Washes - Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser 
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$6
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If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Robert T. Anolik, a board-certified dermatologist at Laser Skin & Surgery in New York City, recommends Neutrogena's cream cleanser. "This formula cleanses skin beautifully and also washes away build up of oils and dead skin cells that clog pores," he says. "It even mildly exfoliates, so skin is glowing."

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Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil With Coconut & Argan Oil 

Best Drugstore Face Washes - Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil With Coconut & Argan Oil 
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$15
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If using cruelty-free products with natural products is important to you, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm suggests trying Burt's Bees cleansing oil. "My patients with normal to dry skin love facial oils, and this is a lovely one that combines both coconut oil with argan oil," she says. "It is well tolerated by sensitive skin types and removes eye makeup!"

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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

Best Drugstore Face Washes - La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
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$15
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If you have normal to dry skin, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends this La Roche-Posay cleanser. "This has a gentle cream formula that effectively removes makeup and dirt while restoring the epidermal barrier and maintaining hydration," she says. 

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Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash

Best Drugstore Face Washes - Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash
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$15
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Having sensitive skin that's prone to breaking out can feel like a double-edged sword. Luckily, gentle acne-fighting face washes exist. "Since this is a Cetaphil product, we know that it will be gentle enough for even sensitive skin," says Dr. Ted Lain, board-certified dermatologist and chief medical officer at Sanova Dermatology. "Acne sufferers and those with an oily complexion like this product because it has ingredients that capture and remove the oil from the face without causing dryness or irritation."

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    1 of 8 Dove Beauty Bar For Sensitive Skin 
    2 of 8 No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator 
    3 of 8 Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser for Senstive Skin 
    4 of 8 Dove DermaSeries Face Wash 
    5 of 8 Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cream Cleanser 
    6 of 8 Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil With Coconut & Argan Oil 
    7 of 8 La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
    8 of 8 Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash

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