The Best Drugstore Face Washes, According to Dermatologists

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

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."

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!"

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. 

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."