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I asked seven top dermatologists from coast to coast about something many of us do every day: washing our faces. Do we really need to do it? Their answer: definitely.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The Guardian\u2019s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link.\u00a0Learn more.<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Think about what your face faces in a single day. You might slather on moisturizer, sunscreen or makeup. You get blasted with car exhaust fumes and UV rays. Your office may be dusty, your home even dustier (with a soup\u00e7on of pet hair). \u201cAnd skin\u2019s natural process is to accumulate oil in response to that daily grind \u2013 that\u2019s the barrier protecting you,\u201d says Dr Corey L Hartman, a dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama. \u201cBut all that has to come off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThink of your cleanser as the foundation of your skincare routine,\u201d says Dr Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist in New York City. \u201cThe right cleanser can add to the health of your skin, while the wrong one can actually impair it. Using a cleanser that is not strong enough means that it won\u2019t fully remove dirt and oil. Using one that\u2019s too harsh can lead to dryness, irritation and inflammation.\u201d<\/p>\n But you don\u2019t need to spend a fortune. \u201cSo many of my patients are obsessed with purchasing the most expensive cleansers,\u201d says Dr Divya Shokeen, a dermatologist in California, \u201cbut the inexpensive ones are sometimes the best.\u201d And, if you like a certain cleanser, but need to scrimp, check out drugstore-brand dupes. \u201cIf the ingredient list is nearly identical, I say go for it,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Which facial cleansers do dermatologists recommend? We asked all seven of them which products they recommend for all skin types: oily, dry, acne-prone, sensitive, older and more.<\/p>\n Dr Doris Day, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University Langone medical center.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dr Corey L Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama, and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dr Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dr Divya Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon based in southern California.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dr Mamina Turegano, a board-certified dermatologist, internist and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans, Louisiana.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dr Claire Wolinsky, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill-Cornell medical center.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dr Josh Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic & clinical research at Mount Sinai hospital in New York City.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n All prices current at time of publication.<\/em><\/p>\n If your skin is sensitive, less is more. Look for cleansers without fragrances or preservatives, which can be irritating, says Dr Hartman. Kiehl\u2019s Ultra Facial Cleanser can be used on all skin types, he says, \u201cbut I love it for sensitive skin as the formula is fragrance-free and gently removes dirt, oil and impurities from the face without disrupting the skin barrier or stripping natural oils. Its active moisturizing ingredients \u2013 squalane, avocado oil and glycerin \u2013 are ideal for sensitive skin as they are proven to not cause irritation.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Shokeen opts for Av\u00e8ne Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion. \u201cThis is perfect for my rosacea and sensitive skin patients that have a difficult time tolerating anything,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n $16.00 at Kiehl\u2019s <\/span> Photograph: Kiehl\u2019s<\/p>\n $27 at Av\u00e8ne <\/span> Photograph: Sephora<\/p>\n Skin naturally contains moisturizing elements: ceramides (lipids, or fats, that help maintain the skin barrier) and hyaluronic acid (HA, a humectant that draws and holds water in skin). If you feel parched, your barrier is not effectively retaining moisture. Dr Turegano recommends adding back these elements with an extra-hydrating cleanser that utilizes ceramides and HA, such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.<\/p>\n Dr Henry likes La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, containing spring water and ceramides.<\/p>\n $14.24 at Ulta Beauty <\/span> Photograph: Ulta Beauty<\/p>\n $19.99 at La Roche-Posay <\/span> Photograph: La Roche-Posay<\/p>\n Exfoliating generally means skimming off surface dead skin cells that can clog pores and make skin look dull \u2013 and you can do it the hard way (with potentially abrasive scrubs) or the easy way. Dr Turegano prefers the latter approach and recommends chemical exfoliators such as beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which help the shedding of skin cells. Best to start slow, she says: \u201cSome skins can\u2019t tolerate an exfoliating cleanser more than a few times a week. The goal is to not overdo.\u201d Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid, a BHA.<\/p>\n Dr Hartman suggests a product that may be appropriate for daily use: Olay Cleansing Melts + Vitamin C Face Cleanser. Just add water to the little pad for a cleansing foam; the Vitamin C \u201ccan also help to brighten skin, leaving it more even-toned and glowing\u201d.<\/p>\n $9.49 at Amazon <\/span> Photograph: Amazon<\/p>\n $4.94 at Walmart <\/span> Photograph: Amazon<\/p>\n \u201cA cleanser with benzoyl peroxide is ideal for active breakouts,\u201d says Dr Hartman. He likes La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dual Action Acne Face Wash with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide. That\u2019s enough benzoyl peroxide to be effective in treating acne, he says, \u201cwithout being too harsh on the skin. The formula contains lipo-hydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid, which will aid in acne reduction and evening skin texture.\u201d<\/p>\n Dr Day recommends the gentle gel-to-foam formula of Panoxyl Acne Gel Wash, which contains salicylic acid to help deep clean pores and prevent future breakouts and allantoin help fight blemish-causing bacteria.<\/p>\n $14.99 at Ulta Beauty <\/span> Photograph: Ulta Beauty<\/p>\n $9.74 at Ulta Beauty <\/span> Photograph: Ulta Beauty<\/p>\n Dr Hartman is a proponent of CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser. \u201cSalicylic acid in the formula can help regulate sebum production, leading to skin feeling less oily,\u201d he says. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid add moisture and niacinamide soothes skin while protecting the skin barrier.<\/p>\n Oily skin benefits from foam or gel cleansers that gently lift off excess oil without depositing heavy-feeling moisturizers, says Dr Turegano. Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash contains zinc, which has been linked to reduced oil production.<\/p>\n $11.99 at Ulta Beauty <\/span> Photograph: Ulta Beauty<\/p>\n $12.47 at Walmart <\/span> Photograph: Walmart<\/p>\n In sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, \u201cthe skin barrier is not functioning optimally,\u201d says Dr Zeichner, who opts for RoC Barrier Renew Cleanser. \u201cThe cleanser starts as a gel but gives mild lather without drying the skin. Plus, ceramides in the cleanser help seal in cracks in the outer skin layer, while green tea antioxidants provide soothing effects.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThis is one of the most sensitive skin types out there; it\u2019s more reactive than the average person,\u201d says Dr Turegano. \u201cKeeping things gentle means minimizing added chemicals like fragrances or preservatives.\u201d She is a fan of LaRoche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser with ceramides and calming niacinamide.<\/p>\n $12.99 at RoC <\/span> Photograph: RoC<\/p>\n $19.99 at La Roche-Posay <\/span> Photograph: La Roche-Posay<\/p>\n Dr Shokeen, Hartman and Henry are fans of Fresh Soy Face Cleanser. \u201cIt has been a classic for years,\u201d says Dr Hartman. \u201cIt gently cleanses the skin without stripping the natural oils. Soy helps the skin retain moisture and elasticity and aloe vera adds moisture.\u201d<\/p>\n Eucerin Gentle Cleansing Hydrating Cleansing Gel \u201cuses a dual molecular weight hyaluronic acid technology that is comfortable and effective for all skin types, making it useful for people with combination skin\u201d, says Dr Zeichner.<\/p>\n $39 at Fresh <\/span> Photograph: Sephora<\/p>\n $12.77 at Amazon <\/span> Photograph: Target<\/p>\n \u201cCeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is great,\u201d says Dr Shokeen. \u201cIt lifts grime without drying, and it\u2019s beard-friendly. If they shave, something with calming ingredients like niacinamide or allantoin is helpful to avoid irritation.\u201d e.l.f. Pure Skin Face Cleanser contains both, along with soothing oat milk and hydrating ceramides and hyaluronic acid.<\/p>\n $15.13 at Amazon <\/span> Photograph: Walmart<\/p>\n $9.74 at Walmart <\/span> Photograph: Walmart<\/p>\n As you get older, skin almost always gets drier, according to Dr Day. This is because your skin barrier contains less firming, structural elastin and collagen. It gets thinner and more fragile, produces less natural oil, and isn\u2019t as good at retaining moisture. Her solution: reload skin with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, found in CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser.<\/p>\n Rather than paying extra for anti-ageing ingredients in a cleanser (which is only in contact with skin for a short time), Dr Wolinsky suggests saving those for serums or creams. For results, she says, \u201cyou\u2019re always better off with a product that you can leave on skin.\u201d Instead she suggests washing with an active ingredient that\u2019s superficially exfoliating to give skin \u201ca bit of a glow\u201d and following with a hydrating serum or cream. Her pick: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser balances exfoliating glycolic acid with moisturizing hyaluronic acid.<\/p>\n $14.24 at Ulta Beauty <\/span> Photograph: UltaBeauty<\/p>\n $9.97 at Walmart <\/span> Photograph: CVS<\/p>\n A major way to be eco-conscious in skincare is to minimize and reuse packaging, says Dr Shokeen. Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser comes in a refillable glass bottle and contains no artificial dyes, parabens or phthalates, and was not formulated with animal testing.<\/p>\n Dr Hartman points out that many drugstore and high-end brands now offer refills, including Clarins and Neutrogena. \u201cThat\u2019s next-level,\u201d he says. He likes LaRoche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash, which offers refill packs; the brand claims that this uses 73% less plastic.<\/p>\n $39 at Youth to the People <\/span> Photograph: Sephora<\/p>\n $17.99 at Ulta Beauty <\/span> Photograph: UltaBeauty<\/p>\n There\u2019s something called \u201cdouble cleansing\u201d and it\u2019s perfect for those who have a heavy hand with maquillage, as well as those who are diligent with sunscreen. \u201cMineral-based sunscreens can build up on the skin as you reapply over the day,\u201d says Dr Day. \u201cSo you might need to do a double cleanse to get that off.\u201d<\/p>\n For a clean face, Dr Wolinsky suggests first patting skin with a micellar water cleanser on a cotton pad. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water contains micelles, ingredients that cling to makeup particles. Follow with a moisturizing face wash like Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser; \u201cIt\u2019s a really soft, lovely cleanser.\u201d<\/p>\n $8.99 at Ulta Beauty <\/span> Photograph: UltaBeauty<\/p>\n $13.44 at Amazon <\/span> Photograph: Amazon<\/p>\n Maria Ricapito is a former beauty features editor at Self magazine, and has covered beauty, style, and wellness for Allure, Health, Marie Claire, Harper\u2019s Bazaar, InStyle, <\/em>the New York Times Styles section, and Vanity Fair. She specializes in writing about the intersection of pop culture, trends<\/em> and personal style<\/em><\/p>\n This article was originally published on 21 August 2025. Reviews published in the Filter may be periodically updated to reflect new products and at the editor\u2019s discretion. The date of an article\u2019s most recent update can be found in the timestamp at the top of the page.<\/p>\nMeet the experts:<\/h2>\n
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At a glance<\/h2>\n
Best for sensitive skin:<\/em><\/h2>\n
Kiehl\u2019s Ultra Facial Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$16.00 at Sephora<\/p>\nAv\u00e8ne Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion<\/h2>\n
$27 at Ulta Beauty<\/p>\nBest for dry skin:<\/em><\/h2>\n
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$15.49 at Amazon<\/p>\nLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$19.99 at Amazon<\/p>\nBest for exfoliating:<\/em><\/h2>\n
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$9.74 at Ulta Beauty<\/p>\nOlay Cleansing Melts + Vitamin C Face Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$13.99 at Amazon<\/p>\nBest for acne-prone skin:<\/em><\/h2>\n
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Dual Action Acne Face Wash with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide<\/h2>\n
$19.97 at Walmart<\/p>\nPanoxyl Acne Gel Wash<\/h2>\n
$10.99 at Target<\/p>\nBest for oily skin:<\/em><\/h2>\n
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$12.37 at Walmart<\/p>\nCetaphil DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash<\/h2>\n
$12.49 at Target<\/p>\nBest for rosacea:<\/em><\/h2>\n
RoC Barrier Renew Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$12.99 at Amazon<\/p>\nLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$19.99 at Amazon<\/p>\nBest for combination skin:<\/em><\/h2>\n
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$39 at Sephora<\/p>\nEucerin Gentle Cleansing Hydrating Cleansing Gel<\/h2>\n
$12.99 at Target<\/p>\nBest for those with beards or moustaches:<\/em><\/h2>\n
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$16.97 at Walmart<\/p>\ne.l.f. Pure Skin Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$10 at e.l.f.<\/p>\nBest for ageing skin:<\/em><\/h2>\n
Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$15.49 at Amazon<\/p>\nNeutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$13.49 at CVS<\/p>\nMost sustainable ingredients\/packaging:<\/h2>\n
Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$39 at Sephora<\/p>\nToleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash<\/h2>\n
$19.99 at La Roche-Posay<\/p>\nBest for makeup fans:<\/em><\/h2>\n
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water<\/h2>\n
$11.99 at CVS<\/p>\nCetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser<\/h2>\n
$18.49 at CVS<\/p>\n