The 12 Best Face Washes We Tested for Women

Grace Gallagher

Wed, September 23, 2026 at 6:36 PM UTC

Everyday Health independently vets all recommended products. All prices are accurate at time of publish. If you purchase a featured product, we may be compensated. Learn why you can trust us .

Cleansers set the stage for the rest of a skin care routine, so it's important to find one that works for your skin type. And because this is a safe space, it's okay to admit if you've ever been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of face washes for women on the market. You're in the right place, though, if you want to learn about the cleansers that will suit your skin.

"The best cleanser is one you'll actually use consistently," says Sarah Allen, MD , a board-certified physician in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and founder and chief medical officer of Skin Clique. "Skin health is health; it's about maintaining the integrity of your barrier every day, not chasing trends. A simple, science-backed routine is always more effective than an overly complicated one."

To bring you the best face washes for women, we tested more than 100 across every price point and texture - gels, balms, powders, oils, and more - and spoke to four experts to find out what works. Keep reading to learn more about our favorite picks.

Our Top Picks for the Best Face Wash for Women

Best gentle: SEEN Face Wash
Best for all skin types: Tatcha The Rice Wash
Best vitamin C: TruSkin Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser
Best hydrating: Rhode Pineapple Refresh PGA Daily Cleanser
Best brightening: Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser
Best for acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser
Best for rosacea: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Best for removing makeup: Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Best oil-to-foam: Laneige Perfect Renew Oil-to-Foam Cleanser
Best powder: Jaxon Lane Shake And Wake Enzyme Powder Face Wash
Best cleansing balm: Wylys Phyto Green Cleansing Balm
Best oil cleanser: One Love Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil

Best Gentle

SEEN Face Wash

Buy Now at SEEN

Buy Now on Amazon

Pros

Won't clog pores
Designed for sensitive, acne- or eczema-prone skin
Contains moisturizing ingredients

Cons

Takes a bit to lather

Key Specs

Type:Gel-to-foam cleanser
Key ingredients:Bisabolol, glycerin, squalane
Fragrance:No

This dermatologist-created product keeps sensitive skin in mind. It helps remove makeup and other grime from the day while remaining gentle. We love that it doesn't contain any fragrances and includes nourishing ingredients.

Squalane is known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties, which help skin look smoother and more even - something our science and health journalist Malissa Rodenburg noticed.

"I loved the texture of my skin after washing with this product," she raves. "My skin felt soft, smooth, clean, and calm. I could tell throughout the day that where I used this product versus where I didn't (my face and not my neck, for example)." Rodenburg says this product improved her eczema, too.

The formula also contains bisabolol, which Kathleen Hamilton , certified esthetician and education director at Woodhouse Spa in Cincinnati, says can calm and comfort the skin.

We Also Liked:

Vanicream Gentle Face Wash is an equally gentle face wash with a more budget-friendly price tag. It's soap-free, fragrance-free, and pH-balanced, so even those with reactive skin should be able to use it comfortably. With a bit of water it foams nicely but not overwhelmingly. And despite being gentle, it removes grime and makeup, no problem.

Best for All Skin Types

Tatcha The Rice Wash

Buy Now on Amazon

Buy Now at Sephora

Pros

Foams nicely
Doesn't strip skin
Gently exfoliates

Cons

Contains fragrance, which may irritate sensitive skin
Higher price point than most others on the list

Key Specs

Type:Cream cleanser
Key ingredients:Red algae, hyaluronic acid, Japanese rice powder
Fragrance:Yes

This rice wash cleanser is versatile enough for most people. The first thing you'll notice about it (beyond the pretty purple tube) is its creamy texture that foams into a rich lather. The Japanese rice powder softens skin, and it has a pH-neutral base to deeply cleanse without stripping the skin, so it shouldn't feel tight after rinsing.

"This comes out pretty thick and has a slight gritty texture (but not to the extent that it's an exfoliant)," says editor Ashley Ziegler , adding the product "lathers up really well and is easy to rub into the skin."

We Also Liked:

Youth to the People's Superfood Antioxidant Cleaner is another excellent everyday face wash that works on all skin types. It quickly foams, effectively washing away the day's dirt. We love that it's cruelty-free and contains superfood ingredients to nourish the skin. It's a bit on the pricey side, but you get a lot of product for the price.

Best Vitamin C

TruSkin Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser

Buy Now at TruSkin

Buy Now on Amazon

Pros

Helps brighten and even skin tone
Easily removes makeup
Contains additional ingredients, like vitamin E

Cons

Vitamin C can be irritating to some

Key Specs

Type:Gel
Key ingredients:Vitamin C
Fragrance:No

This gentle yet effective cleanser brightens and refreshes without the sting, itch, or dryness some vitamin C products can cause. We like how it left our skin feeling soft, smooth, and balanced.

Writer Erin Heger noticed "a slight fading of some discoloration and sunspots. I like that it is lightweight, feels smooth on the skin, and leaves my skin feeling clean and nourished. I also like that it did not irritate my skin or make my breakouts worse, as some vitamin C products do."

It's a great option for those who want a radiant, even-toned complexion without sacrificing gentleness.

We Also Liked:

Vitamin C isn't the only thing that brightens skin; a good exfoliator like ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash can do the job just as well. The formula is surprisingly gentle for an exfoliating cleanser. It lathers well, rinses makeup away, and never leaves the skin feeling tight. We recommend using it only a few times a week, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Best Hydrating

Rhode Pineapple Refresh PGA Daily Cleanser

Buy Now at Rhode

Buy Now at Sephora

Pros

Rinses clean
Leaves skin feeling moisturized
Innovative ingredients

Cons

Some reviewers say it's not the best at removing waterproof formulas

Key Specs

Type:Balm-to-foam cleanser
Key ingredients:Polyglutamic acid, pineapple enzyme, green tea extract, next-gen hyaluronic acid
Fragrance:No

Rhode is an Instagrammable celebrity beauty brand brought to us by Hailey Bieber. While you might feel tempted to write it off as just another celeb launch, the products really deliver.

The Rhode Pineapple Refresh PGA Daily Cleanser features moisturizing ingredients, next-gen hyaluronic acid (which has a low molecular weight for better skin penetration), glycerin, and more, which help hydrate and plump the skin. It also features pineapple enzyme to gently exfoliate and smooth the texture.

The formula itself has a poppy yellow hue (no dyes, though!) that makes it fun to use. "It's a creamy balm - an opaque, glittery amber-yellow color," says health and science writer Mary Dennis . "I found the color, the mild soapy scent, and the way it lathered very pleasant. My face felt soft, smooth, and deeply hydrated. It removed all makeup, sunscreen, and grime from the day without stripping my skin at all."

We liked how the cleanser didn't have a lingering scent or residue. "Just clean, supple skin that felt deliciously moisturized," Dennis adds.

We Also Liked:

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser is ideal for dry skin. Its formula includes squalane , glycerin, and avocado oil to help lock in moisture. It's also pH-balanced to help protect the skin barrier. We love that it's dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free, so it's safe for all skin types. We just wish you got more product for the price.

Best Brightening

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

Buy Now at Revolve

Buy Now on Amazon

Pros

Gentle enough for all skin types
Antioxidant-rich
Helps control oiliness

Cons

Not gluten-free

Key Specs

Type:Gel
Key ingredients:Strawberry seed oil, tomato extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein
Fragrance:Yes, natural fragrance

The Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser contains ingredients that sound like they came straight from a summer garden - strawberry seed oil, tomato extract, and hydrolyzed wheat protein - all of which work together to give you a glow. Coconut oil gives it some gentle slip to easily remove makeup, sweat, and excess oil without stripping the skin. Lycopene from the tomato extract is vitamin-rich for a brightening glow. This product has a light, natural strawberry scent.

I've been using this for a few weeks now, and my skin looks calm and bright, like I've been sleeping much more than I have.

We Also Liked:

Pixi Glow Tonic Gel Cleanser will also brighten your skin without stripping it. Its hero ingredient is glycolic acid, a mild chemical exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells, leaving glowing skin behind (as the name suggests). It's super lightweight, yet it handles makeup beautifully. There is a slight fragrance, but it doesn't last long.

Best for Acne

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

Buy Now on Amazon

Buy Now at CVS

Pros

Helps clear breakouts and exfoliates
Reduces oil on the skin's surface
Noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores

Cons

May be drying to some

Key Specs

Type:Gel
Key ingredients:Salicylic acid, lipohydroxy acid
Fragrance:No

"If someone is breakout-prone, a low-percentage salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cleanser used a few times a week can help keep pores clear without overdrying," Dr. Allen says.

The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser contains 2 percent salicylic acid, which dissolves oil and dead skin cells inside the pore, reducing blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. This is the formula I turn to at the slightest hint of a breakout, or if I start noticing blackheads creeping in.

At the same time, the inclusion of lipohydroxy acid (LHA) helps refine skin texture and smooth the surface of the skin without relying on rough physical exfoliants, which could make acne worse.

We Also Liked:

Here's another great pick that uses salicylic acid to clear away the oil that causes acne: Murad Acne Control Clarifying Cleanser . It has a lovely gel texture that cools as you massage it on your face. While the acne-fighting agent is purported to work, some users reported it can leave skin feeling a bit dry.

Best for Rosacea

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Buy Now at Walmart

Buy Now on Amazon

Pros

Accessible price point
Helps restore and maintain skin's natural barrier
Fragrance-free, doesn't clog pores
Accepted by National Eczema Association

Cons

Some reviewers needed a double cleanse to fully remove makeup

Key Specs

Type:Cleansing lotion
Key ingredients:Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides
Fragrance:No

CeraVe is a standout brand when it comes to sensitive skin. This cleanser has the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance, meaning it's safe and effective for eczema-prone or very sensitive skin.

For sensitive skin, William Kwan, MD , a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology in Beverly Hills, California, says he recommends nondrying lotion or cream-based cleansers. "They take a little getting used to since they don't foam. Foaming face washes could strip the natural oils from your skin, leading to more dryness."

In addition to hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help keep skin hydrated, this formula contains ceramides, which Dr. Kwan says can help restore lost lipids from the skin, maintaining your skin's barrier.

We Also Liked:

For reactive skin, Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser is one of the most gentle around. It doesn't foam, so you don't have to worry about skin getting dry or tight, and it hydrates as it cleans with glycerin. There's nothing we don't love about this budget-friendly pick. Even its largest size is under $20.

Best for Removing Makeup

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Buy Now at Walmart

Buy Now at Sephora

Pros

Removes tough makeup
Hydrating
Made with gentle ingredients

Cons

Some may not love the cucumber scent

Key Specs

Type:Gel
Key ingredients:Soy proteins, aloe vera, cucumber extract
Fragrance:Yes, natural fragrance

This longtime fan-favorite cleanser proves you don't need harsh formulas to remove stubborn makeup (cough cough: waterproof mascara). "It absolutely delivers on its promise to remove makeup," praises Eve Lederman , an editor. "It fully removed liquid foundation, mascara, and eyebrow pencil with one wash. I think it's gentle yet a powerhouse in terms of cleansing."

Packed with soy proteins to help retain hydration and boost elasticity, aloe vera to soothe and calm, and cucumber extract for a cooling sensation, it leaves skin feeling soft, balanced, and clean.

We Also Liked:

Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil may seem like a lightweight oil right out of the bottle, but boy, does it work well on makeup. If you massage it onto dry skin first, then add water, you get the best effect. We found that mascara melted away easily, and our skin was left smooth, not greasy. It is a pricier pick, though.

Best Oil-to-Foam

Laneige Perfect Renew Oil-to-Foam Cleanser

Buy Now on Amazon

Buy Now at Laneige

Pros

Suitable for all skin types
Doesn't leave skin feeling tight
2-in-1 cleanser (oil and foam)

Cons

Vitamin C can be irritating to some

Key Specs

Type:Oil-to-foam cleanser
Key ingredients:Vitamin C, jojoba oil, evening primrose oil, green tea seed oil, marula oil, argan oil
Fragrance:Yes

The Laneige Perfect Renew Oil-to-Foam Cleanser feels light and luxurious. It starts as a silky oil that melts away sunscreen and makeup, then transforms into a light foam that leaves your skin feeling clean and balanced, kind of like a double cleanse in one.

The formula contains vitamin C for a brightening effect. It also includes several rich plant oils; RE.D Flavonoid, a proprietary blend of flavonoids (plant compounds) that boosts glow; soothing oils; and micelles, which gently but effectively remove makeup and oil.

Lindsay Modglin , a former nurse and health writer, says her "face felt clean and fairly soft, without the tightness some cleansers leave behind." We also appreciate the packaging, which comes in a sturdy pump bottle that looks elevated.

We Also Liked:

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser also quickly goes from gel to foam, removing oil and grime with ease. We love that it comes in a large size and is dermatologist-recommended. It also includes ceramides and niacinamide to soothe stressed skin.

Best Powder

Jaxon Lane Shake and Wake Enzyme Powder Face Wash

Buy Now at Jaxon Lane

Buy Now on Amazon

Pros

Travel-friendly
Lightweight
Contains potent ingredients

Cons

Can be messy
Some do not like having to mix their face wash with water

Key Specs

Type:Powder
Key ingredients:Pineapple and papaya enzymes, niacinamide
Fragrance:No

This clever water-activated powder cleanser transforms into a smooth, creamy lather that leaves skin feeling refreshed and polished, never stripped.

"The lather on this face wash is smooth; even though it says it's exfoliating, you don't feel like you're rubbing a pumice stone on your face," says Katie Tuttle , an editor who answered on behalf of her boyfriend, who tested the cleanser. "It's very gentle."

Dr. Wang says powder cleansers are a fantastic addition to a skin care routine. "They're travel-friendly, gentle, and often contain natural enzymes that dissolve dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing." Plus, because they're anhydrous (water-free), they require fewer preservatives, making them a great pick for sensitive skin.

This formula contains niacinamide , which our experts sing the praises of. "Niacinamide, ceramides, and glycerin are all great barrier-supporting ingredients. They help the skin retain moisture and calm inflammation," Allen says.

We Also Liked:

For a more budget-friendly powder cleanser, we recommend Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder . Just add a little water and rub it between your hands to create a lovely foam that lightly exfoliates your skin with rice powder. The formula includes ceramides to keep dryness at bay. While users noticed a brightening effect after a week, some say it takes a bit of effort to fully wash off the cleanser.

Best Cleansing Balm

Wylys Phyto Green Cleansing Balm

Buy Now on Amazon

Buy Now at Nordstrom

Pros

Balm-to-oil milk texture easily removes makeup
Suitable for a wide range of skin types
Nourishing and hydrating

Cons

Higher price point than most others on the list
Herbaceous scent could irritate sensitive skin

Key Specs

Type:Balm
Key ingredients:Babassu seed oil, green tea seed oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, grapeseed oil, vitamin E
Fragrance:Yes, but free of synthetic fragrance

It's hard to resist the rich, buttery, melt-your-makeup-away ease of a cleansing balm. This product isn't your average face wash - it's a whole experience.

Ziegler was shocked to see that when she added water to the thick balm (which she describes as "similar to Vaseline but not as slick"), it lathered. She was "amazed by how well it removed makeup and sunscreen while still being gentle and hydrating," and found its eucalyptus scent spa-like.

"Cleansing balms are oil-based, so they melt away sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum without stripping the skin. They're ideal as a first step in a double-cleanse routine and work beautifully for dry or sensitive skin types," says Allen.

It's made of powerful botanicals, including babassu, green tea, and apricot oils, to soften and hydrate, plus rosemary and lavender oils to help ease breakouts.

We Also Liked:

Juno & Co Clean 10 Cleansing Balm is proof that cleansing balms don't have to cost $60 to be effective and feel amazing. It's under $20 and has a delightfully pillowy feel upon application. It washes away easily, leaving smooth, clean skin in its wake (no double cleansing necessary). The product is safe for all skin types, and the container is refillable. There is a slight fragrance, but it's very subtle.

Best Oil Cleanser

One Love Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil

Buy Now on Amazon

Buy Now at Credo Beauty

Pros

Gently lifts makeup, sunscreen, dirt
Hydrates skin
Made with soothing ingredients

Cons

Some people may not like a fruity scent
May feel heavy for some people

Key Specs

Type:Oil-based cleanser
Key ingredients:Papaya, pumpkin, and sunflower seed oils; papain; natural vitamin B complex
Fragrance:Yes, contains natural fragrance

I tested this One Love Organics cleansing oil and love how it effortlessly melts away makeup and sunscreen, leaving my skin feeling clean and hydrated. I'm not usually drawn to scented products, but this one uses natural fragrances, and the subtle, citrusy pineapple scent is refreshing and light, never cloying or artificial.

You've likely heard that oil is the enemy of clear skin, but it's far from the truth. In fact, dry skin needs oil, and oil-based cleansers can be beneficial for sensitive skin.

"For patients with dry or sensitive skin, I prefer oil-based cleansers because they offer the same deep-cleaning benefits but are often lighter and leave no residue," says James Y. Wang, MD , a dermatologist and founder of Metropolis Dermatology in Southern California.

Made with organic ingredients and suitable for sensitive skin, this cleanser has become a favorite in my routine. It contains papain, a fruit enzyme that may help exfoliate and soften skin, and vitamin B complex to purify and tone the skin.

We Also Liked:

Epicutis Oil Cleanser is one of our favorites for mature skin. The meadowfoam seed oil and sunflower seed oil bind to makeup, dirt, sebum, and sunscreen, and then you wash it all away with water. It's safe for all skin types, including those prone to rosacea or eczema, but it is on the pricey side.

Comparison Table

Brand

Superlative

Key Ingredients

Type

Fragrance

Buy Now

SEEN Face Wash

Best gentle

Bisabolol, glycerin, squalane

Gel-to-foam

Buy Now

Tatcha The Rice Wash

Best for all skin types

Red algae hyaluronic acid, Japanese rice powder

Cream

Yes

Buy Now

TruSkin Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser

Best vitamin C

Vitamin C

Gel

Buy Now

Rhode Pineapple Refresh PGA Daily Cleanser

Best hydrating

Polyglutamic acid, pineapple enzyme, green tea extract, next-gen hyaluronic acid

Balm-to-foam

Buy Now

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

Best brightening

Strawberry seed oil, tomato extract, hydrolyzed wheat protein

Gel

Yes, natural fragrance

Buy Now

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

Best for acne

Salicylic acid, lipohydroxy acid

Gel

Buy Now

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Best for rosacea

Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides

Cleansing lotion

Buy Now $11.75

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Best for removing makeup

Soy proteins, aloe vera, cucumber extract

Gel

Yes, natural fragrance

Buy Now

Laneige Perfect Renew Oil-to-Foam Cleanser

Best oil-to-foam

Vitamin C, jojoba oil, evening primrose oil, green tea seed oil, marula oil, argan oil

Oil-to-foam

Yes

Buy Now

Jaxon Lane Shake and Wake Enzyme Powder Face Wash

Best powder

Pineapple enzyme, papaya enzyme, niacinamide

Powder

Buy Now

Wylys Phyto Green Cleansing Balm

Best cleansing balm

Babassu seed oil, green tea seed oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, grapeseed oil, vitamin E

Balm

Yes, but free of synthetic fragrance

Buy Now

One Love Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil

Best oil cleanser

Papaya, pumpkin, and sunflower seed oils; papain; natural vitamin B complex

Oil-based

Yes, natural fragrance

Buy Now

Other Noteworthy Products We Tried

We tested more than 100 cleansers and asked for personal favorites from our writers, editors, and other staff. There were some excellent cleansers that ultimately didn't make the final cut. Still, we wanted to call out some other notable products:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser This gentle cleanser helps nurture dry, rough skin. It's a creamy gel texture that does not foam. It's made with glycerin and niacinamide (vitamin B3) and is noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. This one ultimately didn't make our list because our tester mentioned her skin felt dry a few hours after using it, though that may not be the case for everyone.
Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser This is a truly thick, rich gel cleanser that feels luxurious to use and, like a smoothie for your face, it contains spinach, kale, and green tea. It becomes milky when mixed with water and effectively removes makeup while being easy to rinse. However, this did not make our list because while our tester liked the product, she noted that her acne did not improve while using it.
Neutrogena Fragrance Free Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser Foaming Formula Neutrogena is a classic, affordable option, and this no-frills cleanser gets the job done for under $10. This hypoallergenic cleanser is free of fragrance, soaps, parabens, sulfates, alcohols, and dyes. Our tester said her skin felt very clean but not stripped when using it. That said, this product was too similar to others on the list (namely CeraVe), but it's a great, affordable cleanser for women.

How We Chose the Best Face Washes for Women

To select the best face washes for women, our writers and editors tested more than 100 face washes (sometimes recruiting our partners) for weeks. We tested different types of cleansers, including gels, creamers, exfoliants, powders, balms, cleansing cloths, and more to bring you the best of the best. We also considered various skin concerns and found testers with sensitive skin conditions, such as rosacea, eczema, acne, and dry skin, to find out what works (and what doesn't).

To round out our testing and research, we spoke with experts about what to look for in face washes for women and how often to wash your face. The experts we spoke with are:

Sarah Allen, MD, a board-certified physician in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and the founder and chief medical officer of Skin Clique
Kathleen Hamilton, a certified esthetician and education director at Woodhouse Spa in Cincinnati
William Kwan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology in Beverly Hills, California
James Y. Wang, MD, founder of Metropolis Dermatology in Southern California

What to Look for in Face Washes for Women

Our experts weighed in with valuable insights on what to look for in face washes for women. Also, with so many cleansers on the market, we know it can be difficult to find one right for you. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a cleanser.

IngredientsLook for ingredients that address your skin concerns. For example, if you're acne-prone, formulas with low salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide concentrations are a good fit, Allen recommends. If your skin is dry, look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, or opt for an oil-based cleanser. "I recommend looking for gentle surfactants and skin-repairing ingredients. Ingredients such as glycerin, fatty acids, and lipids help maintain hydration, while antioxidants like vitamin E and soothing plant extracts reduce inflammation," Wang says.
Skin Type CompatibilityMake sure the formula suits your skin type to avoid irritation or breakouts. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you'll likely want a cream-based or oil cleanser. More oily skin types can benefit from a gel face wash. People with uneven skin tones may prefer a powder or a manual exfoliating wash that contains AHAs (things like glycolic and lactic acids) and BHAs.
PriceThe cleansers on this list range from just over $10 to almost $90. Consider factors like cost per ounce and what you're personally comfortable spending more than once.
Ingredient OverlapWhen choosing a cleanser, consider your full skin care routine. If your serum contains vitamin C, for example, you'd probably want to skip it in your cleanser to avoid overdoing it.

What Ingredients Should I Use on Sensitive Skin?

"If you have sensitive skin, your cleanser should work with your skin - not against it. Look for formulas that are fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and pH-balanced, and that contain soothing, barrier-supportive ingredients like lipids, ceramides, and antioxidants," Wang says.

It's also important to know what ingredients to avoid if you have sensitive skin. It's best to avoid common skin irritants like essential oils, certain alcohols, synthetic fragrance, and rough exfoliating ingredients, all of which can trigger sensitivity.

How Often Should I Use an Exfoliating Cleanser?

Exfoliating has a place in any skin care routine, but you don't want to overdo it.

"Using an exfoliating cleanser once or twice a week is usually plenty! Doing it too often can dry out or irritate your skin, especially if you're on the sensitive side. If you use a scrub, make sure the beads are small and smooth, and go easy on the pressure," says Dr. Hamilton.

Wang agrees, saying that for most people, one to three times per week is plenty. "Overexfoliating can lead to barrier damage, redness, and breakouts," he explains.

When in doubt, try exfoliating once a week, and then increase to twice a week as your skin gets used to it.

How Should I Wash My Face?

It may seem simple, but properly washing your face is actually a bit of an art. Typically, you simply start by wetting your skin with warm or lukewarm water. Then, dispense about a dime-sized amount of cleanser into your hands and rub it on your face. You can allow the cleanser to sit for a few seconds, then gently rub it off, being careful not to scrub. Pat your face dry with a soft towel.

To ensure you're washing your face properly with a cleanser, read the instructions on the product's bottle, as instructions vary by formula. For example, some cleansers may be more potent and only require a pea-sized amount; others may suggest a double rinse to remove all the residue.

FAQ

How often should I wash my face?

Most dermatologists recommend washing your face twice a day - once in the morning and once at night - to remove oil, sweat, makeup, and daily buildup. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, once nightly may be enough. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends limiting cleansing to twice a day or after sweating.

Do I need to double-cleanse?

Double cleansing can be a game changer if you wear makeup or sunscreen. The first cleanse (usually oil-based) breaks down product and grime, while the second (water-based) actually cleans your skin.

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