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Cleansing is hardly the most glamorous step in a skin prep, but it’s among the most important.
Collage: Laneen Wells; Source images:Allureeditors
That’s why using one of the best face washes is so crucial.
Read on for the 13 best face washes to kick off your skin-care routine the right way.
This easygoing but hardworking formula lives up to its name.
Senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor holding the Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.
Apply it in the a.m. and p.m., and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off.
Senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor holding the Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.
Calaor applying the Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.
Senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor holding the Dr. Loretta Gentle Hydrating Cleanser.
Tester feedback:Senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor puts it simply.
“I go through bottles of this stuff.
It’s silky,hydrating, and removes even the longest-wearing of long-wearing beauty products and sunscreen,.
But wait, there’s more!
“It foams up luxuriously, doesn’t feel stripping, and actually gets rid of makeup.
It’s also unscented, which I know is a big selling point for some,” she tellsAllure.
Content editor Kara McGrath holding the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Mousse
It’s gentle on sensitive skin but doesn’t sacrificeefficacy or exfoliation.
The gel consistency goes on refreshing and leaves your face feeling squeaky clean and looking brighter.
If you leave it on for five minutes, it doubles as aface mask.
Commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann holding the BeautyStat Microbiome Barrier Repair Purifying Cleanser
Commerce writer Jen Hussein holding the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser.
Hussein applying the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser.
Continuous daily use delivers plumpness, smaller-looking pores, brightness, and better-controlled sebum production.
Commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann holding the BeautyStat Microbiome Barrier Repair Purifying Cleanser
Commerce editor Sarah Han holding Shiseidos Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam.
Commerce editor Sarah Han applying Shiseidos Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam.
(I’m a taurus, ok?
We like our little luxuries!
),” says commerce editorSarah Han.
This combats glycolic acid’s drying effect, so your skin won’t feel tight after use.
Commerce writer Jen Hussein holding the Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser.
It’s void of common irritators, like fragrance, dyes, and sulfates.
We recommend pre-cleansing with gentlemicellar waterorcleansing balmif you’re taking off particularly stubborn makeup.
“It has gentle beads that help exfoliate in addition to the acids.”
Commerce editor Sarah Han holding Shiseido’s Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam.
Conversely, NYC-based board-certified dermatologistMichelle Henry, MD, likes toendher day with the cleanser.
Our editors were so impressed by this cleanser’s complexion-enhancing abilities that it nabbed anAllureBest of Beauty Awardin 2023.
Tester feedback:It’s a dream for sensitive skin types, too.
Commerce editor Sarah Han holding Shiseido’s Future Solution LX Extra Rich Cleansing Foam.
Washing one’s face is the basic foundation of aneffective skin-care regimen.
How should I choose a facial cleanser?
If you have sensitive skin, reach for a moisturizing cleanser that will go easy on your skin barrier.
She always recommendsgentle cleansersover harsh soapsespecially ones with physical exfoliantsto wipe the skin of dirt and excess oil.
She also backs the inclusion of soothingtea tree oiland green tea.
Oily skin needsyou guessed itoil-fighting ingredients.
What should I know about double cleansing?
There’s more to double cleansing than just washing your face twice.
We guarantee that these factors are considered when determining whether a skin-care product is worthy of a recommendation.
diminished appearance of blackheads), and whether one product was tested across multiple skin types.
Testers considered performance across the following primary categories: efficacy, texture, ingredients, and value.
For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our completereviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase.
Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?
More skin-care goodies to build out your ideal cleansing routine:
Done reading?
