Among all the available choices, experts agree that one type stands out as the top pick.

Have you tried shopping for a face wash lately? It is a jungle out there.

From foaming formulas and exfoliating scrubs to dual-phase liquids that look like they belong in a chemistry lab, the number of options can be downright confusing. Although it is nice to have options specific to your skin type and skin concern, most dermatologists will agree that there is one specific type of face wash that works for most people—and it’s likely the one you should be using every day.

Why is all of this important? Your cleanser is not simply a rinse-off step. Using the right type of cleanser will start your skincare routine off properly. It removes dirt, oil and impurities that can block pores, cause irritation, or block the absorption of your other products. Conversely, using the wrong kind of cleanser could leave you in a worse position than before you started—dry, tight, or even broken out.

So yes, while the shelves may tempt you with choices galore, your best bet is probably much simpler than you think—and recommended by people that know skin best.

Why Washing Your Face Should Be a Daily Essential

Why Washing Your Face Actually Matters

Before I delve into the particulars about how to wash your face, I want to take a step back and start by explaining the importance of washing your face. During a typical day, your skin accumulates a cocktail of oil, dead skin cells, sweat, dirt and other environmental pollutants, leftover residue from skincare products, makeup, and bacteria. All of that gunk can clog your pores, create breakouts, and irritate your skin—and to make matters worse, all of the things we collect during the day can actually accelerate skin aging, says Dr. Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto.

That said, do you need to wash your face twice a day? Not exactly. According to Dr. Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, washing your face at night is not up for debate. Washing your face at night will help remove the things your skin has accumulated throughout the day. Washing your face in the morning is far more about personal choice. If you have oily skin, enjoy a fresh feeling in the morning, or want to avoid that “sticky” feeling of night cream on your skin, it makes sense to wash your face again in the morning. Otherwise, one good wash before bed is enough to keep your skin happy.

The bottom line? As long as you’re doing a thorough job of washing your face at night, you’re helping your skin out tremendously.

What’s the Best Type of Cleanser for Your Skin?

Stick with Gentle Cream or Lotion Cleansers When in Doubt

If you’re not sure what type of cleanser you should use, a gentle cream or lotion-based cleanser is typically a safe option. Those products are consistently recommended by dermatologists because they clean well, and they don’t interfere with your skin’s barrier. That means you can remove dirt, oil, and product buildup while maintaining the natural moisture of your skin, and mitigatin the risk of dry, tight, and irritated skin.

You may notice that cream cleansers don’t produce that foamy lather that you are used to, but don’t worry, that’s a good thing! While bubbles feel really good, they are not necessary for effective cleansing, and that suds effect is typically from powerful surfactants like sulfates that are too harsh for many people. Dr. Ibrahim explains that sulfates and similar chemicals are so effective at removing dirt and oil, they can remove too much sebum (your skin’s barrier) and lead to dry and sensitive skin.

Cream and lotion cleansers typically use gentler surfactants – like cocamidopropyl betaine or sulfosuccinates – to lift impurities off the skin. Gentle surfactants still effectively lift impurities off of your skin but are much nicer to your barrier and should still be taking off a good amount of grime with no need for bubbles.

Dermatologist-Recommended Cream Cleansers

It’s a cult favorite for a good reason: Cetaphil’s non-foaming cleanser contains hydrating glycerin with skin-soothing niacinamide and panthenol to lift away dirt and impurities with gentle effectiveness. Clinically recommended by dermatologists, it’s even suitable for the most sensitive skin—and can provide up to 48 hours of hydration.

This ultra-gentle formula features barrier-repairing ceramides and moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid. It has been accepted by the National Eczema Association for its skin-friendly credentials. Despite its gentleness, it performs above and beyond dissolving facial makeup and dissolving excess oil without altering the skin’s natural state.

Vanicream’s cleanser is approved by the National Eczema Association, is gentler than any of the harsh surfactants or fragrance you would find in most cleansers, has a pH balanced, glycerin to boost moisture, and it is safe for sensitive skin or skin that is easily aggravated.

This cleanser checks all the right boxes—it’s creamy and non-foaming, with tons of skin-loving ingredients like glycerin and ceramides, and it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. It’s also infused with La Roche-Posay’s thermal spring water claims to be calming and have antioxidant properties!

Which Skincare Ingredients to Seek Out—and Which to Skip?

“When it comes to choosing a cleanser, really just keep it basic,” says Dr. Ibrahim. In other words, stay away from fancy additives, and choose products that have only limited few ingredients that actually work for your skin. “Look for humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Morayo Adisa, who is a board certified dermatologist from Chicago. “Humectants are lightweight moisturizers that attract moisture to the skin and help retain it.”

Dr. Adisa also recommends looking for other skin replenishing ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and niacinamide. “They are supportive of hydration and limit or maintain the health of the skin barrier,” she says.

What do you want to avoid? Sulfates (especially sodium lauryl sulfate), which can be irritating and drying to skin, according to Dr. Adisa. Another source of potential irritation is fragrance. “It’s one of the most common causes of contact allergies and sensitivity,” Dr. Ibrahim cautions, making a fragrance-free product the safer option for many skin types.

Who Should Consider a Different Cleanser?

According to Dr. Ibrahim, if your skin is considered normal, dry, or sensitive, or if you suffer from a skin condition like eczema or rosacea, a gentle, creamy cleanser is often best. On the other hand, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you’ll want to consider something else. “Oily or acne-prone skin actually tends to do better with gel or foaming cleansers that can break down excess oil,” says Dr. Yadav.

In such cases, a stronger cleansing agent, such as sulfate, may not be as big of a deal, and can actually be an effective choice when trying to remove oil build-up, Dr. Ibrahim says. “People with oily or acne-prone skin should also look for cleansing products with exfoliating or refining products.” Dr. Yadav particularly promotes salicylic acid, which penetrates the surface of the skin to remove dead skin cells and avoid congestion that can lead to breakouts.

Dr. Adisa also recommends ingredients such as lactic acid and glycolic acid for their resurfacing properties, and clarifying agents such as clay and sulfur, to help absorb oil and shine.

What’s the best way to wash your face?

It’s time to Cleanse – Now What?!

Ok you found the right cleanser – what’s next? With a little practice, using the right face washing technique can greatly affect your skincare outcome.

Step 1: Wash your hands
Don’t touch your face until you wash your hands thoroughly. You’re trying to get off grime – not add more bacteria onto your skin.

Step 2: Wet your face with lukewarm water
Temperature makes a difference. Lukewarm is the sweet spot; it’s gentle on skin and remove dirt and oils effectively. Dr. Adisa says hot water can dry and irritate your skin, while cold water doesn’t dissolve impurities as efficiently.

Step 3: Apply the cleanser
Put a nickel to quarter-sized amount of cleanser in your hand. With your fingers, massage into skin using small circular strokes. Changing from washing your hands to washing your face can take some practice; Dr. Ibrahim suggests you try and focus on cleansing for approximately 30 to 60 seconds.

Step 4: Rinse and dry
Again, use lukewarm water to rinse off enough of the cleanser to your satisfaction. Finally, when your face is rinsed off completely, pat dry with a fresh towel. You should not use the same bathroom towel that you have been using for who knows how long.

Whenever possible, use a clean, dedicated face towel each day, or consider disposable towels for the most sanitary option (although not as eco-friendly).

Pro Tip: Double Cleanse if You Are Wearing Makeup
Are you wearing a full face of makeup, long-wear makeup, or waterproof makeup? Dr. Adisa says you should follow a double-cleanse approach. First, use makeup remover to breakdown the top layer of makeup, and then use your regular cleanser. This is also an essential step in ensuring your skin is clean, not just the top layer of makeup.

And just like that, you have completed the first step in your skincare routine… with the technique, product and method in mind. Now, go out there and glow!

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