Washing your face is something you do twice a day, every day. So why shouldn’t it feel like something you actually look forward to?
Plenty of cleansers can get the job done when it comes to removing dirt, sweat, oil, sunscreen, and leftover skincare. But finding one that cleans thoroughly without leaving your skin tight, dry, or irritated? That’s the real challenge. Even tougher is finding one that makes the whole process feel like a small act of self-care instead of a rushed routine.
Over the past five months, we’ve been on a mission to find just that. We tested over 20 facial cleansers, and narrowed it all down to five standouts. These are the ones that lather up beautifully, rinse clean, and leave your skin feeling fresh, not fragile.
Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, acne-prone, or somewhere in between, there’s a cleanser here that deserves a permanent spot by your sink.
TATCHA The Rice Wash
Exfoliating with a zesty scent
A creamy, hydrating face wash with Japanese rice and Okinawa algae that softens and soothes as it cleanses. It gently exfoliates without stripping the skin, leaving your face feeling smooth and refreshed.
Buy on AmazonTatcha’s The Rice Wash stands out for its unique texture, beginning as a smooth, creamy paste that becomes lightly granular when mixed with water. As it’s massaged into the skin, the formula transforms into a soft, frothy lather that gently cleanses while offering a subtle polishing effect. The texture strikes a rare balance—noticeably exfoliating but still mild enough for regular use.
The exfoliating action comes from finely milled rice powder, which offers a much gentler alternative to harsh physical scrubs like apricot kernels or walnut shells. The formula provides just enough grit to lightly buff the skin without causing irritation, making it suitable for those looking to smooth texture or boost radiance without risking over-exfoliation.
Though the cleanser is among the most expensive in its category, typically priced around $10 per ounce, only a small amount is needed per use. Using too much can lead to a thick, gritty application that requires extra effort to rinse off, but with the right amount, it creates a creamy, sudsy cleanse that feels both effective and luxurious.
The scent is another distinguishing feature. While the formula doesn’t include synthetic fragrance, it does contain natural perfuming agents like tea extracts. The resulting aroma is clean and invigorating, though some may find it strong or reminiscent of a clinical spa environment. Those sensitive to fragrance should be aware that the scent is noticeable throughout use.
Despite its gentle formula overall, this cleanser may not be ideal for very sensitive eyes. The light exfoliation and strong scent could be irritating for some, especially when used around the eye area. Additionally, it doesn’t fully remove heavy makeup, so those who wear eyeliner or mascara may need to use a separate remover beforehand.
Overall, Tatcha’s The Rice Wash is a premium cleanser that offers a refined, gently exfoliating experience with a sensorial finish. Its soft grit and rich lather provide a polished cleanse, making it a worthwhile pick for those who prioritize texture, performance, and a little luxury in their routine.
EltaMD Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser
Lush, frothy, and gentle
A gentle, amino acid-based foaming cleanser for sensitive and compromised skin types. It removes impurities while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it ideal for daily use.
Buy on AmazonEltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser dispenses as a soft, cloud-like foam that feels light and airy in the hand. Despite its frothy texture, it’s exceptionally gentle, even around the eyes, and leaves skin feeling both clean and nourished.
This all-foam formula offers an effective cleanse without the harshness often associated with foaming cleansers. It is sulfate-free and removes dirt, oil, and grime thoroughly without stripping the skin. The formula includes ingredients that support the skin barrier, such as vitamin E and amino acids like taurine and glycine, which contribute to its soothing, non-irritating feel.
The foam maintains its structure during use, giving a consistent and cushiony texture throughout cleansing. This makes it feel more substantial than many other foaming products that tend to break down or disappear quickly upon application. The pump dispenses a precise amount of product—just enough for a full-face wash—making it convenient to use daily.
However, there are a few considerations. The cleanser contains 28 ingredients, which could make it harder to pinpoint the cause if irritation occurs. It’s also relatively expensive at around $35, a notable jump from more budget-friendly options like Vanicream. While the formula is fragrance-free, it does have a subtle scent that resembles a blend of medicinal and coconut-like notes. Lastly, the packaging, though functional, is plastic and may feel less premium compared to similarly priced cleansers in glass or more polished containers.
Even with these drawbacks, the EltaMD cleanser remains a standout for those seeking a foaming formula that delivers both effectiveness and gentleness.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Best for oily skin
A gentle, gel-based cleanser with ceramides and niacinamide that thoroughly cleans without stripping your skin. It helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier while removing excess oil, dirt, and makeup.
Buy on AmazonCeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser stood out among several options from the brand, earning high marks for its airy texture and effective oil-removing performance. While CeraVe offers a wide range of facial cleansers, this particular formula delivered the best balance between cleansing power and skin comfort.
Designed to remove excess oil and surface debris, the formula does so without stripping the skin of essential moisture. Traditional cleansers often remove both harmful sebum and beneficial lipids, but this cleanser incorporates moisturizing ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to help support the skin barrier while cleansing.
Its texture is a notable highlight. Just a small amount of water turns the gel into a soft, dense foam, creating a satisfying lather that spreads easily across the skin. Among the formulas tested, this one produced some of the most robust bubbles, making the cleansing process feel thorough yet gentle.
Although not specifically marketed as a makeup remover, the cleanser effectively breaks down foundation, sunscreen, and even mascara. However, reactions around the eyes varied. While some users found it non-irritating, others experienced mild sensitivity, particularly if the product accidentally entered the eye during use.
One detail worth noting is the scent. While the formula contains no added fragrance, it does have a faint chemical smell that some users found unappealing. Still, for its cleansing performance, skin-friendly ingredients, and generous lather, CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser remains a reliable and well-rounded option for daily use.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Cleanser
Best for dry skin
A gentle, non-foaming face wash with ceramides and niacinamide that cleans without stripping sensitive or dry skin. It helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier while effectively removing dirt, oil, and makeup.
Buy on AmazonLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a strong choice for those with dry or sensitive skin, offering a gentle cleanse without disrupting the skin’s moisture balance. Despite its mildness, it effectively removes impurities without leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped.
The formula includes 19 ingredients, eight of which are specifically selected to support hydration. These include glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides, vitamin E, and panthenol—all known for their ability to nourish and protect the skin barrier. This makes the cleanser well-suited for daily use, particularly for skin types prone to dryness or sensitivity.
Its texture falls somewhere between a gel, lotion, and cream, offering a consistency that feels substantial without being greasy or sticky. When mixed with water, the cleanser produces a light froth that spreads smoothly and rinses off easily, whether used at the sink or in the shower. It holds well to the skin during application, creating a cleansing experience that feels controlled and effective.
Packaging adds to the product’s appeal. The pump bottle is practical, especially when washing with wet hands, and the brand also offers refill pouches at a lower price, which is a convenient and sustainable option.
However, it’s worth noting that the formula leans more functional than luxurious. It is fragrance-free and produces minimal lather, which may feel less indulgent for those who prefer a more sensory or spa-like experience. For users seeking a cleanser that combines gentle performance with a rich scent and foam, alternatives like Tatcha’s The Rice Wash may be a better fit.
Even so, La Roche-Posay’s cleanser remains a dependable, well-formulated option for dry skin that prioritizes skin health and simplicity.
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Best for sensitive skin
A simple, effective, and irritation-free cleanser that’s ideal for sensitive or allergy-prone skin types. It removes dirt and oil without drying out the skin or leaving behind any residue.
Buy on AmazonVanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a simple, budget-friendly option that delivers effective results without irritating sensitive skin. Its mild liquid-to-foam formula removes dirt, oil, and residue while keeping the skin comfortable and hydrated. There’s no tightness, dryness, or redness afterward—just a clean, fresh feel.
With only 12 ingredients, this fragrance-free and sulfate-free formula is impressively minimalist. One of its key ingredients, coco glucoside, is a gentle cleansing agent derived from coconut oil and sugar. While some other cleansers use fewer ingredients overall, they often place their active cleansers further down the list. In comparison, Vanicream balances simplicity and performance well, offering a thorough cleanse without stripping the skin.
The cleanser lathers easily, transforming from a pearly liquid into a soft foam with just a small amount of water. Many sensitive-skin products tend to feel more like lotion and require extra effort to work into a lather, but Vanicream delivers a more satisfying and efficient cleansing experience.
It also offers strong value. A single 8-ounce bottle, typically priced around nine dollars, lasts for months with twice-daily use. This makes it a cost-effective choice that competes with far more expensive products in terms of quality and longevity.
The packaging is functional and travel-friendly. The pump locks securely with a simple quarter turn, avoiding spills and messes when packing or storing the bottle.
One detail to note is that the cleanser’s pearlescent appearance comes from mica, an ingredient that can occasionally trigger sensitivity in some individuals. However, it is generally well-tolerated and unlikely to cause issues for most users.