12 Best Face Washes to Remove Dirt, Excess Oil, and Makeup

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: A quality cleanser for all skin types, this foam formula excels at removing impurities and is easy to use daily without irritation.

WHAT TO KNOW: Formulated for sensitive skin but suitable for all skin types, SkinCeuticals’ Soothing Cleanser Foam rose to the top for washing away leftover makeup, impurities, and excess oil. It produced the highest level of lather of all the GH Beauty Lab test-winning cleansers and earned a near-perfect score for effectively cleansing.

Although 96% of our testers rated the cleanser as easy to apply, some testers reported that the cleanser's pump dispensed too much product. In Lab testing, however, our experts found the pump easy to control, so you can dispense smaller amounts.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "Instead of feeling tight and dry, this facial wash left my skin feeling much more silky, nourished, and smooth, and rinsed off easily," shared a tester with dry skin. Another satisfied tester described the foam as having "a crisp, refreshing texture."

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: At around $1 per ounce, this cleanser from Cetaphil is a total steal that continues to be a drugstore favorite among shoppers and testers.

WHAT TO KNOW: The classic, budget-friendly Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser was a tester favorite in GH Beauty Lab testing, leaving skin clean yet supple thanks to moisturizing glycerin. It was rated highest among testers, with 86% saying they’d continue to use it.

Testers gave it a perfect score for its easy-to-use pump and reported that the face wash rinsed off easily. While the cleanser is formulated for normal to oily skin, it ranked highly among testers with sensitive and dry skin.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "My skin is sensitive, and I rarely try new products, but this one was great! My skin felt clean and soft," shared one tester. "I like that it doesn't take forever to wash off and that when it does come off, my skin doesn't feel like I've stripped it completely," added another tester.

This face wash is low-lather, and one tester reported it wasn't able to remove makeup, sunscreen, or facial oils.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Individuals looking to address dark spots will appreciate this gel cleanser that cleans and brightens skin.

WHAT TO KNOW: A GH Beauty Award winner, this La Roche-Posay gel cleanser received top scores for effectively washing away daily impurities and excess oils, and 100% testers said it left their skin feeling clean and refreshed.

The face wash is formulated with niacinamide and the multi-patented Melasy, which works to visibly reduce the look of dark spots. The Mela B3 Gel Cleanser brightened testers' skin after one week of use, leaving skin more radiant and glowy than before. It scored well for being non-irritating and having a likable scent.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "I love that this cleanser gently exfoliates without any irritation," shared a tester with dry skin. I also liked that it easily dispensed, produced a nice lather, and didn't leave my dry skin feeling tight or stripped. Some testers with varying skin types reported that the face wash left their skin feeling dry.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those looking for a gentle face wash will appreciate this non-irritating formula.

WHAT TO KNOW: Naturally scented with cucumber and blended with nourishing botanicals like sunflower oil, Fresh’s nearly foamless wash was mildest on skin and best at boosting radiance in the GH Beauty Lab’s test. A rare 100% of testers, including those with sensitivity, said it didn’t irritate skin.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: “I have extremely sensitive skin and had no reactions to this,” one marveled. It also made dull skin “brighter” and with “a glow,” others said. Some testers did not like the signature scent, however.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Shoppers with mature skin or anyone looking to address fine lines and wrinkles.

WHAT TO KNOW: A GH Seal star, this Mary Kay cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse without leaving skin feeling dry. The face wash contains the brand's patented ingredient—TimeWise 3D Complex—which combines the benefits of antioxidants, vitamin B3, resveratrol, and collagen to brighten skin and address anti-aging concerns such as fine lines and wrinkles.

WHAT USERS ARE SAYING: "It is like a time machine for skin. This cleanser on a daily basis makes my skin feel clean, young, and fresh," shared a satisfied shopper. Some online reviewers reported that the cleanser was difficult to dispense and didn't wash away easily.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Frequent travelers will enjoy these innovative squares that make it easy to pack your facial cleanser on the go.

WHAT TO KNOW: These unique squares quickly dissolve into a rich lather once wet and effectively clean skin. In fact, 90% of our testers agreed that the Cleansing Melts washed away daily impurities and excess oils. The cleanser also earned high scores for providing a deep cleanse and rinsing off easily.

Although our beauty experts recommend double cleansing to effectively remove all your makeup, it is worth noting that on its own, this cleanser received the lowest score in consumer testing for removing makeup.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: One tester with dry and sensitive skin recently used these squares on a trip and shared, "I washed my face after the flight in the airport bathroom and it was so refreshing." Testers were surprised by the significant amount of leather a single square produced and appreciated how convenient the cleanser is to pack.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: If you prefer a foaming cleanser, this luxe cleanser effectively cleanses skin and has a luscious texture praised by our testers.

WHAT TO KNOW: Although a splurge at just under $50 for 5 ounces, this foaming cleanser received perfect scores from our testers for being easy to dispense, apply onto skin, and rinse away. It also earned top scores for its pleasant scent and texture.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: One tester with dry skin who prefers fragrance-free cleansers reported, "It felt light and gentle while leaving my skin feeling clean and not tight or dry." Another tester with combination skin reported that the cleanser helped clear their skin after a breakout.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Individuals with combination skin will enjoy washing their face with this hydrating cleanser that removes impurities while leaving skin feeling soft.

WHAT TO KNOW: No7 is a drugstore favorite and this gel cleanser in particular earned top scores from testers for not stinging their eyes or leaving skin feeling dry after use. Of all the face washes we tested in the GH Beauty Lab, this cleanser left skin feeling the softest and most hydrated. Its top performance earned it a GH Beauty Award.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Our testers reported that the cleanser was easy to dispense and rinse off, effectively cleaning their skin and even removing makeup. "I like that my skin looked good after and was not irritated or broken out more," shared one tester with combination skin.

Note that while the brand says the cleanser is fragrance-free, our testers gave its scent an overall low score.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Oily skin types will benefit from this foaming cleanser that reduces oiliness without stripping skin.

WHAT TO KNOW: Equally as popular and timeless as Cetaphil, CeraVe is a go-to drugstore skincare brand testers and GH staffers alike use and love. This foaming facial cleanser stood out in Lab evaluations for its perfect scores across multiple categories, including not stinging eyes or skin and not leaving skin feeling tight. Instead, the cleanser left skin feeling hydrated and even earned great scores for reducing redness and the appearance of oiliness.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "I liked the way it cleansed my skin with no irritation or breakouts," shared one tester with oily skin. "It felt good going on my face and neck, nice and airy, not stripping," said another tester with the same skin type.

Although the CeraVe Balancing Air Foam Facial Cleanser performed well in GH Beauty Lab testing and is a great budget buy at under $15, some testers did not like the scent.

RELATED: Best Face Washes for Oily Skin

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Suitable for all skin types, this gentle foaming cleanser effectively cleans skin without any hassle on your part.

WHAT TO KNOW: Squeezing or pumping cleanser from a bottle is simple enough, but some face washes dispense too much product (or not enough). This foaming cleanser from EltaMD, however, earned a perfect score for being easy to dispense. It also rinsed off easily and didn't irritate testers' skin or eyes.

While the face wash didn't reduce redness, it did help reduce the appearance of oiliness and left skin feeling comfortable and clean.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "It removed dirt and makeup," reported one tester with combination skin, while another tester said: "It feels soothing to use, and it washes cleanly without feeling tight or drying. One tester with a normal skin type who also has redness and rosacea shared, "This was a really gentle cleanser that left my face feeling so clean."

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: If you wear makeup every day, especially long-lasting formulas, a cleansing balm is a helpful skincare product to have in your routine for effectively rinsing away makeup.

WHAT TO KNOW: A consistent con we observe in face wash testing is the cleanser in question not performing as well at successfully removing makeup. While some face washes scored well in this category, our beauty experts recommend combining your regular cleanser with a cleansing balm.

A tad pricey, the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm earned a high overall satisfaction score and 100% of testers said it washed off easily. Of all the cleansing balms we tested, this formula earned the best score for leaving skin feeling and looking clean.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: Overall, our testers found this Clinique cleansing balm easy to use. "With a light massage, the makeup came off," reported one tester. "After rinsing, there was no oiliness or residue." Note that one tester said their skin felt a bit dry after use.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Shoppers who consistently wear makeup and want to double cleanse, but are looking for a more affordable buy.

WHAT TO KNOW: Simply swipe Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water all over your face with a cotton pad—no rinsing necessary. The formula thoroughly cleanses and clears makeup, yet is non-drying, according to Beauty Lab evaluations. It leaves skin feeling moisturized and smooth, and can tackle your everyday non-waterproof mascara with ease.

WHAT TESTERS ARE SAYING: "It was silky smooth and made my skin look amazing," said one tester who has dry skin. They even went on to say that "this product has drastically improved the dryness [around their nose]."

RELATED: Best Micellar Waters