The Best Facial Wash for Your Skin Type

Best facial cleansers

You already know that not washing your face before bed can irritate your skin, clog your pores, and bring on acne breakouts. Another habit that won’t do you any favors: using the wrong facial wash. Whether your face is on the oily side or unbearably dry, it’s important to realize that just picking up any old product at the drugstore isn’t going to help. That said, we know the endless number of face washes out there doesn’t make things easy. That’s why we consulted expert dermatologists to help round up the best new formulas tailored to your specific skin woes. Trust us, one of these seven cleansers is bound to be the best facial wash for you, keeping your skin looking clean, fresh, and beautiful for days to come.

Photo: Lisa Shin

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If you lack glow

Best facial wash: Cleansing powder

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How it works: Made with pulverized grains and minerals, it transforms into a foam or paste when mixed with water. “Since the particles are smaller than the microbeads in standard scrubs, they exfoliate and combat dullness with less risk of irritation,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Add less water for a more intense scrub, and vice versa.

One to try: Boscia Tsubaki Oil-Infused Exfoliating Powder ($36; amazon.com) uses finely ground rice bran, coated in tsubaki oil, to boost hydration while buffing.

If you have redness

Best facial wash: Cleansing water

How it works: Long popular in Asia, this suds-free wash is making a splash stateside. “Most are infused with anti-inflammatory minerals, like selenium, to tone down redness from rosacea,” says Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. Meanwhile, the micellar technology—micelles are tiny groups of molecules that surround the cleansing agent and deliver it evenly across skin—prevents too much product from landing on one spot and causing irritation. Use this as you would a toner; apply with a cotton pad, no need to rinse.

One to try: Perricone MD Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment ($39; sephora.com) nixes dirt and grime, not skin’s natural oils.

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The Best Facial Wash for Your Skin Type