Washing your face before bed is one of the cardinal rules of beauty. Your mother probably ingrained the practice into you when you were young, and it's become second nature ever since.
But for something that's so simple and such a common part of your routine, we still have quite a few questions. For example, how often should we really be washing our faces? And is there such a thing as overwashing? So, to get the intel, we turned to Dr. Jordan Carqueville, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Derm Institute of Chicago, who walked us through the best practices for washing your face.
Budget-friendly, editor-raved$undefined$17.99
Editor-approved cleansing oil$undefined$32.00
How often should you be washing your face?
Washing your face helps remove dirt, makeup and pollution and replenish the moisture in your skin, Carqueville says. If you're you're not doing it frequently enough, you might notice a buildup of skin cells and clogged pores, which could result in acne.
How often you wash your face often depends on your skin type and your goals, but on average, you should be washing your face one to two times per day, she says. Of course, not everyone has the time or patience to wash their face in the mornings, which, in many cases, is OK — Carqueville says that if you're only doing it once, you should prioritize the nighttime wash. "It's at night when you're going to be able to remove the dirt, makeup and pollution," she says.
How to choose a face wash
The type of face wash that you use will depend on your skin type and needs. As previously reported by TODAY, those with oily and acne-prone skin should consider a cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, as well as hydrating additives like ceramides and lipids, which might counter some of the dehydration that the actives can cause.
If you have sensitive skin, you're going to want a fragrance-free, gentle cleanser, Carqueville says.
Though, regardless of your skin type, reaching for a gentle cleanser is a pretty safe bet. "There are some rosacea cleansers, some acne cleansers, some anti-aging cleansers," Carqueville says. But in general, she says, you should be using a gentle cleanser to remove the dirt, oil and makeup and then applying your active ingredient, "because it'll enhance your active ingredient absorption by removing the oils that are serving as a barrier."
With that in mind, we're sharing top-rated and expert-approved cleansers that you can add to your routine.
Best face washes and cleansers, according to experts and editors
Vanicream Liquid Cleanser
- Mild formulation
- Fragrance-free
- Satisfying lather
- For some, burns sensitive skin
Size: 8 oz. | Key ingredients: Water, glycerin
Through the years, multiple experts have recommended this cleanser to Shop TODAY as a good option for those with sensitive skin, rosacea and more. Free from dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens and other potentially irritating additives, the brand says that the formula is gentle enough for everyday use and can be used on the face, hands and body.
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Daily Facial Cleanser
- Creamy consistency
- Gentle formulation
- Takes effort to remove makeup
Size: 12 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin
Free from oils, fragrances and parabens, this expert-approved cleanser was developed for “even the most dry and sensitive skin.” It’s made with a polyglycerin formula that is said to bind dirt and oil to water, cleansing skin while helping to preserve your skin’s barrier.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Suitable for all skin types
- Good value for money
- Pump locks up for easy travel
- Caused irritation for some
Size: 20 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, vitamin B5
More than 36,000 Amazon shoppers have given this cleanser from Cetaphil a five-star rating. And customers of all skin types, from acne-prone to sensitive, have raved about its gentle cleansing abilities. “Prior to my cystic acne days coming to a glorious end, I began using this cleanser,” one shopper wrote. “For my fellow sufferers, you understand that finding an effective cleanser is near impossible. This cleanser, however, was the answer to many prayers. I have tried a billion cleansers over the years. This product is superior to them all — no doubt. It gently cleanses my skin leaving my face feeling healthy, soft, and oh so clean.”
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Hypoallergenic
- National Eczema Assoc. Seal
- Some reported breakouts
Size: 8 oz. | Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Currently the No. 1 bestselling facial wash on Amazon, CeraVe's popular Hydrating Facial Cleanser promises to help wash away dirt and oil without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. The cleanser is said to have a lotion-like consistency and features hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Rovectin Gentle Cleansing Gel
- Gentle on skin barrier
- Hydrating
- Scented
Size: 5.92 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, amino acid complex
This cleanser from Korean skincare brand Rovectin is formulated to “maintain an ideal pH level (5.7),” says the brand. While it is not an oil, the brand says it is intended to be used as part of a double cleansing routine.
“I’ve been using it as part of my double cleansing routine and one pump of product effectively removes the rest of my stubborn makeup (like waterproof mascara and eyeliner) that I can’t rid of with most cleansing balms that tend to irritate my eyes,” said senior editor Jess Bender.
CeraVe Acne Foaming Face Wash Cream Cleanser
- Suitable for mature skin
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Fragrance-free
- May cause dryness/irritation
Size: 5 oz. | Key ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
If you are looking for a formula with active ingredients to help your acne, this foaming face wash is a popular choice. Dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo previously recommended this product for people with oily skin. "This combines antibacterial benzoyl peroxide with ceramides to balance bacteria and healthy oils in the skin,” she said.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Product lasts a few months
- None to report
Size: 13.52 | Key ingredients: Prebiotic thermal water, glycerin, niacinamide
According to the brand, this cleanser — which social media video producer Anita Chomenko describes as leaving her skin feeling "clean and refreshed" — has a milky consistency that helps retain moisture while still removing makeup, dirt and the like. Made for those with normal to dry, sensitive skin, it features dermis-friendly ingredients like ceramide-3, La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water, glycerin and niacinamide.
Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
- Helps skin feel truly clean
- Good for sensitive skin
- Made with clean ingredients
- A little pricey
Size: 6.7 oz | Key ingredients: Chicory root, turmeric, white tea
Looking for a tried-and-true favorite? This cleanser won Best Overall facial cleanser for oily skin in Shop TODAY's 2024 Beauty Awards.
"I’ve been using this cleanser for a little over a year now and my skin has never felt better," says associate editor Sierra Hoeger. "I can understand why it’s called a 'cult classic,' as it helps my skin feel moisturized and truly clean."
What about double cleansing?
Double cleansing has grown in popularity over the last few years as a way to take the washing process to the next level. It involves two steps: Washing with an oil-based cleanser and then following it with a water-based cleanser.
While it may seem like a lot of effort, it can be helpful to get a deeper clean — especially for those who wear makeup. As previously reported by TODAY, oil attracts oil, so using a cleanser that features the ingredient will draw out oil-based impurities, like makeup or sebum.
"Removing makeup can be a challenge with just conventional washing, and so sometimes using a gentle oil to remove the makeup I would say is better than a makeup wipe," Carqueville says. While some experts suggest using an oil-based cleanser or cleansing oil, Carqueville says that you can also use some of the oils you have in your pantry, like coconut or olive oil.
After cleansing with the oil, use a warm, damp washcloth to wipe it off and then follow it with a water-based formula (any of the above might work). Here, some popular cleansing oils to try.
Oil cleansers and cleansing oils
Palmers Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Cleansing Oil
- Great value for money
- Moisturizes effectively
- Fragranced
Size: 6.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Cocoa butter, vitamin C
Made to be non-stripping and non-comedogenic, this formula blends vitamin E, rosehip oil and argan oil, so the brand says it will clean your skin and leave it feeling softer and smoother. Ideal for all skin types, it's said to dissolve dirt, oil and makeup without stripping your skin.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
- Nourishing formulation
- Doesn't leave greasy residue
- Effective for all skin types
- Some reported breakouts
Size: 6.7 oz | Key ingredients: Olive oil, rosemary leaf oil
DHC’s deep cleansing oil has an impressive average 4.6-star rating from more than 22,000 ratings. Made with olive and rosemary leaf oils, it’s said to be rich in vitamins and antioxidants. “LOVE this cleansing oil for double cleansing,” one reviewer wrote. “Does a fabulous job taking off makeup & especially mascara in a much gentler way than makeup wipes or cotton balls soaked in makeup remover.”
Bioderma Cleansing Oil
- Formula suitable for all ages
- Delivers a deep clean
- Pump quality isn't the best
- Noticeable fragrance
Size: 33.8 oz. | Key ingredients: Coco and sunflower biolipids
Start your double cleansing routine with this popular cleansing oil from Bioderma. Reviewers say that the formula, which can be used on both the body and face, effectively removes all traces of makeup — even waterproof mascara.
Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
- Effective against hard-to-remove makeup
- Loaded with hydrating ingredients
- Great value for money
- Some experienced irritation around eye area
Size: 6.8 oz. | Key ingredients: Antioxidants, squalane
Biossance's cleansing oil is designed to dissolve impurities and remove makeup to leave skin feeling fresh and clean. Made for all skin types, it contains squalane, an ingredient that is said to help boost the skin's hydration levels.
Shop TODAY deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler says she can definitely feel a difference on the days when she doesn't have enough time to double cleanse with this. "My skin is so much softer when I add this to my routine," she says.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, much like showering or washing your hair, you can overdo it when it comes to cleansing your face — particularly if you have sensitive skin. "When you wash your face, removing that oil barrier can actually be detrimental," Carqueville says, "So if your goal is hydration, and you've got really sensitive skin, overwashing your skin is going to remove the natural oils that are serving to protect you."
By removing some of those oil barriers, you're actually making it easier for other products to penetrate the skin.
"If you are someone who is trying an acne routine, anti-aging routine or a rosacea routine — something that you're trying to treat and get active ingredients [into the skin] — then I usually would suggest washing your face before the active ingredients are applied," Carqueville says.
After applying the product that contains an active ingredient (like, say, retinol or salicylic acid), you want to replenish the lost moisture on the surface of the skin with a hydrating formula that contains humectants (like hyaluronic acid).
How we chose
Shop TODAY enlisted the recommendations of a board-certified dermatologist, who shared what to look for in cleansers and oil cleansers. We also asked our editors to share a few of their tried-and-true face washes and cleansers.
Meet our expert
- Dr. Jordan Carqueville is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Derm Institute of Chicago.
