15 Best Expert-Approved Drugstore Face Washes Of 2024
Healthify, cleanse, and hydrate your skin with nourishing skin care essentials.
Georgia Smith is a cosmetologist-turned-cosmetic chemist and has been in the industry for over 13 years as a beauty therapist. She is the founder of Skin Sister and owns a hugely successful, skin focused beauty salon in Sydney, Australia. Georgia is also a qualified Cosmetic Chemist, and she learned about the chemistry behind the skin and the complex science behind skin care ingredients to transform her clients’ skin and fix their skin concerns.
Read full bio of Georgia Smith
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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If your skincare routine fails to reduce breakouts and give your healthy skin, it’s probably time for a new facial cleanser. And you do not have to spend hundreds of dollars on that. The best drugstore face washes can help you get fresh and rejuvenated skin. These lightweight formulas are made with skin-loving ingredients that offer thorough cleansing. Want to add a drugstore face wash to your vanity? We have got you covered. Swipe up to explore our list of the best-rated face washes available in local drugstores.
In This Article
15 Best Rated Drugstore Face Washes Of 2024
Best Dermatologically Tested:Cetaphil Foaming Face Wash
Cetaphil’s Redness Control Daily Foaming Face Wash has a gentle and clinically proven formula to suit sensitive skin. It helps with redness reduction and cleansing impurities without over-drying the skin. This non-comedogenic face wash does not irritate the skin and leaves it soothing, soft, and balanced with regular use. It gives effective results against 5 signs of skin sensitivity.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Allantoin, and Citric acid
Skin type: Sensitive skin
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-irritating
- Gentle formula
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
Pro TipBest Non-Comedogenic:Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
The Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is dermatologically recommended to fight acne and breakouts. Its oil-free and acne-fighting formula contains 2% salicylic acid that promotes skin exfoliation, providing deep pore cleansing to clean all traces of impurities. This face wash is developed with microclear technology to enhance salicylic acid delivery into the skin to effectively prevent acne, breakouts, and blackheads. The skin-safe and acne-control formula doesn’t over-dry or irritate the skin or leave any residue after rinsing. Check out this YouTuber’s review of this product to see how people experience it.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid
Skin type: Oily and Acne-prone skin
Pros
- Dermatologically-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-irritating
- Oil-free
- Leaves no residue
- Clinically proven
Cons
- May dry out the skin
Stylecraze Trivia
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 989 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Best Hypoallergenic:Christina Moss Naturals Original Facial Wash
This Original Facial Wash from Christina Moss Naturals has a hypoallergenic formula that works on all skin types. This formula contains lipids which leave the skin nourished as opposed to dry after cleansing. Its gentle and effective formula is highly concentrated and cleanses the skin without stripping or over-drying. It contains decolorized aloe vera to soothe and nourish your skin from within. This face wash is easy to rinse off and doesn’t leave behind any residue. Its natural formula is free from harmful chemicals and helps in skin conditioning.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Sunflower seed oil, and Olive oil
Skin type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal, and Sensitive
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Leaves no residue
- Gentle
- Little goes a long way
- SLS-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfates-free
- Synthetic scents-free
Cons
- Overpowering fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 2,838 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
| Cetaphil Foaming Face Wash Best Dermatologically Tested | Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Best Non-Comedogenic | Christina Moss Naturals Original Facial Wash Best Hypoallergenic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive | acne-prone | Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal |
| Dimensions | 1.59 x 2.76 x 7.48 inches | 6.6 x 5 x 2.6 inches | 2 x 2 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 9 Ounces | 4 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 25,151 | 989 | 2,838 |
| Price | $17.05 | $19.47 | $24.97 |
Best Mattifying:Shea Moisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub
The Shea Moisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub has an exfoliating formula to clear blemishes and reveal glowing skin. Its oil-free formula works by lifting dirt and impurities while calming and soothing irritated skin. This facial cleanser maintains natural moisture levels to prevent over-drying the skin. Its safe and effective formula features AHA-rich tamarind extracts that promote skin resurfacing. Tea tree oil in the formula helps to purify and mattify the skin. The blend of African black soap in the formula has skin healing and antibacterial properties to balance the complexion and enhance skin texture.
Key Ingredients: African black soap, Tamarind extract, and Tea tree oil
Skin type: Oily and Acne-prone
Pros
- Gentle
- Mattifying
- Paraben-free
- Sulfates-free
- Phthalates-free
- Mineral oil-free
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
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Best Cruelty-Free:Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash
The Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash offers beautiful and healthy skin without harming the environment. It contains advanced marine phytonutrients, which have antioxidant properties, to thoroughly cleanse the skin by eliminating dirt, oil, makeup, etc. The face wash is enriched with coconut water and sea algae complex to balance and refresh the skin and keep it glowing. Its gentle formula does not contain harsh additives like parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and phthalates. You can also check this video out for a brief reviewer’s experience of the product. The product has not been tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Coconut water and Sea algae
Skin Type: Normal
Pros
- Gentle
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalates free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause dryness and redness
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,118 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Best Fragrance-Free:Belli Anti-Blemish Facial Wash
This Anti-Blemish Facial Wash from Belli leaves the skin clean and refined without over-drying it. This gentle cleansing formula contains lactic acid to exfoliate and cleanse acne-prone skin. The presence of lemon essential oil in the product brightens the skin, while green tea and cucumber extract calm and soothe the skin. This product has an allergy-tested and clinically tested formula and underwent thorough safety screening that makes it ideal for pregnant ladies. The product has not undergone testing on animals.
Key Ingredients: Lemon peel, Green tea, Olive oil, Camellia, Lactic acid, and Cucumber
Skin Type: Oily and Acne-prone skin
Pros
- Dermatologist recommended
- Parabens-free
- Phthalates-free
- Fragrance-free
- Artificial dyes-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Pregnancy-safe
- Allergy tested
Cons
- Contains phenoxyethanol
- Contains PEG
Best Gentle:Botanic Hearth Tea Tree & Mint Face Wash
The Botanic Hearth Tea Tree & Mint Face Wash is formulated for all skin types and helps in soothing dry, and irritated, and acne-prone skin. Its potent formula constrains moisturizing ingredients like coconut, rosemary, jojoba, and camellia seed oils to provide calming and hydrating benefits. This safe and gentle face wash thoroughly removes impurities to reveal clean skin. It has a pleasant fragrance that invigorates the senses.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Rosemary oil, Jojoba oil, and Camellia seed
Skin Type: All
Pros
- Gentle
- Artificial color-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May dry out the skin
Best Anti-Aging:Chic Republic Detox Facial Wash
The Chic Republic Detox Facial Wash features activated charcoal that lifts dirt from clogged pores and provides deep cleansing. Its potent skin-smoothing formula contains vitamins A and C to reveal bright skin by diminishing dark spots and blemishes. This combination of vitamins promotes cell regeneration and visibly reduces signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Rooibos and green tea extract in the formula combat free radicals to repair the skin and restore a youthful glow. The pore-minimizing formula also contains aloe and organic coconut oil to prevent acne and comfort the skin and reveal a flawlessly clear complexion. The product has not been tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Activated charcoal, Rooibos, and Green tea extracts
Skin type: All
Pros
- Gentle
- Hypoallergenic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Suitable for mature skin
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Best Anti Inflammatory:Thrive Face Wash
The Thrive Face Wash has a gel-based formula that contains clinically-proven formula and plant-based derivatives to provide deep cleansing to eliminate dirt, oil, sweat, and impurities. It offers smooth and fresh skin, prevents over-drying, and keeps it bright and vibrant. The face wash features Juanilama, an ingredient that has antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This ingredient prevents spots and blemishes. The product also contains Fiorillo extract to provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits to promote skin healing and maintain optimal health.
Key Ingredients: Juanilama and Fiorillo
Skin Type: All
Pros
- Anti-inflammatory
- GMO-free
- Paraben-free
- PABA-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- None
Best Artificial Fragrance-Free:Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash
The Simple Moisturizing Facial Wash has a moisture-rich formula that leaves your skin clean and fresh. It cleanses impurities from the pores to reveal replenished and soft skin. This face wash is suitable for all skin types and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. The combination of skin-loving ingredients in the formula repairs the skin’s natural skin barrier. Vitamin B5 in the formula restores, softens, and smoothens the skin. This antioxidant also improves skin tone, reduces age spots, and combats free radicals to prevent premature aging. The formula also contains Bisabolol which has anti-inflammatory properties to calm and soothe the skin. The product has not undergone testing on animals and is an ideal choice for those looking for ethically conscious options for their skincare routine.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, and Bisabolol
Skin Type: All
Pros
- Gentle
- Reduces uneven skin tone
- Anti-inflammatory
- Artificial color-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
Best Lightweight:Beauty By Earth Foaming Face Wash
Beauty By Earth Foaming Face Wash contains skin-soothing natural ingredients that eliminate impurities and reduce acne and blemishes. It contains aloe leaf juice that removes toxins from the skin and tea tree oil to detoxify and kill acne-causing bacteria. The potent formula cleanses without over-drying the skin and helps retain the moisture balance. This foaming facial cleanser reduces irritation and redness, reveals a glowing complexion, and is suitable for all skin types.
Note: Avoid using the product if allergic to essential oils.
Key Ingredients: Peppermint and Tea tree oils
Skin Type: All
Pros
- Lightweight
- Moisture balancing formula
- Leaves no residue
- Oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- May cause an allergic reaction
Best Pregnancy-Safe:Bella B Foaming Face Wash
This Foaming Face Wash from Bella B has a hypoallergenic and gentle formula and is safe to use during pregnancy. Its tea tree oil-enriched formula minimizes acne. The product also contains natural emollients like aloe and shea butter to moisturize the skin. It is infused with organic skin-soothing ingredients like green tea, acai berry, and pomegranate extracts. This daily cleanser offers clean skin without irritating it.
Key Ingredients: Tea tree oil, Aloe vera, Shea butter, Acai berry, and Pomegranate extracts
Skin Type: Oily and Acne-prone
Pros
- Pregnancy-safe
- Organic formula
- Parabens-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Best Soap-Free:Himalaya Fresh Start Oil Clear Strawberry Face Wash
Himalaya’s Fresh Start Oil Clear Strawberry Face Wash helps in conditioning and restoring the skin’s suppleness. It contains antioxidant-rich strawberry extracts that enhance the skin glow and suit all skin types. The formula is oil-free and leaves the skin soft. It is also soap-free and prevents discomfort and dryness. Additionally, the face wash is free from harsh chemicals and hence offers healthy skin without any long-term issues.
Key Ingredients: Strawberry extracts
Skin Type: All
Pros
- Gentle
- Oil-control
- Soap-free
- Non-drying
- SLS-free
- Parabens-free
- Phthalates-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
Best For Daily Use:Nivea Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
The Nivea Refreshing Facial Wash Gel has a refreshing cleansing formula that offers a revived and fresh look to the skin. It is infused with vitamin E that moisturizes the skin, provides antioxidant protection, and offers effective cleansing. This gel cleanser strengthens the protective skin barrier and will be a great addition to a teenager’s daily skin care routine.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E
Skin type: Normal and Combination
Pros
- Dermatologically-tested
- For daily use
- Gentle
- Pleasant scent
- Dermatologically-approved
Cons
- May cause a burning sensation
Best Handmade:Clay Lotus Organic Face Wash
The Organic Face Wash from Clay Lotus makes an ideal choice for sensitive skin. It contains sandalwood oil, a natural disinfectant with antiseptic properties for brightening and soothing the skin while preventing redness and irritation. The jojoba oil in the formula strengthens the skin barrier and comforts rosacea and eczema-prone skin, while mango and cacao butters improve skin elasticity and prevent photoaging. Natural moisturizers like almond oil in the formula offer skin conditioning and prevent oxidative damage and linseed oil tones the skin and improves firmness. The product also contains vegetable glycerin that seals moisture and maintains adequate pH levels and vitamin B3 reinforces the skin’s structure, retains moisture, and keeps the skin youthful.
Key Ingredients: Cacao butter, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin A, C, E, oleic, and stearic acid.
Skin Types: All
Pros
- Non-drying
- pH-balanced
- Gentle
- Anti-inflammatory
- Handmade
- Fragrances-free
- Detergents-free
- GMO-free
- Artificial colors-free
- Synthetic alcohol-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Hygienic packaging
Cons
- May cause a burning sensation
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to splurge on high-end luxury brands for your face cleansing needs, as some drugstore face washes work great and have proven efficacy in preventing breakouts and rejuvenating your skin with their lightweight formulas. For example, the Cetaphil Foaming Face Wash is gentle and effective for all skin types, removing impurities without irritation, the Christina Moss Naturals Original Facial Wash is an organic and natural option, ideal for sensitive and eco-conscious individuals, and the Botanic Hearth Tea Tree & Mint Face Wash benefits acne-prone skin with refreshing and soothing cleansing qualities. The face washes that leave no residue and don’t cause redness due to inflammation are a good option. In addition, they often comprise antioxidants and have antibacterial and antifungal properties that prevent spots and blemishes. For best results, avoid face washes with artificial colors and fragrances as they dry out the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you use a drugstore face wash?
Use a drugstore face wash twice a day to remove dirt, debris, excess oil, and pollution from the face.
Do drugstore face washes expire?
Yes, drugstore face washes do expire. It is best to use an opened drugstore face wash within a year.
Does drugstore face wash worth it?
Yes, drugstore face washes are very healthy for your skin. They help eliminate dirt, dead skin cells, oil, and grime. These potent face washes are also affordable and often suitable for the entire family.
How long does drugstore face wash take to work?
A drugstore face wash can cleanse your skin thoroughly in just 30-60 seconds. If you use it regularly, you will see healthier skin within 2-4 weeks of use.
Can a face wash cause acne?
No, face washes do not generally cause acne. However, if you overuse a face wash or use a formula not meant for your skin type or a formula that is made of harsh ingredients, it can cause breakouts.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. She believes that the right face wash is key to acing your skincare game. She has tried and tested many face washes and consulted myriad user reviews to bring the best ones on the market to her readers. This list consists of the face washes that thoroughly cleanse your skin and give you healthy and radiant skin on a budget!
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