15 of the Best Drugstore Face Cleansers That Are Just As Good As the Pricey Stuff
Vetted by a dermatologist
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Regardless of how many steps you have in your skincare routine, a good face wash is essential. And while we appreciate the high-end beauty world, we’ve found that drugstore face cleansers can be just as good as a pricier pick from Sephora or Ulta. But with such a wide array of products, how are you supposed to know which ones are actually worth snagging? (Spoiler alert: The Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Face Wash is a must-have for winter.)
In our hunt to find the best drugstore face cleansers, we sorted through over 40 options, ultimately narrowing things down to the 15 best. To make our final list, we consulted dermatologists, analyzed ingredients and perused customer ratings and reviews (which is why we’re adding the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser to our carts ASAP).
Ahead, check out the 15 best face cleanser we found, all of which are available for purchase at spots like Amazon, Target and CVS.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Geeta Yadav is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, a clinic located in Toronto, Canada. She has a master’s degree in international health from Johns Hopkins University and an M.D. from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Her areas of expertise include skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema and adult acne, skin cancer prevention and surgery and the treatment of skin color/BIPOC patients.
How We Chose the Best Drugstore Face Cleansers
With Dr. Yadav’s guidance, we created a checklist based on the following criteria:
What Face Wash Is Recommended by Dermatologists?
According to Dr. Yadav, the best drugstore face cleanser will ultimately depend on your skin type, but in general, she’s a big fan of Cetaphil and CeraVe.
“They are carefully formulated, dermatologist-tested and clinically proven,” she says. “[They] contain blends of niacinamide, panthenol and glycerin to help purify, calm, condition and hydrate the skin.”
What Ingredients Should I Look for in a Drugstore Face Cleanser?
Dr. Yadav recommends looking for ingredients that will protect and support the skin’s natural barrier, like glycerin and ceramides. “[They will] help the skin function its best, staying balanced and hydrated without irritation,” she explains.
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Melissa Lee
Freelance Writer
Melissa has been writing, editing, and producing product roundups and brand reviews for the past four years. She graduated with a degree in journalism from SUNY Oswego in 2019 and has since worked at publications like Hearst, Reviewed and Healthline. She's a freelance writer for PureWow and frequently covers health, fashion and home content. In her free time, she can be found perusing TikTok for the latest wellness and cooking trends. Learn more about her on her website.
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