A great cleanser is undoubtedly the foundation of any effective skincare routine. And while there are plenty of luxury options worth the investment, the best drugstore cleansers prove that you don't need to spend a fortune to achieve a clear, soft, and balanced complexion.
Featured in this article
Best Overall
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Face Wash
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Best for Dry Skin
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
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Best for Oily Skin
Peach Slices Oil Control Balancing Cleanser
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To help you find those worthy of your regimen, I've pinpointed the 10 best affordable formulas for every skin type and concern, according to dermatologists, Bazaar editors, and hundreds of online reviewers too. From exfoliating face washes to makeup-busting cleansing balms and ultra-gentle micellar waters, keep scrolling to find your new top-shelf hero.
Best Overall
Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Face Wash
Now 26% Off
$16 $12 at Amazon$16 $12 at WalmartPros
Fragrance-free
Noncomedogenic
Some reviewers may prefer a creamier formula
Super hydrating and gentle enough for sensitive skin, this classic Neutrogena formula has remained a bestseller for years. "I have tested and reviewed hundreds of cleansers, and this is still my favorite of all time," attests Jenna Rosenstein, Bazaar's beauty director. "It beats out cleansers double and triple the price in its ability to remove all traces of makeup without leaving my dry skin too stripped."
Key ingredients: Glycerin
Customer review: "I’ve used it consistently for a few weeks now, and I haven’t experienced any redness, irritation, or breakouts, which is a huge win. It’s also suitable for daily use, and I’ve noticed an improvement in the overall texture and appearance of my skin."
Best for Dry Skin
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Now 23% Off
$16 $12 at AmazonPros
Dermatologist approved
Certified by the National Eczema Association
"This gentle cleanser contains emollient-rich surfactants, meaning that it retains the skin’s protective barrier while cleansing it," Jeremy Brauer, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York, previously told Bazaar. "This helps your skin maintain moisture and hydration while refraining from irritating more sensitive skin."
Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Customer review: "I’ve noticed a visible improvement in my skin’s texture—it feels softer, smoother, and more hydrated. My skin has never looked or felt better, and I no longer struggle with the uncomfortable dryness that I used to get from other face washes."
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Best for Oily Skin
Peach Slices Oil Control Balancing Cleanser
$15 at Amazon$15 at Ulta Beauty
Pros
Dermatologist approved
Minimizes shine
Gentle enough to use on sensitive oily skin
Oil-reducing formula isn't the best option for dry skin
New York City-based dermatologist Hadley King calls this Peach Slices cleanser "an innovative approach to oil control" and one of the best options for oily skin. "It uses niacinamide, zinc, and green tea extract [to reduce excess sebum]," she previously told Bazaar. "I like that these are all things that aren’t harsh or drying."
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc, green tea extract
Customer review: "Though the consistency is similar to that of an oil-based cleanser, I am surprised that it lathers up quite nicely and rinses off quite nicely without leaving a soapy film on my face."
Best for Acne
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Cruelty-free and vegan
Gently exfoliates to unclog pores and remove excess oil
Reviewers say it's not as drying as other drugstore acne cleansers
May not be suitable for those with extremely dry skin
While salicylic acid cleansers can be effective for busting acne, some can be too drying for daily use. The Inkey List's gel formula is particularly gentle, however, featuring a lower two percent concentration of salicylic acid plus zinc to remove excess oil and allantoin to minimize irritation gently.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc, allantoin
Customer review: "This cleared pretty much all of my acne a few weeks into using. Now, I have more hormonal acne, and it helps with that. It has never dried out my (fairly sensitive) skin, irritated it, or caused any breakouts."
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Best Oil Cleanser
Bubble Bubble First Class Oil Cleanser
Vegan and cruelty-free
Can be used as makeup remover
Shouldn't irritate your eyes
Some reviewers note double cleansing is needed to remove waterproof mascara
"This oil-based cleanser from Bubble is one of my favorites to use when removing makeup," says Tiffany Dodson, Bazaar beauty commerce editor. "The formula expertly breaks down mascara, foundation, and concealer and always leaves my skin feeling soft once it's rinsed away."
Key ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, rosehip oil
Customer review: "It is so easy to emulsify and gently breaks down makeup and unclogs your pores, leaving your skin feeling extremely hydrated and not stripped. It also does not burn your eyes as most oil cleansers do!"
Best Foaming Cleanser
good.clean.goop The Daily Juice Cleanser
Vegan and cruelty-free
Gentle enough for daily use
Some reviewers didn't care for the scent
If you prefer your face wash on the foamy side, try good.clean.goop's The Daily Juice Cleanser. Formulated with nutrient-rich fruit enzymes and plant extracts, it provides a squeaky clean feeling without leaving your skin feeling dry or stripped.
Key ingredients: Papaya and pineapple enzymes, hyaluronic acid
Customer review: "It lathers really well, so a little bit goes a long way. It did a good job at removing a lot of makeup. My face felt really clean and refreshed after using it."
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Best Cleansing Balm
Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser
Vegan and cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic
Bulky packaging
If you love the makeup-melting powers of a cleansing balm but don't want to pay top dollar, try this gentle option from Byoma. Packed with ceramides to replenish the skin barrier, the buttery formula melts into a milky cleanser that leaves the skin feeling fresh and supple.
Key ingredients: Grapeseed oil, olive fruit extract
Customer review: "This product is great for removing makeup at the end of the day. Pay attention to instructions. Needs to be applied on dry skin first, then add water."
Best Natural Cleanser
Weleda Skin Food Face Care Nourishing Oil-to-Milk Cleanser
Now 16% Off
$20 $17 at AmazonPros
Vegan and cruelty-free
Doubles as makeup remover
Certified B corporation for making positive environmental and social impacts
Oil-based formula isn't the best choice for those with oily skin
If you're seeking an all-natural option, this Weleda cleanser is a great pick. Made with responsibly sourced, vegan ingredients, it goes from an oil to milky texture with water and effectively removes every speck of makeup.
Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, chamomile extract
Customer review: "Great for a person who is always in a hurry. It is moisturizing without being greasy."
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Best Micellar Water
La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water
$18 at Amazon$18 at Walmart$20 at Ulta Beauty
Pros
Fragrance-free
Removes makeup easily
Doesn't need to be rinsed off
Double cleansing provides the deepest clean
"I've been using micellar water since high school because it’s basically a makeup remover and cleanser in one, and I am, ultimately, lazy," says Elly Leavitt, Hearst fashion and luxury commerce editor. "La Roche-Posay's version is my favorite; I have super sensitive skin, and this formula has never irritated or dried it out."
Key ingredients: Micelles
Customer review: "It’s super gentle and basically just feels like water. No sticky residue at all. Doesn’t burn the eyes. And everything comes off just as it should! You could probably just use this and not even have to wash your face after."
Best K-Beauty Cleanser
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foam Cleanser
Reviewers say a little goes a long way
Removes makeup
Contains dyes and fragrances that may irritate sensitive skin
Korean cleansers are known for offering great quality and versatility at the lowest prices. According to thousands of Amazon reviewers, this brightening, hydrating, and soothing rice water formula is one of the best on the market.
Key ingredients: Rice water, rice bran oil
Customer review: "I’ve used cleansers ranging in price from $5 to $120, and this is the absolute best one I’ve ever used. It cleanses well without giving that tight, dry feeling to the skin after washing."
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What to look for when shopping for drugstore cleansers
- Ingredients: A cleanser that's well-suited to your skin type will help you achieve the best results. If you have dry skin, look for products with barrier-boosting ingredients like ceramides as well as nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane. Those with oily skin should look for oil-free formulas, while those with acne-prone skin should seek out options featuring chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid to gently unclog pores. If you have sensitive skin, avoid products with added dyes and fragrances that can cause irritation.
- Texture: Do you prefer your cleanser with an oil-to-milk texture or perhaps something foamy? Determining the consistency you like will also help narrow down your options. When searching for the best foaming cleansers, remember to choose options that lather without sulfates since these can strip the skin of essential natural oils.
How often should I cleanse?
If you're using an exfoliating cleanser to combat acne or dull skin, you may find it to be too intense for daily use, especially if you're already prone to dryness. For the best results, consider rotating in a gentler formula each week.
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Shop more of our drugstore favorites
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- The Best e.l.f. Products, According to Makeup Artists
- The Best Drugstore Eye Creams, Ranked by Dermatologists
- The Best Drugstore Toners for Every Skin Type
Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.