Which Face Wash is Best?

Last updated February 4, 2026

Have you ever walked around a face wash-filled aisle and were overwhelmed by all the options? There are a myriad of ways to cleanse your face and it can be hard to navigate the world of face wash, particularly if you’re not 100 percent sure what’s right for your skin type. We’re giving you the 411 on the different types of face washes, which ones are best based on skin type and what you should pay attention to as you age. Learn all about face wash in this article.

Types Of Face Wash

1. Rinseable Face Wash

For many washing your face with water is a must to feel like skin is totally clean. Rinseable face washes usually work up a lather on skin and can help purify it by removing oil, sebum, dirt, sweat and makeup off of its surface.

Rinseable face wash products can be formulated for a variety of skin types. If you have oily skin, products formulated with salicylic or glycolic acid can be particularly effective. One of those products is Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Purifying with Salicylic Acid. Although our Micellar Waters do not need rinsing, the Micellar Water All-in-1 Purifying with Salicylic Acid can help your oily skin look shine-free and lifts impurities off of your skin, which can help it stay blemish-free. This is particularly helpful if you are prone to skin issues such as blackheads or pimples.

If your skin is on the more sensitive side try to use a gentle cleanser that can also wash away impurities but won’t imbalance your skin’s pH levels. Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water cleanses, removes makeup, and hydrates skin without harsh rubbing or rinsing.

Exfoliating cleansers also fall into the rinseable category. However, they have the added benefit of sloughing off dead skin cells off skin’s surface. Exfoliating is crucial to maintain healthy-looking skin because it can lift dead skin cells off your face, which can often clog pores or make your skin look dull. A gentle daily scrub can help your skin look luminous. If you have combination skin, try an exfoliator that helps balance and refine your complexion.

For dry or mature skin, look for sulfate-free gel or cream cleansers with hydrating ingredients to help support the skin barrier while you cleanse. If you’re acne-prone, a salicylic-acid gel cleanser can help keep pores clear, while normal-to-combination skin often does well with a gentle foaming formula.

2. Cleansing Milk And Lotion Cleansers

There is a whole category of cleansers that doesn’t involve washing your face with clear and soapy products, but rather cleanses with milk-like consistency products. You can use cleansing milks or lotion cleansers and wipe your face with a cotton round or ball to lift off any makeup or residue from skin. Look for products formulated for sensitive skin and alcohol and dye-free yet still powerful enough to dissolve waterproof mascara and impurities off of skin.

These comfort-first formulas are great for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin types because they cleanse without stripping and often leave a light veil of moisture behind. Choose fragrance-free, non-comedogenic options if you’re prone to irritation or clogged pores.

3. Micellar Water

Another product that doesn’t need to be rinsed off is micellar water. Similar to a cleansing milk, you utilize cotton pads or balls and saturate them with micellar water then glide them lightly over your face to cleanse. Unlike cleansing milks, micellar water has a water-like consistency that is clear. It can be refreshing for your skin and easily removes all traces of makeup, dirt and sweat. Micellar water can be used in the morning and evening and is perfect when you are on the go or not around a water source to wash your face. There are also other surprising uses to micellar water such as hand wash or face mist. Find out more here.

Micellar water is a gentle, no-rinse option that can suit most skin types and is especially helpful for removing light makeup; look for oil-infused micellar waters if you wear waterproof mascara. Oily or acne-prone skin may prefer a mattifying or salicylic-acid formula, while dry or sensitive skin often benefits from hydrating variants with humectants.

4. Towelettes

Another no-rinse product for when you are on the go are refreshing and cleansing towelettes. These are perfect to bring on the plane, on the road or to just have on standby for those days when you are too tired to go through a lengthy cleansing routine.

Use towelettes as a convenient stopgap—especially after the gym, travel, or late nights—but follow with a thorough cleanse when you can to fully remove sunscreen and long-wear makeup. Fragrance-free options are often best for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Cleansers By Age

Teens

Due to hormonal changes many teens may have oily or blemished-looking skin. A great way to keep both issues under control is by cleansing religiously every morning and evening. An exfoliating cleanser can be particularly helpful because it also deeply cleanses pores and removes excess sebum. Garnier SkinActive’s Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub tightens pores, deeply cleanses and smooths the appearance of skin. The formula infused with charcoal helps lift blackhead-causing dirt, oil and impurities of your face which can help pores stay unclogged and skin blemishes at bay.

20s And 30s

If you’re in your 20s and 30s and living in a metropolitan area, free radicals and exposure to pollution can be particularly relevant to you. Free radicals are harmful particles that can attach to your skin and cause damage and accelerate skin aging (think fine lines and wrinkles). Protect your skin so that it looks youthful for as long as possible. Cleanse skin twice a day then follow with an antioxidant formulated moisturizer to help keep skin looking beautiful for years to come. Keep an eye out for products formulated with Vitamin C, E, wild berry, green tea and reservatrol to help your skin look its best and protect it from free radical damage. It’s also important to apply broad-spectrum SPF each and every day.

40s, 50s, And 60s

As you age your skin may become dry and lose elasticity. Look for cleansers that won’t dry out your skin but can still thoroughly cleanse it. Exfoliation should also be a priority because surface skin cell turnover slows down the older we get. This means your skin is more likely to look dull. Follow cleansing with moisturizer that can help hydrate and soften your skin to keep it supple. Retinol is popular for its anti-aging benefits because with continued use it can help smooth the look of wrinkles, fight dullness and improve skin’s overall appearance.

Face Wash Frequently Asked Questions

There are four main types: rinseable face washes that lather and remove oil and makeup, cleansing milks and lotion cleansers with a milk-like consistency, micellar water with a clear water-like texture, and convenient cleansing towelettes for on-the-go use.

Rinseable face washes formulated with salicylic acid or glycolic acid work well for oily skin, helping to control shine, lift impurities, and keep skin blemish-free.

Gentle cleansers that won't imbalance your skin's pH levels are ideal, such as micellar water formulated for sensitive skin that cleanses and hydrates without harsh rubbing or rinsing.

No, micellar water doesn't need to be rinsed off—simply saturate a cotton pad and glide it over your face to remove makeup, dirt, and sweat.
Yes, micellar water can be used both morning and evening and is perfect when you're on the go or not around a water source.
Exfoliating cleansers slough off dead skin cells from your skin's surface, helping to unclog pores, prevent dullness, and maintain healthy-looking, luminous skin.
Yes, cleansing towelettes are refreshing and effective for cleansing on the go, making them perfect for travel or when you're too tired for a lengthy routine.
Cleansing milk has a milk-like consistency while micellar water has a clear, water-like texture, but both are applied with cotton pads and don't require rinsing.