# The 6 Best Drugstore Face Washes on Amazon in 2026 > Best drugstore facial cleanser in 2026: six face washes, from CeraVe Foaming and two Cetaphil formulas to cheap Neutrogena and Clean & Clear washes. Guide: https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/ · Updated 2026-10-02 · By TwelveTabs · Search it live: https://twelvetabs.com/?q=best%20drugstore%20facial%20wash&guide=best-drugstore-facial-wash As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases. Our picks are independently researched, written by TwelveTabs AI and never sponsored. Prices and ratings change often: see the guide for today's. ## The top picks - **A fragrance-free gel-to-foam wash for normal to oily skin:** CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. A fragrance-free gel cleanser that foams as you lather, with three essential ceramides, listed as non-drying and non-comedogenic for normal to oily skin. - **A non-foaming, fragrance-free wash for dry to normal, sensitive skin:** Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser, Hydrating Face Wash. A hydrating, fragrance-free and sulfate-free face wash for dry to normal, sensitive skin in a 20 oz bottle, with glycerin, panthenol and niacinamide. - **A wash for sensitive skin that is combination to oily:** Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive and Oily Skin. A hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic wash for sensitive, combination to oily skin that the listing says removes dirt, excess oil and pollution microparticles and minimizes the look of pores. - **A low-cost foaming wash that also removes makeup:** Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Facial Cleanser. A makeup remover and face wash in one, in an 8.5 fl oz pump bottle with a leak-proof clip, that the listing says removes makeup, even waterproof eye makeup, and is free of soap, alcohol and oil. - **A fragrance-free foaming wash for sensitive skin at a very low price:** Clean & Clear Essentials Oil-Free Foaming Facial Cleanser. A vegan, oil-free foaming cleanser with Pro-Vitamin B5 that the listing says is designed for sensitive skin and is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, oils, dyes and fragrance. - **A tingly, minty scrub that gently exfoliates:** Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser. A 7 fl oz tube of oil-free facial scrub with plastic-free beads and Pro-Vitamin B5 that the listing says gently exfoliates, and that Amazon's summary says feels cooling and minty fresh. Our top pick is the **[CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1)**, a fragrance-free gel-to-foam wash for normal to oily skin. We read 124 Amazon result cards for "best drugstore facial wash", compared 11 contenders on their own pages, and kept six. Wirecutter's pick for oily or acne-prone skin is also the [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1), though its page names a different size from the one we read. Then one pick for each other job. For dry to normal, sensitive skin, the **[Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-2)**. For sensitive, combination or oily skin, the **[Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-3)**. For a cheap foaming wash that removes eye makeup, the **[Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-4)**. For a very cheap fragrance-free foaming wash, the **[Clean & Clear Essentials Oil-Free Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-5)**. For a cooling scrub, the **[Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-6)**. ## How to choose a drugstore face wash Byrdie, Allure and a licensed esthetician set out what to look at. - **Match the wash to your skin type.** Byrdie says sensitive skin should choose fragrance-free formulas and dry skin may prefer hydrating ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid. Our fragrance-free picks are the [CeraVe Foaming](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1), [Cetaphil Gentle](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-2) and [Clean & Clear Essentials](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-5) washes. - **Pick a texture.** Byrdie's dermatologists say creams, oils and balms suit dry skin, and gels or foams suit oily or acne-prone skin. The [CeraVe Foaming](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1) and [Neutrogena Fresh Foaming](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-4) listings say normal to oily skin, while the [Cetaphil Gentle](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-2) listing says dry to normal, sensitive skin. - **Keep the ingredients simple.** Byrdie quotes a dermatologist who prefers gentle cleansers without sodium lauryl sulfate, alcohol or fragrance to avoid irritation. The Cetaphil and Clean & Clear listings say sulfate-free. An esthetician at Estie Bunny says many foaming cleansers are drying and stripping, so a foam is not automatically gentle. - **Exfoliating is an extra.** The [Clean & Clear Deep Action](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-6) wash is a scrub with plastic-free beads. Byrdie says a cleanser with AHAs or salicylic acid can add exfoliation, and its dermatologist calls them more gentle on skin than a scrub. ## Our picks in detail ### 1. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser: best foaming wash for oily skin **Why it made the list** - Its listing describes an oily skin cleanser that dispenses as a clear gel and transforms into a foam as you lather, without leaving skin feeling tight, dry or stripped. - The listing calls it fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, non-drying and non-irritating, with three essential ceramides, for normal to oily skin and for face or body. - Amazon's own summary of its reviews says it is effective and gentle with a nice lather and a scentless formula that works with sensitive skin and removes makeup without leaving residue. - Wirecutter names the [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1) its pick for oily or acne-prone skin, though its page names a different size. **Drawbacks** - Two top positive reviews describe a 19 oz pump bottle, so the rating on this 8 oz page covers more than one size. - The listing says normal to oily skin, so Byrdie's advice that dry skin does better with a cream, oil or balm cleanser applies. **Watch for this:** Check the size before you buy. The rating counts on this page cover more than the 8 oz size it opened on. **Skip it if** your skin is dry. The [Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-2) is the dry to normal option here. ### 2. Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser, Hydrating Face Wash: best fragrance-free wash for dry, sensitive skin **Why it made the list** - Its listing describes a gentle cleanser for dry to normal, sensitive skin that hydrates and soothes as it cleanses, preserving the skin's moisture barrier. - The listing says the hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula is free of fragrances, parabens and sulfates, with glycerin and vitamins B5 and B3. - Amazon's own summary of its reviews says it is effective at removing dirt and impurities, does not irritate sensitive skin, keeps skin moisturized and comes in a large bottle that lasts a long time. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary lists the non-foaming nature as mixed. - It is aimed at dry to normal skin, and the [Cetaphil Daily](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-3) or the [CeraVe Foaming](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1) suit oily skin better. **Skip it if** you like a foaming wash. Byrdie says gels and foams suit oily skin better, and this cleanser is non-foaming. ### 3. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive and Oily Skin: best for sensitive, combination to oily skin **Why it made the list** - Its listing describes a facial cleanser for sensitive, combination to oily skin that reinforces the skin barrier and minimizes the appearance of pores. - The listing says it is clinically proven to remove dirt, excess oils, impurities and pollution microparticles, in a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula free of parabens and sulfates. - Amazon's own summary of its reviews says it removes impurities and makeup and leaves the face feeling fresh, and calls it good value. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary lists skin reactions as mixed: some say it does not irritate and keeps skin moist, while others report redness and breakouts. - Amazon's own summary lists the fragrance as mixed, and the listing text we read does not say whether it is fragrance-free. - Two 1-star reviews say a 2 pack arrived as a single bottle, and a 3-star review describes a dirty bottle with peeling labels. **Watch for this:** Check the pack on the page. Two critical reviews describe ordering a 2 pack and receiving one bottle, so the rating counts cover more than one pack size. **Skip it if** you want a fragrance-free wash. The [Cetaphil Gentle](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-2) and [CeraVe Foaming](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1) listings say fragrance-free. ### 4. Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Facial Cleanser: best cheap foaming wash that removes eye makeup **Why it made the list** - Its listing describes a foaming cleanser and makeup remover in one for normal to oily skin, in an 8.5 fl oz pump bottle with a leak-proof clip. - The listing says it removes makeup, even waterproof eye makeup, and rinses clean, and is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. - It is glycerin-infused and free of soap, alcohol and oil, and non-comedogenic according to the listing. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary lists foaming as mixed: some say it foams up nicely, while others report that it produces no foam. - Amazon's own summary lists the scent and eye irritation as mixed, with some reporting burning. - A 1-star review says it did not foam at all. **Watch for this:** The page opened on the unscented version. Its rating and review count (21.3K) are shared by three scent and size listings of the same cleanser. **Skip it if** your eyes are sensitive. Some reviews report burning, and the [Clean & Clear Essentials](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-5) wash is aimed at sensitive skin. ### 5. Clean & Clear Essentials Oil-Free Foaming Facial Cleanser: best very cheap fragrance-free foaming wash **Why it made the list** - Its listing describes a foaming cleanser with Pro-Vitamin B5 that removes oil and pore-clogging impurities while supporting sensitive skin. - The listing says it is fragrance-free and nourishing, cleans without drying and helps maintain the skin's moisture barrier. - It is vegan and free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, oils, dyes and fragrance, in a bottle made with 50 percent recycled plastic, according to the listing. **Drawbacks** - Amazon shows no review summary on this page, so there is none to cite. - A 1-star review says the product was good but the bottle arrived leaking and a quarter was gone. **Skip it if** you want a cleanser with a stated texture or skin type beyond sensitive skin. The listing says designed for sensitive skin and gives no other skin type. ### 6. Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser: best cooling exfoliating scrub **Why it made the list** - Its listing describes an oil-free facial scrub with Pro-Vitamin B5 that gently exfoliates skin to clean deep down to the pore. - The listing says it uses naturally-derived, plastic-free beads and is a vegan formula free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, oils and dyes. - Amazon's own summary of its reviews says it leaves skin smooth and clean with a cooling, tingling, minty fresh feeling, and calls it good value. **Drawbacks** - Amazon's own summary lists skin sensitivity as mixed: some say it does not irritate, while others report breakouts. - A 3-star review, written in Spanish, says it is good but leaves the face cold and is not recommended for sensitive skin. **Skip it if** your skin is sensitive. Byrdie says to keep a face wash simple, and a scrub adds friction that the Cetaphil and CeraVe washes do not. ## What we left out, and why We read 124 result cards across two pages of "best drugstore facial wash". 28 were sponsored, and we skipped them. From the other 96 organic cards we set aside 51 that were not face washes in this guide's scope (makeup removers, balms and oils, wipes, bar soaps, acne treatment washes sold as medicine and body washes). We then chose 11 contenders by review count, with no more than two from one brand, and read the Amazon page of each. We kept six. Four were left out: - **CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, 16 oz.** Already a pick in our [face cleansers for mature skin guide](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-face-cleansers-for-mature-skin/). - **La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser.** Already a pick in the same guide. It is also Wirecutter's pick for dry skin. - **Neutrogena Liquid Gentle Foaming Face Wash.** Amazon's own summary lists fragrance, makeup removal and skin compatibility as mixed, with some reporting that it stings their eyes. The [Neutrogena Fresh Foaming](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-4) pick covers the foaming need. - **Amazon Basics Morning Fresh Facial Cleanser.** Amazon's own summary lists the pump as mixed, with several saying it is impossible to operate, and some report breakouts and rashes. Wirecutter's guide, "The 8 Best Facial Cleansers of 2026", updated August 13, 2026, has no pick labelled "Top pick". Its first pick, "Best for sensitive skin", is the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, which is in the comparison table so you can see it next to ours. Its pick for oily or acne-prone skin is the [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1), our first pick, though its page names a different size from the 8 oz page we read. We looked up only the Vanicream pick on Amazon. ## Questions people ask ### What is the best drugstore face wash? For oily or combination skin, the [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1), which is also Wirecutter's pick for oily or acne-prone skin. For a gentle non-foaming wash, the [Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-2). For a low price, the [Clean & Clear Essentials foaming](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-5) wash. ### What is the best drugstore face wash for sensitive skin? Wirecutter's pick for sensitive skin is the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, which is in our table. Among our own picks, the [Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-2) and the [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-3) are described as made for sensitive skin, and the [Clean & Clear Essentials](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-5) wash is fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin. ### Which drugstore face wash is best for oily skin? Byrdie says dermatologists find gels and foams best for oily or acne-prone skin. The [CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1) lists normal to oily skin, the [Neutrogena Fresh Foaming](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-4) lists normal to oily skin, and the [Cetaphil Daily](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-3) lists sensitive, combination to oily skin. ### Are foaming cleansers bad for your skin? Not always. An Estie Bunny esthetician says many foaming cleansers are drying and stripping, but that one Neutrogena foaming cleanser did not leave her skin tight. The [CeraVe Foaming](https://twelvetabs.com/reviews/best-drugstore-facial-wash/#pick-1) listing says it cleanses without leaving skin feeling tight, dry or stripped. ### How did TwelveTabs choose these face washes? TwelveTabs, our AI shopping agent, compared Amazon's results for "best drugstore facial wash", read the pages of 11 contenders and named six picks, as of October 2, 2026. We checked the advice against Byrdie, Allure and Estie Bunny. To see what it picks today, run the search yourself with the button on this page. ## How we researched On October 2, 2026 we read the first two pages of Amazon's results for “best drugstore facial wash”: 124 result cards, 96 of them organic listings. AI compared them, read the Amazon pages of 11 contenders and named 6 picks. AI wrote this guide from that research. Listings change: we read them on October 2, 2026, and a size, price or seller may differ today. Many of these listings cover several sizes under one rating, so a rating describes the line and not the size we show. The Amazon text we kept for each product is cut short, so a feature that is not named here may still be on the full page. ### Sources - [Byrdie: The 12 Best Drugstore Face Washes](https://www.byrdie.com/best-drugstore-face-wash) - [Allure: 8 Best Drugstore Cleansers for All Skin Types](https://www.allure.com/story/best-drugstore-cleansers) - [Estie Bunny: Drugstore Cleanser Review by a Licensed Esthetician](https://estiebunny.com/drugstore-cleanser-review-by-a-licensed-esthetician/) - [Wirecutter: The 8 Best Facial Cleansers of 2026](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-facial-cleansers/)