Best drugstore facial cleanser for dry skin

Micellar water is perfect for cleansing skin and removing makeup, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. For a gentle but thorough cleanse, try the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 to remove dirt, oil and makeup residue. Thanks to its no-oil, no-sulfates, no-parabens, no-fragrances and no-alcohol formula, this face wash is also perfect for those with sensitive skin.

You don’t have to splurge on fancy skincare to find a great cleanser. Sometimes the simplest, most economical face wash is also the best. Rinsing your face has never felt better with the best drugstore face washes.

We included a cleanser for every skin type, concern and seasonal flare-up. Read on to discover the best drugstore face wash for oily skin. If dreary winter weather is messing with your skin, we have you covered with a top-rated face wash for dry skin. Above all, you should match your cleanser to your skin type for fresh-faced beauty that will collect many compliments.

In an age of 12-step skincare routines, you may be surprised to discover a minimalist regimen can actually work best. As dermatologists know, you can remove the dirt, debris and makeup that builds up on your skin by using drugstore face washes. Follow up your cleanser with a drugstore moisturizer and vitamin C serum for a well-rounded regimen with both clearing and anti-aging benefits. Looking past the price tag, what really matters is the quality of the ingredients and how well your skin responds to the product.

Once you’ve experienced the wonders of Neutrogena or Garnier products, you may find there’s no turning back. These affordable options work equally as well as luxury products at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, you can channel the money you’re saving on skincare to something more fun, like pastel dresses or kiss-proof lipsticks.

Sick of shelling out vast sums on skincare that doesn’t even work? These tried-and-true formulas have been passed down through the generations. For example, Cetaphil uses the same formula for its Gentle Skin Cleanser as it did 70 years ago. The product has a gentle cleansing power that is perfect for sensitive skin and truly timeless. Baby Boomers, Millennials and Gen Zers all swear by the drugstore find.

Keep scrolling to find the guilt-free formulas people love. These drugstore face washes get you a glowing complexion without breaking the bank.

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

1 of 11 Image Credits: Ulta

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

Price:$7.99

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Neutrogena’s Fresh Foaming Cleanser is a cult favorite, its versatility being one of the many reasons people have been obsessed with this affordable option for years. The fragrance-, soap-, and alcohol-free formula makes it great for all skin types without serious skin problems. One reviewer said it best: “This is my all-time favorite facial cleanser — and i’ve used a lot of expensive cleansers. It's great at removing makeup and cleansing skin."

2 of 11 Image Credits: Lovely Skin

Best Drugstore Face Wash for Normal Skin

Derma E Hyaluronic Hydrating Cleanser

Price:$15.50

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Say goodbye to dry, flaky skin with this hydrating cleanser from Derma E. The magic ingredient is hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep moisture in the skin, giving you a refreshed and radiant complexion with each wash. One reviewer said her “face didn’t feel like it was burning as it does with other drugstore brands,” and that it left her skin “instantly hydrated.” Just another Amazon beauty find to add to your cart.

3 of 11 Image Credits: Ulta

Best Drugstore Face Wash for Dry Skin

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser for Oily Skin

Price:$8.99

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Give your blotting sheets a break with Garnier’s Micellar Foaming Cleanser that takes care of dirt and shine with just one rinse. According to dermatologist Sonia Batra, “Foaming cleansers often work well for oily skin because they help break apart and dissolve oil on the skin surface.” With this gentle face wash you won’t have to worry about harsh scrubbing, thanks to micelle molecules that lift makeup and grime away for a squeaky-clean (and more importantly) matte face.

4 of 11 Image Credits: Bliss

Best Drugstore Face Wash for Oily Skin

Bliss Makeup Melt Jelly Cleanser

Price:$12.00

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“This is a great, slightly more cost-effective alternative to the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser,” said one user. “The smooth consistency easily removes makeup and is gentle for face washing.” This two-in-one cleanser-slash-makeup remover can literally melt away a full face of foundation without drying the skin, for less than $15. Not to mention it has an aesthetically pleasing bottle that would look great on your countertop.

5 of 11 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Drugstore Face Wash for Combination Skin

Alba Botanica Good & Clean Gentle Acne Wash

Price:$18.50

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Finding a cleanser that doesn’t irritate or break out acne-prone skin is a trial-and-error process, especially when you’re working with a budget. But with reviews praising the gentle, frothy formula, deep-cleaning salicylic acid and subtle fruity scent, you can confidently purchase this Alba face wash for your sensitive skin — all at a drugstore price. Bonus: you can also use it as a body wash to combat that hard-to-reach bacne.

6 of 11 Image Credits: Walgreens

Best Drugstore Face Wash for Acne

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Price:$6.59

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This non-alkaline, non-comedogenic cleanser won’t dry or dull your skin, making it the perfect option for sensitive skin. Cetaphil is drugstore classic for its gentle, lotion-like formula that reduces redness with immediate hydration and relief. One ride-or-die fan says, “This is the only choice for ultra sensitive faces. I love this product and it's what my dermatologist recommends.” Need I say more?

7 of 11 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Drugstore Face Wash for Sensitive Skin

Dove DermaSeries Face Wash

Price:$12.96

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Aside from being a personal favorite from my local drugstore, Dove’s new DermaSeries line is just just what your clinically dry or itchy skin needs. “I recommend this for my patients with rosacea or eczema, or those just with dry, sensitive skin,” says Dr. Elizabeth Hale, MD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Medical Center. Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested, this creamy cleanser has even won the 2018 Seal of Approval from the National Eczema Association.

8 of 11 Image Credits: Walgreens

Best Drugstore Face Wash for Rosacea/Eczema

No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator

Price:$17.49

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With more than 4.6 stars and over 100 raving reviews on Amazon, the No7 line is clearly a leader among drugstore face washes. Tiny micro-crystals work to sweep away dead skin to smooth out an uneven skin tone. “I've been using this product for several years and it rocks,” says one glowing review. “It makes your skin so soft and velvety.”

9 of 11 Image Credits: Amazon

Best Drugstore Face Wash for Rough Skin

Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser

Price:$7.97

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Wrinkles and fine lines don’t stop when you’re running short on funds. Enter: the Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser, ringing in under $10 at most corner stores. Removing 99 percent of skin-aging impurities like dirt, oil, and makeup, it’s gentle enough for everyday use without breaking the bank. “I’ve tried a lot of high-end stuff for my face in the past couple of years, but I have to say — Aveeno is doing better than anyone else,” says one satisfied user.

10 of 11 Image Credits: Ulta

Best Drugstore Face Wash for Anti-Aging

Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser

Price:$7.99

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Everyone knows the Bioré Pore Strips are pure gold for removing blackheads, but this charcoal face wash was a hidden gem. After hustling in the summer heat, makeup melting in your pores, you need something a little tougher than your daily face wash. “Affordability aside, I like this cleanser specifically because I can actually feel it tingling while it cleanses my pores,” says one reviewer. “I always keep a bottle in my shower and use it when my face needs a good, deep clean.”

11 of 11 Image Credits: Nordstrom Rack

Best Drugstore Face Wash for a Deep Clean

Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil

Price:$15.97

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If cruelty-free and natural ingredients are important to you, then you should try Burt’s Bees cleansing oil. With hydrating coconut and argan oil, it’s suggested for normal to dry skin, or anyone who loves an oil-based face wash. “The longer you leave this on your skin, the better the result,” says a satisfied user. “Ten minutes is like getting a professional facial. It dissolves clogged pores and blackheads and gives an incredible glow and softness to the skin.” She even claims it’s better than the cult-favorite DHC oil cleanser, but at half the price.

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