Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & WriterUpdated on Feb 07, 2024
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation processThe number one step in any skincare routine is cleansing and this step is ineffective without a good face wash. As per our expertise, we can assure you that even the best drugstore face wash can do what an expensive, luxurious cleanser can. But, without burning a big hole in your pocket. We have trailed several products over the course of a few weeks and picked the best drugstore face washes based on the ingredients, price, effectiveness, and overall appeal. These face washes are carefully picked to ensure that they do not mess with your skin and do not contain any parabens, sulfates, or other harmful elements. They are packed with an effective formula that works wonders on the skin without stripping away the natural oil or shine. Moreover, they can be your one-stop answer to achieving flawless skin effortlessly.
According to Marisa K. Garshick, M.D., “While it is important for a cleanser to eliminate dirt and build-up, it is also important that the skin isn’t left feeling dry or irritated.” Hence, keeping the pearl of wisdom in mind, we have curated a list of the best drugstore face washes that can be blessings in disguise. Whether you need acne face washes, a gentle cleanser, or a
foaming wash, scroll away to check out our list!
Our top picks
15 Best Drugstore Face Washes
This facial cleanser by Anthony contains a powerful formula enriched with glycolic acid which refines and clarifies your pores to control breakouts and brighten up the skin. The non-foaming cleanser also contains vitamins A, C, and E, and effective antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals. Well, that’s not all! With a paraben-free formula and no skin-irritating ingredients, the dermatologically-tested product is one of the best drugstore face cleansers for acne for men.
Pros
- Brighten up your face
- Prevents irritation
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Exfoliates the skin
- Keeps the skin hydrated
Cons
- Non-efficient pump dispenser
2
Dermatologically-recommended
CETAPHIL Gentle Skin Cleanser
Enter the OG of all skin cleansers – The gentle skin cleanser by Cetaphil! This super-effective face wash is loaded with potent ingredients to bring a positive change to your sensitive skin care routine. Also, power-packed with hypoallergenic ingredients, its formula takes the upper hand in balancing the pH levels of your skin and leaving it squeaky clean, and refreshed. To top off the benefits, it also suits people with dry skin types, making it a must-have for all.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologically-recommended
- Balances pH levels of the skin
- Fragrance-free
- Locks in moisture
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not for oily skin
3
Amazing Aroma
Clean & Clear 2-Pack Day and Night Face Cleansers
Clean & Clear has introduced a pack of two day and night facial cleansers to take care of your cleansing needs single-handedly without burning a hole in your pockets! The pack features a morning burst face wash that clears all the impurities and a night relaxing cleanser that allows you to fall asleep with clean pores. It is the best affordable face wash, indeed! Moreover, with an amazing fragrance, the uniquely formulated washes make your face glow and ensure that you fetch compliments throughout the day.
Pros
- Packed with effective ingredients
- Value for money
- All-in-one solution
- Clears impurities
- Amazing aroma
- Uniquely formulated
Cons
- Dries out skin
4
Climate Pledge-friendly
VANICREAM Gentle Facial Cleanser
This climate pledge-friendly product is specially formulated for people with sensitive skin to strip away all dirt, impurities, and oil without damaging the skin barrier. Furthermore, packed with a soothing formula, this is one of the best drugstore face washes that claims to be free of sulfates, dyes, soap, harmful preservatives, and other irritants. It has even received the seal of acceptance from the National Eczema Association that further solidifies the claims. Well, there’s a bonus – the non-comedogenic formula of the product is also a boon to people with oily skin who deal with regular acne.
Pros
- Gentle formula
- Climate-pledge friendly
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologically-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Doesn’t work on rosacea-prone skin
5
Double-duty Pack
THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Foaming Cleanser And Cleansing Oil
The Face Shop promises to take care of your double cleansing needs with this value-for-money set that contains a cleansing oil and a foaming cleanser. The cleansing oil, which is required for the first step of the CTM process, is packed with vitamins A, B, and E, minerals, and ceramides to tighten the pores and brighten the complexion while removing the impurities. On the other hand, the foaming cleanser works as a detoxifying agent to strip away all the leftover dirt and debris without leaving the skin dehydrated. It keeps your skin clean and hydrated.
Pros
- Ultra-moisturizing
- Packed with effective ingredients
- Brightens the complexion
- Non-greasy formula
- Ideal for very dry skin
- Contains detoxifying agents
Cons
- Contains perfume
6
Antibacterial Formula
PAULA’s CHOICE CLEAR Pore Normalizing Cleanser
This cult-favorite pore-normalizing cleanser is a blessing in disguise for people who deal with frequent breakouts. Packed with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and an anti-redness exfoliating solution, the cleanser works wonders to also treat uneven skin tone, dullness, redness, blackheads, and many other underlying issues. Moreover, the no-fluff formula promises a product without fragrance, parabens, and other harmful chemicals that may adversely affect the skin. Last but not least, it is a good drugstore facewash that is uniquely formulated with gentle ingredients to suit even sensitive skin and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Pros
- Soothing formula
- No fragrance
- Science-backed ingredients
- No parabens
- Suits sensitive skin
- Antibacterial
Cons
- Not for oily skin
7
TULA SKINCARE The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser
The clean and effective formula of this purifying cleanser is a game-changer if you want to include probiotic skincare in your routine. Packed with nourishing ingredients, it helps get rid of all the impurities and dirt without stripping away the natural oil from your skin. Also, it infuses superfoods to let you enjoy balanced and healthy skin all day long. Wait, there’s something more –- the product is clinically proven to help you achieve a radiant complexion and calm inflamed skin.
Pros
- Removes impurities
- Nourishing formula
- Non-drying
- Clinically proven
- Infuses superfoods
- Best for dry skin
Cons
- Strong smell
8
Non-comedogenic
Aveeno POSITIVELY RADIANT Hydrating Micellar Gel Facial Cleanser
Add this micellar gel facial cleanser to your skincare stash and see the magic happen after a few uses only! It’s like micellar water, but also serves the purpose of double cleansing. This hypoallergenic product is packed with soy and kiwi complex to infuse moisture into your skin while stripping away all the impurities. Plus, with a non-comedogenic formula, it promises to take great care of the skin while dealing with excess sebum and acne. The paraben-free formula further ensures that no nasty chemical gets in close contact with your skin for overall care.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologically-recommended
- Moisture-rich content
- Phthalate-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Packaging could be better
9
Hypoallergenic
Avene Eau Thermale Cleansing Gel
The Avene cleansing gel is specially formulated to attain blemish-free skin by eliminating impurities without damaging the skin barrier. Furthermore, to be noted, the non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic formula, which is extracted from plants to provide you with great care, works best for sensitive skin which has been dealing with multiple issues like acne, clogged pores, and blackheads. It is also paraben-free, which makes it one of the best drugstore face washes for sensitive skin that deserves a place in your stash!
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Soap-free
- Best for sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic
10
Best Facial Wash with Exotic Ingredients
ELEMIS DYNAMIC RESURFACING Facial Wash
The Resurfacing facial wash from ELEMIS is known for having powerful refining enzymes that help gently purify, renew, and revitalize your skin. Not only does it cleanse your face, but it also exfoliates the skin mildly so that you can have a radiant complexion by supporting its natural microflora. The cleanser also boasts off a skin-friendly formula loaded with tri-enzyme technology and active ingredients like moringa and white truffle that infuse antioxidants and hydration into your skin.
Pros
- Renews the skin
- Purifies the skin
- Loaded with antioxidants
- Tri-enzyme technology
- Hydrating
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
11
DRUNK ELEPHANT Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Drunk Elephant introduces its cleanser in an innovative jelly-like texture that serves all the qualities you have been looking for in an effective face wash. It comes with a non-irritating and non-sensitizing formula to remove all the dirt, grime, and build-up from your face while still protecting the natural barrier of your skin. Trust us, this cruelty-free product is exactly what you need in your stash to mildly cleanse your face without infusing any harmful chemicals. Furthermore, it is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and known to balance the pH levels of your skin as well.
Pros
- Non-irritating
- Non-sensitizing
- Balances pH levels of the skin
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Works well for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not for acne-prone skin
12
Value for Money
HARRY’S Exfoliating Face Wash
With a tantalizing scent of mint and eucalyptus, this face wash by Harry’s cleanses all the dirt and debris from your skin’s surface while exfoliating it at the same time so that you can have squeaky-clean pores. The men’s exfoliating face wash also contains highly effective volcanic rock instead of plastic beads to scrub your face and leave your skin refreshed, clean, and smooth. Last but not the least, it effectively washes all the dead skin cells to make your face look and feel flawless.
Pros
- Cleanses dirt and debris
- Exfoliates the skin
- Makes face and beard soft
- Tantalizing scent
- Refreshes the skin
- Value for money
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
13
Ursa Major Fantastic Face Wash
This natural face wash from Ursa Major is known to infuse moisture into your skin while cleansing and exfoliating it at the same time. Furthermore, with a non-drying formula, the cruelty-free product balances the pH levels of your skin to let you enjoy a softer texture. It also oozes a soothing aroma of cedar, lime, lemon, rosemary, spearmint, black spruce, vetiver, lavender, and owygee to calm down your senses. With such goodness, it naturally has antiinflammatory and antiseptic properties too. Still confused about bringing it home? Well, don’t be as the product, in addition, contains sugarcane, coconut, and aloe vera that work best for oily to combination skin types.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Healthy ingredients
- No synthetic color
- Soothing aroma
- Brightens the face
Cons
- Not for dry skin people
14
ALTEYA BIO DAMASCENA Face Wash
This is a USDA-certified organic product with a non-GMO formula that helps hydrate your skin while ensuring a healthy appearance. To be noted, the award-winning product is formulated with coconut oil, Bulgarian rose water, and Otto for getting rid of dullness, uneven skin texture, and clogged pores. To top off, the extra-gentle formula also facilitates toned and hydrated skin for the radiant complexion that you have always been yearning for.
Pros
- USDA-certified organic
- Non-GMO
- Extra gentle
- Extremely hydrating
- Plant-based formula
Cons
- Smells bad
15
Best Chemical-free Formula
JUNO & Co. CLARIFYING Cleansing Powder
This hypoallergenic formula by Juno & Co. works well on sensitive skin while strengthening the skin barrier and softening it at the same time. Plus, enriched with rice lees extracts and rice powder, the product soothes and revitalizes your skin by exfoliating dead cells and leaving it more radiant. It also contains hyaluronic acid which is known to have revolutionary and effective moisturizing properties. Wait, there’s something more - the product is fragrance and alcohol-free.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Water-free
- Chemical-free
- Fragrance-free
- Contains a powerful formula
- Anti-aging properties
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best drugstore face washes, take a look at our buying guide and steps to use one before making a buying decision.
How to Choose the Best Drugstore Face Wash?
These are the three aspects you must keep in mind while buying a drugstore face wash -
- Texture - The texture of the face wash is a personal preference. You can choose between a gel cleanser, mineral oils cleansers, foaming gels, or even colloidal extracts. Depending on your skin type, research and buy a suitable one.
- Ingredients- This is key when deciding on a good face wash. For cleansers, that serve the purpose of resolving acne issues, check for salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in the formulas. Otherwise, you can also check for green tea extract or tea tree oil if you want natural ingredients.
- Formula- Multiple formulations classify as cleansers. You can choose from bar soaps, liquid face washes, and even active powder washes to cleanse your skin. But ensure that these do not contain any skin-irritating or harsh ingredients and instead have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties.
- Skin Type - Before picking the right product, analyzing your skin type is the first thing you should do. If you have oily skin, a gentle gel-based formula will work wonders. For people with dry skin, a moisturizing formula is what is required to bring a desired change. And, for people who deal with sensitive skin, a hypoallergenic dermatologically-recommended face wash can be a game-changer.
- Patch Test - Before jumping to a conclusion, or investing in a product, take smaller tubes and do a patch test on your elbow to ensure you are not allergic to any ingredients present in the product. Get a bigger container when you are sure to go ahead.
- Concerns - If you have a specific skin concern and there are products available in the market to address them, pick one to get an easy solution. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, get a face wash that helps in reducing the frequent appearance of it. If you have flaky skin, get a product that balances the pH levels of the skin. On the other hand, for people with blemish-prone skin, take a face wash with active ingredients like salicylic acid.
- Reviews: Keep an eye on the customer reviews, and consider those before adding the product to your stash. Take a look at if they offer what they claim, and are worth investing money in.
Conclusion
Of late, natural ingredients like coconut water, oatmeal, and even mineral oils have been in the news for effective cleansing. But, if you want to beat the mess and stress, there’s nothing better than our handpicked best drugstore face washes. These take your skincare game to the next level and bless you with squeaky clean skin. They are highly effective, loaded with potent ingredients that address skin concerns, and feel a lot lighter on your pockets. Always remember to use face washes that do not cause any redness, or make your face feel like it’s stripped of the essential moisture. Even the most affordable drugstore face washes offer antifungal and antimicrobial properties, so, save money and make wise choices for healthy and radiant skin. Add these affordable options and recommendations to your beauty stash and get the skin of your dreams in the most hassle-free manner! Happy shopping!
FAQ's
How often should you use a drugstore face wash?
You should generally use a face wash twice a day to get rid of impurities, dirt, and debris.
Is an expensive face wash worth it?
It depends. It’s not the price tag, but the formula, effectiveness, and ingredients that make a product great!
Do drugstore face washes expire?
All face washes have an expiry date mentioned but if your face wash is emitting a rancid smell, you may have to discard it.
How long does drugstore face wash take to work?
The results are visible within a few days, but if you are trying to treat acne spots and blemishes, expect the face wash to show results in two weeks.
Can a face wash cause acne?
Yes, if it’s not suitable for you or contains chemical exfoliants that are not suitable for oily skin types, it can cause acne. Oily and Acne-prone skin and sensitive skin types should always do a patch test.
What skin types are drugstore face washes suitable for?
Drugstore face washes offer face wash for acne, dry skin, oily skin, and sensitive skin types too. It is essential to check the key ingredients and ensure they suit your skin type.
Are drugstore face washes effective in removing makeup and impurities?
Yes, there are many affordable options that remove oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin while cleansing.
Do drugstore face washes contain harmful chemicals?
It’s best to cross-check any skincare and makeup product before buying. Look out for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, parabens, and other skin irritants. They should be avoided.
Can I use drugstore face washes if I have acne-prone skin?
Yes, there are many drugstore face washes that have antimicrobial and anti-acne properties. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are good anti-acne ingredients.
Do drugstore face washes provide anti-aging benefits?
Yes, with regular and consistent use, your skin can look healthier and more radiant. JUNO & Co. CLARIFYING Cleansing Powder has anti-aging properties.
Can I use a drugstore face wash in conjunction with other skincare products?
You can combine drugstore face washes with regular skincare products but make sure that the ingredients and formulations are compatible.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
A cleanser is such a part of one’s skincare routine that no one wants to spend a fortune on it. But, our skincare expert Anoushka is confident that one can get the best cleansing results even by spending less, as long they use the right product. Thereby, she curated the best drugstore face washes out there that are suitable for all skin types and needs. This list consists of gentle alcohol-based cleansers, AHA/BHA formulas, sulfate-free products, micellar washes, scrubs, and products that boost hydration in the skin. Her reviews encompass testimonials from a large number of customers.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More
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