The 29 Best Facial Cleansers of All Time

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Cleansing is hardly the most glamorous step in a skin-care lineup, but in many ways, it’s the most important. Whether your skin-care routine consists of a basic wash-and-moisture duo or you indulge in a 10-step ritual that your younger self would probably find very impressive, starting with a fresh canvas is vital. Only after you sweep away all of the dirt, makeup, and excess oil residing on your face, can your skin properly absorb and reap the benefits of all that skin-loving goodness — including, but not limited to, toners, essences, serums, and moisturizers — you layer on afterward.

To make this daily task a little bit more enjoyable, here are 29 refreshingly pampering options at a variety of different price points that do the job seamlessly and wash away without a trace. This elite breed of all-star face cleansers includes Best of Beauty-winning classics and Readers’ Choice gems that are gentle as can be, board-certified dermatologist favorites that pack numerous benefits, and some fancy finds for those who want to give your skin a spa-like treatment.

So, what sets this lineup apart from all other cleansers and puts them in a league of their own? The answer lies in the meticulous formulations that combine dirt-eliminating, makeup-melting cleansers with impressively softening hydration that leaves skin refreshingly clean but never over-stripped. The result is a fresh, supple, and glowy complexion that turns an everyday chore into a twice-daily treat.