Skin Awards 2023: 14 Face and Body Washes For All-Over Moisture and Glow

You might not think it matters what kind of cleanser you use to wash your face or body, but it actually makes a meaningful difference to your skin. Just as you consider your skin type when choosing a facial  moisturizer, you need to think about it when selecting a wash. "A normal skincare routine should at least include a gentle cleanser, vitamin C, a lightweight moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum SPF," said Elizabeth Ranelli, DNP, FNP-BC, CANS, a board-certified family nurse practitioner. If your skin is  dry, Ranelli emphasizes  using "calming products" to wash. 

People with combination skin have to be a little more strategic. "Do a gentle cleansing daily with a foaming wash, and use an exfoliating polish or gentle scrub cleanser two to four times per week based on how your skin feels," said dermatologist Maya K. Thosani, MD, FAAD, FACMS. Just remember that after you exfoliate, you have to restore your skin’s balance. "At night, use a heavier cream-based moisturizer with ceramides or niacinamide,” Dr. Thosani suggested. “In the morning, you may benefit from a lightweight hyaluronic acid-based emollient, or a lotion form of the ceramide/niacinamide underneath a mineral sunscreen.”

Gentle cleansing is crucial for those with sensitive skin. If this is you, avoid harsh scrubs, chemical peels, irritating facials, and dermaplaning, which can exacerbate issues rather than eliminate them. People with acne-prone skin should seek out products labeled "clarifying," especially those with  salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil, ingredients that help minimize breakouts. 

These award-winning face and body washes will remove impurities while rejuvenating your skin:

Face Washes

Tula Skincare The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser

Tula's website says that one Tula The Cult Classic Purifying Face Cleanser is sold every 30 seconds. That's understandable, since this gel-based winner is great at removing dirt without stripping skin. Infused with pre- and probiotic extracts and turmeric, it’s gentle yet effective, and balances your skin after each use.

Dermatologist's Choice pH Balanced Cleanser with Glycolic Acid

Great for oily, acne-prone skin, Dermatologist's Choice pH Balanced Cleanser with Glycolic Acid (AHA) is soap-, paraben-, and sulfate-free. The glycolic acid removes impurities while ingredients derived from coconut oil keep skin looking and feeling healthy.

Koope Milk Cleanser

This product found a fan in Health senior editor Dana Ingemann, who said, “Wow! I am very impressed with Koope Milk Cleanser. It doesn't strip away my skin's natural oils, is fragrance-free, feels smooth and luxurious, and it's a great price point. They just found a regular customer.”

AVYA Daily Milk Cleanser

For a relaxing treat, try AYVA Soothing + Calming Daily Milk Cleanser, made with especially hydrating ingredients (including chamomile and safflower seed, argan, and coconut oils). “This was sooooo nice,” said Health senior editor Riyana Straetker. “I loved how gentle it was, and my skin felt really hydrated afterward.”

Grace & Stella foaming face wash

If you love a thick lather that can remove makeup, oil, and other residue, you will want to add Grace & Stella Foaming Face Wash to your skincare regimen. “It made my face feel really clean,” said Straetker.

Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser

Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser has a “mild scent and foams into a nice creamy lather, leaving my face feeling very fresh, not dry or filmy," said Health senior vice president Sara Michael. “It’s just right.”

Provence Beauty Clearly Pink Clarifying Daily Cleanser

Clarifying face washes can sometimes desiccate your skin, but Provence Beauty Clearly Pink Clarifying Daily Cleanser removes makeup, cleanses pores, and exfoliates without excessive dryness, even when used daily.

Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel

Good Molecules Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel is a pH-balanced face wash that gently removes dirt and oil while making skin feel fresh; even when used twice daily, there was no noticeable dryness or irritation.

Body Washes

Kiss My Face De-Stress 2-in-1 Body Wash & Bath Soak

Many of us focus our skincare goals on the face and neck, but the rest of our bodies need love, too. Kiss My Face De-Stress 2-in-1 Body Wash & Bath Soak is a great product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. “The body wash was very smooth on the skin and felt hydrating,” shared Health editor Sukhman Rekhi. 

Spongellé Freesia Pear Hand & Body Wash

Amino acids and pro-vitamin B5 are two active ingredients in Spongellé Freesia Pear Hand & Body Wash, which protects the skin and improves its appearance. “It smells good, comes in an easy-to-pump bottle, and lathers nicely,” reported Health senior editor Colleen Murphy.

Blossom Essentials Total Moisture Body Wash

Blossom Essentials Total Moisture Body Wash “was moisturizing and didn't feel harsh on the skin,” said Health editorial assistant Destine Manson. Its unscented formula is free from phthalates, parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, mineral oils, silicone, and talc.

Visha Skincare Top 2 Toe All Over Wash

Tea tree and peppermint oils, jujube bark extract, and salicylic acid are among the primary ingredients in Visha Skin Care Top 2 Toe All Over Wash. “I love this body wash!” said Ingemann. “It lathered up well and was very hydrating. Most body washes make me feel dry and itchy, but I felt great after using this one. The salicylic acid is great for [improving] acne, too!”

Cardon Vital Body Wash

You’ll feel refreshed after lathering up with Cardon Vital Body Wash. Its earthy scent hints at its wholesome ingredients, among them “tiger grass,” skin-clarifying green tea extract, and sea buckthorn. A perfect reward for doing all those reps at the gym.

Odele's Soothing Body Wash

If your skin gets irritated easily, products with oats in them—like Odele’s Soothing Body Wash—can offer relief. This winner contains no formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances.