Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Think of your cleanser as the best supporting actor in your skin-care routine: It may not get all the glory, but it does more than simply wash your face. The best moisturizing face washes are proof: They rinse away makeup, sunscreen, and grime all while delivering hydration, replenishing your skin barrier, and even addressing concerns like redness and acne, according to Kseniya Kobets , MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist.
But what does that look like in practice? Look for creamy, lotion-like formulas, hydrating ingredients (such as humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid ), and barrier-supporting actives like ceramides and squalane . After all, “the goal is clean skin, not ‘squeaky-clean’ skin,” says Dr. Kobets. These can also make cleansers a good bet for those with mature skin and sensitive skin alike.
What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizing face wash? How often should you wash your face with dry skin? Can a facial cleanser actually moisturize your skin? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Also worth keeping in mind: While people with dry skin can benefit from a moisturizing cleanser (no surprise here), these formulas can be especially helpful during the colder months, when dry air and lower humidity can leave skin more prone to dryness and irritation. Ahead, we found the best moisturizing face washes, from luxurious picks to drugstore heroes , that leave skin clean and comfortable.
Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Prequel
Why it’s worth it: Consider “gleanser” (a mash-up of glycerin and cleanser) a pretty accurate name: Glycerin makes up a whopping 50% of the Prequel Gleanser Glycerin Body and Face Cleanser, giving this 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner plenty of reason to live up to its hydrating reputation. “Glycerin gets underestimated, but it’s an excellent humectant, meaning it attracts water and helps the skin hold onto it,” says Dr. Kobets.
It’s earned its spot on the shelf for the creamy feel and the way it leaves skin comfortable rather than dry or squeaky. The formula also gets a boost from oat extract and aloe for an extra dose of soothing TLC, making it a particularly nice pick when your skin is feeling sensitive or irritated. One caveat: If you live for a big lather, this isn't your cleanser—its low-key texture doesn't produce much foam.
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
“I'm super-adamant about showering twice a day—once before work, and then again before bed. I live in New York City—it's gross here! And with multiple showers a day, I need a full-body cleanser that gets me clean quickly without drying me out. Enter, Prequel Gleanser. It's packed with moisture-loving glycerin, lathers well on washcloths (my preferred delivery method), and is fragrance-free, which is a must for my sensitive-leaning skin. Everything below my neck is easily irritated by scent, so I try to stay far from it—and my seasonal eczema is grateful.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
Key ingredients : glycerin, oat extract, aloe Fragrance-free: yes Best for: all skin types, especially sensitive skin Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser Save to wishlist Save to wishlist CeraVe
Why it’s worth it: CeraVe’s Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is proof that a good face wash doesn’t require a hefty price tag. Th…