Face wash and cleanser are generally used interchangeably. Many face cleansers offer benefits like hydration for the skin, while a face wash deeply cleanses and often have a foamy texture. The choice depends on skin type and cleansing needs.

While face wash can remove some makeup, a cleanser alone may not effectively remove long-wearing or waterproof products. Using a dedicated makeup remover, micellar water or cleansing oil before face wash is recommended for thorough makeup removal without drying out the skin. Gently remove makeup with a makeup remover like the La Roche Posay Toleriane Micellar Water or Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser.

Only a few of our face cleansers include sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which is a gentler alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Sodium laureth sulfate helps produce a nice foam and lather in use and is effective in removing oil, dirt, and debris from skin. If you are looking for a sulfate-free face cleanser, we suggest using Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser or Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Wash.

While all La Roche-Posay cleansers are suitable for sensitive skin, Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Face Cleanser is formulated with only 9 ingredients for maximum comfort and efficacy and suitable for sensitive, allergy-prone skin. Our best-selling face wash, Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser and Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Wash are also suitable for sensitive skin and ideal for daily facial cleansing.

If you are looking for a medicated cleanser to address acne, we recommend Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash. Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash is great for the entire family and can be used on the body and face.

La Roche-Posay offers a broad portfolio of facial cleansers, both foaming and non-foaming, that are tested on sensitive skin. Depending on your cleansing needs, a foaming cleanser may be preferred for those seeking a deep clean. Our top foaming facial cleansers include Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Wash, Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash, Effaclar Gel Facial Wash for Oily Skin and Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash

La Roche-Posay offers a broad portfolio of facial cleansers, both foaming and non-foaming, that are tested on sensitive skin. Depending on your cleansing needs, a non-foaming facial cleanser may provide a gentler cleanse. Our assortment of non-foaming face cleansers includes Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser, Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser, and Toleriane Micellar Water.

For those with dry skin, we recommend Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser and Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser. These non-foaming, gentle face cleansers efficiently cleanse the skin, remove impurities and debris, and provide hydrating benefits. Skin is left feeling clean without leftover residue. For those with dry to extra dry skin, we recommend Lipikar Wash AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash, a comforting body and face wash that provides 24-hour hydration starting in the shower and leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and instantly soothed. It’s accepted by the National Eczema Association and suitable for babies as young as two weeks.

Those with oily skin may benefit from a deep cleaning formula that will not strip the skin. For those with normal to oily skin, Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Wash foams to remove excess oil while maintaining skin’s natural protective barrier and pH. For those with oily skin, Effaclar Gel Facial Wash for Oily Skin cleanses and purifies without over drying. In addition, Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash helps to clear breakouts while removing impurities and excess oil.

Our best face wash for acne, Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash, removes excess oil and helps clear acne breakouts. Formulated with salicylic acid and micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, this foaming acne face wash cleanses skin and removes impurities.

o Dermatologists recommend washing your face 1-2 times a day, morning and/or evening, depending on your skin’s needs. Those with dry or sensitive skin may prefer to cleanse only once, while those with oily or acne-prone skin may elect to cleanse morning and evening. After exercise, it is recommended to wash your face to remove excess sweat that may have accumulated. Lastly, for those who wear makeup, it is important to efficiently cleanse to remove makeup and residue before bed.

Washing your face more than 2-3 times daily may lead to over-drying of the skin. As a result, the skin's oil-producing glands, also referred to as sebaceous glands, will increase oil production to compensate for dryness. Increased oil production in the skin may lead to blocked pores and proliferation of harmful skin bacteria, leading to acne breakouts.

Dermatologists recommend washing your face in the morning and/or evening to help remove all greasy residue and skin debris. If you are unable to wash your face in the morning or miss a morning cleanse, make sure you cleanse in the evening to remove all of the oil, sweat and grease from your face that you had accumulated throughout the day.

Dermatologists recommend washing your face with lukewarm water daily. Hot water may dry out your skin, stripping it of its natural oils. Whereas cold water may not effectively remove skin debris, grease and dirt. Lukewarm water is ideal for removing skin dirt, and helping preserve skin hydration and the protective skin barrier.

No. When washing your face in the shower, it is important to use lukewarm (not hot) water and a facial cleanser suitable for your skin type to avoid over drying your skin.

La Roche-Posay’s free skin analysis tool, MyRoutine AI, can be used to help determine which face wash is suitable for you. The entire AI skin analysis process takes less than 3 minutes. After uploading a selfie and answering a few questions about your skin, MyRoutine AI instantly delivers your results and personalized skincare routine.​