CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, Face Wash for Oily Skin, 16fl oz

Why it's worth it

This clear gel foams up and pulls off oil, sunscreen, and the day's grime without the squeaky, stripped feeling most oily-skin cleansers leave behind. It's the one to reach for if your T-zone shines by noon but your cheeks still get flaky.

Most face washes aimed at oily skin work by removing as much as possible, which is why your skin feels tight for twenty minutes afterward and then overproduces oil to compensate. This one splits the difference. It dispenses as a clear gel, lathers into a light foam, and rinses clean — but the ceramides stay behind, so you don't get that stripped feeling.

It's the most versatile cleanser in the lineup. The 16-ounce bottle works as a face wash, a body wash, and a hand wash, which makes it a reasonable single purchase for a shared bathroom. It's fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and formulated for normal-to-oily skin, morning and night. If your household has one person with acne and one with sensitive skin, this usually keeps both happy.

From our review of 8 cerave skincare products

What we like

• +Most face washes aimed at oily skin work by removing as much as possible, which is why your skin feels tight for twenty minutes…
• +It's the most versatile cleanser in the lineup
• +Owner feedback leans heavily on one theme: it handles grease without triggering irritation
• +It's also the safest starting point if you're new to a routine

What to know

• –If your skin is genuinely dry rather than combination, this will be too much
• –It's plain. There's no exfoliation and no meaningful brightening — it cleans and it leaves