Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser, Fragrance Free, 16 fl. oz

Why it's worth it

Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser gives you the lather most drugstore washes deliver, but skips the harsh sulfates that usually come with it. It's soap-free, dye-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, and it's the least expensive option in this guide.

It's a foaming cleanser that actually earns the gentle label. Most drugstore foams lean on sulfates for lather, and those score high on irritation charts. This one uses milder surfactants, so you get the rich foam and the rinse-clean finish without the tightness afterward. Owners with sensitive, sun-damaged and dry skin all report the same thing — it lathers well and doesn't leave that stripped feeling.

It's the obvious pick if you're oily or combination. Foam handles excess sebum on the T-zone better than a lotion cleanser does, and the mild surfactant system means your cheeks and jawline don't dry out in exchange. Several owners who'd been using harsher acne washes switched to this for everyday use and kept their skin clear without the peeling.

From our review of 5 face cleansers, by Sarah Wright, Editorial Associate

What we like

• +It's a foaming cleanser that actually earns the gentle label
• +It's the obvious pick if you're oily or combination
• +A little goes a long way, and there's a lot of it
• +Dermatologists hand it to patients with compromised barriers

What to know

• –There's not much in it beyond the cleansing itself
• –The foam is lighter than sulfate-based washes
• –Heavy sunscreen and waterproof makeup are beyond it