A nip in the air, a cup of marshmallow-topped cocoa, and lantern-adorned balconies are all cues that a new season has arrived. As temperatures dwindle, we incorporate into our skincare regimen a medley of formulas that repel dryness, hydrate the skin, and revive our glow. But we shrug off one product nonchalantly. And it’s the one we kickstart our routine with — face wash.

A face wash gets rid of dirt, grime, impurities, makeup residue and whatnot, allowing your other skincare products to work their magic without any hindrance. Hence, it’s vital to use a face wash that’s suitable for your skin type. Don’t know how to go about picking the right face wash? We’ve got you covered. Ahead, we’ve listed down some of the best face washes for all skin types. Psst… we’ve added pocket-friendly options for those on a tight budget and pricier ones for those looking to splurge (or add to their holiday wishlist *wink*).

 

1. Hydrating face washes for dry skin

Hydrating face washes for dry skin

Your dry skin needs a facial wash that won’t strip your face of its essential oils, making it drier. Look for face washes that are free of drying ingredients like alcohol, soap, harsh chemicals, etc. and invest in one that is infused with moisturising ingredients instead. Here are the ones we’re loving:

Save: Priced at ₹120 for 50gm, the Lakme Blush & Glow Strawberry Creme Face Wash with Strawberry Extract is our top pick for dry skin. Enriched with strawberry extracts, fruit antioxidants and gentle cleansing beads, this one is gentle on the skin, and lends the face a blush-like glow.  

Splurge: A gel-based formula, the Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser is priced at ₹3,100 for 150ml. It unclogs your pores and gets rid of impurities, while deeply nourishing dry and dehydrated skin. Infused with extracts of citrus, palmarosa and jasmine, this cleanser revitalises your face and leaves the skin feeling smoother than ever.

 

2. Oil banishing face washes for oily skin

Oil banishing face washes for oily skin

Taking care of oily skin is a full-time job. However, don’t cleanse your face more than twice a day (AM and PM). Washing your face more frequently will send the sebaceous glands into overdrive, producing more oil to make up for the lack of it — a vicious cycle you don’t want to fall into. Avoid cream and oil-based cleaners. Instead, opt for gel-based formulas like these:

Save: Infused with lemon fruit extract, the Pears Oil Clear Facewash Ultra Mild pH Balanced with Lemon Flower Extract is formulated to give your skin an oil-free glow. Priced at ₹150 for 60gm, it is a soap-free cleanser that removes excess oil and keeps the skin acne-free.

Splurge: A soap-free, gel-based cleanser, the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, priced at ₹2,600 for 250ml, removes impurities from the skin without disrupting its natural moisture barrier. Infused with ingredients sourced from extracts of lavender, balm mint, and soap bark, the gel soothes and cools the skin without stripping or drying the face.

 

Gentle face washes for sensitive skin

Gentle face washes for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you need to steer clear of products containing harsh chemicals like parabens, sulphates, fragrances, alcohol, artificial colours and dyes. Opt for dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic formulas made with skin-loving ingredients instead. Here are two formulas your sensitive skin will love:

Save: The Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash is specially formulated for sensitive skin. Priced at ₹375 for 150ml, it’s infused with pro-vitamin B for hydration, vitamin E for skin soothing and triple purified water for cleansing. Free from baddies, this one cleanses your skin and leaves it feeling fresh and clean.

Splurge: A non-foaming, ph-balanced formula, the Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser is crafted just for sensitive skin. Priced at ₹3,000 for 250ml, it soothes inflammation and redness triggered by skin sensitivity and fortifies the skin’s natural barrier without leaving behind any irritating residue.