Yes, You Really Should Wash Your Face Twice a Day—We Recommend This $18 Sensitive Skin-Friendly Pick

If you’re like me, some days you’re totally on it and run through your full skincare routine, morning and night. However, other days (like last week when I fell asleep on the couch), you go to bed with an unwashed face, leaving a mascara-laden mess for the morning after. This habit can prove disastrous, according to Lauren Moy, FAAD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon. “Not washing your face leads to a buildup of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, which then can cause acne and breakouts,” she warns.

Oops. 

No matter your skin type, our experts agree that washing your face twice a day (once in the morning and once at night) is the best recipe for success. But if your sensitive skin is prone to irritation, you’ll need a cleanser that’s gentle enough for frequent use without damaging your skin barrier. And we’ve got you covered with this Amazon find—and it’s only $18.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser

What makes this formula so special? It contains prebiotic thermal spring water, which supports your skin’s natural biome, and is sourced in the town of La Roche-Posay, France. It’s also thoughtfully formulated with two key ingredients: niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) and ceramide-3 (a naturally occurring lipid found in skin) to improve and maintain a healthy, moisturized skin barrier. 

This cleanser, recommended for normal to combination sensitive skin, removes dirt, makeup (like that day-after mascara), and impurities without drying your skin. It also contains vegetable glycerine, a natural humectant that Kseniya Kobets, FAAD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, says is a key ingredient that helps skin absorb water from its surrounding environment. The result is a fresh, clean feeling, free of a sticky pore-clogging residue.

Shoppers rave about this cleanser, with one calling it a “game changer” for oily, acne-prone skin. They wrote, “This has easily become my holy grail face wash,” adding, “It creates a gentle, refreshing foam that deeply cleans my skin without stripping it or leaving it tight and dry.” 

I wish I could give this 100 stars,” another five-star reviewer shared. “I saw a lot of great reviews for this product on YouTube and am so glad I gave it a try, because it does exactly what it says it will do!”

If you’ve been searching for a reason to upgrade your skincare habits, this cleanser is a must! And the fact that it’s affordable—only $18 on Amazon—is enough motivation to use it.

Check out our other skin cleansing picks, including a vitamin C-infused face wash and towelettes for on-the-go skincare needs. 

Clearstem Vitamin C Infused Calming Wash

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser for Oily Skin

The Ordinary Squalane Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover

Youth To The People Superfood Facial Cleanser

Clean Skin Club Clean Biobased Face Cleansing Towels