How to choose the right facewash : 3 simple steps

This article compiles my 1.5 years of experience testing different face washes. I've made all the common mistakes so you don't have to. By following these 4 simple points, you'll avoid the confusion and pick the right face wash in under 5 minutes.

I'm also giving you specific product recommendations so you can just grab one and go. Let's walk through this step by step.

Step 1: Choose Your Face Wash Strength

When I say "strength," I mean how deeply it cleanses your skin.

Strong face washes clean thoroughly but can make your skin feel dry and tight.

Gentle face washes clean lightly and don't strip your skin's natural oils.

The right strength depends on your skin type:

If You Have Oily Skin:

Your face gets shiny by afternoon. You feel like you need to wash your face multiple times a day. Oil control is your main concern.

→ You need a STRONG face wash

If You Have Dry Skin:

Your skin feels tight after washing. You can't make it through the day without moisturizer. Your skin often feels flaky or rough.

→ You need a LIGHT face wash

If You Don't Know Your Skin Type:

In my experience, if you genuinely don't know your skin type, you probably have neutral (normal) skin. Your skin isn't particularly oily or dry—it's comfortable most of the time.

→ You need a MEDIUM-strength face wash

Quick Reference:

• Dry Skin → Light face wash

• Neutral Skin → Medium face wash

• Oily Skin → Strong face wash

Choose one now and move to Step 2.

Step 2: Adjust for the Season

This is mainly important for winter, but it's a game-changer.

In winter, don't use a strong face wash—even if you have oily skin.

The cold weather already dries out your skin. A strong cleanser will make it worse, leaving your face feeling stripped and uncomfortable.

Winter rule: Go for medium or light, regardless of your skin type.

Summer rule: Strong face washes are fine (and actually work best) in hot, humid weather.

If you're reading this in winter and have oily skin, drop down to a medium-strength face wash. Your skin will thank you.

Step 3: Product Recommendations

You now know exactly what type of face wash you need. Here are my tested recommendations to make your choice easy:

Light Face Wash (For Dry Skin):

[I haven't personally tested light cleansers extensively yet, so I recommend consulting a dermatologist or trying a gentle, sulfate-free option]

Medium Face Wash (For Neutral Skin):

• Mustasch Ocean Face Wash – Great balance, doesn't dry you out

• Himalaya Neem Purifying Face Wash – Budget-friendly, reliable, works year-round

Strong Face Wash (For Oily Skin):

• Clean & Clear Foaming Face Wash – Cuts through oil effectively, best for summer

Important: Don't Skip Moisturizer

No matter which face wash you choose, always moisturize after washing your face.

Face wash removes dirt and oil, but it also temporarily disrupts your skin's moisture barrier. Moisturizer helps restore it.

Make sure you're using the right type of moisturizer for your skin type (light for oily, rich for dry). If you skip this step, even the best face wash won't give you the results you want.

You're Done

Congratulations—you've just cleared a major hurdle in your skincare journey by choosing the right face wash.

No more guessing. No more wasted money on products that don't work. Just pick from the list above, use it consistently for 2 weeks, and watch your skin improve.

Your face wash shouldn't be complicated. Keep it simple, adjust for seasons, and always moisturize after.