Staff tested: The best face washes

Dove Nutrium Cream Oil Beauty Bar

Along with “one-quarter moisturizing cream,” an infusion of oil provides extra hydration.

“I liked the powdery fragrance, and it removed my face makeup with a creamy lather, leaving my skin feeling clean and not tight. Because I don’t like soap or bars for removing eye makeup, though, I’ll relegate this to my a.m. shower.”
-Rhonda Rovan, beauty editor

$4, two 120-g bars

La Roche-Posay Physiological Cleansing Milk

For dry to very dry sensitive skin, this cleanser contains “anti-irritating” thermal spring water.

“I used this with a cotton pad-it removed my facial makeup and lipstick instantly, but required a few swipes to remove waterproof mascara. My dry/combination skin felt soft, clean and hydrated, and the cleanser left no sticky residue.”
-Sun Ngo, acting art director

$21, 200 mL

Olay Purifying Mud Lathering Cleanser

The promise is that you get the deep-cleansing of a mask but in a formula you can use daily.

“This foaming cleanser rinsed off easily with a facecloth and removed my waterproof mascara, so I loved using it. Since it also works as a mud mask, I did find that my skin felt tight and a bit dry afterwards, but my daily moisturizer cured that.”
-Lisa Hannam, associate editor

$12, 150 mL

Neutrogena Ageless Essentials Continuous Hydration Cream Cleanser

Neutrogena says a key benefit of this floral-scented cleanser is that it leaves skin hydrated.

“I have combination skin, so I don’t normally use hydrating cleansers; I assume they’ll lead to breakouts. But this left my skin feeling great, and it was amazing at taking off mascara.”
-Jennifer Walker, senior content editor

$10, 150 mL

Dior Lait Magique Cleansing Milk for Face and Eyes

Made with white tea, which Dior claims boosts radiance, this is for dry to sensitive skin.

“I tend to use inexpensive scent-free cleansers that lather, so this silky milk with its light fragrance was a rich treat. My waterproof mascara was gone in one wipe. Plus, my skin was smoother and less dry than usual.”
-Margaret Nearing, senior editor

$39, 200 mL

Noxzema Original Deep Cleansing Cream

Menthol, eucalyptus and camphor give this classic cleanser its distinctive fragrance.

“The first thing I noted was the scent: It took me back to when I would open up my mom’s jars of cream as a kid. This lotion didn’t foam, which felt strange compared to my usual cleanser, but my face felt fresh and squeaky clean.”
-Bonnie Munday, editor

$7, 300 mL

Related:
• 5 foods to eat for healthy, glowing skin
• 10 tips for an awesome complexion
• Staff tested: Our favourite beauty products