The 6 Best Face Washes to Use in the Summer

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.Dermalogica / Kiehl's / AnthonyThis lightweight foaming cleanser from one of our favorite skincare brands, CeraVe, is our top choice for summertime. Its blend of ceramides, glycolysine, and salicylic acid provides a nice balance of oil control (which we all need on humid summer days) and hydration, ensuring your skin stays smooth and clean but not stripped or over-dried. Like the name says, the formula is very airy and lightweight and feels refreshing on the skin.Key IngredientsCeramides, glycolysine, allantoin, niacinamide, salicylic acidSize8 ozKiehl’s is another one of our favorite skincare brands; it’s on the higher end in terms of price point, but you’re paying for great quality. This lightweight gel cleanser is especially good for combination and oily skin, so if your skin secretes some excess oil in the summer, it’s a good one to have. Calendula extract is extra soothing, and glycerin supports the skin’s barrier and traps moisture for softer skin.Key IngredientsCalendula extract, glycerinSize7.8 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhen sweat and sunscreen build up on your face, you’ll want to try something gently exfoliating. Anthony, a grooming brand designed for men, makes a facial cleanser with glycolic acid, which helps exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores—especially helpful during sweaty summer days. It’s also ideal for normal to oily skin and helps reduce that oily shine you can get in summer heat. Aloe vera and calendula also help calm irritated skin.Key IngredientsGlycolic acid, calendula, chamomile, aloe, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin ESize16 ozFor anyone with sensitive skin, Dermalogica has your back. This Ultracalming Cleanser has a bunch of soothing extracts in it, including cucumber fruit extract, which hydrates and cools your skin, so it feels nice and refreshing during the summer. It’s also moisturizing without feeling heavy thanks to glycerin and panthenol.Key IngredientsOat kernel extract, lavender flower extract, cucumber extract, echinacea extract, ginger root extract, glycerin, panthenolSize8.4 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAlpha Skin Care makes a face wash that is not only great for summer but also has an anti-aging formula so you can tackle a whole bunch of issues in one refreshing cleanser. Citric AHA helps remove excess oil and unclog pores, exfoliating dead skin cells and dirt along the way—but without overdrying the skin. Glycerin helps lock in moisture, too, so your skin stays hydrated. Because it helps remove dead skin, it promotes cellular turnover and prepares the skin for any anti-aging treatments or serums that follow. It also helps improve skin texture and brightness, which can help with anti-aging.Key IngredientsCitric alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), glycerin, sodium cocoyl isethionateSize6 ozIf you prefer a cream cleanser to a foam or gel cleanser, go for a gentle, hydrating one like this one from Silver Mirror, a facial bar that makes its own skincare products. It has a unique formula containing grapeseed oil and marshmallow root, which soothe and hydrate the skin, as well as antioxidant-rich bilberry and sea buckthorn extracts, which help brighten and lightly exfoliate.Key IngredientsGrapeseed oil, marshmallow root, bilberry extract, sea buckthornSize5 oz