The Best Gentle Face Cleanser

If You’re On The Hunt For A Cleanser That Works Well On Uneven Skin The Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser Is Specially Formulated For Sensitive Skin And Will Leave Your Skin Feeling Fresh

Key ingredients: Benzoyl peroxide, glycerin, ceramides, niacinamide

If you have acne, you want a daily cleanser that isn’t harsh on your skin, fit for everyday use, and most importantly, won’t cause more patches of breakouts. The Cerave Acne Foaming Cleanser is specifically formulated for acne-prone and sensitive skin alike â thanks to benzoyl peroxide â plus, was developed by dermatologists.

“For acne-prone skin, I recommend using a face wash that contains benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids to help combat acne,” Dr. Peredo said. “Benzoyl peroxide helps prevent further breakouts and treats mild to moderate acne by killing bacteria under the skin.”

Wonderfully, the CeraVe cleanser instantly dissolves dirt and oil without stripping the skin of its moisture, therefore helping to protect its natural skin barrier. It’s similar to the brand’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser â also in this roundup â and after almost 10 years of testing, this one is fit for sensitive skin, with a twist to help treat breakouts.

In Collaboration With Board Certified Dermatologist Dr Lauren Levy

Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.

We asked her to evaluate our buying guide below for accuracy, and she also contributed some extra tips and advice. You can also follow her on for more skincare tips!

Best Overall: Cerave Hydrating Cream

• Has not been tested in sensitive eye area

• Does not treat acne

Even though this cream-to-foam cleanser is new for CeraVe, a drugstore cult-favorite brand, its already racked up thousands of rave reviews. Great for all skin types, the wash starts as a cream to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, then turns into a foam as you wash. In short, it’s a one-step makeup remover and face wash that is effective, affordable, and wont dry out delicate skin.

The cleansers active ingredients include hyaluronic acid for hydration, plus ceramides and amino acids complex to protect your skins moisture barrier and pH balance. It doesnt contain soap or fragrance and is non-comedogenic. Teens, tweens, and adults alike will love it.

Recommended Reading: Clarisse Feminine Cleansing Wash Review

Best Facial Cleanser For Dry Skin: The Final Word

Dry skin also referred to as Xerosis is a common skin type that accounts for nearly half of all dermatologist visits. Its determined by genetics, age, dry air, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors. The dryness level is influenced by sebum production, natural moisturizing factors, sensitivity, and predisposition to skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Women are more prone to dry skin than men, and all skin, regardless of type or ethnicity, gets drier as it ages.

Facial cleansing is an integral part of any skincare routine. Its necessary for sweeping away dirt, oil, bacteria, makeup, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants. Skipping this vital first step can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, dull skin, and accelerated aging. Equally important is choosing the right cleanser for your skin type and washing correctly.

If you have a dry skin type, harsh soaps or the wrong cleanser will only dry your skin out further possibly leading to a more severe condition such as dermatitis. Still, no matter how dehydrated or flaky your skin may be, its vital that youre washing it. The key is using the best cleanser for dry skin.

Sources:Dry Skin, American Skin Association.

OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS

THIS SITE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ADVICE OR TREATMENT FROM A QUALIFIED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL.

Best For Dry Skin: Cerave Face & Eye Makeup Remover Wipes

One of the best face wash and cleanser for mature skin also occurs to be one of the top drugstore cleansers for mature skin.

CeraVes face wash is paraben-free and has no synthetic perfume. Its safe for those with eczema and sensitive skin.

Components like hyaluronic acid and ceramides infuse the skin with moisture whereas it foams away dirt.

Furthermore, it contains a distinctive technology that releases moisturizing ingredients over time even after rinsing it. In that means, your skin feels supple and soft, never tight and dry.

You May Like: Collagen Deep Cleansing Snail Face Serum

Consider Micellar Water For On

If you’re busy and have those moments when you don’t have the energy or time to do a full facial cleanse, try micellar water! This cleanser consists of tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water. These molecules attract dirt, makeup, and excess oils from your skin. Best of all, it can be used without rinsing.

Micellar water is ideal for dry and sensitive skin types due to its gentle and moisturizing properties.

Micellar water is my favorite way to remove makeup prior to using a cleanser. All skin types can tolerate micellar water, which makes it versatile. The micelle composition allows it to more effectively clean off dirt, oil, and even heavy makeup from the skin better than other products.

You do not have to use a cleansing wash after micellar water, but I recommend it for the best results. Micellar water is hydrating and will not dry out the skin and can be used in those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Additionally, this is a great product to keep in your gym bag to remove makeup prior to a workout and oil and sweat after a workout.

The Best Cleansing Towelettes

Let me start by saying these are not traditionally cleansing. Cleansing Towelettes or wipes will get rid of most of your makeup, but will not deep clean your skin. To get a proper cleanse, you will still need to use a regular cleanser even if you use a cleansing towelette.

Personally, I love to keep them in my bag in case my face needs some freshening up when Im out and about.

The Bliss Makeup Melt Oil-Free Makeup Wipes are perfect for fast freshening! They quickly remove your makeup with a gentle hydrating super-soft swipe over your skin.

Are you ready to amp up your skincare game with a new cleanser or what? Hopefully, this list of the best facial cleansers has given you a lot to think about!

Stay tuned for our next Beauty Momtrends MVPs list

Read Also: Face Cleanser And Moisturizer For Dry Skin

Best Bar: Drunk Elephant Pekee Cleansing Bar

• Easy to use during shower

• Fragrance- and soap-free

• Not as travel-friendly

Even though it doesnt look like other face cleansers, the right face wash bar is easier to use in the shower for a young teenager and has all of the same benefits youd find in a bottle. Also, it has less of an environmental impact because it doesnt come in a single-use plastic container.

Drunk Elephants Pekee Bar, for example, is a popular gentle cleansing bar made with blueberry extract, honey, and marula oil. A true multi-tasking face wash, this bar moisturizes, tones, clarifies, balances the complexion, and is totally fragrance- and soap-free. The bar is formulated with clean, cruelty-free, and skin-friendly ingredients designed to cleanse and soothe the skin and last a long time.

The Texture Of The Product

Once you’ve identified your skin type, it’s easier to know what texture is best. If you have dry skin, creams, oils, or balms are the way to go. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, gel cleansers are best, she says.

• How often should you use a drugstore face wash?

  “Wash your face two times a day with a gentle cleanser,” advises Dr. Dele-Michael. That said, folks with extra-dry skin might opt for once-daily cleansing, especially on makeup-free days. On the other hand, some people double-cleanse at night, first reaching for a cleansing balm or another oil-based formula to dissolve makeup, then a water-based face wash to remove any remaining residue.

• Do drugstore face washes expire?

  Most cleansers will expire 12 to 24 months after being opened, though some may only last roughly six months. It really depends on the container, the formulation, what preservatives are used, and where you store it. Look for the PAO symbol, which looks like a tiny jar with a lid. The number within the symbol will tell you how long the product lasts after being opened.

Read Also: Body Cleanse And Weight Loss

How We Pick Our Winners

Momtrends MVP’s is a non-sponsored series. Brands must meet our strict standards to be included. When naming winners we take several factors into account, including expense, convenience, and style.

We make our picks annually based on editors’ research. In some instances, we may request and receive samples so that we can more thoroughly assess products. Our opinions are our own, and our goal is to help our community of moms make more informed decisions on everything from baby gear to beauty products to vacation destinations and more. We scour the abundant options and painstakingly hand-pick our favorites, so you don’t have to. Our hope is that our most valuable players become your most valued purchases.

How Do You Determine Your Skin Type

Its difficult to choose the right facial cleanser without knowing what type of skin you have. The following guidelines will help.

• Dry skin: Flakiness, dry patches, a tight feeling, and a dull look are indicators of dry skin. Treat your dry skin tenderly when washing up, and choose a gentle cleanser that has moisturizing ingredients.

• Oily skin: A shiny appearance, large pores, tendency towards breakouts, and greasy feel characterize oily skin. You need a cleansing product that can cut through the oil and grease, remove pore-clogging makeup, and yet leave your skin balanced not overly dry and stripped.

• Sensitive skin: Sensitive skin reacts to many cosmetic ingredients, including fragrances, dyes, or abrasive scrubs. Gentle cleansers formulated without irritants will leave your skin clean, not stinging or red.

• Combination skin: This common skin type tends towards oiliness on the forehead, nose, and chin but dryness on the cheeks. Cleansers that gently remove oil without stripping moisture are best for combination skin.

• Mature skin: Its a fact of life: skin ages just like the rest of you. Mature skin is often dry, and fine lines can be a problem as well. If this is your complexion, choose a moisturizing cleanser.

• Normal skin: Not too dry, not too oily normal skin is just right. Outside of cleansers that are very moisturizing or formulated for the oiliest skin, most facial cleansers are suitable for this skin type.

Read Also: Can You Do A Juice Cleanse While Breastfeeding

How To Choose The Best Anti Aging Face Cleanser

If youre struggling to choose an anti aging cleanser that fits right in with your skincare routine, then have a look at a few of these important things to keep in mind.

Non drying When your skin matures, it loses the ability to hold moisture. When your skin is dry, wrinkles form more easily, so its key you use a cleansing milk to restore moisture. Avoid harsh, stripping cleansers that leave your skin dry, as this can cause more fine lines.

Contains anti aging ingredients Ideally, you want a cleanser that contributes to cell rejuvenation. That means looking out for ingredients like collagen, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids for cell turnover, vitamin c to brighten skin tone, and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Choose the most important ingredients for you and get a cleanser that includes them.

Free from irritating ingredients-When you have mature skin, its important to avoid harsh or irritating ingredients that can damage sensitive skin. That includes synthetic fragrances, parabens and harsh surfactants like sodium Laureth sulfate that can damage the skin barrier.

Why Use A Facial Cleanser

While of course youcan wash your face with the same soap you use on the rest of your body, there are several compelling reasons to stick with a product formulated specifically for facial skin. Body soaps are far harsher than facial cleansers, and many contain deodorants and other potentially drying or irritating ingredients.

• Removes makeup, oil, and pollutants

• Leaves your face feeling clean, not tight

• Softens your complexion without leaving it greasy

• Suits your skin type, whether that is oily, dry, normal, sensitive, or mature

• Rinses easily and doesnt irritate your eyes

• Doesnt break your budget

• Is convenient to use

Many facial cleansers offer further benefits, such as moisturizing dry skin or treating acne.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Facial Cleanser For Oily Sensitive Skin

Best Face Washes For Dry Skin

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.

• Best face wash for dry skin and eczema:Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser
• Best hydrating face wash for dry skin:CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
• Best gentle face wash for dry skin:Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

When you have dry skin, moisturizer might be the product you reach for the most. But face wash can be just as important in your skin care arsenal for keeping your skin looking and feeling its best.

In fact, choosing the right cleanser for your skin type might just be essential to achieving the glowing, even skin tone youre after. A lot of cleansers contain powerful hydrating ingredients, like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, that work wonders on dry and sensitive skin.

As a 2011 clinical review noted, the oils, dirt, and toxins in the environment wont dissolve with water alone. Thats why everyone should cleanse their face at the end of each day.

If you dont cleanse your skin daily, youre likely to experience more breakouts when the remaining oil, dirt, and toxins clog your pores.

Cleansing your face gets impurities and dead cells off the surface, which can prevent acne outbreaks, inflammation, and other skin conditions. Plus, the remainder of your skin care routine will be more effective, as skin care products work best on a clean face.

• hyaluronic acid

Choosing The Right Cleanser

Of course cleansing will not serve much of a purpose if you havent chosen the right facial cleanser for your needs. Know your skin type and pick accordingly. Dry skin can benefit from cream cleansers that are gentle and hydrating and dont have too much alcohol. Sensitive skin types should avoid cleansers with too much fragrance. Oily skin types can turn to foaming cleansers that will adequately get rid of too much sebum. Combination skin needs a moisturizing cleanser that will nonetheless also remove oil from the T-zone.

Gentle cleansers are particularly good at removing oil and dirt without stripping the skin of the natural oils necessary to keep it hydrated and soft. Look for gentle formulations if you have sensitive, dry or combination skin. If you sweat a lot from working out, you might want to look into an exfoliating cleanser that will help unclog pores.

A word on oil-based cleansers: Dont panic if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can still use oil-based cleansers. Oil-based cleansers attach to the oil onto your skin and remove it when you rinse it off with water like attracts like, after all. Oil-based cleansers also wont strip your skin of its natural oils. When cleansers are too abrasive, they strip away natural oils and leave skin more prone to dryness. Oil-based cleansers are also great at removing very stubborn makeup.

Read Also: Low Sugar Juice Cleanse Recipes

If You Want To Save Money And Time When Soothing Your Skin At Night Tula’s Replenishing Cleansing Oil Will Remove All Traces Of Makeup And Cleanse For A Fresh Face

Key ingredients: Ceramides, probiotic extracts, rice bran oil, arctic winged kelp

If I had to pick a least favorite skincare product, it would undoubtedly be makeup remover. From wipes that dry out to formulas that strip the skin or cost more than face makeup itself, neglecting to remove makeup the proper way can clog pores and cause acne. Thanks to the Tula Replenishing Cleansing Oil, you can finally add a product to your routine that removes makeup and cleanses.

Infused with probiotic extracts and natural oils, the product will effectively dissolve makeup and built-on debris from the day. The mixture of ceramides and arctic winged kelp aids in moisture retention and skin-soothing, too.

What’s more, the Replenishing Cleansing Oil was clinically tested, with 94% of participants noticing it left their skin feeling nourished. As a cleanser that’s suitable for all skin types, non-comedogenic, and is formulated without parabens or fragrance, it’s a product boasting a hassle-free makeup removal â whether you’re about to apply a face mask or hit the hay for the next day.

Do: Look For A Short Ingredient List

“As sensitive skin overreacts when exposed to excess stimuli, those with this skin type need to look for a wash that has a short ingredient list, as too many ingredients can in and of itself trigger the inflammation cascade that occurs with sensitive skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist and docent medical advisor Farhaad Riyaz, MD.

Recommended Reading: Aveeno Clear Complexion Foaming Facial Cleanser

What Is A Facial Cleanser

In simple terms, a facial cleanser is designed to clean our skin. They are made to break down oil and dirt, makeup sunscreen and the remains of dead skin cells and pollutants. Its essential for unclogging pores and exfoliating the top layer of the skin, without damaging the skin barrier or leaving it too dry.

There are many different types of facial cleansers, and its important you find the one that works best for you. Cleansers range from micellar water, foaming cleansers, cleansing gels, creams and balms, oils and even wipes.