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Choose the Best Face Cleanser for Your Skin Type

Corey Majeau

Regardless of whether you work from home or on a construction site, your skin gets way dirtier than your skin. Being exposed to all sorts of environmental factors, the skin is like a magnet for impurities, contaminants, and other things that cause skin-related problems and imperfections. A cleanser can help with that, so let’s try and pick the best face cleanser for your needs.

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser – Editor's Choice

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  • Price range: $10 – $20
  • Volume: 13.52 fl. oz.
  • Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Ceramide-3, Glycerin

2. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

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  • Price range: $10 – $20
  • Volume: 19 fl. oz.
  • Key ingredients: Ceramides, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser

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  • Price range: <$10
  • Volume: 6 oz.
  • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin

4. Clean & Clear 2-Pack Day and Night Face Cleanser

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  • Price range: <$10
  • Volume: 8 oz. each
  • Key ingredients: vitamin C, ginseng, deep-sea minerals

5. Cetaphil Oil-Free Gentle Foaming Cleanser

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  • Price range: $10 – $20
  • Volume: 8 oz. each
  • Key ingredients: vitamin E, glycerin

6. PCA SKIN Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Facial Cleanser

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  • Price range: $30 – $40
  • Volume: 7 fl. oz.
  • Key ingredients: phytic acid, gluconolactone, benzoyl peroxide

7. Aveeno Calm and Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser

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  • Price range: <$10
  • Volume: 7.8 fl. oz.
  • Key ingredients: glycerin, oat

8. innisfree Green Tea Facial Cleansers

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  • Price range: $10 – $20
  • Volume: 5.07 fl. oz.
  • Key ingredients: green tea extract, Jeju green tea root

Best Face Cleansers

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser – Editor's Choice

Highlights

  • Price range: $10 – $20
  • Volume: 13.52 fl. oz.
  • Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Ceramide-3, Glycerin

Pros

  • Can soothe irritated skin.
  • Contains no soap.
  • Good for hand cleaning.

Cons

  • Some customers claim it does not remove makeup.

The Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a daily face cleanser designed for sensitive skin that ranges from normal to dry. The smoothness of this milky cream enables the skin to retain the necessary moisture while making sure your face is rid of any makeup, grime, and other impurities from the skin. Additionally, the skin’s natural protective barrier and pH level are preserved with the use of this facial cleanser.

2. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser – Runner up

Highlights

  • Price range: $10 – $20
  • Volume: 19 fl. oz.
  • Key ingredients: Ceramides, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid

Pros

  • No fragrances and parabens.
  • Good for multiple skin types.
  • Key ingredients: Ceramides, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid

Cons

  • Complaints about faulty pumps.

Ceramides are a type of lipid that are found naturally in the skin. They account for fifty percent of the total lipid content of the skin barrier. To help restore and keep the skin’s natural barrier intact, every one of CeraVe’s products is created with three critical ceramides.

This cleanser can remove dirt and makeup from the face, delivers moisture that lasts for 24 hours, and leaves the skin feeling nourished without being oily.

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser – Customer’s choice

Highlights

  • Price range: <$10
  • Volume: 6 oz.
  • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin

Pros

  • Multiple pack combos and options.
  • Highly hydrating.
  • No soap or oil content.

Cons

  • The pump is difficult to push with one hand.

Neutrogena is one respectable brand in the skincare world, with products that are well known for their hydrating properties. Using the power of glycerin and hyaluronic acid, this face cleanser is designed to help your skin absorb and retain moisture, so it maintains its elasticity for longer.

4. Clean & Clear 2-Pack Day and Night Face Cleanser – Best combo pack

Highlights

  • Price range: <$10
  • Volume: 8 oz. each
  • Key ingredients: vitamin C, ginseng, deep-sea minerals

Pros

  • Contains day and nighttime cleaners.
  • Hypoallergenic formula.
  • Oil-free.

Cons

  • Not for dry skin.

Let’s welcome a pack that consists of daytime and nighttime face cleaners. In addition to removing filth and oil that can’t be seen on the surface of the skin, this tranquil face wash also aids in relaxation with its soothing scents. With the help of these oil-free and hypoallergenic face cleansers, you’ll be left with a clean and lovely complexion.

5. Cetaphil Oil-Free Gentle Foaming Cleanser – Best for sensitive skin

Highlights

  • Price range: $10 – $20
  • Volume: 8 oz. each
  • Key ingredients: vitamin E, glycerin

Pros

  • Neutral pH.
  • No soap, no fragrance.
  • Hypoallergenic formula.

Cons

  • Complaints about faulty pumps.

If you’re looking for a cleanser for sensitive skin, this should be on your top product list. It’s designed to remove makeup and impurities from your skin without affecting its natural pH. It has a creamy consistency and uses micelles to cleanse the skin. It doesn’t contain soap or fragrance, being one of the best products for skin that’s prone to irritation.

6. PCA SKIN Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Facial Cleanser – Best for acne-prone skin

Highlights

  • Price range: $30 – $40
  • Volume: 7 fl. oz.
  • Key ingredients: phytic acid, gluconolactone, benzoyl peroxide

Pros

  • Can soothe acne-damaged skin.
  • Can remove acne lesions.
  • Has antibacterial properties.

Cons

  • Very harsh on sensitive skin.

If you’re dealing with acne-prone skin, a cleanser that exfoliates might be your best bet. This cleanser is formulated for oily skin types and contains ingredients such as phytic acid (gentle exfoliating agent), gluconolactone (calming and moisturizing ingredient), and benzoyl peroxide (pore penetration for curing acne lesions).

7. Aveeno Calm and Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser – Bargain buy

Highlights

  • Price range: <$10
  • Volume: 7.8 fl. oz.
  • Key ingredients: glycerin, oat

Pros

  • Can soothe irritated skin.
  • Hypoallergenic formula.
  • Preserves skin moisture barrier.

Cons

  • Some claim it’s too harsh for sensitive skin.

If you want a gentle cleanser, this one should be the right product for you. Based on oat as one of its primary ingredients, this cleanser is designed to remove impurities from the skin while also preserving its natural moisture barrier. Oat itself is a very soothing ingredient and can calm irritated skin.

8. innisfree Green Tea Facial Cleansers – Best for oily skin

Highlights

  • Price range: $10 – $20
  • Volume: 5.07 fl. oz.
  • Key ingredients: green tea extract, Jeju green tea root

Pros

  • Rich in amino acids.
  • Good for any age.
  • Works for dry skin as well.

Cons

  • Not suitable for sensitive skin.

Unfortunately, oily skin is prone to things like acne and green tea is one of those skincare ingredients that helps in the fight against acne. With a creamy-like consistency, this product uses green tea roots to cleanse the surface of the skin while also maintaining it hydrated. The gentle formula makes it suitable even for teenagers.

What to Look for in a Face Cleanser

You may think you can get away with buying a face cleanser from a respectable brand and you’re all covered. Much like a mattress, a face cleanser is such a personal purchase, there are variables to consider before spending your money. 

— Skin Type

You should determine your skin type before going out to shop for facial cleansers, so give this some thought before you do anything else. If you pick a product that isn’t formulated for your skin, it will only create irritation and possibly even acne breakouts. 

Yes, there’s a lot to be said on this topic, so here are the main skin types and what works well for them:

  • Dry skin: A cleanser that preserves the skin’s natural oils by removing impurities. Hydration is important, so look for glycerin amongst the ingredients. 
  • Oily skin: A face cleanser that cleans your pores and regulates oil production without causing skin dryness.
  • Normal skin: Potent and non-drying cleansers that focus on toning, hydrating, and even anti-aging. 
  • Sensitive skin: Creamy and dense cleansers, with soothing ingredients (like aloe vera) and a balanced pH. 

— Consistency

There are too many choices when it comes to facial cleansers. Others have a transparent and gel-like consistency, in contrast to the ones that are thick and creamy. 

Skin type is the most important factor to consider when deciding which consistency is best for you because different consistencies are suited to different skin types.

Choose face cleansers as consistent as thick cream if you have a dry face. Oily skins are best paired with foamy or gel cleansers. 

— Exfoliation

Look for a face cleanser that also includes exfoliating components if you want to get the most benefit out of using it. Because microbeads and peach pits are known for their ability to exfoliate the skin efficiently, facial cleansers that contain both of these ingredients are an excellent purchase.

You may improve the appearance of your skin’s sheen, eliminate dead skin cells, and stimulate blood circulation by using face cleansers that include these ingredients.

— Ingredients

When looking for a face cleanser, it is essential to examine the label before making a purchase. You can get a general notion of the components that went into making the facial cleanser from the information that is stated on the label. 

This can also help you set realistic expectations for the product and decide whether or not the face cleanser you’re considering purchasing is appropriate for your skin type.

When making your selection, you should make sure to steer clear of facial cleansers that are soap-based or include ingredients that are similar to alkaline. After prolonged use, your skin may get dry as a result of these chemicals.

You may want to read: How to Wash Your Face at Night?

Benefits of Using a Face Cleanser

It removes dead skin cells and most impurities, but facial cleansers also offer the skin deep moisture and nourishment, as well as a glow that is revitalizing. The most important advantages of using a face cleanser are listed below.

• Can Help Avoid Skin Problems

Utilizing a facial cleanser daily can assist you in avoiding a variety of skin disorders, which is a major benefit. among them is the establishment of a shield against hazardous contaminants.

You should at least use a face cleanser twice every day, but most importantly right before you go to bed. In addition, using a facial cleanser can assist with issues such as dark spots, scars, and dark circles under the eyes.

• Removes Dead Skin Cells

Dead skin cells are the cause of a lot of the skin’s unevenness as well as blemishes that aren’t wanted. However, using a facial cleanser regularly will gently help your skin. Facial cleansers work to eliminate all of the layers of dead skin cells by first preparing the skin to feel comfortable before removing them.

• Removes Dirt and Pollution Traces

Cleaning away debris and pollution is important since, unfortunately, dead skin cells can cause a variety of skin problems. Washing and thoroughly scrubbing the face consistently will protect it from any potential damage caused by pollutants. To properly rid the skin of impurities, you need to use a face cleanser rather than using water alone.

• Nourish the Skin

Facial cleansers serve to maintain the skin’s pH balance while also hydrating the skin profoundly. This is accomplished by nourishing the deeper layers of the skin. It aids in giving the appearance of a healthy glow, suppleness, and elasticity to the face. 

• May Help with Signs of Aging

By massaging your skin with a cleanser that is formulated for your specific skin type, you will promote healthy circulation of the blood and provide oxygen to the skin. Consequently, a reduction in the visibility of indicators of aging such as lines and wrinkles.

• Helps the Skin Relax

Your skin will benefit greatly from a relaxing facial massage, which is also good for your overall health. Relaxing the mind, relieving stress, and re-establishing mental equilibrium can all be accomplished by massaging the face in a circular motion by using your fingertips. 

Additionally, it strengthens and activates the lymphatic capillaries, which contributes to the skin’s natural detoxification process. This makes your skin look more refreshed. 

• Can Help with Current Skin Issues

If you use a cleanser that’s good for your face daily, you diminish the odds of having skin problems such as sunspots, pimples, blackheads, redness, dryness, and other such issues. 

How Often Should You Use Facial Cleanser?

At least once a day is good even if you don’t stick to any other bit of your skincare routine. There is no exception to this rule. Add it to your nighttime skincare routine.

Oily or combination skin may find that washing their face twice daily is beneficial, while people with drier skin can get away with washing their face once per day. 

It is important to use a cleanser that is not only mild but also effective to remove dirt, grease, and filth from the skin without dehydrating it.

What Does Face Cleanser Do?

These days, facial cleansers are designed to do a lot more than just remove dirt and oil from the skin. Many different types of substances may be found in cleansers and are beneficial in treating a variety of skin conditions.

There is unquestionably something on the market that will meet your needs, whether you need something to fight against acne, dry patches, or reduce some of that face oil secretion. But what makes a good facial cleanser?

• Salicylic Acid

Since it is a beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is excellent for reducing the production of oil in the skin and removing dead skin cells. This makes it a useful acne treatment. Because it is oil-soluble, it can easily work its way into the pores of the skin.

Cleansers geared for the treatment of acne frequently contain salicylic acid. It does so by functioning as a chemical exfoliator. 

With dry or sensitive skin, you should limit the amount of salicylic acid that you apply to your face because using too much of it can cause your skin to become dry and irritated.

• Retinol

Retinol is the non-prescription version of retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A and speed up the skin’s natural turnover rate. Retinoids are typically employed for anti-aging and acne treatment objectives.

It is usually available in concentrations of to two percent, but anything more than that will require a doctor’s prescription. The skin’s turnover rate is increased by retinol, which means that it assists in the removal of old, dead skin cells and promotes the development of new, healthy skin cells.

While it’s best suited for oily skin, retinol is also useful for other skin types. Experts suggest starting with a lower dose (0.025 or 0.03 percent) to see how your skin reacts to it. 

• Vitamin C

Since vitamin C is an antioxidant, taking it regularly can help reduce the number of free radicals made in the body and, as a result, the damage that is done to the skin by free radicals. 

These are molecules that are basically unstable and can be produced as a result of a variety of environmental variables, including pollution and sunshine. 

They are capable of wreaking havoc on the DNA of healthy cells. Antioxidants help aid in protecting your skin cells against this caustic agent.

Vitamin C is an ingredient in cleansers designed for all skin types. It can help prevent premature aging, brighten your completion, and also prevent melanin overproduction. 

• Ceramides

These lipids and fats are already present in our skin, especially in the top layers. Their purpose is to be a barrier against environmental factors. 

Due to these strong barriers, ceramides can help soothe sensitive skin, and hydrate it, but also protect it from dry air, pollutants, or external factors that irritate it. Face cleaners with ceramides are recommended for people with dry and sensitive skin.

• Glycerin

Classified as a humectant, glycerin has the primary role to attract moisture. It gets it from deeper layers of the skin and water that evaporates from the superficial skin layers. 

It keeps skin nice and moisturized and helps prevent both dryness and irritation. It’s a common ingredient in cleansers designed for dry and sensitive skin. 

• Chemical Exfoliants 

This category of ingredients usually refers to plenty of different acids that are meant to remove dead skin cells from your face. This list includes salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and others. 

Depending on the precise ingredient you use, they are appropriate for the treatment of any type of skin. Consider using alpha-hydroxy acids on your skin, such as lactic acid or glycolic acid, if your skin is dry. Acids with a higher pH, such as salicylic acid, and products with a greater concentration should be used on oily skin.

You may be interested in: Best Skin Care Products

Bottom Line

As you can see, the best face cleanser is the one that meets the needs of your skin type. What works for an acne-prone skin might be too harsh for sensitive skin. Make sure to look at the ingredients of any skin-care product and study the formula before you buy them.

Photo credit: Arterich/Shutterstock; Olha Kozachenko/Shutterstock; TORWAISTUDIO/Shutterstock; A.A. Smirnov/Shutterstock; Geinz Angelina/Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Use Cleanser or Face Wash?

There is a common misconception that face washes and cleansers are the same things, but there is a significant difference between the two types of products. 

Although each of these products is designed to clean your face, they do so in rather different ways. While they are both effective in removing skin oil, dirt, makeup, and other messes from your face, how they do so are not identical. 

Keeping this in mind, it is essential to check that the product you are using caters to the specific requirements of your skin.

What Does Face Wash Do?

Face washes are water-based solutions that, when rubbed into the skin, produce a lot of suds. In addition to this, they frequently include additional astringent substances as a means of reducing oil production.

Because of its foaming action and astringent properties, a face wash can thoroughly clean pores and remove oil from the skin. This is made possible by the face wash’s ability to penetrate deeply. 

This may be helpful for people who have greasy skin. On the other hand, those who have skin that is sensitive, dry, mixed, or normal may discover that face washes are too abrasive for their complexion.

What Does a Skin Cleanser Do?

In addition to cleaning the skin, a face cleanser will also hydrate it. In comparison to face washers, they typically have a richer consistency. Several cleansers designed specifically for the face contain substances that are intended to hydrate the skin, restore balance to the complexion, and nourish the skin.

Face cleaners are better suited for different skin complexions because they will not strip too much skin oil away from your face. Even so, they are still suitable for people who have oily skin types.