When it comes to finding a cleanser there are so many promises with exotic sounding ingredients, it’s really challenging to know what will work for you. Each skin type has specific needs that should be addressed in each step of your skincare routine. So we did the research to find what works best for your skin and we’ll explain why those exotic sounding ingredients matter. But that’s not all, we went the extra mile and included other options, not based on skin type, in case you wear a lot of makeup, or have skin that is sensitive to traditional ingredients. These cleansers are gentle enough to be used regularly or even on different days, so, for instance, if you are dry one day but not another, then a hydrating cleanser for dry skin will be ideal, whereas on days where you’re breaking out, an anti-acne cleansing gel would work. Mixing and matching to find what works takes some time and attention, so don’t be afraid to try something that isn’t marketed only for your skin type.
If you have dry skin there’s a gaggle of hydrating options available for you, but a favorite among dermatologists is La Roche-Posay’s Hydrating Cleanser. Foams are best suited for oilier skin types, and the cream texture along with moisturizing glycerin and ceramides puts this cleanser as a top choice. As a bonus, the cleanser is formulated with niacinamide to help protect your skin barrier and decrease the look of your pores.
If you have sensitive skin you already may be aware of every ingredient you put on your face to avoid a flare up. Fortunately, cleansers for you are more accessible than ever. Bliss’s Gentle Cleanser, formulated without phthalates, parabens, sulfates or fragrance is a great option for anyone looking for clean skincare, that won’t break the bank. It includes calming rose water and colloidal gold to nourish your skin and remove makeup and impurities effortlessly.
Sometimes it seems like combination skin is the hardest to treat and no cleanser seems to get it right. Sometimes this happens from using products that try to do too much at once resulting in further imbalances in your skin. Dermatologists will be the first to tell you that less is more, and Cerave’s Foaming Cleanser gets the job done with three important ingredients. Niacinamide protects your skin barrier, while Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides lock in moisture and the foam gets rid of any excess oil. It’s the perfect answer to skin that constantly gives you problems.
Most cleansers are formulated with hydrators that can be just too much for oilier skin, resulting in the opposite direction you need and and strip the skin barrier with harsh alcohols. Biore found an alternative that uses charcoal to draw out impurities and oil in your skin while simultaneously hydrating your skin with Glycerin. The Rose Quartz Cleanser also includes antibacterial Salicylic Acid to prevent future breakouts and eliminate blackheads and clogged pores.
If you want to start combating acne in the first step of your skin routine then a cleanser with AHAs and BHAs is where to start. Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids are primarily used to exfoliate your skin, improve skin texture and fight acne. Peter Thomas Roth’s Acne Clearing Gel includes Glycolic Acid to remove your dead skin cells and Salicylic Acid to kill the bacteria that clogs your pores. Licorice and Arnica are also included to reduce fine lines and discoloration. Sometimes, there is a cleanser that can do it all.
The luckiest of all skin types! You would almost think that any cleanser and it would be fine. But is that the result you want, or could you do better? Glossier’s Jelly Cleanser is one you’ll look forward to using with its texture that both soothes and hydrates your skin with Vitamin B5, Comfrey Root Extract and Rose Water. Aquaxyl protects your skin barrier and Poloxamer cleanses your skin while being eye safe, so you know that all traces of makeup will get removed and your eyes won’t be burning afterward.
If you feel like your skin has already been through enough and it needs a break then the VitaminSea.Beauty Gel Cleanser is for you. The formula is gentle with Aloe Vera, but still can do a lot for your skin with Vitamins C and E from seaweed to protect you from sun damage and increase collagen production. The Rosehip Oil will help hydrate your skin and correct dark spots and fine lines. What more could you ask your cleanser for?
Most makeup wearers are used to having to double cleanse to fully remove makeup and the first part of a double cleanse can either be a Micellar Water or a Cleansing Oil. Micellar Water definitely has its place in your routine, but any makeup that promises to be longwear or waterproof will be too much for any product. KOPARI’s Coconut Cleansing Oil is formulated with three types of oils so you have the best chance of breaking down the makeup on your face. Coconut Oil will moisturize your skin as it removes your makeup, Green Tea Oil calms and firms your skin, and Rice Oil also hydrates your skin and improves texture. Depending on your skin type this could be the only kind of cleanser you need, but if you wear makeup, this cleanser is the go-to for your double cleanse to get every last bit of makeup off.
Finding cruelty-free products these days is a lot easier than it once was and most brands will put that on their packaging, but finding a brand that is fully ethical and up to vegan standards is something else entirely. The Ordinary is a brand that values using only safe practices and ingredients. They are a paraben and phthalate-free brand, and their Squalane Cleanser is no different. The cleanser is pH-balanced to not disrupt your skin barrier and balm consistency melts into an oil to remove makeup, while Squalane hydrates and reduces inflammation. This cleanser is great for most dietary concerns including being gluten and nut free, so you know you and your skin will be safe.
Korea is known as the world’s leader in skincare and beauty, and their products are more accessible worldwide,a which means that we can get the benefits of their technology too. A trend we see is cleansers made without sulfates and Hanskin created a cleanser that still foams without stripping your skin of its natural oils. The Bubble Pop Cleanser has two types of hyaluronic acids to hydrate your skin and Soap Bark Extract and Madecassoside to purify and calm skin. You may not have glass skin yet, but this cleanser will get you one step closer.
All of these cleansers were selected to be available for most people to upgrade their skin routine and to find what will work for their skin and their preferences. If you pair a facial cleansing brush with one of these cleansers that will ensure positive results and will give you the skin you’ve been hoping for faster. Your skin deserves better than a one size fits all approach so try out what combinations appeal to you and see what a difference it makes.
