Sure you know a solid skin care regimen starts with a good cleanser, but have you ever wondered why it’s so important? Facial cleansers are not only necessary to remove make-up, but also pollutants, bacteria and debris from your face. Here are our top tips on how to pick a cleanser, plus a review of 6 popular facial cleansers and if they’re worth washing with.
If you don’t wash your face at night, your body is still fighting those free radicals and pollutants instead of repairing your skin, which means you will age faster. And don’t forget to wash your face in the morning too- it’s important to remove bacteria that has accumulated overnight, as well as any toxins that your body may have released during sleep.
When choosing a cleanser, opt for a gentle product. Harsh soaps may strip your skin of the good oils, and can trigger the skin to increase oil production. Also don’t forget to switch cleansers depending on the season: use foamy, gel like cleansers during the summer months and creamy, hydrating cleansers in the winter.
CETAPHIL DAILY FACIAL CLEANSER
PRICE: $13
SKIN TYPE: Oily to Normal
PROS:
Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Cleanser is a standard, detergent-based cleanser that can work for most skin types except for dry to very dry skin. It’s affordable, doesn’t irritate the eyes and doesn’t contain any masking scents.
CONS:
The formula does not do a great job of removing make-up. You may still have to use make-up removing wipes. Plus, the consistency of the gel-like liquid is a bit gooey and you need to rinse with water more than usual to wash off the residue. Cetaphil also contains Parabens, which some people feel are harmful to the body.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
This is an affordable product that does a decent job of cleansing. But it’s not a state-of-the-art formulation and could use an update.
LAURA MERCIER FLAWLESS SKIN ONE-STEP CLEANSER
PRICE: $35
SKIN TYPE: Normal to Combination Skin
PROS:
Laura Mercier’s cleanser for normal to oily or combination skin is water soluble and rinses without residue. It removes most of your make-up, although it will not take off water-proof make-up. The packaging is aesthetically pleasing and is easily dispensed in a pump-style container. The formula is fragrance-free, which is good news for those with sensitive skin.
CONS:
If you don’t like creamy cleansers you will find this cleanser’s consistency a bit thick. It also takes several pumps to cleanse thoroughly, so you will run through your supply pretty quickly. Plus, the product is pricey when compared to others.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Overall, this is a descent cleanser that is not over drying and leaves your skin hydrated.
CLINIQUE 7-DAY SCRUB CREAM RINSE OFF FORMULA
PRICE: $20
SKIN TYPE: OILY TO NORMAL
PROS:
Clinique’s cleanser rinses okay, but you may still need to use a washcloth for complete make-up removal. Similar to other Clinique products, this formula is fragrance-free and is suitable for normal skin. The product is well priced.
CONS:
This product contains polyethylene beads as the scrub agent. Plastic micro beads are ingredients that have been controversial in recent years for their potential toxicity to the environment. The benefit of micro beads for the skin is also questionable and you should not put your skin through daily exfoliating trauma.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
While this product is affordable for a department store brand, there are better options available for a scrub-cleanser combination.
ENVIRON BACTIVE SEBUWASH CLEANSER
PRICE: $32
SKIN TYPE: ALL SKIN TYPES
PROS: Sebuwash is a foaming, gel cleanser that gently removes excess oils and environmental debris without drying the skin. It contains active ingredients like tea tree oil, salicylic acid and Beta Hydroxy Acid that promote decongestion and normalize the skin, without over-drying. The product is appealing to men as well for its foamy texture.
CONS: The product contains an ingredient that may be contraindicated for people with aspirin or BHA allergies. The cleanser is in a higher price range.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
This is an effective, versatile cleanser appealing to both men and women, suitable for teens and works well for all skin types.
YES TO CARROTS FRAGRANCE FREE DAILY FACIAL CLEANSER
PRICE: $10
SKIN TYPE: DRY SKIN NOT PRONE TO BREAKOUTS
PROS:
This cleanser is a fragrance-free, very affordable and suitable for those with dry or sensitive skin or those who are looking for an emollient option. It washes off easily and removes most of your makeup.
CONS:
While there is a trend toward natural products, this formula may contain ingredients that are not beneficial for the skin. If you are not a fan of cream based cleansers, you will not like this product. Also, it does not address problem skin concerns.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Although well priced, for those looking for organic or natural product options, we suggest you look elsewhere.
DERMATOLOGICA SPECIAL CLEANSING GEL
PRICE: $36
SKIN CONCERNS: Normal to Oily Skin
PROS:
Dermatologica’s gel is a soap-free, fragrance-free gel for normal to oily skin. It contains no artificial fragrance or color, foams wells and rinses off easily.
CONS:
The formulation contains ingredients that could cause irritation and strip your skin of oils that are necessary for skin balance and health. Plus, it contains parabens and it’s expensive.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Due to the content of potentially irritating ingredients we do not recommend it for most skin types.