“Cleansing your skin regularly is the foundation of a healthy skin care routine,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Cleansing helps remove dirt and bacteria that has collected on your skin throughout the day, so it doesn’t dwell in your pores and lead to breakouts or other skin irritations.”
However, not all facial cleansers are created equal. You might choose one type of cleanser for times when your skin is acting more acne-prone or reach for another cleanser for easy use on the go. Are you wondering, what is the best facial cleanser for me? If so, check out our recommendations for:
- The best facial cleanser for acne-prone skin
- The best facial cleanser for sensitive skin
- The best facial cleanser to help diminish dark spots
- The best facial cleanser to smooth rough texture
- The best facial cleanser to use on the go
- The best facial cleanser to use if you have hard water
What’s the best facial cleanser if you have acne or maskne?
LovelySkin Luxe Clarifying Gel Cleanser
“My patients who experience acne have seen improvement after using this cleanser,” Dr. Schlessinger says. A key ingredient in this cleanser is afaLUXE™, a dermatologist-developed molecule containing vitamin C and Dead Sea minerals specially formulated to improve your skin’s moisture balance and encourage cell turnover. This gel cleanser also contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid to help soothe existing acne and prevent future breakouts.
What’s the best facial cleanser if your skin is sensitive or irritated?
SkinCeuticals Gentle Calming Cleanser Cream
If your skin tends to be sensitive or is easily irritated, this emollient cleansing cream could be the best facial cleanser for you. It contains hydrating glycerin and soothing allantoin to condition dry and sensitive skin, and its clean-rinsing formula won’t leave behind any residue that could potentially irritate your skin. Plus, the addition of orange oil lends a refreshing, citrusy scent.
What’s the best facial cleanser if you’d like to diminish dark spots?
La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Brightening Foaming Facial Cleanser
Are age spots and uneven skin tone a concern for you? This could be the best facial cleanser for you. This foamy facial cleanser helps reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone with lipo-hydroxy acid, which helps shed pigment at the skin’s surface. The result is gentle exfoliation for smoother, more radiant skin.
What’s the best facial cleanser if you’d like to smooth rough texture?
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser Gel
If your skin is looking dull and rough, the best facial cleanser for you might be this exfoliating gel that will help buff away dead skin cells with glycolic acid and phytic acid. It also contains aloe extract and glycerin, two effective hydrating ingredients that help your skin look and feel soft and plump. It also does double-duty as a makeup remover, taking off even long-wearing cosmetics without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.
What’s the best facial cleanser if you need to freshen up on the go? :
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Towelettes
Whether you’re traveling by plane, taking a camping trip or just working out at the gym, having a convenient facial cleanser on hand is crucial when you’re on the go. These no-rinse facial cleansing wipes help remove sweat, oil and makeup when you don’t have easy access to running water. Because these facial wipes are oil-free, they are also safe to use with lash extensions.
What’s the best facial cleanser if you have hard water?
Vichy Purete Thermale Hydrating & Cleansing Foaming Cream
Did you know that washing your face with hard water may lead to dry, irritated skin? This cleanser from Vichy is formulated specifically to counteract the negative effects of hard water, with glycerin to hydrate the skin and moringa seed extract to help support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. It works well for any skin type, so if you live in an area with hard water, it could be the best facial cleanser for you.
Looking for a new shower gel? Check out six of our favorite shower gels with different skin benefits, from hydrating to calming and balancing.
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