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No skincare regimen is complete without a good cleanser. Whether you’ve got acne prone skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, aging skin or combination skin, you need to make sure that you have a product that’s getting deep into your skin and cleansing it of dirt, oil, and toxins. If you think about it, your skin goes through a lot during the day. It gets covered in makeup, and it absorbs the UV rays from the sun, the nasty soot from the buses and cars that pass by, and sweat.
But, you can’t just use any type of cleanser. To start, April W. Armstrong, MD, always recommends using a gentile cleanser. “Always use a gentle cleanser, since harsh soaps can trigger the skin to increase oil production,” she says. This overproduction of oil will then result in breakouts and your face looking oily. This can also happen if your cleanser contains the wrong ingredients. “I really have to emphasize the ‘alcohol-free’ part. The more people try to dry out the oil, the oilier they will get,” Mary Schook, aesthetician and founder of M.S. Apothecary, tells Refinery29.
Now that we’re familiar with what we do and don’t want in a cleanser, let’s meet the ones that we should be buying from the drugstore.
Here are the best drugstore face washes for your skin type:
- Normal To Oily Skin
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser ($9.49)
Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Cleanser was formulated by dermatologists to deliver an effective and gentile face wash to help eliminate oil to keep the skin healthy. It also removes surface oils, makeup and dirt without leaving the skin feeling dry or clogging the pores.
“I have done research and looked at reviews before purchasing this and I’m so glad I have this. This really deep cleanses my face leaving my skin feel so clean and soft. I use it every morning and cleanse my face for my evening cleansing routine at least 3 times a week. I have found my own personal facial cleanser!” – Beachbabexo
- Dry Skin
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water ($8.99)
This cleanser uses micellar technology to remove makeup, dirt and oil, all while delivering a hydrating boost to the skin. It’s also free of artificial perfumes, dyes and harsh chemicals, making it excellent for those with dry and sensitive skin.
“Great product! I had heard so much about micellar water and was really excited to try this out. I’ve experienced no irritation or stinging with this product. I love that this is a product with no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances. I will definitely use micellar water exclusively now!” -Frenchie048
- Aging Skin
Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser ($4.99)
The older your skin gets, the more moisture it needs–especially if you want to keep it looking youthful and glowy. This facial cleanser combines a deep cleanser with a face moisturizer to remove dirt, oil and makeup and infuse your skin with vital moisture for soft and smooth skin.
“I used Pond’s cleanser as a teen. It’s great for removing make-up. After years of using more expensive and brand-name products, I’ve come full-circle and back to Pond’s! My skin has gone through all of it’s natural age-changes, my skin now needs daily moisturizing. I guess we women need to experiment with all types of products as we age. I still keep a few of the expensive brands, but it’s nice to know that Pond’s is still tried and true after decades!” – wendyv
- Acne Prone Skin
Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Facial Charcoal Cleanser ($9.99)
Charcoal is one of the best ingredients to use for acne prone skin as it gets deep into the pores to draw out impurities. This cleanser also contains jojoba spheres for gentile exfoliation to prevent the pores from clogging and salicylic acid to prevent new pimples from forming.
“This stuff is amazing! I’ve tried a ton of different products to clear up my acne, including prescription products, but nothing has worked as well as this. I love that it’s paraben free and contains mostly natural ingredients.” – Brants26
Looking for other amazing skincare products to add to your skincare routine? We recommend trying these drugstore moisturizers that work better than Botox and the best drugstore face serums that cost less than $25 at SheFinds.com
