There are few things we love more than a great drugstore beauty find — it’s like uncovering hidden treasure. You don’t have to spend all of your money on luxury creams and serums to make a big difference in your skin. Effective face cleansers, in particular, are one skincare product that you can find at all price points. But having a bevy of choices doesn’t always make your job of selecting a great cleanser all that much easier — in fact, it can be more of a challenge.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Anna Chacon, a writer at MyPsoriasisTeam, and Dr. HariKiran Chekuri, a certified skin specialist (dermatologist), hair transplant expert, cosmetic surgeon, and the medical head of ClinicSpots, remind us that ingredients count when it comes to cleansers — and some found in cheaper products can often contain these bad-for-your-skin ingredients that are drying and can even potentially cause signs of aging. Avoid these at all costs.
Ingredients to Avoid
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Dr. Chacon describes SLS and SLES as surfactants used to create a foaming effect in cleansers. You may feel like a deep foaming cleanse is cleaning your skin better, but this is pretty much an illusion — the foam is not necessary. “They can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and potentially premature aging,” Dr. Chacon says.
Alcohol
This is often used in skincare products for its quick-drying finish and ability to remove oil, Dr. Chacon says. “However, it can be very drying and can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, leading to wrinkles over time.”
Toners are another type of cleanser that, when formulated with nourishing ingredients, can do a world of good by removing makeup and excess oils from your skin. But a harsh toner made with alcohol can have the opposite effect.
“Toners that contain alcohol can dry out the skin, increase oil production, and damage the skin barrier,” Dr. Chekuri says. “Some examples of alcohol-based toners are Thayers Witch Hazel Toner, Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner, and Clean & Clear Essentials Deep Cleaning Toner.”
Fragrances
If a cleanser smells too good to be true — and it’s not made only of that one specific ingredient, then there’s a good chance it’s filled with fragrances that can be sensitizing. “Synthetic fragrances can cause skin irritation and dryness,” Dr. Chacon says. “They can also cause inflammation, which can accelerate the aging process.”
Dr. Chekuri says to avoid harsh cleansers including those that contain sulfates, alcohol, or fragrances and can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupt the skin barrier, and cause irritation, dryness, and inflammation. “Some examples of harsh cleansers are Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash, Clean & Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleanser, and St. Ives Apricot Scrub,” Dr. Chekuri says.
Avoid heavy moisturizers
If your skin is super dry, a more nourishing moisturizer may be exactly what it craves, but be careful: Moisturizers that are too rich or occlusive can clog pores, cause breakouts, and suffocate the skin, Dr. Chekuri reminds us. “Some examples of heavy moisturizers are Pond's Cold Cream, Nivea Creme, and Vaseline,” he says.
One great drugstore moisturizer to try
Remember: despite these warnings, there are a number of amazing drugstore cleanser picks worth your time and money. One that Dr. Chekuri loves:
CeraVe PM Face Moisturizer for Nighttime Use: “This is a lightweight yet hydrating moisturizer that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide,” Dr. Chekuri says. “Ceramides help restore and protect the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture in the skin, and niacinamide helps calm inflammation, reduce redness, and brighten the skin tone. This moisturizer is also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and suitable for all skin types.”
