We’ve come a long way from washing our faces with soap and water. Cleansing has become a serious and important step in skincare routines across the world, which is even more necessary for those who wear regular makeup. It may seem like it should be an easy thing to pick out a cleanser, but it’s actually something we should put some thought into. Different skin types need different products, otherwise, you can cause more problems and flare-ups. That, in turn, will cause you to spend more time and money fixing the problems, rather than just avoiding them in the first place.
When it comes to cleansers, in particular, you need to consider not only the skin type but other lifestyle factors as well. How much makeup do you wear? Do you have a lot of ease build-up? Are you active in sports or yoga? Do you have acne or easily blocked pores? This will help you determine not only which cleanser is best for you, but how often to clean your face.
There are a plethora of options for skin cleansers from milk, creams, balms, oils, and even foaming cleansers which many love. The question is, what kind of cleanser should you purchase when your skin is a mixture of dry and oily? What if you have mostly normal skin with some dry patches? Or mostly dry skin with a few oily patches? This is what we call combination skin and this skin type requires special cleansers that are light and simple, yet effective.
#1. Eucerin Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Eucerin Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a gentle cleanser that is great for dry and sensitive skin. Recognized by dermatologists as one of the leading and most trustworthy product lines, Eucerin takes pride in their recommended brand. All products are designed to protect, repair, and as always, enhance the overall health and appearance of skin. It’s wonderful for all skin types, gentle, hydrating, and very affordable.
Consumer Reviews: Rated 4.1 out of 5 stars, customers praise this product for stopping breakouts and cleaning the face gently without drying the skin. It’s also noted in reviews that it’s a great year-round product—effective both in dry winter months and sticky summer months. An all-around go-to cleanser throughout the year for all skin types.
Price: $4.38
#2. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
Dermatologist developed, this Neutrogena gentle cleanser is perfect for daily cleansing of sensitive skin. This amazing and affordable cleanser is great for removing makeup, buildup, oil, and residue collected on the face throughout the day. As always, Neutrogena protects the skins natural moisture barrier, maintaining that soft glow while cleansing the skin to perfection.
Consumer Reviews: Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, customers loved that this cleanser was gentle, yet thorough. This cleaner is especially esteemed by those with aging skin that has gotten more sensitive as the year progress.
Price: $8.19
#3. Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser
This gentle cleaner is known for effectively lifting away dirt, makeup, and oil while evening out skin tone and texture. It’s a very moisturizing, non-drying cleanser that helps reduce dull skin tone while maintaining that soft, silky feel Aveeno is known for. It’s also oil-free, soap-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, so it’s safe and gentle enough for everyday use.
Consumer Reviews: Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, customers adore the soothing, silky smooth results of this cleanser and find it to be just as described, very gentle and perfect for daily use. Many customers also say that it really lives up to the claim of radiance in its name, leaving the skin with a soft glow after easily washing off.
Price: $6.25
#4. Cetaphil Daily Cleanser
This daily cleanser has very mild ingredients that make it a safe blend for regular use, leaving skin soft and supple. Created by dermatologists, this gentle formula is proven to be non-irritating and wonderful for sensitive skin even for children. Unscented, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, it’s a great option for all ages and all scent types as it won’t upset the skin. A simple, all-purpose cleanser, this is a great and affordable option for those seeking a daily cleanser for their skincare regimen.
Consumer Reviews: Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, customers find this daily cleanser to be gentle, just as it’s said to be. They have also noted that many other “gentle” cleansers caused issues with breakouts, whereas this one left skin silky and breakout free. It also works great for all skin types. Those with dry skin to oily skin all equally praise this gentle, effective daily cleanser.
Price: $9.49
#5. La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a wonderful daily cleanser that is cream-based, gentle, and leaves skin feeling amazingly clean, soft, and well hydrated. This cleanser is known for gently removing makeup, dirt, and residue buildup while maintaining the skin’s protective barrier for optimal moisturizing action. A wonderful daily hydrating cleanser, this one is a must-try!
Consumer Review: Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, customers loved the creamy, milky formula that dissolved makeup in an instant. Many people mentioned how clean their face felt after use, yet still soft. Not too dry or tight. Customers also love the fragrance-free, non-foaming formula because it’s mild and doesn’t feel like it’s stripping the skin. It’s been reviewed to really balance the skin and remove makeup with ease.
Price: $14.99
Simple Micellar Water
This cleansing “water” is more than just water. It’s a thorough cleanser created to leave your skin feeling gorgeous, hydrated, and soft. This formula is specially made with purified water to unclog pores and clean skin using tiny molecular balls known as micelles (hence the name) to attract and then dissolve dirt, makeup, and oil, all without the need for harsh chemicals. Skin is left feeling rejuvenated and radiant!
Consumer Reviews: Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, according to reviews customers are loving this light moisturizer’s ability to cleanse the skin and leave it feeling silky and hydrated afterward. Some customers have been reticent to try this product and were converted into true fans when realizing how amazing the results are. From removing patches of milia underneath the eyes to removing makeup and oil without clogging pores or causing breakouts, this cleanser is a great option for all skin types.
Price: $5.70
Where to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Kind-Cleansing-Water-Micellar/dp/B00PATJ796/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1525740847&sr=1-4&keywords=Simple%2BMicellar%2BWater&th=1
Lierac Cream Cleansing Milk for Face and Eyes
This creamy milk cleanser quickly and thoroughly works gently to remove all dirt and makeup. It’s great for all skin types, but especially replenishing for dry skin, adding that extra layer of natural hydration. Your skin will thank you when it is left feeling soft and silky from this Lierac cleanser.
Consumer Reviews: Rated 5 out of 5 stars, customers who have used this product regularly found that it helped with anti-aging effects, hydrated their skin, and easily cleaned makeup and dirt regularly. This product is well reviewed and highly rated but does lean a bit on the pricier side compared to others.
Price: $24.00
St. Ives Gentle Smoothing Face Scrub and Mask
This dual-purpose gentle formula combines creamy enriching oatmeal with all-natural exfoliants. It can be used as a mask to replenish skin or it can be used as a scrub to smooth dull, dry spots, leaving skin healthy, smooth, and rejuvenated.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, customers love the rich, creamy lather and pleasant oatmeal scent. Many reviews mention the soothing exfoliation St. Ives brings, leaving the face with a fresh and soft glow. Many people say these products are their absolute favorite, even choosing them over more expensive options. And, of course, many love the ground apricot seeds being used as the exfoliating ingredient, rather than harsh parabens.
Price: $3.39
Where to buy: https://www.amazon.com/St-Ives-Gentle-Smoothing-Oatmeal/dp/B00GTC1H5U/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1525793720&sr=1-1&keywords=St.+Ives+Nourished+and+Smooth+Oatmeal+Scrub+and+Mask
Avalon Organics Intense Defense Cleansing Gel
This formula is specially created with botanical cleansers to purify the skin by washing away toxins and impurities. Studies have shown that oxidative stress causes free radical damage to the skin which causes collagen, elastin deterioration, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, freckles, sunspots, and more. This can be caused by pollution, extreme temperatures, windburn, and even minimal exposure to UV light, but Avalon comes to the rescue with a powerful medley of antioxidants that have been proven to neutralize free radicals before they are able to cause damage. Organic, natural, and carefully formulated, skin is left feeling soft, fresh, and enlivened.
Consumer Reviews: Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, customers love this simple product for its deep cleansing abilities and the way it brightens and refreshes skin, leaving them with a youthful glow. It’s been reviewed as a great option for combination skin, leaving skin soft and fresh without drying out those dry spots. It’s foamy, cleansing, and powerful without leaving that dry tightness that so often happens with other cleansers.
Price: $5.53
Vichy Normaderm Daily Deep Cleansing Gel Acne Face Wash
Great for acne-prone and combination skin. This cleansing gel purifies and unclogs pores without irritating or drying the skin. The clear gel lathers effortlessly into a foam that rinses the face clean, leaving your face velvety and fresh. Created to be a multi-tasking product, it both prevents and clears breakouts and skin imperfections.
Consumer Reviews: Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, reviewers say this container lasts several months while being used once or twice a day, which is great considering the price. It doesn’t dry out skin according to customers who have used and reviewed this cleanser and is known for being very effective at treating blemishes on the sensitive skin. Many reviewers also love the light, spa-like scent and high quality of this product.
Price: $18.00
Drunk Elephant Pekee Bar
While this may be on the pricier side, many think this product is well worth it and high quality. Drunk Elephant makes it their mission to deliver clinically-effective, clean skincare products with not one low-quality ingredient. Using only the best of the best, the Pekee Bar is created to cleanse and exfoliate skin without harsh chemicals like silicones, parabens, etc.
Consumer Reviews: Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars, customers find the price well worth it. Cleansing and powerful, this little bar freshens and leaves skin feeling light, hydrated, and velvety smooth. When kept out of the shower (washing your face in the sink) customers say this bar lasts well over a month and almost two when washing your face once a day. This handy little bar relieves eczema and provides that youthful, clear glow everyone wants.
Price: $28.00
Pond’s Cleanser Cold Cream
This luxurious feeling cold cream cleanses the skin of all makeup and residue, while moisturizing and leaving skin radiant and ultra soft. The cream is 50% moisturizer, so except extremely soft skin after each use. Multi-use, this cold cream is great for working women who need a quick option for makeup remover, moisturizer, and cleansing care. This is an amazing option for sensitive skin as it’s formulated to not clog pores and is hypoallergenic as well. Your face will thank you!
Consumer Reviews: Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, reviewers speak very positively of this “miracle in a jar,” claiming it revives and cleanses their skin while providing a delightfully smooth finish. For sensitive skin, this cold cream seems to be a miracle worker and customers love that it works well year round, providing just enough moisture throughout the year. The great thing is it comes in trial sizes so you can give it a shot before committing to a new product.
Price: $17.89
Be Natural Organics Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser
For those looking for a natural organic option, this foaming facial cleanser is a great option. Created with rosehip seed and essential oils, this product has a 1 on toxicity scales. It’s a wonderful product that is powerful and enriching. Your skin will feel the all-natural difference when being cleansed daily with this carefully constructed product. Not only does it cleanse beautifully, but you’re going to have radiant, gorgeous, smooth skin after washing and drying your face. The effect of this product is undeniable, but the container is definitely smaller than others for the price.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars, reviewers say this cleanser lives up to its claim of being gentle and effective. For those with ultra-sensitive skin, this organic facial cleanser felt like pure magic. When used daily, it lasts quite a while given the size and is highly effective at removing makeup and leaving skin radiant and soft. Many say the organic natural difference is obvious and leaves no room for breakouts or further skin sensitivities. Overall a wonderful option for combination skin.
Price: $20.00
Where to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Natural-Organics-Foaming-Cleanser/dp/B003XS9IHW/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1525798783&sr=1-1-fkmr2&keywords=Kora+Organics+Foaming+Cleanser+for+Oily%2FCombination+Skin
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash Daily Scrub
Neutrogena products are known for their use of Salicylic acid acne medicine and their micro-clear technology that boosts the delivery of this medicine. This product is just that while cleansing and exfoliating skin, stopping breakouts in their tracks and dissolving dirt with ease. This product leaves skin clear, smooth, and glowing all over.
Consumer Review: Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, customers love how refreshing this product is, removing dirt and oil and makeup with gentle ease. It has a cooling effect that leaves skin rejuvenated and fresh while cleansing pores and deep cleaning skin to prevent acne from starting up. A simple game changer, reviewers love the simplicity of this product for controlling breakouts and keeping skin fresh. The price is great too!
Price: $5.97
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Sounds strange to wash your face with “water,” but this product is far more than just water. This all-in-one micellar cleanser removes makeup powerfully while maintaining its gentle oil-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free qualities. Great for all skin types making it perfect for combination skin!
Consumer Review: Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars, reviews compliment this product’s surprising ability to gently remove makeup easily, including dramatic eye makeup. Many mention how great it is for problem skin, oily skin, and even dry skin. It deep cleans, purifies, and at the same time leaves skin hydrated and supple. The great thing is it comes in this handy travel size so you can get a few uses out of it before deciding on the larger bottles. It’s a simple product, but very effective and powerful. Many reviewers say it’s like magic and like no other cleanser they’ve ever used before. It’s known for clearing blackheads and keeping them from appearing. Skin looks younger, smoother, and more vibrant than ever before.
Price: $6.69
