A few years ago, I was having a bout of acne that just wouldn't quit. I was learning everything I could about skin care, but I couldn't stop the pimples from coming, so I went to my dermatologist's office to have a facial. The esthetician told me something I'd never heard in all the YouTube tutorials I watched: my cleanser was breaking me out. I have combination, sensitive skin, and of all the things that could be causing me problems, I never thought it would be my face wash [1]. Since then, I have been beyond discerning when it comes to my cleanser, and these are the only five I'll use.
My cleansers are either gel-based or lightly foaming. I can't use a cream cleanser, I can't really use an oil cleanser, and a balm? Forget about it. Exfoliating face washes are also out of the question, because they irritate my skin too much. The best thing my esthetician told me was that less is more. The gentler the products I use, the better. I'll try just about any serum, but my cleansers go through a rigorous screening process, and I've pretty much never strayed from these five.
Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser [2] ($21) is an old favourite. I like a lot of the products from their Ultra Facial line, and this cleanser is gentle. It doesn't irritate my skin, and I can give it to practically anyone and they'll like it too.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser
I decided to splurge on this Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser [3] ($70), and I'm so happy I did. It's a foaming cleanser, which is usually a no-go for me, but it feels like a cloud on my face, and leaves me feeling hydrated and ready to take on the day.
Glamglow Gentlebubble Daily Conditioning Cleanser
It's in the name. The Glamglow Gentlebubble Daily Conditioning Cleanser [4] ($28) is a gentle gel cleanser. I was honestly surprised by how much I liked it, and it did not make me break out.
Lancer The Method: Cleanse
This Lancer The Method: Cleanse [5] ($55) comes from Dr. Lancer, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist who counts Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian [6] West, and Jennifer Lopez [7] as clients, no big deal. This gel cleanser lightly foams when it comes in contact with water, and it's a soft, gentle way to clean your face.
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser
The first cleanser I ever used was the Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser [8] ($24), and I still go back to it. It's an old faithful, and it's one that all my friends are happy to use as well. You'll never regret this one.