22 Best Drugstore Cleansers
1. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
This drugstore classic is a low-foaming formula that removes excess oil and dirt without drying or irritating your skin. It is also non-comedogenic, making it the perfect option for sensitive skin. Make sure to use this twice a day and follow up with your favorite moisturizer afterward. Also Recommended By: The Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser has also made it to the lists by Today.[1]14 best drugstore face washes and cleansers of 2022 – TODAY https://www.today.com/style/15-drugstore-face-washes-celebrity-experts-trust-great-skin-t102678Pros
Gentle on the skin Fragrance-free Suitable for acne-prone skin Long-lasting Leaves skin feeling clean
Cons None
2. Best Alcohol-Free:Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash
If your skin is prone to breakouts, Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is the ideal cleanser for you. It contains 2% salicylic acid that helps unclog pores and fight acne efficiently. You don’t have to worry about the formula drying your skin out as it maintains the pH balance of your skin while thoroughly cleansing it. Go ahead and check out this YouTuber’s video for more details about the product. Pros
Alcohol-free Gentle on the skin Contains salicylic acid Helps prevent blemishes Non-comedogenic
Cons None
3. Best Non-Comedogenic:Bioré Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser
The Bioré Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser is the secret weapon for gorgeous, clear skin. Its formula feels warm as you lather up – the heat opens up your pores, and the clay draws out deeply embedded impurities from your skin with much ease. However, using other topical acne medications right after using this face wash may only increase dryness. This is a must-try for normal, acne-prone, and oily skin. To get a better understanding of the product, you can check out this video on YouTube. Pros
Helps combat blackheads Leaves skin feeling super clean Prevents flakiness Non-comedogenic Contains zeolite and salicylic acid
Cons None
4. Best Sebum Control:Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Foam
If your skin is on the drier side and still needs thorough cleansing (sans the excess dryness) – try Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Foam. This Korean face wash works incredibly well in getting rid of dirt and sebum while helping your skin retain its moisture with fresh Jeju Green Tea. Its formula has about 88% natural ingredients (plant extracts working as antioxidants), making it a sensible option for sensitive skin. Check out the review of this product for more information. Pros
Leaves skin feeling clean and fresh Gentle on the skin Contains Green Tea Pleasant fragrance Does not strip your skin of moisture
Cons None
5. Best Gentle Formula:St. Botanica Awaken Hydrating Face Wash
This natural face wash is enriched with green tea and cucumber extracts. It is suitable for both men and women. It provides deep and thorough cleansing, removing all the dirt and impurities from your skin, thus reducing the probability of acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. It also contains gooseberry extracts that rejuvenate your skin and refine it to make it glow. Pros
Mineral oil-free Paraben-free Silicone-free SLS-free No harmful chemicals Recyclable packaging Gentle
Cons
Some users may not like the fragrance.
6. Best For Exfoliation:Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash
Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Face Wash is a gentle soap-free face wash. It contains glycolic acid and cellulose beads that cleanse and exfoliate the skin. This potent combination gets rid of dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells to reveal new, healthy skin cells. The antioxidants protect the skin and help in fighting free radicals that cause sun damage and aging. This product is made with PETA-certified vegan ingredients. It is cruelty-free and does not contain any harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and SLS.
Non-drying formula Prevents acne Gently exfoliates the skin Loaded with antioxidants Cruelty-free Vegan Paraben-free radicals Phthalate-free SLS-free Biodegradable cellulose beads
The cellulose beads may irritate sensitive skin
7. Best For Pore Minimization:Garnier Skin Active The Gentle Sulfate-Free Cleanser
This extra-gentle cleanser from Garnier helps remove makeup, excess oil, and impurities from your skin while nourishing it and preventing dryness. Its formula is rich in glycerin and free of alcohol, sulfates, and parabens, making it ideal for all skin types. If you can’t stand fragrance in your cleanser, this one’s completely unscented. Pros
Free of harsh chemicals Fragrance-free Gentle on the skin Suitable for all skin types Doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts
Cons None
8. Best For Uneven Skin Tone:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Facial Cleanser
This gel cleanser from La Roche-Posay cleanses dirt and oil while maintaining your skin’s pH balance. It contains zinc, which is a miracle ingredient to fight acne and blemishes. Its formula also heals and rejuvenates tired or dull skin. If you are someone with very oily and acne-prone skin, this face wash will do wonders for you. Pros
Gentle on the skin Wards off acne flare-ups Contains zinc and citric acid Promotes collagen Treats uneven skin tone
Cons None
9. Best Dermatologically Tested: Burt’s Bees Gentle Cream Cleanser
Review The Burt’s Bees Gentle Cream Cleanser is a facial cleanser for sensitive skin that induces moisture to the skin and prevents any discomfort or redness. The facial cleanser is formulated with aloe vera and rice milk that adds a boost of moisture to the skin without clogging the pores. The nourishing cleanser gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup from your face without stripping off your skin’s natural oil. The formula also helps to maintain the skin’s natural barrier. The cleanser provides a healthy complexion with daily use. Pros
Hypoallergenic Gentle on skin Dermatologically-tested Fragrance-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free 98.9% natural Safe for sensitive skin
Cons None
10. Best For Moisturizing:CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
If you struggle with acne and breakouts on the reg, this cleanser from CeraVe is one you can’t miss. Its gentle foam deeply cleanses pores without disrupting the skin barrier. Its formula contains essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin plump and supple. Pros
Leaves skin feeling clean and moisturized Non-comedogenic Suitable for sensitive skin Helps treat acne Fragrance-free
Cons None
11. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
For those of you with concerns like acne, eczema or rosacea – the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is a must-try. It is uniquely formulated with minimal and skin-friendly ingredients that remove excess oil, dirt, and makeup effectively. It is so gentle that it’s safe on even the most sensitive skin types. Pros
Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Hydrates and moisturizes skin Ideal for dehydrated, problematic skin Free of parabens, fragrance, dye, and SLS
Cons None
12. Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser
The Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Nourishing Cleanser is a wonderful start to achieving younger-looking skin. Its anti-aging formula removes 99% of skin-aging impurities like oil, dirt, and makeup build-up. This contains Blackberry Complex that helps to reduce the visible effects of elastin and collagen loss while nourishing your skin. If you are someone with aging or mature skin, this is a great cleanser for daily use. Pros
Non-comedogenic Leaves skin clean and fresh Pump dispenser Non-drying Gentle on your skin
Cons None
13. Simple Sensitive Skin Experts Foaming Cleanser
If you’re on the hunt for a sulfate-free face wash that is also free of added fragrances and dyes – this foaming cleanser from Simple is the best choice. It is the perfect blend of natural, skin-loving ingredients. It keeps your skin clean without drying it out excessively. This formula is ideal for oily and combination skin types. Pros
Natural formula Reduces the appearance of large pores Cleans and freshens skin Pleasant smell Non-comedogenic
Cons width=”25″ height=”25″ None
14. Etude House Wonder Pore Deep Foaming Cleanser
The Wonder Pore Deep Foaming cleanser by Etude House is one of the most popular K-beauty products. This is a miracle formula for those with oily or combination skin and large pores. It helps control excess oil and sebum while balancing the pH levels of your skin. This is especially great for summers as its peppermint essence provides a fresh, cooling effect to your skin. Pros
Refines skin tone Removes dead skin cells Cleans clogged pores Balances pH levels Value for money
Cons None
15. Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser
Clean & Clear’s Deep Action Cream Cleanser lifts dirt and impurities from deep inside your pores. This formula is perfect for dull and oily skin. It contains salicylic acid and menthol that leaves your skin feeling cool and refreshed. If you think your skin deserves extra cleansing on certain days, this face wash works well with the Clarisonic brush as well! Pros
Controls oil production Leaves skin feeling clean and fresh Non-comedogenic Lathers well Travel-friendly
Cons
Not ideal for sensitive skin
16. Clearasil Stubborn Acne Control 5-In-1 Exfoliating Wash
For acne-prone and problematic teenage skin, this medicated face wash from Clearasil is definitely worth trying. It helps unclog pores and reduces pimple size, excess oil, and shine. It also helps minimize the appearance of blemishes and treats redness. Here’s the interesting part – you can use this both as a cleanser and a mask when your skin needs extra attention. Pros
Gets rid of active pimples Lightens scars Cleans effectively Contains salicylic acid
Cons
Can be a tad bit drying if you have sensitive skin
17. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam
Enriched with rice water extracts, this cleansing foam from the Korean beauty brand, The Face Shop, helps even out your complexion like no other cleanser. Rice water is a natural solution for brightening your skin, and this formula does a wonderful job in the radiance department. If your skin tends to lack vibrancy and glow, do give this a shot. Pros
Creamy formula Suitable for all skin types Gentle on skin Brightens complexion
Cons None
18. Bioré Baking Soda Pore Cleanser
This daily cleanser from Bioré contains natural baking soda that leaves your pores feeling 91% cleaner. It deep cleans and exfoliates dry, flaky skin, so you’re left with a beautiful, smooth surface. The pH-balanced formula also happens to be oil-free, and it won’t clog your pores or break you out. It’s the perfect solution for combination and oily skin. Pros
Fast-acting Deep cleans Pleasant smell Non-drying
Cons None
19. Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
This super-gentle cleanser from Cosrx makes for the best morning face wash. Its low pH formula won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. It contains purifying botanical ingredients accompanied by mild acids to gently cleanse your skin to its most supple and clear texture. If you’re someone with sensitive and overly dry skin, this has got to be your holy grail cleanser. Pros
Mild formula Fragrance-free Balances pH Removes makeup and oil-based residues with ease
Cons None
20. Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing Daily Face Wash + Makeup Remover
Looking for a one-step product to remove your makeup? This versatile cleanser from Neutrogena Naturals is a bionutrient-rich formula that’s free of harsh chemicals, sulfates, and parabens. It works beautifully for all skin types, but if you have sensitive or mature skin, you will especially love the way its formula works. You’re left with soft, cleansed skin without having to give up on its natural moisture. Pros
Non-drying Gentle on skin Hypoallergenic Free of chemicals
Cons None
21. Differin Gentle Cleanser
Differin Gentle Cleanser is formulated by dermatologists and is made for every skin type. Its medicated formula is tough enough to remove impurities and tender enough to not dry your skin of natural oils. If you want to amp up its benefits, make sure you follow-up with the Differin Gel. Pros
Free of soap Gentle on skin Fragrance-free Medicated formula
Cons None
22. Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser
This detoxifying charcoal cleanser offers the right balance of mild exfoliation and non-drying cleansing. Its formula contains charcoal that helps draw out skin impurities from deep within. It also includes tomatoes that are rich in antioxidants, and salicylic acid that prevents future breakouts. If you are someone with oily or acne-prone skin, we highly recommend you to try this. Pros
Improves skin texture Gentle on skin Pleasant smell Non-greasy
Cons None These were the top 20 drugstore face cleansers. If you can’t seem to find the ideal cleanser for your skin, here are a bunch of tips that will come in handy for you.
Tips: How To Choose The Right Face Wash
Before you make your purchase, you have to identify your skin type. Is it oily, dry, combination, or normal? Do you have acne? Do you have mature skin? Is your skin sensitive? Once you understand what your skin type is, choosing a cleanser becomes a whole lot easier. Avoid anything that is too harsh even if your skin isn’t all that sensitive. For instance, sulfates are nothing but added synthetic detergents to form lather when combined with water. It is always better to pick a cleanser that’s free of unnecessary chemicals. Take your time to do some research – read online reviews or ask your friends for recommendations (the friends with a skin type that’s similar to yours.) Buy smaller tubes first, so you can test out your cleanser. If it suits you, you can always go buy more.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Esha Saxena, is a makeup and skin care enthusiast and has the experience in reviewing hundreds of beauty products. She understands how drugstore face cleansers and face washes work on the skin and helps users pick the best products, saving their time and money. The products listed above have been shortlisted based on the author’s expertise and users’ feedback on trusted online forums. These products are gentle on the skin and work effectively to remove all impurities and makeup. How often should you use a drugstore face wash? You can use a drugstore face wash not more than two times a day. This process will help you get rid of dirt, impurities, and flakes. How long should you leave your face wash on? You should leave your face wash for 50-60 seconds before rinsing it off with water. You can also gently massage your face while keeping the face wash on. Should I use a face cleanser before or after bathing? Use a face cleanser right after bath. While many people wash their faces while staying inside the shower, it is recommended to wash your face after taking a shower to remove impurities and other bath products that can clog your pores. Is it better to use two face cleansers? No. One face cleanser can work wonders if the formula is suitable for your skin. What important ingredients should a drugstore face cleanser have? A drugstore face cleanser must contain retinol, salicylic acid, and gentle exfoliators. Also, It must offer hydration and promote skin cell turnover. Recommended Articles Best Beanies For Women That Are Stylish Yet ComfortableBest Drugstore Face Washes For Acne That Keeps Breakouts At BayBest Rated Drugstore Face WashesBest Paraben-Free Face Washes For Every Skin Type
