Our Cleanser Top Picks
Soap and water are sooooo last season. Prep your complexion with one of these targeted cleansers that can help with anything from acne to aging.
Click on a category to see comparisons of our top picks.
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It'll help downplay those fine lines, and it won't break the bank while doing so. | Works with all skin types to remove impurities. It's even been ophthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested for gentleness. | Don't use hot water to clean your face. It can strip your skin of its natural oils and leave it irritated. |
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Besides being an anti-aging cleanser, it's raved about for its ability to reduce pores and also clear problem skin. | Glycolic and salicylic acids in the gel promise to brighten your skin to leave behind a youthful complexion. | If you have oily skin, choose a cleanser in a gel or foam formula. |
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It contains these little orange beads that give your skin a fresh exfoliating tingle. | This cleanser also protects—its vitamin C formula neutralizes free radicals that can age skin and cause wrinkles. | It's not necessary to wash your face more than twice a day, says Howard Murad, M.D., the California-based dermatologist behind this skincare line. If you do, you'll dry out your skin. |
Exuviance
Buy NowAge Reverse Bioactiv Wash Reg. $35 |
It smells heavenly. Inhale botanical extracts of rose, chamomile, rosemary and cucumber with every scrub. Also, it's soap-free and not animal-tested. | This foaming cleanser contains maltobionic acid, a hydrating and exfoliating ingredient that stimulates cell renewal. Translation: It ups your odds for clear, smooth, fresh skin. | In addition to using good products to cleanse, make sure to get enough shut-eye each night. Lack of sleep will speed up the aging process. |
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It's specifically made with the mommas-to-be in mind, featuring safe ingredients that will wash away breakouts during pregnancy. It uses natural lactic acid to lift away dirt and oil, and exfoliates to leave skin clear and refined. | Not only can you use this on a daily basis to clean and exfoliate skin, but you can also apply it to wet skin and leave it on for five minutes as an intensive face mask. | Use warm water when washing your face to loosen dirt and clogged pores, then rinse with cool or lukewarm water. |
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It's gentle, but the foamy suds are also made up of salicylic acid to help clear skin. | Natural plant extracts leave your face feeling soothed and refreshed. | Be mindful that you're only using the tips of your fingers to wash your face. Scratching your skin with your fingernails can cause irritation. |
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Botantical extracts of balm mint, eucalyptus, tea tree, burdock and camphor help calm irritated skin. No one likes an angry face. | This also contains salicylic acid to fight breakouts, and adds in chamomile to eliminate bacteria. | Never go to bed with your makeup on—not only will it leave a weird face print on your pillowcase, it'll also clog your pores and lead to more breakouts. |
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It's a multi-tasker, helping to control blemishes while also returning your skin to a normal (read: not red) color. | This wash contains aloe to soothe your skin and avoid over-drying, which can also contribute to redness. | Washcloths provide a bit more exfoliation than just your fingers, but make sure to use a fresh one each time as they can hold onto bacteria. |
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This foamy cleanser will even remove mascara. | Infused with green tea extract to nourish your skin, it's gentle enough for even those with sensitive skin or rosacea. | Remove your eye makeup first with a cotton ball, and then cleanse the rest of your skin. |
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It wipes off easily, and takes both grime and makeup with it. Plus, it has a relaxing mango-vanilla scent. | Soap-free, it won't dry out your skin as it cleans. | Cream cleansers are great for people with dry skin. |
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It's 100% natural, so you don't have to worry about loading more impurities or chemicals onto your skin. | The ingredient list includes orange, lemon, grapefruit, rosemary and lime oils. If it wasn't soap, you might be tempted to drink it. | Let a cleanser penetrate your skin for one to two minutes before wiping off. |
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Its gentle, simple formula cleanses and moisturizes without stripping away your face's natural oils. | Fragrance-free and noncomedogenic mean this cleanser doesn't include unnecessary ingredients that risk clogging your pores. | Washing with a circular motion helps promote circulation. |
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Its unique combo of rice bran and rice extract exfoliates away dead skin cells. | It has a skin-brightening combination of ingredients: bearberry, aspergillus, grapefruit and licorice. | After exfoliating, blot skin dry with a clean towel; never scrub. |
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Leaves skin feeling soft, looking brighter, and allowing it to better absorb moisturizer. | A trio of exfoliation comes together in this product: salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids. Jojoba beads are also added to polish the skin. | You don't need to exfoliate every day. Two to three times weekly is plenty. |
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A little goes a long way with this cleanser, so you won't feel like you're going through the bottle at warp speed. | The nongritty lathering microbeads are a gentler way to exfoliate. | Don't use too much pressure when washing your face—you're not scrubbing the dinner dishes here. Too rough and you'll leave behind red, irritated skin. |
Laser Free Resurfacer
Reg. $75
Limited Edition Ageless Skin Kit
Reg. $99
Mia 2 Skin Care Cleansing System
Reg. $149
The Care Package
Reg. $85
"Pave the way to complexion perfect. This high-tech power potion has all the benefits of a professional laser treatment without the laser. Repairs, resurfaces, regenerates and renews your skin from the get go so you can count on smoother texture and tone. Say goodbye to noticeable signs of aging and hello baby face. Maturity never looked this good."
—Jennifer Tzeses, a New York City-based writer who lends beauty and style savvy to magazines like Martha Stewart Living, Woman's Day and Everyday with Rachael Ray
"You've heard that StiVectin packs a powerful punch against wrinkles, but you're a little weary of spending big bucks to see the results for yourself. The solution: Treat yourself to the brand's bargain anti-aging kit this holiday season. With six products that live up to their reputations."
—Julie Seguss,a former beauty editor of Parents and contributor to Sprig.com and Organic Beauty who proves that green can be gorgeous
"Have you noticed that even after using your standard makeup remover, your skin still feels like it's holding on to some of the day's makeup? It's time to buff away that build-up. The Clarisonic system has two-speed sonic technology that promises to remove six times more makeup than manual cleansing does, which will help products (like your nighttime moisturizer) absorb better. The result: Skin that's left looking as smooth as your your silk PJs."
—Amanda Myers, a former health and lifestyles reporter, now freelance writer and blogger, based in Phoenix
"The perfect gift for the jetsetter that can't bare to leave her skincare routine at home, Philosophy's care package comes with five best sellers in sample sizes tucked into a silver travel bag. Products range from Hope in a Jar to seasonal favorites like Sparkling Cranberry Shower Gel & Bubble Bath."
—Julie Seguss,a former beauty editor of Parents and contributor to Sprig.com and Organic Beauty who proves that green can be gorgeous
