EmailBest Reviewed
Facial Cleansers
- Best inexpensive facial cleanser Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser *Est. $12
- Best exfoliating cleanser Olay Definity Pore Redefining Scrub *Est. $10
- High-end facial cleanser Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser *Est. $20
- Cleansing cloths Olay Daily Facials *Est. $6
- Skin-care for acne-prone skin Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser *Est. $8
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Best inexpensive facial cleanser
- Gentle
- Water-soluble
- Nondrying
- Affordable
- Not a good makeup remover
- Not suitable for oily skin
Reviewers say that Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is one of the best facial cleansers on the market; it is also among the most affordable brands. Experts rave about Cetaphil because it is extremely gentle and is suitable for all but oily skin types. Critics say that the cleanser does not lather up, but it is a nondrying lotion-type formula that is soothing to dry, irritated and sensitive skin. The most common complaint about Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, among experts and consumers alike, is that it does not remove makeup well. For better makeup removal, we found good reviews for Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser (*est. $20 for 8 oz.).
The best review for Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is found at Paula Begoun's subscription-based website, Beautypedia.com. Begoun bases her rating of this and other products on documented research and verifiable tests. Allure and InStyle magazines also put recommended products through testing to find the best. For the most part, consumer reviews at MakeupAlley.com, TotalBeauty.com and Drugstore.com are in agreement with expert opinion.
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Our Sources
1. Beautypedia.comDetails/Subscribe
Begoun says that Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is extremely gentle and that it is especially good for sensitive skin or for those who are "prone to skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis." She does say, however, that the cleanser doesn't remove makeup well.
Review: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Paula Begoun
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is listed in Allure's hall of fame because it has won beauty awards for nine years. Experts at Allure say that the cleanser has only eight ingredients, which is why it is so gentle.
Review: Hall of Fame, Editors of Allure, Oct. 2007
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is named the best cleanser for dry skin by editors of InStyle magazine. They say that the cleanser is a winner year after year because it is very gentle. Dermatologists recommend applying it without water and wiping it off with a damp cloth.
Review: Best Beauty Buys 2009: Skin, Editors of InStyle, April 2009
4. About.com
About.com's beauty guide, Julyne Derrick, recommends facial cleansers for several skin types, from "cheap to steep." Cetaphil cleansers are recommended for dry skin, normal/combination skin and sensitive skin. Derrick says Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is "the best drugstore cleanser." (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: The Best Face Cleansers on the Market, Julyne Derrick
5. MakeupAlley.comDetails/Subscribe
Several consumers at MakeupAlley.com say that Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser clears their skin of redness, irritation and even blemishes. Many, however, say that the cleanser does not do a good job of removing makeup.
Review: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Contributors to MakeupAlley.com
Editors and users at TotalBeauty.com say that Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a gentle cleanser that doesn't irritate the skin. It doesn't remove makeup well, however.
Review: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Contributors to TotalBeauty.com
Consumers posting to Drugstore.com give Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser an average rating of four out of five stars. A few say that it doesn't clean the skin well, but most say that it is extremely gentle on sensitive skin and that it cleans effectively.
Review: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Contributors to Drugstore.com
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