Facial Cleanser Reviews

You probably don't need an expensive facial cleanser

Today there are hundreds of facial cleansers on the market that claim to do everything from clear up acne to erase wrinkles. But do they really work, and are expensive department-store brands worth the money? To find out, we turned to the highly rated book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me" and companion website Beautypedia.com by skin-care expert Paula Begoun, who combines detailed analysis of ingredients with hands-on testing to come up with Paula's Picks. The editors at ConsumerReports.org also provide informative reviews that are backed up by science and extensive testing. Annual beauty awards presented by virtually every women's lifestyle magazine on the market, including Allure, InStyle and Health magazines, also serve as good resources.

Overall, experts say the best facial cleansers are gentle but effective at removing dirt, oil and makeup without leaving the skin too dry. Those with normal to oily skin types should look for a water-soluble cleanser (one that dissolves in water), free of any irritating ingredients like fragrance. Those with dry skin may appreciate a creamy cleanser with less foaming action. Creamy and oil-based cleansers also dissolve oil and makeup without overly drying the skin. Those with extremely sensitive skin should look for fragrance-free, gentle cleansers that contain glycerin and/or hyaluronic acid. Natural or eco-friendly options are also available, the best of which are made with organic ingredients that contain little to no artificial preservatives.

Still, with all of the advances that have been made in the beauty industry, products for acne-prone skin have remained largely unchanged, according to Paula Begoun. She says the majority are especially drying and irritating, and that some are completely ineffective. Manufacturers often use tingling ingredients because consumers tend to think that a product is more effective if they can feel it working; however, experts say this couldn't be further from the truth. Begoun warns that for acne-prone individuals, careful shopping is a must.

For example, Proactiv Renewing Cleanser (*Est. $20 for 2 oz. with toner and lotion), though heavily marketed, receives mixed reviews at consumer websites like MakeupAlley.com and TotalBeauty.com. Many consumers say it helps clear up blemishes within just a few days, but others say after an initial period of effectiveness, it suddenly seems as though Proactiv Renewing Cleanser no longer works for them; one person reports her dermatologist's agreement that this is a common finding. Others say Proactiv Renewing Cleanser is too harsh and irritating. Paula Begoun agrees; she says many of Proactiv's products "contain irritating ingredients that don't help acne-prone skin." She also states that including benzoyl peroxide in a cleanser (as Proactiv does) is effectively useless because the benefits it could provide are essentially washed down the drain. Benzoyl peroxide can also be irritating around the eyes. Begoun doesn't dislike the Proactiv line entirely; in fact, she thinks some of their products are useful and effective -- just not the entire package. In addition, she states that none of the so-called "acne kits" available on the market today are effective in their entirety.

The same can be said of the many skin-care lines created by doctors and dermatologists for profit. It's wise not to assume these skin-care products are any better than the cleansers at your local drugstore, many of which often use the same ingredients. In fact, the American Medical Association has issued guidelines advising physicians not to sell health-related products for profit, recognizing the conflict of interest this creates. Begoun, in her highly acclaimed book "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," also points out that the phrases "dermatologist tested" and "dermatologist approved" are meaningless, because there's no standard for what these mean – they often only indicate that one or two dermatologists tried a skin-care product at the manufacturer's request and liked how it felt.

Regardless of the commonly held belief that you get what you pay for, experts say high-quality facial cleansers abound at the drugstore. High-end cleansers, though they often come in pretty packaging with name-brand appeal, are no more capable of cleansing skin than lower-priced options. In fact, they often contain the same ingredients.

Along with a facial cleanser, experts say you'll also need a daily facial moisturizer. Please see our separate report on facial moisturizers, the best of which also contain protection from the sun, which is the leading cause of skin damage and a contributor to aging. If you have acne-prone skin, you might also want to read our report on acne-control treatments.