|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Facial CleansersYou are here: Family >> Facial CleansersUpdated January 2008Best cleansers overallSo what should you look for when choosing a facial cleanser? Skin care experts say a good cleanser should be water-soluble, meaning it will rinse off easily without leaving the skin feeling greasy, which clogs pores. It shouldn't dry or irritate the skin, burn the eyes or taste bad. Your skin should feel clean, with fewer breakouts, and makeup should be removed, including around the eyes, without the need for scrubbing. Facial cleansers with alpha or beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) or topical disinfectants like benzoyl peroxide or triclosan aren't useful because they're rinsed down the drain before those products have a chance to work on the skin. Experts say that facial cleansers usually have a pH that renders those ingredients ineffective anyway. Altogether, you're better off looking for other skin care products, such as a moisturizer, with more scientific ingredients (see the Alternative Considerations section of this report, as well as our accompanying report on facial moisturizers ), and spending a little less money for a basic, gentle cleanser. That's because moisturizers stay on your skin all day, whereas cleansers are only in contact with skin for a minute or two. Although many cosmetics companies would have you believe that you get what you pay for in terms of quality skin care, experts say that it's just not true. The self-proclaimed "Makeup Diva," for example, explains on her website (www.makeupdiva.com) that there are many quality products available at the drugstore that are just as good or better than those at the department store. In fact, she says that some of them are practically identical and shares the example of Lancome and L'Oreal, which "are owned by the same company and have many similar skin care products." Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser (*est. $9 for 16 ounces) is one example of a quality drugstore cleanser. It tops reviewers' recommendation lists because it is basic and gentle. Reviews say it's a good option for all but oily skin types and those who don't wear much makeup; it's so gentle that it doesn't remove makeup very well. However, Cetaphil Daily Cleanser (*est. $10 for 16 oz., without the "Gentle") does remove makeup and can be used on all skin types except those that are very dry. Cetaphil Gentle Daily Cleanser has been inducted into the Allure Best of Beauty Hall of Fame because it has been chosen nine times for a Best of Beauty yearly award. These awards are given to beauty products that withstand rigorous testing and live up to dermatologist standards. Both products make it into the top ten facial cleansers based on consumer reviews at iVillage.com; respondents say Cetaphil leaves their skin soft and smooth and clears up blemishes and eczema, but agree that the Gentle skin care formula doesn't remove makeup as well as the regular Daily Cleanser. Gentle yet effective cleansers abound at department stores as well, though some will cost you a pretty penny. La Prairie Foam Cleanser (*est. $70 for 4.2 oz.) for example, is a standard but good water soluble cleanser, according to experts. One review, however, found that it didn't work any better than drugstore brands. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (*est. $24 for 6.7 ounces) , on the other hand, costs far less and is also well liked in reviews. It is available in extra mild, mild and oily skin variations. The extra mild version is not water soluble due to its oil content, but experts still recommend it for those with dry to very dry or sensitive skin. The oil supposedly helps to dissolve makeup, but some users complain that it doesn't remove all of it. The mild formula is designed for normal to slightly dry or slightly oily skin, while the oily skin version is recommended for those with that problem. Paula Begoun highly recommends the first two formulas but frowns on the oily skin version because of its "senseless inclusion of menthol," which she says is an irritant that holds no benefits for the skin. Several users complain that this formulation is a bit too drying, but admit that this can be counteracted when used in conjunction with Clinique's moisturizers. For those who want a cleanser that also exfoliates their skin, reviewers say that Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser (*est. $8 for 5 ounces) is a great option. Its ingredients include natural shiitake mushroom extract and polyethylene beads for exfoliating. Experts at Natural Health magazine state that shiitake mushrooms are proven to help accelerate cell rejuvenation, but Begoun believes that the claim may be exaggerated -- while it is a great product for all but very dry skin types, users shouldn't expect to look "ageless" because of it. Aveeno claims that this cleanser is gentle enough for daily use, even by those with sensitive skin. Olay Daily Facial Cleansing Cloths (*est. $6.50 for 30-pack) are mass marketed with the claim of convenience. These single-use disposable towelettes come in multiple varieties for different skin types and are fragrance-free and textured. They're designed to cleanse skin and remove makeup. All varieties receive positive reviews by both experts and consumers alike. One reviewer especially liked the Soothing for Sensitive Skin cloths, calling them great for dry, sensitive skin. Garnier Nutiritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes (*est. $6 for a 25-pack) are another brand of disposable cleansing cloths that are touted for their convenience. Beauty award judges at Health magazine say that they gently remove dirt and makeup, and also rave that the cloths contain vitamin B5, which these judges describe as "a humectant that binds moisture to the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated." However, the most credible reviewer in this field, Paula Begoun, claims that the cloths have only minimal cleaning ability and are likely to irritate the skin due to their high levels of peppermint, a known irritant. Users at MakeupAlley.com, on the other hand, are pleased with the cleansing ability and the convenience of these towelettes. Differing results and opinions just prove that everyone's skin is different, and if something isn't working for you, it's time to try another facial cleanser based on your skin type and condition. Cleansers for dry or sensitive skinThose who suffer from dry or sensitive skin need to be especially careful when choosing a facial cleanser. This is not a simple task because the products that are labeled for dry or sensitive skin can sometimes be too harsh. In fact, Paula Begoun says that the ingredient list of a product should be the basis of a purchase decision and not the label. In general people with dry, sensitive skin should look for creamy cleansers that are soap and fragrance free and void of any other harsh ingredients. Pamela Edwards at Essence magazine says that products that contain lactic acid, glycerin or hyaluronic acid are good choices. She recommends Cetaphil cleansers for all skin types for those who don't have the time or inclination to study labels. Aveeno is another brand that claims to be gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser (*est. $7 for 6 oz.) is recommended by some reviewers because even though it is soap, oil and fragrance free, it still lathers. It also contains feverfew, a botanical extract that the company claims will reduce inflammation. Paula Begoun, however, cites a study that shows that feverfew can cause contact dermatitis. She also states that because feverfew is a plant-producing pollen, those with pollen-related allergies should avoid this cleanser. It contains relatively little feverfew, though, so it may not cause any problems. Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash (*est. $6 for 6 oz.) is recommended by experts and consumers alike because it a gentle, water-soluble cleanser that cleans without stripping the skin of essential moisture. It is identical to Clean & Clear's Foaming Facial Cleanser, Sensitive Skin (*est. $4 for 8 oz.) , which is also made by Johnson & Johnson, and which editors at Allure and Shape magazines believe to be one of the best drugstore cleansers available. At the department store, Good Skin Soft Skin Creamy Cleanser (*est. $10.50 for 6.7 oz.) is an affordable option that is a good emollient cleanser for dry skin. It is so gentle that a washcloth may be needed to rinse it off completely, but reviewers still consider it an excellent product. Cleansers for oily or acne-prone skinA good facial cleanser is especially important for people who are prone to acne. Many skin care products marketed for blemish-prone skin contain alcohol, witch hazel, menthol, camphor or peppermint, but these have no effect on skin bacteria and are exceptionally drying and irritating to the skin, causing it to become more inflamed. Again, Paula Begoun points out the obvious by questioning how further irritation can possibly help acne -- yet those very ingredients cause a "tingly" feeling that makes the user think the product is doing something beneficial. An example is Biore Pore Perfect Daily Deep Pore Cleansing Cloths (*est. $10 for a 60-pack), which contain alcohol and caused breakouts for testers in one review. Still, some consumers prefer these types of ingredients for their oily, acne-prone skin because it makes their skin feel "squeaky clean." Reviewers point to Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser (*est. $7 for 6.7 ounces) for blemish management and to control shine. Though some consumers really like the product, it contains menthol, which can irritate some people's skin. But testers at Real Simple magazine say that the lavender contained in this product actually helps to soothe skin that is irritated by the drying acne ingredients. Biore Shine Control Foaming Cleanser (*est. $7 for 6.7 oz.) also contains alcohol, but a smaller quantity. A new trend in skin care is self-warming cleansers. Products like Biore Warming Anti-Blackhead Cream Cleanser (*est. $7 for 6.25 oz.) and Olay Warming Deep Purifying Cleanser (*est. $10 for 4.2 oz.) , heat up when applied to wet skin due to the inclusion of minerals from volcanic rock and ash. The claim is that the heat opens up pores and allows the product to penetrate the skin. Begoun, however, is skeptical, saying "The sensation of warmth won't eliminate blackheads any more than planting roses instead of carnations will keep bees at bay." She describes the heat as a tactile sensation that really has no benefit to the skin other than personal preference. She does say that it can be a problem for blemished skin, though. Experts also advise against using any kind of bar soap for acne-prone skin, since the ingredients that keep bar soap in its solid form can clog pores. Gentle, water-soluble cleansers like Cetaphil work just fine for acne-prone skin, as long as they come in a liquid or gel format. Important Features: Facial cleansersExperts say the following about choosing a cleanser:
Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our * Also see our Comparison Chart.
Cetaphil comes in ahead of other cleansers in skin care reviews as a basic, less expensive facial cleanser. It's gentle and good for all skin types, but the Gentle variety is not so good at removing makeup. Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser is well rated for gentle cleansing and exfoliating that is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, while disposable Olay Daily Facials receive equal kudos for convenience. Experts like Clinique Liquid Facial Soap for its cleansing ability and makeup removal for all skin types. Biore is a skin care brand that offers several products for acne-prone skin.
Sponsored links
Exfoliants and scrubsPaula Begoun notes in Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me that alpha and beta hydroxy acids are excellent "chemical" exfoliators that are gentler on skin than scrubs which use granules. Beta hydroxy acid (i.e., salicylic acid) is lipid soluble; thus, it's able to penetrate oil in pores and exfoliate dead skin cells inside oil glands, making it the best choice for blackheads and blemishes. Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic, malic, citric and tartaric acids) are good at removing thickened skin from sun damage or on dry areas where breakouts don't occur. Skin care masksExperts say that claylike ingredients in facial masks can be useful for absorbing oil and exfoliating to a lesser degree, but that many masks have other ingredients that can irritate skin or clog pores. If you use a mask, be sure to choose the right kind for your skin type: absorbent for oily skin, emollient for dry skin. Pore strips, such as Biore Pore Perfect (*est. $9 for a 14-pack) are marketed as a way to remove blackheads, but skin care experts say that at best they only remove the surface of the blackhead, leaving most of it in the pore. Paula Begoun notes that the sticky substance is a "hairspray-type ingredient." We found the following sources particularly helpful when researching facial cleansers: The book Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me by Paula Begoun, and its companion website, CosmeticsCop.com, are the two most comprehensive resources we found. A selection of reviews from the book can be found at CosmeticsCop.com, but all of Begoun's reviews can be found at Beautypedia.com, a subscription website (*est. $25 per year). Environmental Working Group: Skin Deep -- A safety assessment of ingredients in personal care products lists safety assessment ratings for over 300 facial cleansers based on carcinogenic ingredients, pregnancy concerns, safety violations, penetration enhancers, unstudied ingredients, harmful impurities and allergens. The details presented about products and their ingredients are impressive (and sometimes slightly overwhelming), with many links to further information. Manufacturers' websites also offer helpful information: Advertisement
>> Do you know of a review that we've missed? Click here.
>>  Email
>> 
Yahoo!
Digg
Google
Reddit
del.icio.us
(What's this?)
Facial Cleansers Reviews |
|
||||||
© 2008 ConsumerSearch, Inc. A service from 
, a part of The New York Times Company. All Rights Reserved.
ConsumerSearch and ConsumerSearch.com are registered trademarks of ConsumerSearch, Inc. Other trademarks or service marks on this site are the property of their respective owners. ConsumerSearch is not sponsored by any source reviewed, and we accept no consideration or payment for including, excluding, or ranking any reviews, products or services in our reports.
* Pricing information is approximate as of the time this report was written and is based on observed market selling prices and/or list prices. Actual selling prices may differ.
