Facial Cleansers Reviews

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Facial Cleansers Reviews

The reviews below are assigned ratings by ConsumerSearch. These ratings are based on credibility in testing, evaluating and identifying the best Facial Cleansers. See our ratings criteria

For recommendations of best Facial Cleansers, see our Fast Answers page, which summarizes what these reviews say. A longer summary and analysis appears in our Full Story report for Facial Cleansers. Our Where to Buy page contains information on retailers and Facial Cleansers prices.

Facial Cleansers Reviews Reviewed

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Facial Cleansers Ratings
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1.  Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me Cleanser reviews

Paula Begoun


7th edition, 2008
reviews rating In this excellent book, author Paula Begoun reviews a multitude of products from more than 200 makeup and skin care lines. Begoun, who includes medical journals, cosmetic industry reports, and the FDA among her research sources, provides comprehensive information on the common ingredients found in cleansers and other skin products. In her reviews, she discusses effectiveness, possible risks (e.g., skin irritation), and whether or not an item is worth its cost. She lists dozens of top picks for every skin type. In fact, Begoun has reviewed nearly all of the products covered by other reviewers, making her book a great cross-reference. Given its scope, the book may be overkill for someone who simply wants to learn about skin cleansers; in general, though, it's an excellent resource for regular users of cosmetic products. Many of Begoun’s reviews can also be found on her website (http://www.cosmeticscop.com).
Facial Cleansers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
 
Review Ratings Citation CS Credibility Rating Facial Cleansers Ratings
Comments on Reviews
2.  Consumer Reports Facial Cleansers

Editors of Consumer Reports


Sept. 2007
reviews rating Consumer Reports tests nine facial cleansers on a group of 25 men and women. Foaming cleansers, disposable pads and one cold cream are tested for cleaning ability, ease of application and convenience. The majority of the cleansers are perceived as being either excellent or very good at cleaning. Only two of them rate poorly. Editors suggest that consumers purchase cleansers designed for their particular skin type and that they consider fragrances and textures that are appealing to them.
3.  CosmeticsCop.com Best of 2007

Paula Begoun


As of Jan. 2008
reviews rating After reviewing hundreds of beauty products for her newsletters and beauty bulletins, Paula Begoun, author of the excellent Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, lists the best products of 2007. Each listing includes a brief description of why a product works and how it is formulated. While Begoun does denounce a lot of the hype that cosmetic companies give to their products, she also acknowledges that they are paying more and more attention to current research. She says that it is now easier than ever to find a good-quality cleanser that is gentle yet effective and free from irritants. The top picks include cleansers from Boots No7 and Neutrogena. Along with product reviews, CosmeticsCop.com also provides useful skin care information that can be found in the Learn section of the website.
4.  Natural Health Winning Way

Oless Pindak


Oct. 2007
reviews rating For their third annual beauty awards, Natural Health partners with dermatologists and readers to test and rate hundreds of new natural beauty products. Products are considered for effectiveness as well as safety (based on the ingredient list) and each has a natural component to it. Readers help to evaluate the products based on price, availability and familiarity. One winner is listed for each category for a total of 27 top picks. Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser takes the top honor for natural cleansers.
5.  Allure Best of Beauty Awards 2007

Editors of Allure


Oct. 2007
reviews rating Allure editors, along with cosmetics chemists and dermatologists, test nearly 2,000 products and choose 187 as the best in their categories. The products tested include new and old cleansers alike in order to find the best on the market. Also listed is a Hall of Fame for beauty products that have been chosen for a yearly award five or more times. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is the only facial cleanser to have done this so far. This year's winners include products from Clinique, Renee Roulou, Aveeno and Purpose, one for each skin type.
6.  Health The Best Beauty Buys of 2007

Jolene Edgar


Nov. 2007
reviews rating Health magazine editors, along with a panel of dermatologists, test and rate new beauty products from 2007. Only the top 25 are listed, but there is a winner in every category and each listing includes a description detailing its benefits. The judging criteria, however, are unclear. Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes is chosen as the best facial cleanser.
7.  Shape magazine The Best of the Beauty Aisle: Shape of Beauty 2007 Awards

Editors of Shape


Sept. 2007
reviews rating This is the fourth consecutive year in which Shape magazine rates beauty products. The claim is made that over 4,000 readers, along with Shape staff and beauty experts, weighed in on several products in 23 categories. Each category includes picks in both the drugstore and higher-end price ranges. Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser and Shiseido The Skincare Extra Gentle Cleansing Foam earn the top ratings in the facial cleansers category.
8.  CEW.org 2007 Insider's Choice Beauty Winners

CEW Associates


Not Dated
reviews rating Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) lists the 2007 Beauty Award winners. Products are chosen by a group of voters that consists of CEW members, industry professionals and beauty experts. CEW.org claims that the Beauty award is "the beauty industry's highest honor" and is given to "the most innovative beauty products of the year." Categories for the award include bath & body, facial skincare and makeup, among others. Each category has several subcategories with both high- and low-priced winners. Clinique Liquid Facial Soap wins the award for high-end cleansers and scrubs, while Dove Energy Glow Skin Brightening Facial Cleanser wins for its budget-friendly formula.
9.  Real Simple Facial Cleansers

Magan O'Connell and Tamara Gilkes


Oct. 2007
reviews rating More than 30 facial cleansers are tested by a panel of judges for Real Simple magazine. A winner and a runner-up are chosen for each skin category, giving a total of 10 top picks. Categories include normal, dry, oily, sensitive and mature skin types. The judging criteria are unclear as is the number of testers used, and the cleansers that fail to make the cut aren't identified. Authors also share recipes for homemade cleansers made out of everyday ingredients found in the kitchen.
10.  In Style 148 Best Beauty Buys

Editors of InStyle


Apr. 2007
reviews rating InStyle editors list top beauty picks based on the favorites of 180 industry experts. The winning cleansers are categorized by skin type and a brief description is given for each. Aveeno cleansers are chosen for normal, sensitive and acne-prone skin types, while Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser wins in the dry skin category.
11.  Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards 2007

Editors of Cosmopolitan


Oct. 2007
reviews rating Editors of Cosmopolitan magazine list top beauty picks for 2007. There are several products chosen for face, body and hair categories. Each includes a brief explanation of why it was chosen. Facial cleansers are listed under the "skin savers" category, where products from both the Olay and Aveeno lines are chosen as top picks. It's unclear exactly how these picks were evaluated, however.
12.  Brides Brides Beauty Awards 2007

Editors of Brides


May/June 2007
reviews rating Editors of Brides magazine test products from every beauty category and list their favorites. It is unclear how many different products were tested or how many people were involved in the testing. There are no comparisons made, as only the top products are mentioned. Olay Definity Illuminating Cream Cleanser is chosen for its mild formula that is enhanced with micro-beads.
Facial Cleansers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
 
Review Ratings Citation CS Credibility Rating Facial Cleansers Ratings
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13.  Cosmo Girl Kiss of Approval: 2007 Beauty Awards

Editors of Cosmo Girl


Sept. 2007
reviews rating Editors of Cosmo Girl magazine, along with readers and celebrities, choose their favorite beauty products. Favorites are chosen in several categories, including eyes, face and body. There are no comparisons or descriptions of the beauty products listed. Clean & Clear Morning Burst Facial Cleanser and Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths are chosen as favorites in the facial cleansing category because thousands of readers voted for them.
14.  Redbook The Best Beauty Booty of 2007 -- MVP Beauty Awards

Krista Bennett, Cheryl Kramer Kaye, Crystal Martin


Dec. 2007
reviews rating In this article, Redbook lists the 45 best beauty products of the year, categorizing them by colors with green for eco-friendly, pink for "girly, gotta-have-it," gold for luxury and black for basic, everyday products. Cleansers that make the list are Garnier Nutritioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes and Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser. Products listed are not rated or compared to any others.
15.  The Advice Sisters The Advice Sisters "What Works"

Alison Blackman Dunham


Jan./Feb. 2008
reviews rating Twin sisters Alison and Jessica are "The Advice Sisters." Unfortunately, sister Jessica passed away and Alison is continuing this advice site alone, including the What Works review column. The site is slightly difficult to navigate, so you need to scroll a lot to read the huge amount of information here, mostly about products new to the market. All products are taken for a test spin, but according to the editor only the better products are highlighted, so comments are entirely positive. Reviews include high-end products such as Eau Micellair 3-in-1 Cleanser, Toner & Makeup Remover for Face and Eyes, along with more pedestrian offerings from St. Ives. Ms. Dunham updates the review column on a bimonthly basis. This issue focuses on dry skin and Valentine's Day gifts due to the winter season and approaching holiday.
16.  Essence Magazine Skin Clinic

Pamela Edwards


Apr. 2005
reviews rating This helpful guide is dated, but still provides relevant information as well as products that are still available. It describes what to look for in skin care products, including cleansers. A nonirritating cleanser like Cetaphil is physician recommended "if you're unsure of your skin type or don't have time for reading labels." Biore Pore Perfect Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser and B. Kamins Vitamin Face Cleanser are also recommended, although none of these are rated against each other or compared to other cleansers.
17.  Shape magazine Winter Skin Woes–Solved!

Colleen Moriarty


Jan. 2006
reviews rating Colleen Moriarty discusses the reasons behind wintertime dry skin and chapped lips and provides solutions as well as product recommendations. She points out that skin types change with the seasons and suggests that readers adjust their skin care routines to fit the weather. Those with extra dry skin should not bother cleansing their faces in the morning but should just rinse and moisturize instead. She recommends using a creamy cleanser at night and lists Biore Shine Control Cream Cleanser and Good Skin Soft Skin Creamy Cleanser as best bets.
18.  Essence Magazine Your Best Skin

Jennifer Laing


Jan. 2006
reviews rating This article describes skin care routines to combat signs of aging. A few products are recommended in each age category, including Biore Shine Control Foaming Cleanser in the 20s Skin-Care Musts section. General information about what to look for in a cleanser is provided by a dermatologist; otherwise, no other cleansers are rated or compared.
19.  MakeupDiva.com Ask The Makeup Diva: What is the best cleanser on the market right now?

The Makeup Diva


Not Dated
reviews rating We're not sure who the Makeup Diva is, but she certainly gives comprehensive answers to consumers' questions on this website. The Diva says it's impossible to determine the best cleanser since it depends on personal preference, but the most important factor is choosing one that's right for your skin type. Cetaphil is the only less-expensive recommendation for normal-to-oily skin; the rest are high-end or department store brands, like Estee Lauder and Joey New York. For normal-to-dry skin Olay Daily Facials makes the list, along with Garden Botanika, Dr. Dennis Gross MD Skincare and Rachel Perry.
20.  Makeup 101.com Tips & Secrets: What cleansers really work?

Terri Tomlinson


As of June 2006
reviews rating Terri Tomlinson, a makeup artist, gives advice on choosing a cleanser for your skin type and evaluates items according to how well they remove makeup and how they feel on the skin. She says Olay's cleansing products are "very good," and specifically mentions Olay's Foaming Facewash for Sensitive Skin. Tomlinson says she prefers Smashbox cleanser over Olay, saying it's "the best cleanser that I have ever used." However, she acknowledges that it's expensive and hard to find, only available at Nordstrom's and some Lord & Taylor stores.
21.  Shape magazine When products irritate skin: aren't beauty products labeled "hypoallergenic" not supposed to inflame skin? - BeautyQ+A

Laurie Drake


Apr. 2004
reviews rating In response to a reader's question about irritation from a supposed "hypoallergenic" serum, Laurie Drake responds that the term hypoallergenic just means there are fewer irritating ingredients, not that the product is completely free of them. She advises choosing dermatologist-recommended products that are free of dyes and fragrances, and that are labeled for sensitive skin. Recommended cleansers include Dove's Sensitive Essentials, Neutrogena and Purpose.
Facial Cleansers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
 
Review Ratings Citation CS Credibility Rating Facial Cleansers Ratings
Comments on Reviews
22.  About.com The Best Face Cleansers on the Market

Julyne Derrick


Not Dated
reviews rating About.com's Beauty Guide, Julyne Derrick, offers facial cleanser recommendations from "cheap to steep" for several skin types. About 20 cleansers are included, with just a short line describing the benefits of each, but no ratings or comparisons to other cleansers and no mention of any testing. Cetaphil, Avon, Dove, Oil of Olay, Neutrogena, Aveda, Clinique, Clarins and Shiseido make the list, with Cetaphil touted as the best drugstore cleanser available.
23.  iVillage.com Top Ten Facial Cleansers

Contributors to iVillage Beauty


June 2004
reviews rating iVillage Beauty lists the top ten facial cleansers, as rated by consumer contributors. Last updated in June 2004, the list is quite dated, but most of the products are still available. Mary Kay's Timewise 3-in-1 receives the most reviews with 218; Proactiv comes in second, followed by Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. It seems the top ten are chosen by number of comments rather than by high ratings -- Proactiv is listed second but receives a number of negative comments, in particular that it's too harsh, even causing a chemical burn. We also noticed that some comments about Mary Kay's Timewise are contributed by Mary Kay consultants who sell these products. Neutrogena's Deep Clean Facial Cleanser and Olay Daily Facials also make the list.
24.  MakeupAlley.com Facial Cleansers

Contributors to MakeupAlley.com


As of Jan. 2008
reviews rating Over 1,000 facial cleansers are reviewed by members of this website. Product reviews can be sorted in a multitude of ways, making it easy for users to find the highest consumer-rated products as well as those that are reviewed most often. Some products receive hundreds of reviews, while others receive only a few. Among those with many reviews, Alpha Hydrox Foaming Face Wash, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, Pond's Deep Cleanser Cold Cream and Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash receive the highest ratings.
25.  Drugstore.com Facial Cleansers

Contributors to Drugstore.com


As of Jan. 2008
reviews rating Consumers can read and post reviews for products sold at Drugstore.com, which include several personal care items. Most of the facial cleansers listed are reviewed at least once, but a few of them are reviewed upwards of 100 times. Of those that are reviewed the most, Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser, Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask, Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash and Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths rate the highest.
Facial Cleansers Reviews above this line are significantly better than reviews below.
 
Review Ratings Citation CS Credibility Rating Facial Cleansers Ratings
Comments on Reviews
26.  iVillage.com Avoid These Common Skin Care Mistakes

Editors of iVillage


Not Dated
reviews rating In this undated iVillage article, common skin care mistakes are listed along with tips for proper skin care. Among the mistakes listed are washing your face with soap and skipping your nighttime facial routine. The beauty experts interviewed agree that a nighttime routine is more important than a morning one. No specific cleansers are recommended.
27.  Prevention Magazine Cleanse Away Sun Damage

Editors of Prevention


Aug. 2007
reviews rating Prevention's editors discuss cleansers that contain sunscreen. These cleansers contain broad-spectrum UV blockers that are bound to the skin during the washing process. Editors recommend Freeze 24-7 Ice Shield Facial Cleanser with SPF15. Our top reviewer, Paula Begoun, agrees that this product should work as intended, but warns that it may not be effective if products such as toners or exfoliants are applied later.
28.  Health Warming Trend

Editors of Health


Jan./Feb. 2007
reviews rating This brief article introduces a new trend in the skin care arena: cleansers that heat up when applied to wet skin. These cleansers are made with minerals from volcanic rock and ash and are said to help open the pores in order to allow products to penetrate the skin. Editors recommend Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Warming Cleanser. Other reviewers, however, are skeptical of these claims.
29.  Cosmetics Database.com Facial Cleansers

Editors of Cosmetics Database.com


As of Jan. 2008
reviews rating This website, sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, hosts a cosmetic safety database known as Skin Deep. The database lists thousands of beauty products and gives them a hazard score. Products with a score of 0-2 are considered a low hazard, while a score of 3-6 is moderate and a score of 7-10 is a high hazard. Each product has its own page with a listing of the hazards that its ingredients are linked to, such as cancer, reproductive problems and allergies. In addition to listing hazardous ingredients, the website also states whether or not a company engages in animal testing. Out of 1,552 facial cleansers, 226 have low hazard scores and 158 have high hazard scores. While this site is very informative, it does not consider the effectiveness of any products that it rates, nor does it consider the likelihood of skin irritations. But this is an interesting reference source.

Facial Cleansers Reviews