Key ingredients: salicylic acid, panthenol, glycerin | Who it’s for: people with acne-prone skin | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: The editor-favorite formula of KraveBeauty’s Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser stars the antioxidant-packed (drumroll) matcha, an ingredient you’d be hard-pressed to find in the aisles of your local drugstore. This non-stripping face wash has a silky feel that breaks down sebum and stubborn makeup as it treats your pores to conditioning coconut-based surfactants, hemp seed oil, and a signature tone-evening ingredient, matchaThis cleanser can tackle oil, sunscreen, and light makeup, but if you have a full face of waterproof cosmetics, we suggest double-cleansing with a cleansing oil or balm. KraveBeauty’s Makeup Re-Wind is an editor favorite with a delightful jelly-to-oil texture that melts everything away.
Tester feedback: “Sometime in my mid-20s, my skin did a total 180-degree turn from slick-as-shined-marble oily to wildly dry and dehydrated,” says associate director of special projects Hunter Lacey, who says Matcha Hemp has been the steadfast hero throughout their skin-care roller coaster. “The viscous gel works into the perfect lather, which is hard to come by in gentle cleansers and is free of any obtrusive fragrance,” they add.
Key ingredients: matcha, hemp seed oil, coconut-based surfactants, sodium PCA | Who it’s for: anyone who wants a moisturizing, budget-friendly cleanser. | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Eczema-Prone Skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: Dr. Turegano says Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser “has been a go-to cleanser recommendation by dermatologists for years for those with sensitive skin.” The ingredient list is short and sweet, with purified water and glycerin at the top, and doesn’t include common irritants like dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, soap, and more. “If you deal with eczema, extra dryness, or are allergy-prone to various ingredients, try this one,” Dr. Turegano adds. We recommend pre-cleansing with gentle micellar water or cleansing balm if you’re taking off particularly stubborn makeup.
Key ingredients: water, glycerin | Who it’s for: sensitive and dry skin | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Exfoliating: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: Dermatologists love the Skinmedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, and Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure exactly why that’s the case. “If my skin is greasy and clogged, I start with SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser,” she attests. “It has gentle beads that help exfoliate in addition to the acids.” Conversely, NYC-based board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, likes to end her day with the cleanser. “It removes the dirt, oil, environmental pollutants, and debris that accumulate over the course of the day,” Dr. Henry said.Keep in mind, however, that this resurfacing formula contains AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), which increases your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays and sunburning. So, be vigilant about applying and refreshing your sunscreen when using this cleanser (and in the week following discontinuation).
