Facial cleanser
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- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. Best for: Normal to dry skin. See options on Amazon
- CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser. Best for: Normal to oily skin. See options on Amazon
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser. Best for: Sensitive or easily irritated skin. See options on Amazon
What to look for
The AAD's first rule is to use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol. Beyond that, match the formula to your skin:
- Normal to dry skin. A hydrating, cream or lotion-style cleanser. CeraVe says its Hydrating Facial Cleanser removes dirt, oil and makeup without leaving skin feeling tight or dry.
- Normal to oily skin. A foaming gel. CeraVe describes its Foaming Facial Cleanser as a gel-based, non-drying foaming cleanser for normal to oily skin.
- Sensitive skin. Fewer potential irritants. Vanicream's cleanser is soap-free, sulfate-free and has no botanical extracts or essential oils.
- Non-comedogenic. Both CeraVe Hydrating and Vanicream say their cleansers will not clog pores.
Three gentle cleansers compared
| Cleanser | Made for | Maker notes |
|---|---|---|
| CeraVe Hydrating | Normal to dry skin | Ceramides and hyaluronic acid; free of added fragrance; accepted by the NEA |
| CeraVe Foaming | Normal to oily skin | Gel that foams; ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide |
| Vanicream Gentle | Dry, sensitive and delicate skin | Soap-free and sulfate-free; no botanical extracts or essential oils; NEA Seal of Acceptance |
Details are from each maker's product page; NEA is the National Eczema Association. CeraVe says the Foaming cleanser removes dirt, makeup and excess oil for 12-hour oil control. Vanicream sells its cleanser in 8 oz and 2.5 oz sizes.
How to wash your face
The AAD's dermatologist steps:
- Wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to apply cleanser. A washcloth, mesh sponge or anything other than your fingertips can irritate your skin.
- Do not scrub. Scrubbing irritates the skin.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
- Moisturize if your skin is dry or itchy, and be gentle around your eyes.
CeraVe's directions match: wet skin with lukewarm water, massage the cleanser on in gentle, circular motions, rinse well and pat dry. For the moisturizer step, see our facial moisturizer guide and, at bedtime, our night cream guide.
How often to wash
The AAD says to limit washing to twice a day and after sweating: once in the morning, once at night, and as soon as possible after sweating heavily. It notes that perspiration, especially under a hat or helmet, irritates the skin.
Vanicream says its cleanser is mild enough to use twice daily, for a morning and nightly cleanse. If your skin feels dry or itchy after washing, the AAD suggests applying moisturizer.
Ingredients worth knowing
- Ceramides. CeraVe says ceramides help restore the skin's natural barrier, helping to keep moisture in and harmful elements out.
- Hyaluronic acid. CeraVe calls it essential for maintaining skin's moisture balance.
- Niacinamide. CeraVe says it may help calm skin and reduce transepidermal water loss.
- Non-soap surfactants. Vanicream says its formula uses non-soap surfactants, which make it milder and gentler on the skin barrier.
- Fewer additives. Vanicream says its cleanser suits all ages and is designed for people who need or want to avoid common chemical irritants.
A short ingredient list is easier to check if you know a particular ingredient bothers you. Vanicream's full list starts with water, glycerin and coco-glucoside.
Makeup and sunscreen removal
Both CeraVe Hydrating and Vanicream say their cleansers remove makeup. Vanicream adds that for waterproof makeup, a second cleanse may be needed. If you use a cotton pad for eye makeup, see our cotton swabs and rounds guide, and use a light touch around the eyes, as the AAD advises.
After cleansing, apply any treatment serum before moisturizer; see our niacinamide serum guide.
Acne-prone skin and when to see a dermatologist
A gentle cleanser is a base, not an acne treatment. For a single pimple, see our acne patches guide. If cleansers sting, your skin stays red or itchy, or acne leaves marks, the AAD suggests making an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.
What to look for when you buy
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Best for: Normal to dry skin
CeraVe lists hyaluronic acid and ceramides and says it cleans without leaving skin tight or dry; accepted by the National Eczema Association.
Watch out: Less suited to very oily skin, per the maker's skin-type label.
See options on AmazonCeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Best for: Normal to oily skin
CeraVe describes a gel-based, non-drying foaming cleanser with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.
Watch out: Use fingertips, not a scrub brush, per the AAD.
See options on AmazonVanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Best for: Sensitive or easily irritated skin
Vanicream says it is soap-free, sulfate-free, pH balanced and free of botanical extracts and essential oils.
Watch out: Waterproof makeup may need a second cleanse, per the maker.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What kind of facial cleanser do dermatologists recommend?
- The AAD says a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol.
- How often should I wash my face?
- Twice a day and after sweating, per the AAD.
- Should I use a washcloth?
- The AAD says to use your fingertips, because a washcloth or mesh sponge can irritate skin.
- Hydrating or foaming cleanser?
- CeraVe makes its hydrating cleanser for normal to dry skin and its foaming one for normal to oily skin.
- What water temperature is best?
- Lukewarm, according to the AAD.
Sources
- Face washing 101 (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- Hydrating Facial Cleanser (cerave.com), CeraVe
- Foaming Facial Cleanser (cerave.com), CeraVe
- Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser (vanicream.com), Vanicream