Updated August 25, 2023
In the vast sea of skincare products, finding the perfect cleanser can be quite a challenge. I’ve scoured the shelves and rounded up the crème de la crème of drugstore cleansers that are not only affordable but also deliver exceptional results for daily use.
Say goodbye to dirt, grime, and makeup residue, as we chat about a selection of cleansers that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Get ready to elevate your skincare routine without breaking the bank as we dive into the best drugstore cleansers to grace your daily regimen.
In this blog post, I’m sharing four of the best drugstore face washes for all skin types. I didn’t want to make this list super long, and keeping it at four will definitely make it less overwhelming.
Best Overall Drugstore Cleanser: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
I’ve used a lot of drugstore cleansers in my day, and this one is absolutely number one in my book! It lathers perfectly without stripping the skin, feels amazing, and I love that it’s fragrance-free. I feel like this is one that all skin types will love. It’s super simple, yet effective.
This cleanser provides a soothing and non-irritating experience. The formulation is free of common irritants, such as dyes, fragrances, sulfates, and parabens, making it suitable for those with reactive or allergy-prone skin. While it is designed for sensitive skin in mind, I truly feel like this is for all skin types. Dry skin, combination skin, oily skin, mature skin, young skin… everyone can use this.
The Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser boasts a mild, soap-free formula that effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. It helps to maintain the skin’s pH balance, leaving it feeling clean, refreshed, and comfortably hydrated. This gentle cleanser is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or contribute to breakouts.
With its focus on minimal ingredients and maximum efficacy, the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a reliable choice for those seeking a fuss-free and skin-friendly option. Its dermatologist-tested and recommended formula ensures a thorough yet gentle cleansing experience, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, dry, or reactive skin. Add this cleanser to your daily skincare routine to enjoy a clean and refreshed complexion without any unnecessary irritation.
Best Drugstore Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
The CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser with Salicylic Acid combines effective cleansing with gentle exfoliation, making it an ideal option for individuals dealing with issues like acne, rough texture, and uneven skin tone. If you have acne, texture, or fine lines, this is a great option for you. This is also an excellent choice for oily skin types.
Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, a well-known beta hydroxy acid (BHA), this cleanser works to gently unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and combat acne blemishes. Salicylic acid’s exfoliating properties help to improve skin texture and clarity, revealing a smoother and more refined complexion over time.
In addition to salicylic acid, the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser is enriched with essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These key ingredients play a vital role in maintaining the skin’s moisture balance, enhancing hydration, and supporting the skin barrier function. I also love that it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
Best Drugstore Cleanser for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a remarkable skincare product that offers a delicate and effective cleansing experience. If you have sensitive or dry skin, you will love this cleanser.
The creamy, non-foaming texture of this cleanser gently removes impurities, makeup, and excess oil without stripping the skin. The active ingredients are glycerin and ceramides, which work harmoniously to replenish and retain moisture, leaving the skin feeling refreshed, soft, and comfortable. La Roche-Posay is also known for their use of French thermal water (it’s their star ingredient across the brand), which this product also includes.
Designed with a minimalist formula, the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is free from fragrance, parabens, essential oils, and other potential irritants, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin types. It employs a hydrating and soothing approach to cleansing, ensuring that the skin’s natural moisture barrier remains intact during the process.
This cleanser is soap-free, sulfate-free, and fragrance-free. It really is as good as the hype says it is!
Best Drugstore Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
The Cetaphil Hydrating Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin is a gentle and nourishing skincare product that is a classic product for sensitive skin. It’s been around for decades, and is loved by dermatologists and so many others. I remember using this while I was on Accutane in my teens – my skin was so irritated and compromised, and this product did not irritate my skin.
This fragrance-free and non-foaming formula is specially designed to remove impurities, dirt, and makeup while providing essential hydration. It’s perfect for individuals with sensitive skin who often experience irritation from harsh cleansers. The creamy texture of the cleanser works to replenish the skin’s moisture content, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and comfortable.
This cream cleanser contains a blend of nourishing ingredients such as glycerin and panthenol, which contribute to maintaining the skin’s hydration levels and overall health. The mild nature of this cleanser makes it suitable for everyday use, and it can be used morning and night as part of your skincare routine. This is such a good face wash for so many people.
The Best Drugstore Foaming Cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
This cleanser is the best drugstore foaming cleanser that is also creamy and hydrating. The CeraVe Cream-to-Foam Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid is a innovative skincare product that offers a unique blend of creaminess and foaming action for an effective and hydrating cleansing experience. Brought to you by the renowned brand CeraVe, this cleanser combines the best of both worlds to cater to a wide range of skin types.
I did not want to make this post too overwhelming with too many options. It’s probably not helpful to list 15 different drugstore face washes, so that’s why I really wanted to narrow it down to 5. I thought very long and hard about these selections and only feature the best of the best. What did you think of this list of the best face washes?
Jeanne says
I absolutely love Cerave. It’s incredibly gentle on my skin and keeps it hydrated and silky smooth. Laroche-Posay is also a great option, but it’s a bit too expensive for my budget 🙂 Recently, I came across a youtuber called 178 angel number who was raving about the new Cerave moisturizing lotion. I think it comes in a green-white package and is specifically designed for those with combination or oily skin. Needless to say, I’m really excited to give it a try! 🙂