Dermatologist Recommended Cleansers

More than 87 million Americans use facial cleansers every day and spend a combined $7 billion on skin care products annually. With the hundreds of choices available in drug and beauty stores, it's difficult to know which cleansers are the best. A good place to start is with cleansers recommended by dermatologists as being effective and gentle for most skin types.

Albolene Moisturizing Cleanser

Albolene contains mineral oil, petrolatum paraffin, ceresin and beta-carotene, and liquefies on contact with the skin. It's particularly effective at removing makeup gently while providing moisturizers to prevent dryness. Dermatologist Rajani Katta with the Baylor College of Medicine often recommends the unscented formulation to her patients. It's gentle enough that it has a history of use among makeup artists and theater performers who need to remove stubborn stage makeup every day and don't want to irritate their skin.

Cetaphil

Cetaphil is one of the most frequently recommended cleansers by doctors, especially for patients with acne, atopic dermatitis, eczema, skin allergies and rosacea. The non-soap product is "non-comedogenic," meaning it won't clog pores. It also contains emollients and humectants which bind moisture to skin. It's free from fragrances, parabens, lanolin and mineral oil--ingredients which aggravate sensitive skin types. The University of Madison-Wisconsin Health Services recommends washing your face with Cetaphil twice a day. More often than that with any cleanser can cause irritation.

Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser

Neutrogena's Extra Gentle Cleanser is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, making it a good choice for sensitive skin. It also contains anti-irritants chamomile and vitamin E, which can help soothe redness and irritation. The moisturizing ingredients in the non-soap formula add moisture so skin can retains resiliency and suppleness. The Kansas University Medical Center's "dermatologist's guide to cosmetics" recommended it as a first choice for facial cleansers.

Oil of Olay Gentle Foaming Face Wash

Oil of Olay's foaming cleanser is free of soap, oils, dyes and fragrances and is enriched with aloe to reduce skin irritation. It's also pH-balanced, which helps the skin retain its natural moisture. Gentle for even the most sensitive skins, it cleans without causing dryness. Dr. Victoria Cirillo-Hyland includes it on her list of good cleanser choices, as does the Face and Skin Center at the University of Mississippi.

Purpose

Purpose was developed with dermatologists to create a cleanser that would be effective for all skin types, but especially sensitive skin. It's another frequently recommended product by doctors, including those at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Health Center, for its oil-free, non-comedogenic properties. This gentle, water-soluble cleanser works without stripping the skin of essential moisture. It won't sting or burn the eyes and helps to balances your skin and improve skin texture.