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Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWe\u2019ve tested tons of formulas and sought dermatologists to give us the in on the drugstore cleansers we should add to-cart now.<\/p>\n
Best Overall:<\/strong> La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
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La Roche-Posay<\/p>\n
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nAllure<\/em> contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser<\/p>\n<\/span>Deanna Pai<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy it’s worth it:<\/strong> La Roche-Posay\u2019s Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is the kind of everyday hero your skin can count on, no matter what time of year. Loved across all skin types\u2014Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, IN, highlights its fragrance-free, non-foaming, and ceramide- and glycerin-boosted formula thoroughly cleanses while supporting the skin barrier\u2014so it\u2019s especially great for those with sensitive skin. Need further proof? It has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association and Allure<\/em> Best of Beauty Awards. It\u2019s perfect for anyone dealing with dryness, eczema, and rosacea, thanks to a hydration dream team (ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and prebiotic thermal water) that maintains moisture.<\/p>\n\n
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Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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\u201cSorry, but I love to beat up my skin. There’s nothing that I won’t put on or in it\u2014Retinol! Glycolic acid! Botox! And whenever that comes around to bite me\u2014meaning my skin feels tight and raw\u2014I rely on this cleanser, which feels instantly nourishing. It’s powerful enough to remove my makeup (although I do tackle waterproof mascara with my micellar water) but always leaves my skin calm, cool, and comfortable.\u201d \u2014Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> all skin types<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Best for Makeup Removal:<\/strong> Cetaphil Nourishing Oil to Foam Cleanser<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
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Cetaphil<\/p>\n
Nourishing Oil to Foam Cleanser<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nAllure<\/em> associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry using the Cetaphil Nourishing Oil to Foam Cleanser<\/p>\n<\/span>Melanie Curry<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> Cetaphil\u2019s Nourishing Oil to Foam Cleanser turns a daily routine into a moment of skin-care magic. The formula starts as a silky oil that swiftly dissolves makeup, SPF, and dirt, and then transforms into a gentle foam that rinses clean without leaving skin tight or dry. Pentavitin (a plant-based carbohydrate complex that mimics skin sugars and acts as a humectant) works behind the scenes to hydrate and lock in moisture for up to 24 hours, while flaxseed oil soothes \u2014leaving skin feeling refreshed and balanced (no stripping here!), all for under $10.<\/p>\n\n
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Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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\u201cI’m a huge fan of drugstore cleansers, especially Cetaphil products. This cleanser easily removes my makeup (when I’m wearing it) and the gunk and grime of the day without leaving my skin super dry and stripped. It has a lathering formula that gets into the crevices of my skin, like the edge of my nostrils and underneath the lips, where dirt is stubborn to remove.\u201d \u2014Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> flaxseed oil, pentavitin<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> people with normal or dry skin<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Best for Sensitive Skin:<\/strong> Aveeno Calm + Restore Face Cleanser<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
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Aveeno<\/p>\n
Calm + Restore Face Cleanser<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nAllure<\/em> associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey using the Aveeno Calm + Restore Face Cleanser<\/p>\n<\/span>Annie Blay-Tettey<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> Stressed-out skin meets its match in Aveeno\u2019s Calm + Restore Face Cleanser. This fragrance-free formula pairs soothing feverfew (a herb that looks like a daisy) with nourishing oat to gently wash away dirt and buildup while helping protect the skin barrier. The texture starts light and creamy, then transforms into a soft foam that cleanses thoroughly without overdoing it. The result is skin that feels calm, cushioned, and comfortably hydrated long after you rinse.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cMy skin isn’t normally sensitive but every now and then the skin around my eyes will get very irritated. When that happens I bust out my Aveeno Clam + Restore cleanser. This foaming face wash is gentle yet effective in cleaning my face and it always leaves my skin feeling moisturized\u2014not dry and cracked.\u201d \u2014Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> oat, feverfew<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> people with sensitive skin<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Best for Combination Skin:<\/strong> CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
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CeraVe<\/p>\n
Foaming Facial Cleanser<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nAllure<\/em> senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin ausing the CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser<\/p>\n<\/span>Sarah Felbin<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> if your skin can\u2019t make up its mind between dry and oily, CeraVe\u2019s Foaming Facial Cleanser gets it. This crowd-pleasing formula strikes the rare balance of deeply cleansing without tipping skin into tight, squeaky territory. A trio of barrier-supporting ceramides (1, 3, and 6-II) helps keep skin strong and resilient, while hyaluronic acid pulls moisture to the surface. Niacinamide steps in to soothe and keep redness in check, making this a smart pick for combo, sensitive, or \u201cit changes daily\u201d skin types. The gel-to-foam texture lifts away excess oil, dirt, and makeup, leaving skin feeling clean and balanced.<\/p>\n\n
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\u201cThis has been my ride or die cleanser for years! I always come back to it. It lathers up so satisfyingly and lifts every ounce of dirt, oil, and makeup away without drying out my super-sensitive skin. I love that it’s not too thick or sticky and doesn’t leave a residue, like some other cleansers I’ve tried. Sometimes, simple is best, and I think this cleanser really proves that.\u201d \u2014Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> people with combination, dry, or oily skin<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Best Cleansing Oil:<\/strong> Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
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Skin1004<\/p>\n
Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nPai using the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil<\/p>\n
<\/span>Deanna Pai<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil feels almost too good to be true. The brand builds every formula around calming Centella asiatica<\/em> (also known as cica) sourced from Madagascar, where the plant thrives in untouched conditions for maximum potency. The cleansing oil itself is incredibly lightweight, making it suitable for every skin type. Our oily, acne-prone editors love it, and Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, calls it a favorite for her sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. \u201cThe cica is super calming, and the texture is delightfully light,\u201d she says. True to Skin1004\u2019s minimalist approach, the formula keeps it simple with just four oils\u2014bergamot, sunflower seed, olive fruit, and jojoba\u2014delivering gentle yet effective cleansing without any heaviness.<\/p>\n\n
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“I don’t want to be dramatic, but this has capital-T transformed by cleansing routine. I got it in a set paired with the brand’s Cleansing Ampoule Foam, but this is a non-negotiable first step for melting all of my makeup off before I go in with the lather. It has a generous slip, little to no scent, and a lightweight texture that’s easy to emulsify and rinse. My only complaint is that I will need a jumbo size made.” \u2014Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> Centella asiatica<\/em>, bergamot, sunflower seed, olive fruit, and jojoba seed oils<\/li>\nWho it\u2019s for:<\/strong> all skin types<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Best for Acne:<\/strong> PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
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Panoxyl<\/p>\n
Acne Treatment Bar<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nAllure<\/em> commerce writer Lily Wohlner using PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar<\/p>\n<\/span>Lily Wohlner<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> The PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar is a $9 upgrade that can improve bump, textured skin with consistent use. Packed with the maximum, over-the-counter dose of benzoyl peroxide (10%), which kills bacteria, unclogs pores, and reduces inflammation, this sudsy face and body bar is \u201chighly effective for both inflammatory acne (red pimples) and comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads),\u201d Kristina Collins, MD, a dermatologist based in Austin, told us. It also includes benzoyl peroxide and glycerin to soften and plump, so your skin isn\u2019t left feeling stripped. \u201cWhat makes this product unique is that it comes in a convenient bar format, making it easy to use on both the face and<\/em> larger body areas like the chest and back,\u201d says Dr. Collins. In fact, the PanOxyl Acne Treatment Bar won a 2025 Allure<\/em> Best of Beauty Award for Best Body Acne Bar, so it\u2019s a one-trick pony for all-over acne.<\/p>\n