Face cleanser. Let me take a guess — it’s probably not the most exciting product in your medicine cabinet. Out of all of the fun lotions and potions out there, cleanser is one of those categories that we usually look to as a utilitarian product: does it take off my makeup and leave me feeling clean without irritating? Done and done.
But, if it’s been awhile since you’ve explored the offerings in the cleansing realm, you might be surprised to find that the newest products go way beyond your average foaming gel. Cleansers now range from mousse textures to stick exfoliants—and, have you met micellar water? There are abundant new ways to get your face cleansed, purified and refined; click through to check out the newest ways to come clean.
Botanics Shine Away Mattifying Cleansing Mousse
Besides for having an absolutely delightful foaming texture (I guess my childhood delight over bath bubbles still hasn’t subsided), this paraben-free mousse cleanser features active willowbark extract, the natural source of salicylic acid, which helps to keep pores clear and reduce inflammation.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser + Waterproof Makeup Remover
Micellar water cleansers have been popular in Europe for eons for their ability to easily sweep away dirt and makeup without irritating the skin—and thankfully, the trend has finally arrived stateside! This cleanser and makeup remover from Garnier will leave your skin perfectly fresh (it even removes waterproof mascara!).
Charcoal MakeUp Melter Cleansing Oil-Balm by Boscia
If you haven’t taken a cleansing balm for a spin, this cooler, drier season is a great moment to give one a try. This oil-balm features sunflower oil and black and white charcoal to deeply moisturize the skin while it purifies.
frxxxtion stick 3-in-1 exfoliating cleanser from tarte
Featuring charcoal powder and kaolin clay, this deep-cleansing formula applies directly from a solid stick; simply apply to damp skin in circular motions. You can then continue to massage the cleanser into the skin and then rinse, or leave the formula on your face for ten minutes before rinsing to use the product as a treatment mask. Bonus: the solid formula is TSA-approved, so it’s easy to bring on the go!
Cleansing Oil with Coconut and Argan Oils from Burt’s Bees
If the autumnal drop in humidity has your skin feeling dry, irritated, or itchy, a cleansing oil like this one by Burt’s Bees might be your saving grace. While rubbing your skin with oils may seem like the worst way to get your skin clean, this gentle blend featuring coconut and argan oils is designed to leave your skin sparkling clean while it moisturizes and soothes. Plus: the all-natural formula is free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum and sodium laurel sulfate!
LUNA play Facial Cleansing Brush Discovery Set
If you’re curious about facial cleansing tools, the Foreo Luna is a great place to start. This nifty massaging brush features soft, hypoallergenic silicone bristles that gently yet thoroughly cleanse the skin of dirt, makeup, oil, and dead skin cells—use it with the day and night cleansers included in the set for best results!
Soy Face Cleansing Milk by Fresh
If you’ve been sudsing up with a foaming gel cleanser twice a day, chances are that you’re actually over-cleansing the skin, which can lead to dryness and irritation. Rather than using a sudsy cleanser in the morning (when you’re skin isn’t really dirty), try using a cleansing milk instead, which will remove any remaining makeup bits from the night before and leave your skin refreshed and comfortable.
For the ultimate spa experience, try this “pudding-like” cleanser, which features raw honey and clay to detoxify and nourish the skin. Mix a bit of the “honey mud” with water to create a milky cleanser, or apply to skin as a mask for 10-20 minutes to soak up even more of this luxurious preparation’s complexion benefits.
