The Best Face Cleansers To Beat The Summer Heat
“Now’s the prefect time to get back on your skincare routine.”
You probably already know the big skincare rules: cleanse, moisturize and apply sunscreen. Most of the women featured on Passerbuys swear by a morning and night cleansing routine; I mean, it makes sense, you get sweaty, there’s pollution and who knows what else. Not only does cleansing remove the dirt and grime your skin may have picked up, but it also helps your face absorb any serum or creams you have in your skincare routine.
With summer in full swing — now more than ever a cleansing routine is crucial if you don’t already have one in place. Comedian Lauren Servideo recommends washing your face for at least 60 seconds before rinsing with tepid water and swears you’ll see a difference after doing so, since “most people use face soap for 15 seconds max, which doesn’t allow the soap to properly break down dirt and oils.” For those really looking to step up their game, a sonic cleansing brush might be the move, Tea Hacic-Vlahovic and Lisa Przystup, recommend the Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing Brush, which, according to the brand, cleanses skin 6x better than hands alone. Writer Kayla Tanenbaum opts for white face cloths instead, “they’re kind of rough on my face, which feels exfoliating, and are much cheaper (and more hygienic) than a Clarisonic brush. Plus, because they’re white, you can really see when the makeup/city pollution is totally gone.”
In terms of what cleansing products to use, whether you have dry, combination or sensitive skin, we rounded up the most recommended cleansers on Passerbuys.
Biologique Recherche Lotion p50
Recommended by susan alexandra, lauren caruso, nina roth, sukey novogratz, natalie guevara, holly falcone, naura keiser, alyssa coscarelli, lauren servideo and alison roman
This cult favorite is like a facial in a bottle. This watery chemical toner promises to exfoliate, hydrate and cleanse your skin all in one. Even Madonna allegedly uses it. Writer and influencer Alyssa Coscarelli swears “it completely changes your skin - making it soft, glowy, and prevents it from breakouts.” Chef and writer Alison Roman concedes she “drank the Kool-Aid,” but “the Kool-Aid makes my face look amazing.
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Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Recommended by sunny shokrae, olivia la roche, rian Fossett, shawna grosvenor, jeni ni, naima abed, lyz olko, sukey novogratz, and dianna cohen
Sensibio H2O is the first and only dermatological micellar water perfectly compatible with the skin. This non-rinse cleansing water can remove the toughest makeup, while preserving your skin's natural balance. Mild enough for sensitive skin, but tough enough to tackle waterproof makeup. Made with fatty acid esters, the constituent elements of micelles, are similar to the phospholipids of the skin cell membranes and naturally help rebuild the skin's hydrolipidic film.
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Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser
Recommended by Beth Garrabrant, Anna Deutsch, carrie schaff, Kelsey Garcia, lexi cunningham, natalia mantini, and fatima jones
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser removes the day's accumulation of dirt, oil and impurities for a clean and fresh complexion. The non-irritating formula won't clog pores, dry out or leave a tight feeling over the skin. Features a light, pleasant scent. Freelance publisher Carrie Schaff calls Cetaphil a “super basic” skincare solution for battling sensitive skin.
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Aesop Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil
Recommended by leta sobierajski, Stephanie Danler, caitlin stasey and Molly Surno
This gentle cleanser activates with water for easy removal of grime and makeup, leaving skin soft and refreshed. Aesop product formulations use botanical and scientifically validated man-made ingredients of the highest quality. Writer Stephanie Danler says of her switch to Aesop’s cleansing oil— “I will never go back to a soap cleanser.” Actress Caitlin Stasey recommends oil-based cleansers for those battling acne,“as stripping my skin of oil was a huge factor in my acne”
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Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Recommended by trelawny davis, gia salvaggio, puno dostres, and cara flaherty
To start your day—massage 1-2 pumps onto wet skin (keep it in the shower!) and rinse. To remove makeup*—on dry skin, gently and thoroughly massage 2-3 pumps directly onto eye area to melt away mascara; add water, massage over the rest of your face, and rinse.
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CeraVe Foaming Face Cleanser
Recommended by Dianna Cohen, Molly Surno, Alex Vaugh, and Naura Keiser
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser gently washes away makeup, dirt, excess oil and impurities without drying out the skin. Ceramides hydrate and repair the skin barrier as nurturing ingredients moisturize. A patented delivery technology releases these ingredients over time, for an immediate and long-term effect. Skin is left fresh and clean, without any oily residue or tight feeling left behind. Ideal for normal to dry skin types. Dianna Cohen recommends cleansing with Cerave and “pat dry with tissue” instead of using towels to dry her face.
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Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser
Recommended by Nina Roth, Ellis Jones, and Jessica Comingore
This gentle face wash helps lift away dirt and excess oil without over-drying skin. With emollients like Apricot Kernel Oil, Avocado Oil and Squalane, this liquid formula cleanses skin gently, without stripping it of its natural oils. Tested for gentleness and safety, this cleanser is also pH-balanced to help maintain skin’s natural balance.
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Fresh Soy Facial Cleanser
Recommended by Naiylah Warren, Kristi Garced, and leslie hamilton
Fresh Facial Cleanser includes amino acid-rich soy proteins that promote moisture retention, elasticity and firmness, while rosewater balances and tones the skin. It is further enriched with calming cucumber extract and borage seed oil, which helps to nourish the skin.
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Peet Rivko Gentle Cleanser
Recommended by nicole najafi, haley nahman, and Emma ramos
Peet Rivko’s Gentle Cleanser is designed for the most sensitive of skin. Formulated with aloe vera, comfrey, and green tea, this non-foaming cream cleanser removes daily grime and excess oil while maintaining natural pH and oil balances — leaving skin soft and smooth.
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Drunk Elephant Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Recommended by Holly Liss and Emily DiDonato
Drunk Elephant’s No9 Jelly Cleanser is an innovative jelly cleanser that removes all traces of makeup, excess oil, pollution, and any other grime from the day. Free of SLS, fragrance, and essential oils, Beste™ No. 9 is totally non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and appropriate for all skin.