For starters, “you want something that is both oil-free or noncomedogenic (i.e., not pore-clogging), as well as hydrating,” says certified physician assistant Alexandra Gold of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, adding that the hydrating ingredients to look for include ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Ami Dalal, another certified physician assistant with Schweiger, adds that “a quality experience wash should help cleanse without stripping essential oils from your experience and maintain your skin’s pH balance.” And then, of course, different pores and skin types require different ingredients.
The two hydrating cleansers are similar in price, with CeraVe coming in slightly cheaper per ounce, so it may perhaps just come down to whatever brand you prefer, as each of them tend to have their own devoted followings.
Ghost Democracy Transparent Gentle Exfoliating Daily CleanserBut here, however, we do have a cleanser that is explicitly aimed at exfoliation — albeit in a gentle way, which means you can use it as your daily face wash. Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, prefers “a mild exfoliating cleanser with hydroxy acids to help the pores and skin shed surface cells that lead to dullness” — and that’s what you’ve got in the Transparent Gentle Exfoliating Daily Cleanser from Ghost Democracy, which he is currently using.
iS Clinical Cleansing ComplexIf you’re partial to gel cleansers, but also want something that exfoliates, two of our experts recommend this gentle cleanser from iS Clinical.
“It works for all skin types and is sulfate- and phthalate-free,” says Dr. Jessie Cheung of Cheung Aesthetics and Wellness, noting that the willow bark in the formula (a form of salicylic acid) “helps break up oils, exfoliate skin, and tighten pores.” It also contains antioxidants, which helps to protect skin from environmental stressors and brightens, too.