Cleansers

Cleansers

Cleansers work by removing dirt, debris, surface oils, and grime from your skin surface. Most modern cleansers are designed to be gentler than bar soap, which may have harsh detergents that dry out your skin. Some contain moisturizers, while others may be medicated to treat conditions such as severe acne. Walgreens.com offers cleansers from brands like Eucerin, Olay and Neutrogena.

Facial washes

Washes specifically formulated for sensitive facial skin come in many different forms, including creams, gels, lotions, and foams. Some cleansers create a thick lather that pulls debris off your face where it can be washed away with water. Others work without water. With these, you apply the cleansing cream to your face and wipe it off with a tissue instead of rinsing.

Choosing a cleanser

One important consideration when choosing between cleansers is the type of skin you have. Someone with oily skin doesn't need the same type of cleanser as someone with dry skin or acne. One thing to avoid in a facial cleanser is soap, which can dry out your skin by stripping it of necessary oils. If your skin is oily, you might want a pH balanced cleanser. Some cleansers are made with all natural ingredients or are labeled as organic cleansers, so look on the label if these are specific concerns of yours.