Dr. Dominique W. Brooks is a medical doctor who also has a Master of Business Administration degree. She owns a healthcare information consulting business and has an extensive background in medical education.
Cleansers for dry, acne-prone skin need to strike a delicate balance between treating the blemishes and not drying out the surrounding skin. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't just people with oily skin who suffer with acne. When you have dry patches and flaking skin, you need a cleanser with the right combination of ingredients.
Cleanser Ingredients Are the Key
Cleansers for dry, acne-prone skin work best when they stick to cleansing alone. Try using products that contain little in the way of active ingredients. It is possible to dry skin out further by layering applications with too many medications. For example, if your dry skin cleanser contains medication and your moisturizer does too, you could over medicate the skin and exacerbate the problem.
Top Cleanser Products
The following cleansers are all used for dry, acne-prone skin. Each products has its pros and cons, but each also comes with recommendations.
Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser
Suitable for almost all skin types
Gentle, water-soluble formula doesn't strip skin
Can remove most make up
Cons:
Not suitable for sensitive skin
Contains some synthetic ingredients (fragrance)
Contains salicylic acid (from Willow bark bionutrients) which may irritate some skin
Other Ingredients: Water, glycerin
Approximate cost: $6 - $8 for 6 ounces
Places to buy: Local drug stores, grocers, and online retailers
Other user comments: "It is clean and smooth and smells great, and it does not leave your skin dry." -- from Ulta.com. Several users on Amazon.com noted that "It has a very light and refreshing smell - more of a botanical green than anything flowery, which is nice." Other users on Amazon.com also noted that this product dried out their skin or caused irritation after continued use.
Summary: This appears to be a good, budget-priced product, but it may irritate some skin types.
Won't wreck your skin's pH balance or strip away oils
Won't clog your pores
Can be used to remove some makeup
Fragrance-free
Recommended by many dermatologists
Cons:
Contains several cosmetic ingredients that some people feel should be avoided -- like parabens, propylene glycol, and sodium lauryl sulfate
Does not contain any antioxidants, botanicals, or omega-rich plant oils
May not be able to remove all makeup
Other ingredients: Water, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol
Approximate Cost: $10 - $11 for 8 ounces
Places to buy: Your local drugstore, grocery store, or online retailer. All drugstores or grocers may not carry the entire Cetaphil line, so you might want to check ahead to make sure this product is available.
Other user comments: This cleanser has won Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice awards from the Allure.com website; users also note that it leaves your skin soft and clean without stripping. Some users from Amazon.com note that this product is for sensitive skin but it may not clean your skin enough.
Summary: This appears to be a very mild cleanser that you can rinse or tissue off; however, it may not remove all makeup.
Vichy Pureté Thermale Purifying Foaming Water
RealSimple.com calls Vichy Pureté Thermale Purifying Foaming Water the "the best budget-friendly" cleanser for dry skin. Beautypedia experts give this product four out of five stars.
Pros:
Water-soluble cleanser
Rinses cleanly
Removes most make up
Contains Captelae? which is a Shea plant extract that attracts impurities
Vichy thermal water soothes skin
Alcohol and soap-free
Cons:
Not a good option for sensitive skin because of the fragrance
Places to buy: This is available online at Vichyusa.com.
Other user comments: Several users at Amazon.com note that this is a good foaming cleanser that leaves skin refreshed. Users at Escentual.com agree. The Corralista Makeup Blog gives this cleanser a 4.5/5, but does note that the smell may not work for everyone.
Summary: This product is a light, refreshing cleanser that can only be ordered online.
No artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, parabens, or other irritants
Dermatologist-tested for sensitivity
Cons:
Expensive
Some may notice an oily residue after washing
May not foam enough for some users
Other ingredients: Safflower oil, hazelnut oil, jojoba oil, lavender oil, kissi seed oil, and rosemary
Approximate cost: $30.00 - $45.50 for 4 ounces
Places to Buy: This is a salon-based product. It can be purchased at spas and salons, from Bioelements.com, and other web-sites like SkinStore.com.
Other user comments: Reviewers at SkinStore.com commented that this cleanser removed all makeup, did not irritate their skin, and worked with acne-prone skin or mild rosacea. TotalBeauty.com users noted that it was great for dry and sensitive skin, especially during the winter months.
Summary: This is a mild, oil-based cleanser that may be considered somewhat pricey.
CeraVe Hydrating Skin Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a good option for dry skin, and it was named Best Cleanser for Dry Skin in 2017 by InStyle.com. This cleanser has also been rated five out of five stars by the experts at Beautypedia.
Pros:
Is soap-free and fragrance-free
Can be used in conjunction with any prescription acne treatments
Contains ceramides, which help repair and hydrate the skin
Contains hyaluronic acid which attracts moisture to the skin
Does not clog pores
Dermatologist recommended
Cons:
Is not well-suited to remove make up
Consistency is different than other cleansers
May not like the fact that it does not lather up
Other ingredients: Water, glycerin, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, and stearyl alcohol
Approximate Cost: $10 - 15 for 12 ounces
Where to Buy: Various drug stores, grocers, and online retailers.
Other user comments:Ulta Beauty users gave this cleanser a 4.5/5. Others on MakeupAlley.com note that it is a very gentle cleanser and not drying. One other common comment is that it does not remove makeup.
Summary: This is an inexpensive cleanser that works well for dry and sensitive skin, but it may not remove makeup.
Finish Your Skin Care
After using a cleanser, you should then continue your acne skin care routine. This might include applying a topical treatment. The last step is moisturizing. Adding moisture to your face is necessary for dry skin, even if you have acne. By following the appropriate regimen, you can ensure you are doing all you can to keep your skin looking its best.
