Key Points:
- Why drug store cleansers aren’t as gentle as you think.
- Why dermatologists and estheticians suggest different cleansers
- How to determine what type of facial cleanser is right for you.
I understand your desire to be economizing with your skincare. So, you may consider sticking with a gentle drug store cleanser. Just like all other products, if you don’t use what’s right for your skin right now, your face wash will end up in your skincare product graveyard. How drug store brands define “gentle” may surprise you. My signature skincare line, CBE Botanicals, includes 4 nourishing, hydrating, and truly gentle facial cleansers.
HOW MOST DRUG STORE CLEANSERS DEFINE “GENTLE”
Over-the-counter cleansers define “gentle” as fragrance-free. The fragrance in skincare and beauty products is a top irritant, but it’s far from the only irritant. Many products labeled “gentle” contain harsh ingredients. Surprisingly, this often includes parabens and other toxins listed in the Skincare Dirty Dozen. Even if these ingredients don’t irritate your skin, the chemical content is introduced into your bloodstream. With the rise of clean beauty, many drug store brands are eliminating paraben preservatives and reducing synthetic ingredients.
HOW I DEFINE “GENTLE” AS AN ESTHETICIAN
Whether I’m speaking of my signature line, or my preferred Korean skincare brands, I define “gentle” as pH-balancing, hydrating, and restorative. CBE Botanicals facial cleansers are so balancing that most of my clients can skip applying secondary toner, saving you time and money. They’re formulated with zero ingredients from the Dirty Dozen. The high-performing actives are natural ingredients that your skin recognizes. With CBE, you cleanse and nourish.
WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A FACIAL CLEANSER
I believe that every step in your skincare routine matters. So, what you use each morning and evening to wash your face should tailor your anti-aging journey. As a Master Esthetician of 25 years, I’ve tested a lot of spa-grade facial cleansers. This includes products I use during client facials, and on my own skin. I’m very picky in what I use and suggest. Before I test a new product, I read the ingredient range to identify how it benefits the skin beyond cleansing.
I look for cleansers that are:
- pH-Balancing: Not stripping the skin isn’t enough for me, I expect products to cleanse and restore the skin’s pH balance.
- Effective: Cleansers must remove oil, environmental toxins, and makeup to support skin and prep skin for the next step in your skincare routine.
- Multi-Tasking: My preferred products address a range of skin conditions, including oil-control, hydration, nourishment, and exfoliation.
- Residue-Free: They must rinse away clean, leaving the skin refreshed and without a residual or slimy film.
- Multi-Sensory: Cleansers must feel luxurious and smell amazing without the use of synthetic fragrance or harsh additives.
- A Combination of Nature and Science: The formulation must include concentrated natural extracts, antioxidants, and actives scientifically proven to deliver results.
WHY DERMATOLOGISTS RECOMMEND DRUG STORE BRANDS
I say this with no disrespect, but it’s not uncommon for my skincare product recommendations to vary from dermatologist recommendations. There are 2 primary reasons for this.
1. BIG PHARMA
Big pharma isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of your dermatologist or the over-the-counter skincare products they prescribe. However, many OTC skincare brands also sell prescription skincare drugs and topicals. So, they may have an incentive to suggest brand-name products to their patients. This often includes not-so-gentle facial cleansers.
2. ESTHETICIANS KNOW SKIN
Dermatologists are required to diagnose medical skin conditions and prescribe medical treatments. However, they don’t spend as much time hands-on with your skin as your esthetician. Our job is to identify non-medical skin conditions and advise on what products and treatments are right for you. Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your skin’s needs change daily. We look, feel, and monitor your skin’s health for every season of the year and life, and the changes that come with them.
I SUGGEST CYCLING CLEANSERS
It doesn’t matter which step of your daily routine I’m referring to, switching things up supports your anti-aging journey by cycling reparative actives. Cycling products isn’t only for serums and moisturizers, but also your skincare cleansers. If you have ultra-sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, I may suggest the same cleanser each day, but most of my clients benefit from variety.
When I wash my face, I consider what my skin needs in the moment. For example:
- If I didn’t do an AM workout, a light cleanse is all I need to wash away last night’s skincare products.
- I use a deeper cleanser to dissolve sunscreen, oil, makeup, and post-workout sweat.
- If I only applied sunscreen and a light BB cream, a lighter cleanser may be enough in the evenings.
- If I’m particularly grimy AM or PM, I select a formulation that cleanses and gently exfoliates.
- I have a go-to cleanser that is ultra-sensitive when my skin is dry or flaring, or I need to rinse off a peel.
- If I’m cleansing before a skincare treatment, I consider how I need to prep my skin.
- If I want to double cleanse, I start with a gentle cleanser, then follow up with an exfoliating cleanser.
CBE’s SPA-QUALITY GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSING LINE
My facial cleansers are gentle and luxurious. The natural extracts double as high-performing actives and a delightful aromatic. The scent should never be a priority when tailoring your skincare range, but creating a multi-sensory experience is key in spa-quality products.
1. Just Say Ahh Revitalizing Cleanser
Just Say Ahh Revitalizing Cleanser oxygenating lotion gel is a client favorite that I use on almost every client during their facial to remove face and eye makeup. You just need a dime-sized amount for the face, neck, and removing makeup. It contains Glycoproteins to restore vitality, and Ginseng, Orchid, and Japanese Green Tea Extracts.
- Who it’s for: All skin types.
- When to use: AM or PM, and for a close, smooth, and comfortable shave.
2. Clean + Gentle
If you have dry or inflamed skin, you’re going to love Clean + Gentle. This gentle facial cleanser refreshes, revitalizes, and awakens your natural radiance, while rapidly increasing skin hydration and flexibility. The anti-inflammatory actives include Green Tea, Olive, Coconut, Kiwi, and Hibiscus Extracts. It’s gentle enough to remove a facial peel without flaring up your skin.
- Who it’s for: Dry, Sensitive, and Normal skin; not my top pick for Oily or Combination skin.
- When to use: Use AM or PM when skin is Dry, Irritated, or Inflamed, and for a close, smooth, and comfortable shave.
3. Clean + Bright
Clean + Bright is a harmonious foaming gel designed to brighten and clarify your skin. The actives moisturize and gently exfoliate to enhance skin surface renewal. It quickly dissolves oil, environmental impurities, and makeup while maintaining the skin’s pH balance. Actives include Honey, Lemon Bioflavonoids, and Orange, Geranium, and Eucalyptus Extracts.
- Who it’s for: Normal, Oily, Acne-Prone, and Combination skin; not my top pick for Dry or Sensitive skin.
- When to use: Use AM or PM, and for a close, smooth, and comfortable shave.
4. Scrub Away The Day
I love Scrub Away The Day when I need a bit of exfoliation on grimy days. It’s an elevated blend of fruit acids, including lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid. In addition to providing chemical and physical exfoliation, the jojoba oil beads within melt down as you cleanse. Unlike the 3 formulas above, this cleanser’s exfoliation is too strong for the thin skin around the eyes. You can use it as a face and neck makeup remover.
- Who it’s for: Normal, Oily, Acne-Prone, and Combination skin; not my top pick for Dry or Sensitive skin.
- When to use: Use PM 2 to 3 days a week, especially when skin is oily or grimy. Or every other evening for lackluster skin or slow skin turnover. Also, for prepping and polishing skin before at-home treatments.
HOW TO APPLY THE FACIAL CLEANSERS ABOVE
The first 3 cleansers are gentle enough that you can use them as your eye makeup remover and shave lotion/gel.
- Wet your hands.
- Apply a dime-size amount to your hands.
- Rub your hands together to create a lather.
- Massage into your face and neck for 1 minute*.
- Rinse off for a fresh-out-of-the-spa clean.
*Don’t apply Scrub Away The Day to your eyes. All other formulations will dissolve your eye makeup.
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE BEYOND FACIAL CLEANSERS
Now that you know how to select a truly gentle facial cleanser, let’s discuss your other anti-aging concerns. You can join the Christine Byer Beauty Club to learn exclusive skincare tips for your local climate, lifestyle, skin type, and skin conditions.
I offer a 14-Day FREE preview with full access to everything in the Club. This includes answers to your personal skincare questions and access to exclusive content and discounts. If you don’t find value in your membership, cancel within 14 days at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the best facial cleanser for your skin?
Ask me! Book a facial with your esthetician, or join my online community to learn how to address your unique skin conditions.
Do you need a gentle cleanser if you don’t have sensitive skin?
Yes! Products that contain parabens, the Dirty Dozen, and harsh actives strip, dry, and damage your skin.
Can a facial cleanser really nourish?
Yes! Nothing replaces the need for a nourishing and moisturizing cream, but a good cleanser supports hydration and moisture.
What if my dermatologist recommends a drug store facial cleanser?
Feel free to give it a try. If your skin doesn’t improve, consider if your cleanser could be the culprit. For best results, ask me or a local esthetician what’s right for your skin right now.
