Reader Help: Drugstore Cleansers

Since I'm no longer pregnant, my skin is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, in the oily department. I got my first underground zit in I can't even tell you HOW long, and every morning I wake up tremendously greasy. It's hot. Really. 

I'm still adjusting to life with post-pregnancy skin (oddly, a lot like the skin I had pre-pregnancy, but since that was, well, I don't know, two years ago, apparently I'd forgotten), so I'm experimenting with a lot of different products to see what my skin likes. I know it is quite fond of the BB cream, but other than that . . . not so sure. 

I DO love the DDF cleanser I got in my Birchbox:

But you know what? It's $38, which is not in my budget for a cleanser. I mean, I go through a lot of products in a month, and I can't swing $40 a month to wash my face. 

(Does that make me a bad person? I'm just a DRUGSTORE gal, because that's what I can afford.)

It's got salicylic acid in it, but I don't think that's a main ingredient -- it's not 2%, like most acne washes -- and it leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean, which I like, because again, it's so damned oily and also, I moisturize later.

I know everyone loves Cetaphil and the like, but my skin feels FILTHY after I wash with that stuff. I mean, is it removing ANYTHING AT ALL, I ask you.

So -- what drugstore cleansers are you guys into, if any? Am I a total cheapskate for not wanting to spend more than, say, $10 on a good cleanser? Is that an oxymoron?

 

Comments

[Kimberly]

I know you've just poo-poo'd Cetaphil, but: there's a big difference between the Gentle Skin Cleanser and the Daily Facial Cleanser. For me, the Gentle formula is as worthless as you describe. The Daily Cleanser is much more effective on my skin, and it even takes off most of my eye makeup. If you've not tried the Daily formula, I urge you to give it a shot!

[badgerreader]

I am one of the cetaphil lovers, but I pair it with the olay scrub/spin brush. Like the clarisonic thing everyone loves, but WAAAAAY cheaper (I think $25 at Target, but there are often $5 coupons in the paper) Maybe it is not as good, but for $20 vs $200, it works for me. I only use the brush once/day in the shower and sometimes every other day once dry winter comes along. It blows me away how much cleaner my skin feels using the brush (wash cloths and buff-puff exfoliaters were always too rough/harsh for my sensitive, yet greasy skin)

[Valerie]

I use Oil of Olay Total Effects Anti Aging Cirtrus scrub in the shower in the morning with my Clarisonic brush (worth it). At night I use Oil of Olay Total Effects salicylic acid acne cleanser. Love them both and you can usually find them on sale or coupons online.

[Deva by Definition]

I like neutrogena foaming facial cleanser. It's not the anti-acne stuff but just regular neutrogena. I think it does have the salicylic acid in it, but not at 2%. Sadly, I need the 2% in my body wash.

My doctor when I asked about a skin issue I was having with my facial cleaner said that I should be using a washcloth or facial sponge to wash, not just my hands and it's helped a lot with some flakiness and acne (my primary issue).

[Megan @ Mama Bub]

I use the Neutrogena Naturals Cleanser. Someone recommended it here a while ago and I love it.

[Hillary]

I really like Aveeno products, especially the skin brightening face scrub.

[Moira]

I like the Alba Hawaiian Facial Cleanser. It's about 12 dollars but you don't need a lot of product and it leaves my face squeaky clean.

http://www.drugstore.com/alba-hawaiian-facial-cleanser-pineapple-enzyme/qxp90103?catid=182291

[Angela]

I am also an oily-skinned gal, and OK, so this is not a drugstore product, but I love Philosophy Purity face wash. I buy the giant 24 oz bottle and yeah, it's like $40, but it seriously lasts me close to a YEAR, even using it twice a day. You don't need that much. It leaves my face feeling clean but not dried out, and it doesn't have much if any fragrance, and it removes makeup. Recommend!

[Meg]

I like the tea tree line from the Bosy Shop!

[Kelly P]

I really love Origins face washes. I've used both Checks and Balances and A Perfect World and I love them equally. They are plant based and smell lovely as well. Also, I only use a tiny bit every day (the size of a pea and it's plenty) so I go through about 2 of the 1.7 oz containers/year. It's ever so slightly more than your proclaimed budget ($11) but a great product and lasts a long time. Plus, if you have a store close by you can get a free tube on Earth Day if you bring in an empty skin care container to be recycled. Even better!

http://www.origins.com/product/3853/11226/Skincare/Daily-Essentials/Cleansers/Checks-and-Balances/Frothy-face-wash/index.tmpl

[D]

I like any cleanser with tea tree oil in. On days that I didn't wear makeup (most, I'm too lazy) I use tea tree oil face pads from Trader Joe's at night and follow with a moisturizer.
Morning Shower ritual: neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cleanser
I quit using a toner afterwards, b/c my face was clean with that stuff.

[Rebecca]

I have oily skin also and have had great results with Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish. I don't know what is more sad...that something like that exists or that I need to use it. :) But I really do like it.

[Amy B.]

I use Purpose Cleansing Wash and really love it. It's totally inexpensive, gentle, and cleansing - doesn't leave a residue. I found it easily in my drugstore for about $6 for a 6oz bottle. http://www.purposeskincare.com/productGuideWash

[Stevie]

I have been using baby bath as my face wash since high school (I'm 32 now). It works wonders! It cleanses and removes makeup really well, doesn't dry out my skin or cause it to break out (I have really oily and fairly sensitive skin), and it's so cheap! I get the Target brand for less than 4 bucks.

[J]

I agree -- I can't stand Cetaphil. I do use Purpose when I do my monthly microderm scrub with one of the faux-clarisonics. A dermatologist recommended it, and it does do a good job at deeper cleaning. For daily use, I use Tone Cocoa Butter bar soap. I know, people say don't use soap -- but I've been doing this for years and I always get compliments on my skin, and I used to have really bad acne and sensitive skin. It works for me. I hope you find what works for you!

[Mara]

I know it's not drugstore - but I love Lush Fresh Farmacy. A $10 chunk will last months.... It has been great for my greaseball-sensitive-30ish skin. Good luck and lovely skin!

[Jess M.]

I use the Purpose as well. I like that it's just clean and simple. Oh and I also dislike Cetaphil AND dislike intensely the Target brand of Cetaphil. It feels like thick, lotion-y hand soap on my face. So since those come in such big bottles, instead of throwing it out, I use it to shave my legs. It works great for that.

[CharlieSue]

Oh man, this seems SO silly to recommend... but remember the teenage-approved products that Jess posted a few months back? I've been DYING over the Neutrogena Oil Free Pink Grapefruit wipes. They are SO easy to use and they have made my skin so CLEAR! and AMAZING! To the point that people have NOTICED and ASKED what is different. (Note that I DID NOT get this reaction or outcome using simply the facial wash- something about the WIPES made all the difference.)