Teen Vogue Editors Share Their Favorite Facial Cleansers
Let's, uh, face it: Finding a facial-cleansing soulmate isn't always so easy. A simple run to your favorite beauty retailer can lead to never-ending rows of products, with one cleanser looking more colorful and capable of washing away makeup and unclogging pores than the next. It may seem easier to just turn to the bar of soap that's sitting in the shower, but as beauty brands like Glossier, Alba Botanica, and Simple have shown, the right facial-cleansing products can lead to serious skin improvement.
Luckily, that's where the editors at Teen Vogue HQ come in. Just like our favorite foundations, our must-have tried-and-true cleansers come in a bunch of different formulas, with a soap made for every skin type. This time around, we asked editors which soaps they swear by. From a cleanser that helps out with cystic acne to a jelly cleanser that will even bust away waterproof mascara, these are our medicine cabinet mainstays—because putting on makeup is always fun, but nothing beats the feeling of wiping it all away. Ahead, find 10 options to help you locate the cleanser of your beauty routine dreams.
"I like a cleanser that really does a necessary detox on the skin without being too harsh. Since I wash my face in the morning after workouts and at night to remove makeup, I need something that helps keep acne away and gets the makeup off. This face wash deeply cleanses my skin without over-drying, and it's only $23!" — Lindsay Peoples Wagner, editor in chief
"The biggest lie of my childhood was that I wouldn't have acne as an adult. I had tried every cleanser in the drug store, trying to find the perfect combination of face washes to combat my oily skin and acne. Finally, after an extremely long dermatologist appointment, I went home with Cetaphil's DermaControl Oil Control Foam Wash and CeraVe's Foaming Facial Cleanser and haven't looked back since. These products don't have fancy fragrances or oils that can make your breakouts even worse. They aren't packaged beautifully and won't win awards for being 'Instagram-worthy,' but they work. They're also super affordable, which is fantastic for anyone looking to save a few bucks on their skin-care routine." — Marilyn La Jeunesse, newsletter editor
"I've always had really sensitive skin that tends to break out a lot during my period. Clinique's Liquid Facial Cleanser is one of the only products that helps to eliminate my acne without drying out or irritating my skin. A little bit goes a long way and it lathers up super nicely. Plus, it doesn't leave any sticky residue behind." — Lauren Rearick, contributing editor
"This was the first cleanser I ever used on my face, and it literally changed my life. I felt like a fresher, shinier version of myself when I used it, and it then became a gateway to the extensive skin-care routine I have now. It's light, it doesn't involve messy foam, it smells like a light, blooming rose, and I can't imagine life without it. The non-foaming texture is therapeutic, with a thick-ish feel that's like putting grade-school glue on your face but in a way that's fun and cool instead of weird and gross. (Am I selling it?)
"It's not great at taking makeup off, but if you're like me don't wear a lot of foundation, you're good to go. And I still use it (and follow with micellar water) on nights out when I do decide to cake on every product I own." — Claire Dodson, entertainment news editor
"I have super dry and sensitive skin, and wanted a cleanser that would both moisturize it and clean off my makeup at the end of the day. I have found that other cleansers can irritate my skin after I use it, so I was really sold on the word 'gentle' being included in the name. It feels great and kind of luxe when applying, which is great because you can get it online for $15." — Claudia Lewis, Snapchat visual designer
"I've only been using this cleansing duo for the last two weeks, but boy, do I love it! I'm quite forgetful when it comes to my beauty routine so the idea of a double cleanse was intimidating at first. However, now I look forward to cleansing my face every night! The cleansing balm is hands down my favorite. Its texture is so soft and I love how it melts into the skin, leaving it smooth and glowing. I'm nowhere near a full 10-step Korean skin-care routine, but this is definitely a nice start." — Bianca Nieves, commerce editor
"With the seasons changing, I have been favoring First Aid Beauty's face cleanser because of how gentle is it and how hydrated it leaves my skin. I also see a decrease in my hormonal acne when using it, which is a super win for me. To top it off, it's only $21, so it's technically a steal since it's such an amazing product!" — Asia Milia Ware, editorial assistant
"I've been using this Cosrx cleanser on and off for about three years. Even in the times that I've tried to switch it up, I always come back to it! In the morning I use it as the first step in my routine, and at night, I go in with it after removing my makeup and doing an oil cleanse. It smells fresh and leaves my face feeling clean without stripping or drying it out. Plus it (of course) pairs perfectly with the rest of my Cosrx products." — Sammie Scott, social media editor
"I've used this cleanser for a couple of months now, and I've already seen such a difference in the way my skin looks and feels! Its been a game-changer since living in NYC, where I feel my skin has become so dull and negatively impacted by air pollution and late-night pizzas. It's definitely worth the splurge! — Liz Coulbourn, designer
