I recently ran out of my favorite cleanser. Not in the fun #ProductEmpties way; more in the guess-I’m-washing-my-face-with-makeup-remover-wipes-and-water-now way. I had carefully timed my refill order on the internet like a responsible 21st-century adult, only to be notified that the delivery was first “delayed,” then “attempted” and subsequently “lost in transit.” That’s code for, “Sorry, the carrier totally sampled and stole your cleanser,” right? ENJOY, SIR OR MADAM!
Curious to see what everyone else is happily washing their faces with while I bitterly patiently wait for my refund and re-order, I polled the Man Repeller team on their favorite facial cleansers and why they love them so much. They hit me back with 15 gems, none of which were the amazing, yes, but also very-expected Cetaphil, which almost brought a tear to my eye. Below, all of our picks, complete with the skin types they work best for, if you still haven’t found (or are still waiting for) The One.
1. Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water
Who picked this? I did. (Erica, Managing Editor)
How would I describe my skin type? A fun combination of slightly oily and slightly dry at the same time!
Why do I love this product so much? I’m Team Not Washing Your Face Too Much and also extremely lazy when it comes to beauty, and this cleanser is like a 5-in-1. It gently removes all makeup, it cleanses, tones, moisturizes, soothes and smells fresh but, not too perfume-y. I went through a bunch of cleansers — gel, foaming, non-foaming — and have found micellar water to be the only thing that keeps my skin balanced.
How much does it cost? $28
How did I first hear about it? I was exposed to a lot of Caudalie products while working at Birchbox and fell in love with this one immediately. To this day, when someone asks me for product recommendations from my time as a beauty editor, this is the first thing that comes to mind.
2. First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
Who picked this? Harling, Fashion Editor
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Sensitive and persnickety.
Why do you love this product so much? It removes makeup really well without being too harsh, which is a rare combination. It’s also really affordable.
How much does it cost? $20
How did you first hear about it? I got a tiny sample at Sephora and bought the big size as soon as I used it up because I liked it so much.
3. The Juju bar by Drunk Elephant
Who picked this? Leandra, Founder
Cool, how would you describe your skin type? Oily and kind of dull, like if it were a drink at the bar, it would probably be one of those weird ones with egg whites in it, but when I use the Juju bar, it transforms me into a Cosmopolitan, the choice beverage of one Carrie Bradshaw for the uninitiated!
Why do you love this product so much? I am the rare woman who actually enjoys that squeaky clean feeling after a face washing session. It’s also an exfoliant, which is nice for me but annoying for the blackheads on the sides of my nostrils. It’s unscented, which I like, and paraben-free, which I love.
How much does it cost? $28 at Sephora
How did you first hear about it? The affected way I hear about most new beauty products (which has got to be one of my favorite things about this job!): a publicist sent it to me a few years ago and told me I had to try it.
4. Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser
Who picked this? Elizabeth, Market Assistant
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Usually really chill with a thing here and there, but ever since the contour disaster of 2017, I’m prone to acne around my cheekbones.
Why do you love this product so much? I used a contour palate this summer that ruined my skin and to this day, left me with little evil guys by my cheekbones. This cleanser is helping it go away day by day.
How much does it cost? $15
How did you first hear about it? I heard someone talk about it while pulling for a shoot at Urban Outfitters, to be honest.
5. Neogen Dermalogy Green Tea Real Fresh Foam Cleanser
Who picked this? Louisiana, Visual Coordinator
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? A little oily on my t-zone, but dry everywhere else. Also acne-prone and sensitive.
Why do you love this product so much? It’s a foaming cleanser which means it basically feels like putting a cloud on your face but also it does a really good job at cleansing without over-drying my skin.
How much does it cost? $19
How did you first hear about it? My mom. She’s obsessed with Korean beauty and skincare.
6. Alchimie Forever Gentle Cream Cleanser
Who picked this? Haley, Digital Editor
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Clear as of now, but also combination, sensitive and reliant on a consistent routine.
Why do you love this product so much? It’s just a perfect gentle cleanser. It doesn’t smell like much, it’s not loaded with chemicals, it’s not too thick or too runny, the bottle design works perfectly, it lasts forever. I love how simple it is. It’s a perfect first step (or second step after micellar water if I wore makeup that day) before I exfoliate or apply more ingredient-intense products.
How much does it cost? $41
How did you first hear about it? A sample was sent to the office.
7. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
Who picked this? Ashley, Social Media Editor
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Sensitive/combination.
Why do you love this product so much? It’s very simple and works perfectly.
How much does it cost? $18
How did you first hear about it? I was in the market for a new cleanser because I think my skin got used to the old stuff and this was recommended to me by 8,000 people.
8. La Mer Cleansing Oil
Who picked this? Reed, Social Media Intern
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Relatively dry.
Why do you love this product so much? I love this cleansing oil because it’s super gentle but also extremely effective. You start by massaging the oil onto your dry skin and then you add water and the oil turns kind of milky and foamy. It takes makeup off better than any cleanser I’ve ever used but doesn’t strip my skin of moisture!
How much does it cost? $90 (I used to intern for them so I got it for free)
And how did you first hear about it?: I interned for La Mer and kept hearing people in the office rave about it!
9. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser for Dry to Normal Skin
Who picked this? Patty, Head of Partnerships
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Oily in the heat, dry in the winter, sensitive always.
Why do you love this product so much? It’s no fuss and super affordable.
How much does it cost? $10-$15 depending on size.
How did you first hear about it? My dermatologist told me it’s the best staple around.
10. No. 7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser
Who picked this? Madi, Partnerships Coordinator
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Combination skin that is very sensitive and eczema-prone.
Why do you love this product so much? I use this as my pre-wash, and it really does take off everything without over-washing. It works similarly to Glossier’s Milky Jelly Cleanser.
How much does it cost? $10
And how did you first hear about it? Found it at Target! I was looking for products that would be sensitive enough for my skin, and just went for it. The rest is history.
11. Coconut Oil
Who picked this? Nikki, Director of Ad Operations
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Dry.
Why do you love this product so much? It’s really good at removing makeup and it’s moisturizing at the same time.
How much does it cost? $10-15 for a big ol’ jar
How did you first hear about it? Tried it after reading a few blog posts by people who use it.
12. Somme Institute Nourishing Cleanser
Who picked this? Kate Barnett, President
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Oily and acne-prone.
Why do you love this product so much? It doesn’t strip my skin or break me out.
How much does it cost? $40…but it lasts a long time?
How did you first hear about it? Leandra’s mom.
13. Murad Essential-C Cleanser
Who picked this? Jasmin, Senior Partnership Strategist
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Oily t-zone, the rest varies between fine and temperamental.
Why do you love this product so much? It’s one of those products that makes my skin feel squeaky clean and very fresh every time I use it. It also noticeably cleared my skin up and took my daily shine down a notch.
How much does it cost? $38
How did you first hear about it? I’d heard good things about Murad in general but then landed on this one after a stroll through Sephora.
14. Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
Who picked this? Caroline, Editorial Intern
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Combination…acne-prone when I wear too much makeup/eat poorly/sweat a lot, but also dry when I use too many acne products/very finicking and sensitive to fragrance/oils/overly complex ingredients.
Why do you love this product so much? It has the perfect gel consistency that lathers in your hands and provides enough slippage for using with a Clarisonic. A little goes a long way and the bottle really lasts. It keeps my skin clear and doesn’t overdraw. It’s fragrance-free, a.k.a. great for sensitive, reactive skin.
How much does it cost? $37
How did you first hear about it? From a friend with amazing skin.
15. Drunk Elephant Beste Jelly Cleanser
Who picked this? Abie, Leandra’s husband
Cool, and how would you describe your skin type? Sensitive.
Why do you love this product so much? Simple, clear liquid cleanser, no scent, doesn’t strip my skin. Works well as a pre-shave cleanse.
How much does it cost? $34 at Sephora
How did you first hear about it? I’m a DE super-user.
K, my package still isn’t here yet so please leave your favorite face washes below.
