For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds, sign up for the weekly Cut Shop Newsletter.
Out of all of the things in your bathroom, you probably run out of cleanser the fastest. It makes sense, given that you are supposed to use it twice a day. Not to mention those of us who double-cleanse to get all that gunky makeup off. A drugstore cleanser can be a good solution for your bank account. And drugstore beauty has come a long way. You can build out your entire routine with effective products approved by dermatologists and estheticians.
To get you started, we’ve rounded up our favorites, some top-rated options, and the ones dermatologists love. Read on to shop our picks.
so you need a drugstore cleanser?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true options
.
Our top picks
The Overall Favorite
Yes, a drugstore cleanser is one of the keys to Rhode founder Hailey Bieber’s really good skin. Bieber’s previously shared that she’s prone to irritation and perioral dermatitis flare-ups and uses tretinoin, and this cleanser is gentle enough for both. There are also ceramides and hyaluronic acid in the formula to keep skin hydrated.
The Best Cleanser for Travel
Naturium never disappoints. This non-drying, non-foamy cleanser gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping my skin. I love the mini for travel; since it has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C, I don’t have to overload my carry-on with additional serums.
The Best Drugstore Cleansing Balm
It’s a little denser than an oil, but it’s one of my Target-run pickups for makeup remover. The balm melts away makeup and dissolves into a light milky consistency to rinse away easily.
The French Favorite
How lucky are we to get French pharmacy favorites without booking a flight? La Roche-Posay is an all-around favorite, and for good reason: The products work. While the brand has the effective acne-clearing Effaclar line, the hydrating Toleriane is a crowd favorite; even dermatologists use it.
.
More tried-and-true options
The Gen-Alpha Favorite
Bubble may be a favorite of teens and tweens, but you can still use its gentle formulas if you’re way past puberty. This cleansing oil is affordable but feels luxe and hydrating while it melts away makeup and sunscreen. It also rinses off easily without any residue.
The Best Cleanser for Acne
With 4 percent benzoyl peroxide, this is a favorite for acne-prone skin. You can use it on your face and body to kill acne-causing bacteria and prevent breakouts. To get the best results from this cleanser, leave it on a little longer to let it really work its magic.
The Best Cleansing Gel
There are a lot of balmy, silky formulas on this list, but if you want some good old-fashioned foam, this is your best option. It’s foamy without drying your skin, and hyaluronic acid is the key ingredient to making the cleanser more hydrating.
The Cult Favorite
It’d be hard to find someone who doesn’t love this cleanser. It comes highly recommended by dermatologists and stars like Ryan Destiny. It’s a gentle, nonirritating formula that doesn’t foam or strip the skin; this one can be used on the body as well.
The French Favorite Cleansing Oil
Avène is another French brand we’re lucky enough to have access to sans passport. The thermal-water spray is a Cut Shop favorite, and the soothing water is a key ingredient in the brand’s formulas. The eczema-friendly formula is safe for the face and body, so it’s perfect for double-cleansing. It’s also a dermatologist favorite.
