The best drugstore cleansers you can buy in 2019, starting at $6

The first step you can take towards clear, radiant skin is to wash off your makeup and the debris you accumulated during the day, so the first logical product you need to have is in your bathroom cabinet is a facial cleanser.

Before we move onto talking about cleansers, though, please remember that you need to use a makeup remover and a facial cleanser to really clear the skin of buildup. A cleanser won’t necessarily remove your makeup, and a makeup remover won’t necessarily cleanse the skin, since they are made from different ingredients. Some products are 2-in-1, but it’s important to check and be sure. Now that we’re clear on that, let’s move on and talk about why drugstore cleansers are, in our humble opinion, the best kind to buy.

There are beauty products that are worth investing in–like face masks and serums–because they sit on the skin for long periods of time, which allows their active ingredients to work their magic. However, rinse-off products like cleansers don’t have that luxury. They’re on the skin for less than a minute, which doesn’t give them enough the time to perform miracles. Sure, if you have a skin condition or sensitivity issues, you may want to stay away from products that have fragrance or alcohol, which could both lead to irritation, but generally speaking, you can find cleansing products at drugstore prices that will work for your skin type.

From micellar water and eco-friendly wipes to cleansing sticks and traditional facial cleansers, there’s something on this list for everyone.

Courtesy of Garnier
Courtesy of Garnier

Micellar water is the do-all ingredient that cleanses and removes makeup at the same time. It’s composed of micelles, tiny molecules that act like magnets to draw dirt, oil, makeup, and other debris away from the skin. This cleanser is formulated with rose water, an ingredient known for being gentle on even the most sensitive of skin types, and glycerin, which helps to hydrate the skin. Apply some micellar water onto a cotton pad, gently rub across the face, and voilà! You don’t even need to rinse after using.

Courtesy of Cetaphil
Courtesy of Cetaphil

The Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is constantly recommended by dermatologists and skin care experts alike. It’s marked to people with normal to oily skin, but it works well across all skin types.

Courtesy of Almay
Courtesy of Almay

The new generation of makeup removing/cleansing wipes comes in biodegradable plant-based fibers that can be composted. These are infused with micellar water, so just a few passes with this wipe will clear your skin of debris and makeup. If you prefer cleansing wipes, this is the kindest option you can use for yourself and the planet.

Courtesy of Bioré
Courtesy of Bioré

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re DIYing your beauty routine without actually having to DIY, powdered skincare could be right for you. It allows you to control how much product you put on your face, since what you do is pour out the desired amount of powder and then mix it with water to activate its ingredients. Also, since you control how much you use, you can really stretch your dollar and make this cleanser last a few months.

Courtesy of POND'S
Courtesy of POND'S

Does anybody else have a mother, aunt, or grandmother who swears by POND’S Cold Cream? If so, they may be pleased to hear that the brand launched a new product made to upgrade your nightly beauty routine. Use your fingers to scoop up the desired amount of product, massage it into your skin to melt makeup and impurities away, then rinse off.

Courtesy of St. Ives
Courtesy of St. Ives

Skincare sticks are perfect for the on-the-go person who likes their beauty routine to be mess-free. This solid balm can be stored in any purse or gym bag, and to use it, all you have to is rub it across your face, gently rub in the product, and either wipe it off with a cotton ball or rinse with water.

Courtesy of CeraVe
Courtesy of CeraVe

For those who want to give their skin an extra boost of hydration, this cleanser is the right choice. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which are essential to keeping your skin moisturized. Think about it like this: Hyaluronic acid (or HA) is the brick, and ceramides are the mortar that keep the bricks together. Now, imagine that the mortar and those bricks are your cells, and that those cells are locking moisture into the skin to help keep it healthy. Cool, right? Plus, the pump makes it easy to use in the shower, maybe even while you’re using one of your favorite drugstore shampoos and conditioners.

Courtesy of Olay
Courtesy of Olay

The glycerin in this cleanser treats dryness and restores the skin’s barrier by replenishing moisture levels needed to maintain healthy skin. It also removes debris without stripping skin of its natural oils—a common side effect of harsher cleansers that can lead to dryness and irritation.