GET FREE SAMPLES

sign up for our newsletter to get free sample alerts

13 Under-$20 Facial Cleansers Dermatologists Swear By

These cleansers are dermatologist-approved — and won't break your budget
Photo 9/14
Differin Daily Deep Cleanser, $10.39
"One of my favorite acne fighting cleansers is the Differin Daily Deep Cleanser which is a micronized 5% benzoyl peroxide cleanser," says Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, board-certified NYC dermatologist and clinical instructor at NYU Langone and Mount Sinai Hospital. "Many drugstore benzoyl peroxide-based cleansers are drying and irritating to the skin, however, this cleanser has a dual-action micronized formula that penetrates the pores to absorb the excess oil while releasing a gentle moisturizing that doesn't clog pores or dry the skin."

Buy now

"This cleanser uses naturally derived surfactants (oat and coconut) to cleanse skin without over-drying," says Dr. David Shafer, double board-certified NYC plastic surgeon. "Additionally, aloe and chamomile are very soothing and sage is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory."

Buy now

"Gentle on all skin types, this facial cleanser maintains pH balance (closest to water) and doesn't contain detergent (sulfate) that strips the natural protective oil barrier of the skin," says Anita Sun, trained medical esthetician and co-founder of Dermovia. "Apply the cleanser on damp skin and rub around (gently massage) in a circular motion all over the face for 30 seconds, let it sit on the skin for another 10 to 15 seconds, and then rub around again before rinsing off and use a towel to wipe clean."

Buy now

"One of the best ways to get the most bang for your buck on a cleanser is to choose one with glycolic acid and I recommend the Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser to many of my patients," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rhonda Klein, MD, FAAD. "Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy that penetrates skin cells to exfoliate, making way for new, fresh skin cells to surface. It is also a powerhouse multi-tasker that reduces both fine lines and acne, a common pair of issues for many adult women."

Buy now

"Great for those with oily and acne-prone skin, this creamy formulation foams with washing," says Dr. Heidi Prather, board-certified dermatologist, Westlake Dermatology, Austin, TX. "Salicylic acid breaks up the dead skins cells on the surface of the skin and penetrates into the sebaceous glands to keep acne at bay."

Buy now

BY COURTNEY LEIVA | APR 12, 2018 | SHARES
VIEW COMMENTS
Full Site | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
TotalBeauty is a property of Evolve Media Holdings, LLC. © 2024 All Rights Reserved. | Affiliate Disclosure: Evolve Media Holdings, LLC, and its owned and operated subsidiaries may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links.