Holy Grail Cleansers for Oily Acne-Prone Skin
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Cleansing is possibly one of the most important steps in skincare. Proper cleansing ensures the removal of makeup, SPF, dirt and oil that accumulates in pores throughout the day. It also provides a clean slate for the rest of your skincare to absorb into the skin and for makeup to go on smoothly. Keep reading to find out what my holy grail cleansers are.
UK-based brand Pixi by Petra made this product in collaboration with British beauty expert Caroline Hirons (also a blogger, author, esthetician and founder of “Skin Rocks” and “Beauty Backed”). As a firm believer of the double cleanse, Caroline conceptualized this dual product as the perfect combination of a solid oil cleanser and a cream cleanser, partitioned within a single container. The first step is the oil cleanse, followed by the cream cleanse.
I first stumbled across this product while watching Caroline on YouTube. Granted, this was not the kind of product I would have grabbed as someone with active breakouts. However, all my worries were put to rest when I tried it for the first time. Both cleansers are wonderfully smooth, fragrance-free and melt onto the skin. The solid oil (containing vitamin E, camellia, and evening primrose oils) effectively takes off stubborn SPF and heavy-duty makeup (including waterproof mascara). The cream (containing vitamin C, peptides, and arginine) does a great job of removing any last traces of oil and dirt.
This cleanser can be paired with a mildly exfoliating facecloth if desired.
Those with acne are more inclined towards foaming cleansers that can often strip the skin (see my article on common skincare mistakes: https://medium.com/@guzellik3108/if-you-have-acne-dont-make-these-4-skincare-mistakes-41d136bedae4). However, oily/creamy cleansers could be just what you need if you want to treat acneic skin gently while also having a thorough cleansing routine.
Pros:
· Cruelty free.
· Breaks down makeup/SPF completely.
· Does not leave the skin dry/tight.
· Does not irritate the eyes.
· Does not leave oily residue.
· Did not worsen breakouts.
· Fragrance-free.
Cons:
· Not vegan.
· Could get messy as both the solid oil and cream cleansers are in the same container.
Another great way to get rid of makeup and sunscreen is a good cleansing oil. After five years of experimentation (and failures) to find a cleansing oil, I have discovered two that do the job beautifully.
Caudalie’s Vinoclean Makeup Removing Oil contains sunflower, sweet almond and grape seed oils. Although the ingredient list does include fragrance as the last ingredient, I can assure you that the scent is hardly noticeable.
Dear, Klairs Black Deep Cleansing Oil contains jojoba, soybean, sesame, black currant, and cranberry seed oils. This one is fragrance-free.
Both these oil cleansers glide onto the skin beautifully, while breaking down every last bit of makeup and sunscreen. They both emulsify and leave the skin soft and fresh.
Pros:
· Break down makeup/SPF completely.
· Does not leave the skin dry/tight.
· Does not irritate the eyes.
· Does not leave oily residue.
· Did not worsen breakouts.
· Dear, Klairs Cleansing Oil is fragrance-free, cruelty free and vegan.
Cons:
· Caudalie’s Cleansing Oil is neither cruelty free nor vegan.
· Caudalie’s Cleansing Oil contains fragrance.
· Not suitable if oils make you break out.
Bioderma’s Pigmentbio Foaming Cream Cleanser is not your traditional foaming bubbly cleanser. This is a sophisticated, creamy cleanser that combines chemical exfoliants (AHAs) and physical exfoliants (micro-beads). This product is very much a second cleanse in my routine. I would prefer not to use this product as a first cleanse/makeup remover. This product does list fragrance as one of its ingredients. However, the scent is slight and far from overwhelming.
Pros:
· Breaks down makeup/SPF completely.
· Does not leave the skin dry/tight.
· Does not irritate the eyes.
· Does not leave oily residue.
· Did not worsen breakouts.
Cons:
· Neither cruelty free nor vegan.
· Not suitable for those who are sensitive/averse to physical exfoliants.
If you find none of the above-mentioned products particularly convincing, fear not. If what you are looking for is a no frills, oil-free, fragrance-free, gentle cleanser then I have the perfect recommendation for you. CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser for normal to dry skin contains three ceramides that seal in moisture while protecting the skin barrier. This product can be used both as a first cleanse/makeup remover or a second cleanse. This product is so gentle that it is often recommended by dermatologists, especially for sensitive skin.
Pros:
· Does not leave the skin dry/tight.
· Does not irritate the eyes.
· Does not leave residue.
· Did not worsen breakouts.
· Suitable for those with eczema and/or sensitive/irritated skin.
Cons:
· Neither cruelty free nor vegan.
· Not as effective in breaking down makeup and sunscreen as the balm/oil cleansers.
PS. Skincare is personal. What works for me may not work for you. Make sure to patch test products before using.
