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16 BEST CLEANSERS  FOR COMBINATION SKIN, ACCORDING TO DERM

Combination skin can be tricky. You might have an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks, or flaky patches around your mouth but a shiny forehead. Finding the right cleanser is key to balancing your skin and keeping it healthy. Luckily, there are many great cleansers out there for combination skin. Here, we’ll round up 16 of the best, according to dermatologists, to help you find the perfect one for your unique needs.

CETAPHIL DAILY FACIAL CLEANSER FOR NORMAL TO OILY SKIN

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin is a gentle yet effective option for those with combination skin. Dermatologist-tested and formulated to be non-irritating, it cleanses without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This is crucial for combination skin, as it can help control shine in the oilier T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) without leaving cheeks dry or tight. This cleanser’s ability to balance oil production makes it a popular choice for those seeking a solution for their unique skin type.

CERAVE HYDRATING CREAM-TO-FOAM CLEANSER

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is another excellent choice for combination skin. Developed with dermatologists, this cleanser starts as a luxurious cream before transforming into a soft lather upon contact with water. This unique texture effectively removes dirt, oil, and even light makeup without stripping away essential moisture. Unlike some cleansers that leave skin feeling tight and dry, CeraVe’s formula gently cleanses while maintaining the skin’s natural hydration balance. This makes it ideal for combination skin, as it can address oiliness in the T-zone without compromising the comfort of drier areas.

LA ROCHE-POSAY TOLERIANE PURIFYING FOAMING CLEANSER

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser is a gentle cleanser formulated specifically for combination to oily sensitive skin. This fragrance-free cleanser uses a minimalist formula with La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water to soothe and calm irritation. It also contains glycerin to attract and retain moisture, preventing dryness. The cleanser’s gentle foaming action effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural balance. This makes it suitable for those with combination skin who experience sensitivity or dryness alongside oiliness.

NEUTROGENA ULTRA GENTLE DAILY CLEANSER – 16 OZ.

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser comes in a larger 16 oz. size, making it a budget-friendly option for those who like to stock up. This fragrance-free cleanser is dermatologist-approved and clinically proven to be gentle enough for sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight. Neutrogena’s formula is designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is essential for combination skin. This cleanser can help keep your oily T-zone feeling refreshed without exacerbating dryness in other areas.

MA:NYO PURE CLEANSING OIL KOREAN FACIAL CLEANSER

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser comes in a larger 16 oz. size, making it a budget-friendly option for those who like to stock up. This fragrance-free cleanser is dermatologist-approved and clinically proven to be gentle enough for sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight. Neutrogena’s formula is designed to cleanse without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which is essential for combination skin. This cleanser can help keep your oily T-zone feeling refreshed without exacerbating dryness in other areas.

ANDALOU NATURALS 1000 ROSES CLEANSING FOAM

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Cleansing Foam caters to those with combination skin seeking a natural solution. This gentle cleanser is infused with rose water and alpine rose stem cells, which help remove makeup, impurities, and dull surface skin cells. Pomegranate extract works to brighten and even skin tone, while hyaluronic acid and aloe vera keep your skin hydrated. This botanical blend cleanses without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it suitable for combination skin. The rose water base adds a refreshing touch, while the focus on botanical ingredients appeals to those who prefer natural skincare products.

MA:NYO PURE & DEEP CLEANSING FOAM

Ma:nyo Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam is a Korean skincare favorite known for its ability to cleanse combination skin effectively. This cleanser utilizes a 100% vegan formula that gently removes dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping away essential moisture. It contains a unique complex of 10 floral extracts that help soothe and soften the skin. This cleanser’s strength lies in its ability to balance oil production. It can help keep the T-zone shine-free without leaving cheeks or other areas feeling dry or tight. For those with combination skin seeking a gentle yet effective cleanser that caters to their specific needs, Ma:nyo Pure & Deep Cleansing Foam is a popular choice.

SIMPLE KIND TO SKIN MOISTURIZING FACIAL WASH

Simple Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash is a gentle cleanser designed for those with sensitive skin, including combination skin. This fragrance-free and dye-free formula prioritizes minimizing irritation. It cleanses effectively without stripping away natural oils, making it suitable for even the most delicate complexions. Packed with pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E, and triple-purified water, this cleanser helps keep skin hydrated and comfortable. Simple Kind to Skin Moisturizing Facial Wash is a great option for those with combination skin who experience sensitivity alongside areas of oiliness. It can cleanse the T-zone without disrupting the moisture balance in drier areas.

CURE AQUA GEL

Cure Aqua Gel is designed specifically for combination skin types, offering a balanced approach to skincare. Its formulation aims to address both dry and oily areas without causing imbalance. This product gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells and impurities to reveal smoother and clearer skin. By maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier, it helps to prevent dryness while controlling excess oil production. Ideal for daily use, Cure Aqua Gel provides a refreshing and revitalizing experience, promoting a more even complexion and a healthier overall appearance.

VANICREAM GENTLE FACIAL CLEANSER

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a fragrance-free and dermatologist-recommended option ideal for combination skin. This cleanser prioritizes a non-irritating formula that cleanses effectively without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This is crucial for combination skin, as it can cleanse the oilier T-zone without leaving cheeks or other areas feeling dry or tight. Packed with ingredients like glycerin and caprylyl glycol, it helps attract and retain moisture, keeping your skin feeling comfortable throughout the day. Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is a great choice for those with combination skin seeking a simple, fragrance-free cleanser that caters to their specific needs.

NEUTROGENA OIL-FREE SALICYLIC ACID ACNE FACE WASH AND FACIAL CLEANSER

The Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Face Wash and Facial Cleanser is a highly recommended skincare product that is designed to fight acne. Its potent formula, which includes salicylic acid, is meant to cleanse deep into the pores to clear the skin and even prevent future acne breakouts. Not only does it treat existing acne, but it also helps to prevent new ones from forming. This daily facial cleanser is specially designed to be gentle on the skin while still delivering powerful acne-fighting results. As a bonus, it also includes special skin soothers to prevent your skin from feeling dry after use. The product comes in special Care with Pride packaging and is available in a value two-pack. This facial cleanser is a wonderful option for those with acne-prone skin, designed to leave skin feeling fresh and clean.

YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE SUPERFOOD CLEANSER

Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser is a daily facial cleanser packed with beneficial superfoods. This product, brimming with green tea, spinach, and kale antioxidants, is designed to cleanse, balance, and nourish your skin. It effectively removes makeup, prevents pore buildup and supports your skin’s pH balance without drying or stripping it. This cleanser is also gentle on the skin, making it suitable for oily, normal, and combination skin types. It has been recognized for its excellent performance, winning Allure’s 2021 Best of Beauty Award. Furthermore, this cleanser does not contain sulfates SLS and SLES, making it a healthier choice for your skin. Available in both full-size and travel-size versions, the Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser complements any skincare routine, promoting clean and healthy skin.

SIO MULTIVITAMIN FACE & BODY SCRUB

SIO Multivitamin Face & Body Scrub is a fantastic product designed to rejuvenate your skin. This scrub is aimed at buffing away dull and dead skin while also smoothing fine lines. It contains Ultra-Fine Perlite, a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic microbeads. This component helps to sweep away flakes and rough patches, revealing smoother and brighter skin instantaneously. The scrub is also enriched with Vitamins A, C, E, and B5. These vitamins work together to plump, brighten, hydrate, and smooth your skin. This product is safe to use on the face, body, and even lips. It’s fragrance-free, making it suitable for people who are sensitive to strong scents. The scrub is also versatile and can be used to alleviate dryness and flakiness, leading to softer and healthier skin. Its rich and creamy texture makes the scrubbing process enjoyable while effectively exfoliating the skin. The SIO Multivitamin Face & Body Scrub is a fantastic addition to your skincare routine, helping you achieve renewed, radiant skin.

NEUTROGENA SKIN BALANCING PURIFYING GEL CLEANSER

Neutrogena Skin Balancing Purifying Gel Cleanser is a top-rated product that is perfect for normal to combination skin. The cleanser works effectively to remove pore-clogging dirt and impurities, while simultaneously smoothing and softening the skin. It targets 100% of pore-clogging dirt and impurities, ensuring your skin receives a deep cleanse. What sets this product apart is its ability to condition the skin while cleansing, maintaining the skin’s natural balance. It is a product from Neutrogena, a brand that is recommended by dermatologists and recognized for its commitment to skincare. This purifying face wash is also praised for its softening effects, making it a great addition to any skincare routine. The cleanser is paraben-free, soap-free, and sulfate-free, making it a safe choice for your skin. It comes in a 6.3 oz size, and has received positive feedback from users for its effectiveness.

CLARK’S BOTANICALS HEAL AND HYDRATE B3 CLEANSER

Clark’s Botanicals Heal and Hydrate B3 Cleanser is a wonderful skincare product that promises to purify and revive your skin. This foamy, creamy cleanser presents an innovative formula featuring microbubbles that deeply cleanse without causing any dryness. It is enriched with niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, and vitamin C, which work together to clarify your skin and minimize pores. The result is a bright, revitalized complexion that feels fresh and clean. This product doesn’t just cleanse your skin, it also offers hydration, making it stand out in the skincare market. Moreover, it’s a part of the Clark’s Botanicals range, a brand known for its high-quality skincare products. This cleanser has garnered positive feedback from users, with many praising its effectiveness in deep cleansing and hydrating. The Heal and Hydrate B3 Cleanser is a great addition to any daily skincare routine, delivering a deep clean while ensuring your skin stays hydrated and healthy.

SKINMEDICA AHA/BHA EXFOLIATING CLEANSER

SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is an exceptional skincare product that combines alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids to exfoliate and improve the skin’s texture and tone. It is designed to gently scrub away dead skin, providing a deep cleanse that unclogs pores and enhances the appearance of the skin. The product contains round soft jojoba spheres that offer gentle exfoliation, along with lavender extract which tones and soothes inflammation. The cleanser also includes mildly astringent citrus oils that work to minimize large pores. This product is highly rated and well appreciated by users for its effectiveness in improving the skin’s tone and texture. It is recommended to use it as part of your daily skincare routine to achieve a smoother and brighter complexion. With its exfoliating properties and skin-improving ingredients, SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser promises to deliver noticeable results for your skin.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

When choosing a cleanser for combination skin, there are several key factors to consider. You should look for a cleanser that is gentle and won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Lightweight, non-comedogenic (i.e., won’t clog pores) products are typically a safe bet.

If your skin is acne-prone, consider a cleanser that contains salicylic and glycolic acid. Salicylic acid can help clear pores of debris and oils, preventing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) from forming. Glycolic acid is useful for exfoliating and hydrating dry skin.

Avoid products that are too harsh or drying, as these can exacerbate oil production in the T-zone and further dry out the cheeks. Look for cleansers that effectively remove excess oil but still leave your skin feeling hydrated.

Also, consider the brand’s reputation and whether the product is dermatologist-recommended. Renowned brands like Neutrogena and La Roche-Posay offer cleansers specifically designed for combination skin.

Lastly, remember that everyone’s skin is unique, so what works for others might not work for you. It may take some trial and error to find the perfect cleanser for your combination skin.

HOW TO CLEANSE COMBINATION SKIN

Cleansing combination skin effectively involves a particular process and certain types of products to ensure both the oily and dry areas of your skin are cared for. Here’s how you can cleanse your combination skin:

  • Wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can dry out your skin and stimulate oil production in the oily areas.
  • Using your fingertips, apply a cleanser that’s specifically designed for combination skin. Some recommended products include Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser. These cleansers are gentle yet effective, ensuring your skin is thoroughly cleaned without causing irritation.
  • Use gentle circular motions to massage the cleanser into your skin. This will help to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin.
  • Rinse the cleanser off your face with lukewarm water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent any cleanser residue from clogging your pores.
  • Pat your face dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing your face with the towel as this can irritate your skin. Also, be sure to change your face towel often to prevent bacteria transfer that can cause breakouts.
  • After cleansing, apply a moisturizer that’s suitable for combination skin. You may need two different moisturizers to hydrate and nourish the various parts of your face. A creamy formula is ideal for dry areas, and a lighter, oil-free moisturizer works well for the oily parts of your skin.

Remember, remember to cleanse your face at least once a day, preferably in the evening to remove the day’s buildup of oil, dirt, and makeup. However, your morning routine can be adjusted according to your skin’s needs. If your skin feels overly oily when you wake up, you can cleanse again. But if it feels comfortable, you might just rinse with water and then apply your moisturizer and other skincare products.

CONCLUSION

Let your skin ‘relax’ after hours of immersing yourself in foundations for combination skin. Finding the right cleanser for combination skin can feel like searching for the Holy Grail. But fear not! With this list of dermatologist-recommended cleansers, you have a great starting point to target both oily and dry areas and achieve a balanced, healthy complexion. Remember to consider your specific skin concerns—such as acne or sensitivity—when making your choice. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find the cleanser that perfectly complements your unique combination skin!

THE 15 BEST TONERS FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN IN 2024

If you suffer from acne, it may be time to incorporate a toner into your daily skincare routine. However, before settling on any recipe, it’s critical to evaluate your specific skin type to choose the best toner for you. We spent hours investigating the most popular alternatives on the market to locate the finest toners for acne-prone skin. We trimmed the list by taking into account criteria such as components, advantages, and overall value. It’s now time to select the best lotion for acne-prone skin.

Ole Henrikson Balancing Force Oil Control Toner

Considered as one of the best toners for oily skin, this toner contains three hydroxy acids, which pack a powerful punch against oil and acne. They act together to “exfoliate the skin, clear pores, and reduce sebum production, while witch hazel tightens pores and reduces oil further.” But don’t be concerned about it drying out your skin—botanical oils like green tea, eucalyptus, algae, and Irish moss work to moisturize, soothe inflammation, and deliver an antioxidant boost.

Paula’s Choice CLEAR Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution

This toner is excellent for acne-prone skin. It does assist with redness, oily skin, and acne-prone skin. This gentle leave-on exfoliator clears breakouts, unclogs and reduces pores, and fades red stains from previous breakouts. With ingredients like salicylic acid and BHA to treat blemishes and green tea to soothe redness, it’s no surprise that this toner is an acne-fighting workhorse. It is said to prevent breakouts, said many reviewers who have used it for a while. Yet, there are a few people expressing their disappointment towards this product, saying they have found no difference before and after using it. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Toner

This clarifying toner from La Roche-Posay prevents acne while also brightening your complexion. The oil-free, fragrance-free, and paraben-free liquid product is ideal for individuals with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin. It has 0.5% salicylic acid and 0.5% glycolic acid. This exfoliating pair works tirelessly to improve the appearance and feel of your skin. This toner is recommended for people with oily and acne prone skin (that’s why it is called the best toners for acne) as well as those who have frequent breakouts on their face. 

Murad Clarifying Toner

Murad’s Clarifying Face Toner is a refreshing product that eliminates oil and pollutants while refreshing skin. The product is designed to address skin issues such as breakouts, acne scars, and redness and is aimed at people who have oily skin. The bottle is simple to use and delivers the exact amount of product required. Because of the witch hazel and algae extract, the clear liquid does not feel oily. The toner is intended to provide an additional wash when needed, and it does so with a delightful cooling sensation that leaves the skin firmer but not dry.

VICHY Purete Thermale Perfecting Toner

Pureté Thermale Toner is an alcohol-free, ultra-gentle toner that cleanses and hydrates skin for a clean, rejuvenated appearance. After using, the skin is left soft, vibrant, and pleasant. This is one of the best toners for dry skin, and it contains glycerin to moisturize as well as mineral-rich volcanic water to reinforce the skin. This product is alcohol-free and paraben-free, ensuring it is safe for sensitive skin. Furthermore, this toner is really different from other products as it can remove makeup residue and impurities. 

Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Toner

To purify, exfoliate, and visibly decongest acne-prone skin, use this oil-absorbing, mattifying, and pore-minimizing salicylic acid toner with soothing grape and rose water. Natural salicylic acid and botanicals are used to visibly reduce oil on the skin and lessen the appearance of pores and blackheads. This non-comedogenic salicylic acid toner visibly tightens pores and mattifies skin while diminishing facial flaws. This Caudalie toner works like a vacuum for your pores, and it has proven its effectiveness. Many customers have reported their skin being clearer after using the product. Because of the additional grape seed water and rosewater, the formula is non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin, and it will reduce inflammation and enhance your glow.

Charlotte Tilbury Daily Glow Toner

If you’re not a fan of acids, try this brightening toner. This high-performance ACID-FREE toner is enriched with high-performance ingredients, including the balancing, smoothing, and pore-refining properties of Niacinamide, resurfacing acid-alternatives Super Peptide Royalepigen P5, and plant-derived, pore-minimizing. Prickly pear extract is used to gently resurface skin, and red clover extract is used to decrease the appearance of pores. At the same time, it provides peptides and niacinamide to the skin, giving it a beautiful gleam.

Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray

Tower28 is well-known for its sensitive skin-friendly makeup and skincare formulations, but this toner—which comes in a firetruck red spray bottle—is well-known for its magical ability to soothe, purify, and restore stressed-out skin. It carries the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which means it has been shown to help with eczema flare-ups, but it also helps with inflammatory acne and perioral dermatitis. This purifying face spray is pH adjusted to assist soothe and is suitable for all skin types. It is designed for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, and can be applied anywhere on your body.

Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliating Toner

Pixi’s cult-classic exfoliating toner has become a favorite among many influencers. This is because this all-in-one choice addresses several skin conditions, making it ideal for persons with combination skin. It contains oil-removing astringents, soothing aloe, exfoliating glycolic acid, and hydrating humectants, all of which are powerful toner components. It is highly recommended to use in the morning or evening, as needed. Directions: Wash your face. Using a cotton pad, apply Glow Tonic to your face, neck, and decolletage (avoiding the eye area). After that, apply a serum or moisturizer.

Kiehl’s Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion

Originally developed in 1964, there’s a reason why this toner has remained a staple among Kiehl’s broad array of skincare products ever since. It regulates and calms greasy skin, while camphor and menthol provide cooling and refreshing sensations. It can be used all over, but it also works well as a spot treatment if you only have a few oily spots to tackle, such as your T-zone. To use the product, wet a sterile cotton pad with the oily skin toner, and then apply to affected regions of skin without making eye contact with the said product to avoid any harm. This product effectively works on oily skin and acne prone skin. 

COSRX Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner

This alcohol-free Korean toner from cult favorite brand COSRX is created with soothing Centella water that glides on gently – ideal for sensitive, acne-prone skin. It’s also cruelty- and paraben-free, as well as hypoallergenic. The Centella Water Alcohol-Free Toner contains centella asiatica leaf water, which helps to calm irritated red skin, and Jeju Island mineral water, which leaves skin glowing, smooth, and hydrated. The toner is ideal for nourishing irritable and sensitive skin and has a relaxing effect. While this toner lacks the exfoliating power of some of the others on our list, it is a perfect way for anyone with sensitive skin that is easily irritated to balance the pH of their skin without any redness or inflammation.

Buttah Skin AHA/BHA Rosewater Toner

Buttah Rosewater Toner contains calming rose water that acts to reduce redness and inflammation. Being one of the toners with rosewater, it effectively balances the pH of skin and reduces oily residue as well as soothing redness and irritated skin.  It also contains chemicals that act as a buffer to offset the low concentration of exfoliating acids delivered to the skin. Most importantly, aloe vera prevents those acids from stripping or irritating the skin by restoring water. Customers like how quickly the toner sank into our skin, leaving no tightness or sticky residue. 

SK-II Clear Lotion Skin Toner

The moisturizing toner contains PITERATM, which is a trademark ingredient comprising 50 micronutrients and is the star of the SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion Toner, and AHA, which exfoliate and remove pollutants and dead skin surface cells. The micronutrients, along with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), work to improve your skin’s overall appearance, beginning with uneven skin texture. It prepares the skin for the rest of your skincare routine by conditioning the skin’s surface for a velvety finish. Upon use, the toner felt moisturizing and relaxing, and it immediately helped to improve dullness and texture. Due to the high price, it can be hard to get for many people, yet the quality is worth the price, said many customers.

Neutrogena Clear Pore Oil-Eliminating Astringent

This oil-control astringent for acne-prone skin is used on a regular basis to treat acne and prevent future breakouts and blackheads. It’s also soft enough to apply in the morning, noon, and night because it won’t bother or dry out your skin. The acne-fighting toner, made with witch hazel and 2% salicylic acid, is strong enough to deep clean pores and remove dirt, oil, and makeup that could otherwise cause outbreaks, yet gentle enough to use morning, afternoon, and night. While the widespread ideal of decreasing pores remains a pipe dream, Neutrogena’s astringent will help de-clog your pores, making them appear smaller.

Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner

Dickinson’s toner is a drugstore bargain at only 49 cents per ounce, making it a GH Beauty Lab expert pick as well as a consumer favorite. This astringent, which contains only one ingredient, distilled witch hazel, has been a part of people’s beauty routine, thanks to its purifying and pore-minimizing advantages for their oily complexion. However, because it contains witch hazel, it may not provide enough moisturizing and softening properties for dry skin.

CONCLUSION 

To summarize, the best toner for acne-prone skin can transform your skincare routine. It treats acne, decreases inflammation, and diminishes the appearance of pores with its gentle yet effective mix. Say good-bye to acne and welcome to a cleaner, smoother complexion. With this amazing toner, you may embrace confidence and glowing skin.