Affordable Facial Cleansers for Every Skin Type

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When I was new on my skincare journey, I thought every product I used on my face had to be expensive. Truly, I thought everything at the drugstore was cheap, and therefore didn’t work. Of course it came a point where I couldn’t keep up with the price tag and went on a hunt for something affordable. Thankfully, Youtube videos gave me some recommendations for affordable cleanser for every skin type. I learned what I should be using on my combination skin, and what wouldn’t hurt my pockets.

Here’s the thing, cleansers shouldn’t be the largest part of your skincare budget. Why? Well, when we are done cleansing our face, we simply rinse it down the drain. It’s not something that is going to stay on the skin and treat it, it’s there to cleanse and that’s all. So, I suggest spending your skincare budget on things that treat. Things like serums, toners, moisturizers etc. In this post, I’m going to give you some great options for your next affordable cleanser based on your skin type. Most of these cleansers are $15 and under and can be purchased at your drugstore or online. Check out my previous post about beauty products you can save money on: https://beautybylmarie.com/2020/07/09/save-your-coin-beauty-products-that-you-dont-need-to-splurge-on/

Cleansers For Every Skin Type

When choosing a cleanser for oily skin, look for a gel based or soap cleanser. This will help with lifting impurities and removing excess oil which can contribute to acne.

For dry skin, choose a cream or lotion based cleanser with added ingredients like hyaluronic acid for extra hydration.

If you have acne prone skin, look for a cleanser with salicylic acid with a light foaming formula. Foams gently remove excess oil without leaving skin irritated.

For combination skin, you can choose a cleanser that both controls oil and hydrates the skin. Gel or oil cleansers are easy on the skin while lifting dirt and makeup.

Best Affordable Cleanser: Oily Skin

Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Oil Reducing Cleanser– $15.30 The Oil Reducing Cleanser gentle is a cream to foam formula that clears congested pores and removes impurities and makeup. The gentle cleanser also gives a smooth balanced feel while protecting the skin barrier. You can purchase this on the Paula’s Choice website: https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-balancing-oil-reducing-cleanser/115.html

La Roche-Posay Tolerane Purifying Face Wash for Oily Skin– $15.00 This cleanser removes makeup and oil while maintaining the skin barrier. The gel to foam formula has niacinamide which works to unclog pores and control oil. The Purifying face wash is non-comedogenic which makes for sensitive skin as well. https://shopstyle.it/l/bwChz

Best Affordable Cleanser: Dry Skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel: $12.49 – Honestly, this is a cleanser that I’ll always recommend. It is hydrating, without stripping the skin of all oil. The gel formula works up into a soft lather removing dirt and oil. It’s fragrance-free so is safe for sensitive skin. https://shopstyle.it/l/bwCi6

E.L.F. Cosmetics Jelly Pop Watermelon Cleanser: $8 – With ELF you get affordability and quality in one cleanser. The Watermelon gel formula is infused with B5 and watermelon extract that provides hydration without stripping your skin. The cleanser removes dirt and makeup leaving skin clean, hydrated and plump. https://shopstyle.it/l/bwCFt

Best Affordable Cleanser for Sensitive Skin:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser $13.99 – This cult classic is good for dry and sensitive skin. It’s non soap formula cleans and treats skin without stripping it, so it hydrates and replenishes the skin after cleansing. Cetaphil is also fragrance free, and gentle enough for those with acne prone skin to use. https://shopstyle.it/l/bwCJY

Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser $13.99 – The milky gel formula lifts dirt and impurities from the skin without irritation. The oatmeal calms irritated skin, and reduces redness leaving the skin soft and hydrated. This is also fragrance-free so it is suitable for daily use. https://shopstyle.it/l/bwCKE

Best Affordable Cleanser for Acne Prone Skin:

Paula’s Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser – Paula’s Choice makes the round up again and for a great reason. This Pore Normalizing Cleanser is a gel texture which cleans skin while refreshing and calming skin. It removes impurities and excess oil that contributes to acne breakouts. This products contains salicylic acid, so check with your physician if you have sensitivities to that ingredient. http://www.paulaschoice.com

Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash $11: – The Neutrogena oil free acne cleanser is formulated with salicylic acid so it cleans and treats the skin. This deep cleans the skin which helps prevent breakouts and unclog pores without irritation. You can pick this up at Ulta or your local drugstore. https://shopstyle.it/l/bwCN6

Best Affordable Cleanser for Combination Skin:

Good Molecules Rosewater Gel Cleanser– This mild cleanser is safe for every day use. The rosewater infused formula gently lifts dirt and makeup without disrupting the skin and causing irritation.

CosRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Cleanser: The COSRX cleanser gives the best of both worlds, lifting dirt and controlling oil. This cleanser has tea tree oil and primrose oil, both are great for treating acne and adding extra hydration.

Here’s the bottom line, facial cleansers should be the least expensive product in your routine. As stated above, once you use it, it’s rinsed down the drain, along with your money. My suggestion is to find a cleanser at the drugstore or Ulta and spend your money on the serums and moisturizers. Let me know in the comments what your favorite affordable cleanser is and what you love for your skin type.

XOXO Lydia Marie