Best cleanser for oily sensitive skin
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is the most effective pick for oily, sensitive skin. It cleans with a mild, sulfate-free surfactant rather than harsh detergents, so it lifts away excess oil and grime without stripping your skin barrier, which helps keep sensitive skin from getting irritated. Glycerin and panthenol help skin hold onto moisture, and niacinamide supports a calmer, more comfortable feel. Because over-cleansing can leave oily skin feeling tight and reactive, a gentle wash like this suits twice-daily use, and you should notice clean, comfortable skin right away. Massage a small amount onto damp skin with your fingertips, rinse with lukewarm rather than hot water, and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer, even if your skin is oily, since a healthy barrier is less prone to stinging and redness. If you also use acne treatments or exfoliating acids, a gentle cleanser like this one is a good partner because it won't add to the irritation.
| Option | Product | Price | Price per use | Days to results | Compared with most effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most effective | Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | US$14 (400 mL) | 0 | ||
| Cruelty free and vegan | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | US$12.99 (150 mL) | 0 | US$1.01 less than the most effective pick, same time to first results |
Why it works
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that skin cells use to make molecules involved in energy and repair. In skin care it is used for dark spots, redness, oiliness and fine lines. Several controlled studies, mostly small and some industry-sponsored, found 4% to 5% creams reduced dark spots and improved fine lines over 8 to 12 weeks; in one trial 2% was not enough to lighten spots, and benefits faded after stopping. In one acne trial a 4% gel worked about as well as a topical antibiotic gel. It is well tolerated, though some people find it drying. It is not a sunscreen.
Hyaluronic acid and glycerin (humectants)
Humectants are moisturizer ingredients that draw water into the outer layer of skin and hold it there. Glycerin is regarded as the most effective humectant for hydrating the skin surface. Hyaluronic acid, a molecule the skin also makes naturally, is another humectant that dermatologists list for dry skin. Used on their own, humectants can pull water out of the skin into dry air and may even increase water loss, which is why well-made moisturizers pair them with occlusive ingredients that seal water in. They work best applied to damp skin after bathing.
Best moisturizer with SPF for sensitive mature skin
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Sources
- Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation
- Nicotinamide
- Xeroderma
- Dermatologists' top tips for relieving dry skin
- Moisturizers for Acne: What are their Constituents?
Reviewed by Emilie Sydney-Smith