Originally published in May 2021. I have always faced a challenge to find the best face wash for my combination skin. Since 3 years, I have been using these products consistently and I can definitely claim that these face washes are still just as good.
I choose not to spend too much to shop around for the best face wash. A face wash should just serve the purpose of cleaning the face without drying it out.
What do I look for in a face wash?
I have tried the budget ones and the more expensive ones available in the Indian market and I keep coming back to these two. The best face wash is one that does what it says.
1. It should only clean the skin
Believe it or not, I’ve come across face washes that don’t leave you feeling refreshed. A good product should clean your face well and get rid of blackheads. It doesn’t need to remove your makeup and it doesn’t need to scrub your face. But, it should definitely remove the last remnants of your makeup remover, cleansing oil, or cleansing milk, whatever you use to remove your makeup or sunscreen.
You knew that? You should remove your sunscreen with a makeup remover or cleansing oil. The ingredients used in a sunscreen are oil-based and do not mix well with water. Therefore, washing with soap and water is not effective in removing it completely.
2. Be kind to the skin
I like natural or organic products, but to be honest, I haven’t come across a chemical free face wash that can do a good job. The myth that all chemicals are bad must be dispelled.
On the contrary, I will agree that we should use sustainable products to help the environment from our end and I like my face wash to be gentle on the skin. My skin should not feel stretchy or dry after use.
In fact, not all products that have SLS/SLES/ALS/ALES are necessarily harsh on your skin or hair. I just choose to look for the products without these ingredients.
3. Leave no residue
Have you ever felt a face wash leave a thin film on your face after you’re done cleansing? This is one of my pet peeves with any face wash that does this. No, it’s not moisturizing and it definitely doesn’t feel like my face is clean. I love that washing my face leaves me feeling clean and refreshed once I’m done. However, he certainly shouldn’t leave it ripped in the name of cleaning it well. This happens too!
How can I test the best face wash?
Whenever I try a face wash, I don’t follow up with an all-day moisturizer. I love seeing how my skin feels. If it gets too stretchy without moisturizer, the face wash is too drying for my skin. However, if the skin feels a little dry and can be managed with or without a little moisturizer, I’m good with a face wash.
You should ALWAYS follow up with moisturizing your face after washing.
Here are my recommendations for the 2 best face washes I have used.
1. Ponds Anti-Pollution Face Wash with Activated Carbon
Price: 200 rubles for 100 grams
Availability : All Pharmacies / Supermarkets / Online Sites
I think this product came out in 2017 sometime and since I started using it, this has been my go-to face wash. It has myristic acid as the main ingredient and it cleanses really well, leaves the skin soft and hydrated and after following a moisturizer you really don’t need anything else. It removes blackheads and this is a major plus.
Read the full review.
2. Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
Price: 400 rubles for 200 ml
Availability : All Pharmacies / Supermarkets / Online Sites
Neutrogena deep clean face wash has been the main favorite of people with oily skin, although it has SLS and for good reason. It doesn’t lather too much, is super gentle on the skin and removes blackheads and clogged pores in one go. It also suits combination-oily and combination-dry skin very well in summers. It has salicylic acid which makes it even better as a cleanser.
Read the full review.
In summary, if you were looking for the perfect face wash like me, I would recommend filtering your brands, budget or otherwise, based on their ability to clean your face, degree of softness or harshness, and ability to leave no residue on your FACE . Happy face washing!
