Most cosmetic products for the face, body and hair contain the notorious component SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which helps create a thick lush foam and thoroughly cleanse the skin. The surfactant washes the skin until it squeaks, not only eliminating impurities, but also disrupting the protective water-fat mantle of the epidermis, resulting in peeling, irritation, itching, dryness and even skin diseases. What if your skin needs a gentle, sulfate-free product for daily use? The MAKEUP editors have selected the best SLS-free cleansing cosmetics for you.
How to choose a gel for washing
Even products for regular face washing need to be selected taking into account the type of epidermis. After all, insufficient cleansing of oily skin will provoke a scattering of clogged pores and inflammation, and drying anti-acne products will cause flaking and dehydration if used on dry dermis.
Pay attention to the presence of the following useful components in the composition of washing gels:
1. plant extracts;
2. oils;
3. vitamins.
Only in this case will washing be beneficial and not become another traumatic procedure.
Aggressive foaming agents and a large number of chemical compounds dehydrate the skin and can cause a reaction. It is better that the product you choose does not contain SLS, SLES and mineral oils.
Use gel cleansers only for evening care. In the morning, the skin does not need intensive cleansing of dust and cosmetics, so a light foam will be enough for it.
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Unwanted Ingredients in Cleanser
Sulfates have an aggressive effect on the skin. And even when choosing a gel for acne, which is expected to cleanse “squeaky clean,” you shouldn’t turn a blind eye to these components. They destroy the lipid barrier that exists on the surface of the epidermis. Without this barrier, the skin rapidly loses moisture, and to compensate for transdermal fluid loss, it tends to produce more sebum.
Fact. “Hard” gels for washing with sulfates increase skin oiliness due to the natural compensatory mechanism of restoring moisture levels. The initial mattifying effect after some time is replaced by active oiliness in the T-zone.
Mineral oil is equally undesirable, as it forms a film on the surface of the epidermis. Such a component may contain a moisturizing wash gel intended for dry skin. Synthetic oil does not allow tissues to breathe, disrupting natural metabolic processes and regeneration, and accelerates aging.
Other unwanted ingredients in the cleanser:
- alcohols - Alcohol Denat, Isopropyl Alcohol and others aggressively dry the epidermis, destroying its lipid layer;
- preservatives - present in large quantities in inorganic cosmetics;
- fragrances - synthetic compounds can cause allergic reactions.
Choose a cleansing gel marked “SLS-free”, with mild cleansing ingredients, without alcohol or chemical fragrances.
The best gels for washing oily and problem skin
High-quality cleansing is the main step in caring for oily skin. Otherwise, it will look untidy due to enlarged pores, inflammation, comedones and oily sheen. Cleansers for problematic epidermis contain sebum-regulating and bactericidal components that fight imperfections and at the same time normalize sebum production.
Academie Derm Acte Acne (pH 5) – acid wash
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
This sebum-regulating gel transforms oily skin. The soft washing base carefully cleanses it of deep impurities without overdrying or causing peeling. The composition of the product is enriched with oleanolic and NDGA acids, which even out skin texture, tighten pores and eliminate post-acne.
With regular use of Acte Acne, the activity of the sebaceous glands is normalized, the number of rashes is reduced, and the T-zone becomes matte. The neutral formula does not disturb the natural pH balance of the epidermis, so you can use this wash without fear.
Advantages:
- Moderate foaming;
- Deep cleansing effect;
- Reduces sebum production;
- Evens out skin texture;
- Fights acne and post-acne;
- Does not dry out the skin.
Flaws:
- Price 3000 rubles.
Gel from Academie Derm will improve the condition of very oily and porous skin with a lot of acne and scars left behind.
Levrana “Matifying” – a powerful blow to oily shine and pimples
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
A natural remedy for improving the condition of oily and problematic skin has a thick, opaque texture. The product contains: blue clay, essential oils, as well as plant extracts of raspberry, rosemary and bergamot.
This combination gives an intense complex effect: sebum-regulating, adsorbing, anti-inflammatory, astringent and bactericidal. The product does not dry out the epidermis and effectively fights acne, oily sheen and blackheads.
Advantages:
- Natural composition;
- Soft foaming base;
- Eliminates inflammation and blackheads;
- Mattifies the skin;
- Doesn't dry out.
Flaws:
- Doesn't foam well.
Levrana mattifying gel is recommended for daily cleansing of very oily and problematic skin. To avoid allergic reactions, do not use this product to care for sensitive epidermis.
Librederm Seracin – anti-acne
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Cleansing gel for oily skin with acne is rich in sebum-regulating and antibacterial components. The combination of sulfur and zinc reduces the foaming of the cleanser, but effectively cleanses pores, dries out inflammation, evens out the tone and texture of the face.
Glycolic acid in the gel delicately removes dead skin cells and reduces the depth of post-acne scars. The product prevents the appearance of acne, and its unobtrusive aroma will not cause rejection among sensitive people.
Advantages:
- Good composition;
- Effectively cleanses the skin;
- Eliminates acne and acne marks;
- Does not dry the skin;
- It costs only 200 rubles.
Flaws:
- Low foaming.
Librederm Seratsin cleansing gel is suitable for morning and evening washing of problem skin in adolescence.
The best gels for washing normal skin
People with normal skin are enviable. She has no rashes or oily shine, and she looks healthy and well-groomed even without foundation. Cleansers for this type of epidermis are non-aggressive and contain moisturizing components aimed only at maintaining the beauty and youth of the face.
Anna Lotan Universal Cleansing Gel – hydrophilic oil and gel in one bottle
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
96%
buyers recommend this product
A hypoallergenic cleanser for normal to dry skin, it removes even stubborn makeup without causing dryness. A product with a gel texture combines the properties of hydrophilic oil and a standard wash. It effectively cleanses pores, evens out facial tone and eliminates comedones.
Urea, essential oils of lavender, rosemary, azulene and vitamin E fight irritations and rashes, moisturize and soften the skin, and also have an antioxidant effect. The product formula has a neutral pH level of 5.5.
Advantages:
- Removes all types of makeup;
- Carefully cares for the skin;
- Cleanses pores;
- Does not disturb the pH balance.
Flaws:
- Costs about 1700 rubles.
Thanks to its delicate formula, Anna Lotan Cleansing Gel is suitable even for those with sensitive skin. But due to the high content of nutritional components, it is contraindicated for oily epidermis.
Uriage Water Cleansing Gel – gentle cleansing during the cold season
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
86%
buyers recommend this product
A transparent cleansing gel based on thermal water, ideal for normal skin care. Its liquid texture gives a moderate foam that delicately cleanses the face of impurities and residues of cosmetic products. Thanks to its neutral aroma, this gel is also suitable for people with a heightened sense of smell.
The product does not dry out the skin, eliminates redness and gives a feeling of cleanliness without the drying effect. The manufacturer even claims that Water Cleansing is capable of removing makeup. In practice, the product does not cope well with mascara and eyeliner, so it is better to use it in combination with makeup remover liquid.
Advantages:
- Gently cleanses the skin;
- Doesn't dry out;
- Eliminates redness;
- Fights inflammation;
- Prevents skin dehydration.
Flaws:
- Ineffective in removing makeup.
Uriage cleansing gel is recommended for winter care for those with normal to combination skin prone to sensitivity.
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Special makeup removers
It is not always possible to remove persistent and waterproof makeup the first time using foams and washing gels. It is for such cases that special products have been developed that can dissolve mascara, foundation and lipstick.
Sisley Eau Efficace Gentle Make-Up Remover
Make-up remover for face and eyes Sisley Eau Efficace Gentle Make-Up Remover The peculiarity of this miracle product (you can’t call it anything else) is that, despite its weightless texture, reminiscent of water, it can easily cope with even super dense and long-lasting makeup. In addition to cleansing ingredients, Eau Efficace Gentle Make-Up Remover includes a complex of plant extracts (acacia, gypsophila, linden) in combination with D-panthenol and bisabolol - they take care of the face no worse than a moisturizing tonic. And one more nuance: this Sisley product is suitable even for those with reactive skin prone to allergies.
NOTE Instant Bi-Phase Make-Up Remover
Bi-phase makeup remover NOTE Instant Bi-Phase Make-Up Remover Bi-phase products easily remove the most stubborn makeup, so they are considered indispensable assistants for fans of bright, catchy and waterproof makeup. The most important thing is that for such a product to work, it must be shaken thoroughly - do not forget about this. One of the best in this matter is Instant Bi-Phase Make-Up Remover with jojoba oil (it is here to nourish and soften the skin). Even though it contains oil, it does not leave a greasy residue on the skin.
Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover
Clinique Take The Day Off Long-lasting Makeup Remover It seems that Take The Day Off washes away not only makeup, but also all the day's fatigue, leaving the face clean and radiant. It instantly dissolves makeup (even shadows with shimmer and moisture-resistant mascara), washing it off and pulling out any types of impurities from the pores. The product has a double formula (shake it up!): oily and water phases, which work well on sensitive and reactive skin without causing irritation or burning sensation.
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The best gels for washing dry skin
For washing dry and aging skin, only soft products enriched with oils, soothing and softening ingredients are suitable. Too aggressive cleansing can only provoke even greater dryness, loss of elasticity and will inevitably lead to the appearance of wrinkles.
Avene TriXera Nutrition – nourishing care for sensitive dermis
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
90%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
Universal gel for face and body restores dry and atopic skin. A product based on soft surfactants carefully removes impurities without irritating the epidermis. In addition, it contains a complex of natural lipids that neutralize the negative effects of tap water, and selectose, which eliminates irritation and redness.
This neutral restorative product is suitable even for sensitive and young skin. The mineral water formula with vegetable oils and vitamin E will nourish, moisturize and soften the epidermis, eliminating flaking and a feeling of tightness.
Advantages:
- Versatility;
- Rich composition;
- Soft foaming base;
- Skin restoration and care effect;
- Available in bottles of different volumes (100 and 400 ml).
Flaws:
- Hard to find on sale.
Avene TriXera Nutrition Gel is an excellent skin care product for atopic dermatitis, allergic reactions and during the recovery period after chemical peels.
Garnier “Flower Honey” – softening honey elixir
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
84%
buyers recommend this product
The new cleanser from Garnier pleases with its excellent quality and affordable price. The transparent thick texture has a pleasant floral-honey scent and moderately foams. The product gently cleanses the skin, removes makeup well, without causing dryness or tightness of the skin.
The gel is consumed sparingly and can be used at any time of the year. Its only drawback is its composition, which is far from natural. However, for a washable product this is not critical.
Advantages:
- Economical consumption;
- Does not dry out the skin;
- Removes makeup;
- Has a pleasant aroma;
- Budget cost (about 150 rubles).
Flaws:
- The composition is poor in natural substances.
“Flower honey” Garnier, despite the synthetic origin of many components, is well tolerated by sensitive, dry and mature skin. So if you're on a limited budget, it's worth a closer look.
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Five cleansers suitable for sensitive skin, according to manufacturers, and what I think about them
As the owner of complex skin prone to dehydration, with rosacea and psoriasis, I try to give preference to “soft” low-foaming or non-foaming cleansing products. Today I want to share with you my opinion on several cleansers that are currently in my arsenal.
SmoöthE Babyface foam 3 in 1 cleanser
This wash was purchased in Thailand at a convenience store when the product I brought with me was running out. I might never have paid attention to it if it weren’t for the local women who, with enviable regularity, grabbed volumes of 100 ml or more while I was trying to figure out the abundance of cleansing products on the shelf. Here the herd instinct kicked in: everyone takes it, and I took it
