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 can definitely claim that these face washes are still as good.
I choose to not spend way too much in looking around for the best face wash. A face wash should just serve the purpose of cleansing the face without drying it out.
What do I look for in a face wash?
I have tried around the budget ones and the pricier ones available in the Indian market and I still go back to these two. The best face wash is the one which does what it says.
1. Should Only Cleanse the Skin
Believe it or not, I have come across face washes which do not make you feel refreshed. A good product should clean your face well and get rid of blackheads. It need not remove your makeup and it need not 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.
Did you know? You should remove your sunscreen with a makeup remover or cleansing oil. The ingredients used in a sunscreen have an oil base and do not mix well with water. Therefore, washing with soap and water is not effective in removing it completely.
2. Be Gentle on the Skin
I like natural products or organic products, but to be honest, I have not come across a chemical-free face wash which can do a good job. The myth that all chemicals are bad need to be dispelled.
Instead, I would 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 drying post the usage.
In fact, not all products having SLS/SLES/ALS/ALES are not necessarily harsh on your skin or hair. I just choose to look for the products without these ingredients.
3. Not Leave any Residue
Have you ever felt a face wash leave a thin film on your face after you are done cleaning? This is one of my pet peeves with any face wash which does that. No, it is not moisturizing and it certainly does not feel like my face is clean. I like my face wash to give me a clean and refreshed feel once I am done. Though, it should definitely not leave it ripped off in the name of cleaning it well. That also happens!
How do I test for the Best Face Wash?
Whenever I am testing a face wash, I do not follow up with a moisturizer for the entire day. I like to see how my skin feels. If it becomes too stretchy without a moisturizer, 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 am good with the face wash.
One should ALWAYS follow up with moisturizing your face post the wash.
Here are my recommendations on the 2 best face wash I have used.
1. Ponds Anti-Pollution Face Wash with Activated Charcoal
Price: Rs 200 for 100gms
Availability : All Drug Stores / Supermarkets / Online Websites
I think this product was released in 2017 sometime and since I have 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 once you have followed up with a moisturizer, you do not really need anything else. It removes the blackheads so that is a major plus.
2. Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
Price : Rs 400 for 200ml
Availability : All Drug Stores / Supermarkets / Online Websites
Neutrogena deep clean face wash has been a prime favorite of people with oily skin though it has SLS and with good reason. It does not lather much, is extremely gentle on skin and removes blackheads and clogged pores in one go. It also suits combination-oily and combination-dry skin really well in summers. It has salicylic acid which makes it all the more better as a cleanser.
To summarize, if you have been looking for the perfect face wash just like me, I would recommend you to filter your brands, budget or otherwise, on their ability to cleanse your face, degree of gentleness or harshness and ability to not leave any residue on your face. Happy face washing!
Good recommendation of budget-friendly face wash.
Hello Admin
I really liked the information you provided and I sent it to my friends and they also liked it.
Thank you very much.