Dermatologists everywhere are going to send me hate mail for this.

Step away from the Cetaphil.  And the Cerave.  Now.  These two cleansers are the most commonly recommended by dermatologists because they are known as gentle, non-irritating, and fragrance-free.  Want to know why else they recommend them?  Because these brands are owned by large pharmaceutical corporations (Galderma and Valeant, respectively) that also produce drugs like Differin, Obagi, and tretinoin (commonly known as Retin-a).  There is a big pharma love fest going on here.  Don’t fall for it.  Take a look at the ingredients in these cleansers and you will see that there is not one single health benefit to using either of them.  And, remember, all the chemicals in them are being absorbed into your bloodstream.  Read this short and sweet article that reveals the ugly truth about Cetaphil here.

I used to be a faithful Cetaphil user; I have always been of the opinion that a mild cleanser makes for a better complexion.  Harsh cleansers never worked for me (they don’t work for anyone, actually).  However, you will find that the Clean options out there are extremely gentle and effective.  Here are some great examples:

AMALA PURIFYING GEL CLEANSER

This cleanser pure luxury.  Warning: it does not lather.  But wait – this is a GOOD thing.  No harsh detergents or surfactants here, ladies.  If you like looking young and dewy, you must walk away from those cleansers that leave you feeling squeaky-clean.  It is a tough addiction to break, I know.  This is great for combination skin because it is very gentle, (you can literally wash your eyes out with it) but naturally matifying.  Plus, it smells like lemon-cake, which makes me smile, even though it could start a whole new unhealthy addiction…..  Cost: about $30 for 1/7 oz.  Purchase it here.

Ingredients: water (aqua), alcohol*, plantago lanceolata (ribwort plantain) leaf extract*, salix alba (willow) bark extract*, glycerin, sorbitol, decyl glucoside, xanthan gum, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, kaolin, nymphaea caerulea (blue egyptian water lily) flower extract*,nymphaea caerulea (blue egyptian water lily) flower water*, 100% natural fragrance ( citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil*, citrus auratium bergamia (bergamot) peel oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil*, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, mentha viridis (spearmint) leaf oil ), camellia sinensis (tea) leaf extract*, zingiber officinale (ginger) extract*, oryza sativa (rice) germ extract*, cetraria islandica (iceland moss) extract*, maris sal, lactic acid.  *Certified Organic

ACURE CLEANSING GEL

For those of you who just need a good lather, try Acure’s cleansing gel.  It helps maintain a pH balance while washing away dirt, makeup, sunscreen, oil and grime.  It also contains probiotics, which are the new craze in anti-acne skincare (build up the good bacteria so the bad won’t do damage, kind of like the probiotics you can take internally).  I really love this cleanser, especially in the warmer months.  Acure also makes great cleansing milks and creams for dry, sensative, and mature skin.  Cost: about $15 for 4 oz.  Purchase it here or at Whole Foods.

Ingredients: organic curoxidant blend*, acai berry*, blackberry*, rosehips*, elderberry*, nettle leaf*, cranberry*, goji berry*, raspberry*, pomegranate*, blueberry*, calendula officinalis*, chamomile*, fair trade certified™ yerba mate*, lauryl glucoside (vegetable derived), decyl glucoside (sugar soap), fair trade certified™ olive oil*, chlorella pyrenoidosa (chlorella growth factor)*, glucono delta lactone (fermented sugar), potassium sorbate (food grade preservative), lemon essential oil, citric acid.  *Certified Organic

TATA HARPER REGENERATING CLEANSER

For those of you who want to scrub your face off on a daily basis, now there is a safe way to do so.  I am not much of a physical exfoliator girl, myself.  I always feel like scrubs irritate my skin and break me out.  Not this one.  It is AMAZING.  It is really gentle, so you can use it every day.  It makes your skin feel smooth and clean and fresh, but not tight or irritated.  White willow bark keeps pores clear while apricot seed powder exfoliates and aloe soothes.  Cost: about $75 for 4 oz.  Purchase it here.

DR. BRONNER’S MAGIC SOAPS

I have blogged about Dr. Bronner’s before here.  If you are on a budget, this is the best way to stretch your dollar, period.  While there are many different varieties, I like the Tea Tree soap because it is naturally antibacterial.  It is also super gentle and pH balancing.  Cost: about $4 for a bar and $10 for 16 oz.  Purchase it at any Whole Foods or here.

Ingredients: water, coconut oil*, potassium hydroxide**, olive oil*, tea tree extract, hemp oil*, jojoba oil*, citric acid, tocopherol.  *Certified Organic

The weekend is almost here!!!  Yippeeeeee!