Alcohol-Free Products That Will Clean the Skin

Skin cleansers are essential in any good skincare regimen for removing surface debris like dirt or makeup and also helping to get rid of excess oil that can clog your pores. Unfortunately, some facial cleansers contain alcohol. This ingredient is very irritating and excessively drying for your skin, warns skincare expert Paula Begoun, and should be avoided at all cost.

Use gentle products to clean your skin. (Image: as3d/iStock/Getty Images)

Avon Mark Calming Effect Comforting Milk Cleanser

Begoun tested Avon's creamy cleanser and called it "very good," saying it's best for all skin types except for those that are very oily. It's formulated with natural extracts like oat milk protein to help moisturize and soothe your skin. Not only is it alcohol-free, but Avon also doesn't use oil, fragrances or harsh soaps.

Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash

Purpose makes its skin cleanser without soap ingredients or alcohol, so it can lift away dirt and oil without stripping your skin cells of essential oils. The beauty editors at "InStyle" magazine rank it as one of the best cleansers for normal skin. It's so gentle that the magazine says you can use it near your eyes.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Cleanser

Many acne-targeting washes contain alcohol, but not Neutrogena's product. It won an "Editors' Pick" award from "InStyle" magazine. The magazine called it "invigorating," loving how it helped banish blemishes with salicylic acid without dehydrating your skin surface.

Lather's Gentle Face Soap

The editors of "Real Simple" magazine tested over a hundred skin cleansers before naming Lather's treatment as the best gentle cleanser. They praised its use of "no irritating synthetics." It also doesn't include any sulfates, preservatives or parabens. As the soap cleanses your skin, it also moisturizes and conditions with beneficial ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, rose hip extract and avocado oil.

Boots Botanics Moisturising Deep Clean Foam

The deep cleaning foam from Boots is one of the company's more moisturizing skin cleansers, reports Begoun. She liked its "higher concentration of glycerin," which acts as a natural humectant to trap moisture in your skin while its cleansing agents help remove dirt and oil.