The Best Clarisonic Cleanser to Use With the Facial Brush: 5 Top Picks
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To be totally honest, using a Clarisonic face brush is really only half of the equation when it comes to getting the best results out of this handy little gadget. It’s kind of ridiculous to completely ignore the other half of what makes a Clarisonic so fantastic - and it’s the cleanser that you choose to use with it.
The Clarisonic cleanser that comes out of the box just doesn’t always cut it - I’m not gonna lie, I never use any included face washes with beauty tools, and as much as I love their actual brushes, the generic Clarisonic face wash was no exception.
Luckily, there are heaps of potentially perfect Clarisonic facial cleansers out there to choose from! But that doesn't mean you're gonna be sitting there trying to figure out what the best face wash to use with Clarisonic is - I've put together a super handy guide to help you out.
Photo | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser | ||
  | CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser | ||
  | The Face Shop Rice Water Cleansing Foam | ||
  | Elemis Soothing Chamomile Cleanser | ||
  | Christina Moss Naturals Skin Clearing Soap |
What Do I Need in a Cleanser?
First, let revisit what a cleanser should actually do (*hint* it’s pretty simple!) the most basic thing a cleanser should do, is well, cleanse.
Literally, that’s it.
Any other fancy stuff is really just a bonus - anti-aging, anti-acne, anti-wrinkle - they’re all just ‘extras’. The truth is, all that stuff is kind of wasted because it’s just not on your skin long enough to actually pass on the benefits.
That doesn’t mean that you should just disregard everything that’s in a cleanser because it’s on your skin for such a short amount of time - it’s absolutely crucial that a cleanser is right for your skin type and doesn’t dry your skin. An ideal Clarisonic cleanser has just the right balance of cleansing ingredients, as well as moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin glowy and perfect.
For example, most oily skin types would prefer a foaming cleanser because they have just that tiny bit of extra oil on their skin that needs to be managed, without stripping the skin completely. On the other side of the spectrum, dry skin types should shy away from foaming cleansers, and stick to non-foaming milks and gels to ensure their skin is well-hydrated.
What Kind of Cleanser Should I Use?
I’m hoping that it’s gone without saying, but you should definitely ditch any cleanser that's labeled as a scrub or exfoliator because the scrubby gritty bits could a) wreck your brush and b) cause some serious damage in the form of over-exfoliation. The best face wash for Clarisonic is completely free of any scrubby bits, including walnut shells, sugar, etc. We don't want ANY of that!
Your Clarisonic already gives your skin some amazing exfoliating benefits, so using a physical scrub with it is just overkill and could lead to sensitized skin and a compromised moisture barrier - big no-no’s that lead to issues such as breakouts and dry, peeling skin.
I’ve made a super handy list of cleansers that will work for you according to your skin type (if you don’t remember how to find that out, check out this blog post for a refresher!)
For Normal/Oily Skin
Normal to oily skin types would enjoy a foaming cleanser that super gently removes excess oils, without upsetting the skin’s own natural balance. Look for a cleanser that contains skin-loving ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides.
A French Pharmacy staple with an incredibly well-deserved reputation, La Roche Posay makes some of the best skin care out there. The La Roche Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser is designed to gently remove any excess oils lingering on the skin, without stripping and drying it out. This LRP cleanser is the perfect Clarisonic refreshing gel cleanser combo!
A heavenly combination of skin-soothing thermal water, ceramides, and niacinamide soothe skin - perfect for lathering up your Clarisonic with.
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For Normal/Dry Skin
Normal to drier skin types should avoid foaming cleansers, as they can be just a little too stripping and drying for their skin. Look for cleansers that are richer in texture, and are described as gentle/non-foaming.
A gently nourishing, yet effective ideal Clarisonic face cleanser that ticks all the boxes is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. The entire CeraVe line is based on delivering ceramides (super nourishing skin care ingredients) to the skin in the best possible way. The brand is literally named Cera(mide) Ve(hicle) - I know that sounds really weird, but ‘vehicle' is just used as a way to describe the way product is applied to the skin.
This non-foaming, insanely gentle cleanser contains 3 essential ceramides PLUS hyaluronic acid to effectively and gently rehydrate skin, reinforcing the moisture barrier.
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Sometimes skin can lack in luminosity and glow - and a deep cleanse with the right ingredient can really bring that glow back into your skin. The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam harnesses Rice Water as it's superstar cleansing ingredient that brightens and illuminates skin from within, plus it whips up into the most luxurious, decadent foam that will leave your skin sparkling clean and glowing. It's the perfect Clarisonic deep pore cleanser option - really getting in there and brightening skin from the inside, out.
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For 2 in 1 Makeup Removal
A rich, milky cleanser like the Elemis Soothing Chamomile Cleanser gently dissolves makeup and impurities from the skin, without clogging up your Clarisonic with heavy oils. An intensely moisturizing cleanser like this is also perfect for more mature skins that need that extra moisture boost.
It’s also gentle enough for use on rosacea and redness-prone skin, perfect for pairing with the Clarisonic Luxe Cashmere Brush.
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For Something Natural
Natural products are perfect for skin enthusiasts wanting something effective, yet doesn’t cost the earth - the Christina Moss Naturals Organic Facial Wash is fantastic for delivering a gentle, deep cleanse with no irritating ingredients. This organic, super-concentrated face wash is formulated with natural ingredients to nourish skin.
Coconut, Olive, and Sunflower Oil are used to moisturize skin, while essential oils such as Rosemary Oil fight and prevent acne. It whips up into a divine, luxurious lather that's perfect for using your Clarisonic with.
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Which one is THE BEST?
So, what IS the best cleanser with Clarisonic brushes?
It’s a hard decision to make, but I’d have to say that the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is the best pick, IMO. For all skin types, it gently nourishes the skin thanks to ceramides, which naturally occur in our skin and are absolutely essential for healthy, glowing skin.
Paired with a Clarisonic, it provides the perfect balance of hydration and moisture alongside Clarisonic’s glow-inducing, gentle exfoliation - what’s not to love?
Happy cleansing, and here’s to good skin days ahead!
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About the author Stephanie Morin
NYC-based beauty and skin care blogger, Stephanie delivers a healthy dose of practical beauty tips for some serious skin care inspiration!