What facial cleanser do you use? I need a new one!

So, I'm tired of Pro-Activ. I'm tired of how much it costs, and how I always use one step of the system more than the others. I'm tired of how it gives me weird bumps on my chin, and how the blackheads on my nose never go away.

All in all, I want a new system for my face!

I'm looking to go as all natural as possible, but a few ingredients with harder to pronounce names is fine. I am hoping to stay away from things with preservatives in them (anything that ends in paraben, really) just to be safe, rather than sorry.

I have combination skin with really oily forehead and nose, blackheads and the occasional angry red zit. I tend to not have problems with dryness, and my complexion overall is pretty clear (no cysts or inflamed acne day after day). Mostly I want to keep my skin clear, get rid of the blackheads, and make it so my skin isn't as oily.

What do you use, and what have you tried? I want as many reviews as possible! :D Even if you used something and hated it, warn me! Even if your skin is super dry, tell me what you use!
Thanks :D

Bar soap.  :\

I also have combination skin, so maybe what I use will work. 

I use a product that I get from a dermatologist called NeoStrata.  (It's not a prescription; anyone could go in and buy it.)  It's a gel-type product that you massage into wet skin then rinse off with water.  It leaves my face feeling very soft, never dry.  And my skin looks wonderful.  I use it morning and evening.

And as a frame of reference, it's also what the dermatologist has my 10-year-old daughter using, because it's Ph balanced and apparently pretty gentle.  She loves it, too!

Ah CD, you with the lovely skin :P -envious-

Beckyeas, do you have problems with acne at all?

I use a combination of 25% Castor Oil and 75% Olive Oil. I got the idea off a thread here on CC...and I love it! It's cheap and keeps my face free of breakouts and blackheads.

RACHD, how do you use that combination? As soap and then rinse it off, or let it sit for awhile? Is it too oily to rinse off? Sounds interesting.

I love Philosophy's "Purity" facial cleanser.

Witch Hazel as an astringent.  Periodically (maybe once a week) apply vitamin E or jojaba oil all over before bed.  I do splurge on my lotions, oil of olay.

I wash my face with "Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash" every morning. I used to use the regular, but after I ran out I saw this one in the store so I got it. It smells nice. =o When I get the occasional angry red monster, I use "Clean and Clear 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Gel" and it dies in a few days (1-2). I also use a facial scrub, "Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Face Aash and Mask", once a week, it can be used as a wash or a mask. I put it on my face and let it sit for 5 mins, you can feel it get all tingly and I wash it off with a loofah. As for blackheads, I have some that form on top and on the sides of my nose, I just use "Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips". I even use the forehead ones that come with it on my nose. Each use lasts for about 2-3 months, for me anyway.

I have sworn by plain old tried and true Noxema as a cleanser for over 30 years. It is wonderful. I love the smell.

I use Cetaphil.

That Neostrata sounds interesting though.

(ps bar soap is a good way to really dry out your face)

I second the vote for Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit face wash.  it smells awesome and I really think it has gotten my skin under control.  I feel like I have to switch up what I use ever 6 mos or a year because my skin gets used to it.  Also when I switched to the pink grapefruit wash, I also got the Neutrogena Acne Pimple and Scar healer spot treatment stuff that it supposed to help acne scars fade.  i don't have a ton but I am baaad picker so I do have some.  So far I really like it!

oops double post!

Original Post by vicereine:

I use Cetaphil.

 that's what I use....  I also use the moisturizer too.  it's fragrance free, and WILL NEVER dry out your skin EVER!!

I wouldn't use anything else if they PAID me to... (besides the fact that I'm allergic to almost everything with fragrance .... even deodorants... the only one i can use is dove for sensitive skin [which is also fragrance free])

I'll third the Cetaphil. It's great stuff. It leaves my skin feeling perfectly moisturized and soft. That said, I've never found it in Korea so currently I use a Clean and Clear Foaming Liquid stuff. I've had no problems with it and it doesn't dry out my skin (I've also got an oily t-zone). 

Original Post by iheartfood22:

Also when I switched to the pink grapefruit wash, I also got the Neutrogena Acne Pimple and Scar healer spot treatment stuff that it supposed to help acne scars fade. i don't have a ton but I am baaad picker so I do have some. So far I really like it!

I use a product that has zinc oxide in it for healing spots and red marks, it speeds up the skin's healing process (I put it on before bed and when I wake up I'm always shocked how much it can look).

I don't know if you are interested, but I've been using Retin-A for years.

It's not a face wash; it's a prescription ointment that is a derivative of Vitamin A.

Positives: Not only gets rid of acne... as you get older, wrinkles won't show up, because the Retin-A gets rid of them. Price is good if you have insurance.

Possible negatives: you have to use a high SPF sunscreen, and avoid being out in the sun too long. Pricey if you don't have insurance.

Then you can use an inexpensive face wash.

Hi Nasuoni, I asked a similar question a few weeks ago, I also have combination skin, blackheads around my nose and the occasional TOM breakout, I wear make up every day but always always take it off at night.

In an effort to improve my skin I have used loads of facewashes, varying in price from £1 to £10, on the advice of CD and Andi-Jo I decided to give them (and my skin) a rest and switched to a frangrance free bar of soap from Simple and it's been one of the best moves.  I use my apricot exfoliating face wash 1-2 times a week and moisurise with Nivea Visage daily moisuriser for sensitive skin twice a day, my skin has never been better.  The oily patches have gone, my make up stays on and looks fresh all day without reapplication and although I still have blackheads there are noticeably less.

Original Post by lulufit:

RACHD, how do you use that combination? As soap and then rinse it off, or let it sit for awhile? Is it too oily to rinse off? Sounds interesting.

 I use a combination of 25% Castor Oil and 75% Olive Oil and pour about a qtr size in the palm of my hand, rub on my face, then remove with a wet washcloth. It's great at removing makeup and dirt...just be sure to change your washcloth to a clean one every few days.

Here's the post where I got the idea...I love it...it's easy and cheap :)

It is expensive but I use Jurlique - I use their whole system. All natural ingredients and my skin has never looked better. I started in July two months before my wedding and I still have beautifully clear skin.

I used to do the Oil Clensing method as Rachd mentioned, i loved it but just got lazy after a while to go through the whole process every night.  It also took a while to get the right combination of oils.  A friend of mine does straight EVOO and loves it.

I now use a bar soap from Lush (all natural products)...I believe its called coalface (I may be wrong).  I love it, its def got rid of my blackheads.  At the stores they give you samples if you ask them nicely =)