If you're cursed with dry skin like I am, soap is the last thing you want to touch your skin, none the less your face. Here are some great alternatives to washing your face with soap that are sure to keep protect it from over drying and still get is sparkling clean.

Mincellar Water:
In general Mincellar water is a cleanser that you put onto a cotton pad to wipe away your makeup. I personally love these babies...I just can't get enough of them. If you are a fan of makeup wipes, but wish they did more, this might just be the product for you. Below are three brands that I use regularly, have repurchased and will continue to use until they discontinue them or die (I hope neither happens for a long long time).

L'oreal Paris Gentle Mincellar Solution - Beyond makeup removal, the Gentle Micellar Solution cleanses and removes all traces of makeup from the face, eyes and lips in one step. So gentle, it is suitable even for sensitive skin. Removes makeup and soothes. No rubbing, no rinsing, fragrance free and hypoallergenic. -Lorealparis.ca
With claims like that and a name like L'oreal backing it up you know it will be worth trying. I really have been loving this product, it gets rid of all my makeup pretty much after one swipe and my skin never feels tight afterwards. I also love that I can go into any mass market store or drug store and get this stuff, and at a decent price. I find I don't need too much when it comes to the L'oreal Solution because it just works so well.
Vichy Pureté Thermale Calming Cleansing Micellar Solution - The #1 selling micellar solution in Canadian drugstores! For women with sensitive or irritated skin and eyes.Micellar technology attracts impurities like a magnet, so there is no need to rub or rinse the skin. -Vichy.ca
This one is the most popular one available in Canadian drug stores, which says a lot because usually when you think of Mincellar water you think of a bottle with a pink top, you know the one. Well this one tops it on sales and performance (at least I think it does). I love the Vichy brand, and love that you can get such a specialized line in drugstores, no need to try to find a fancy counter for great products here. While Vichy delivers in so many ways for my skin care needs, their Micellar water just can't be beat.
Marcelle Soothing Cleansing Water - A refreshing take on beautiful skin. A soothing refreshing water that gently cleanses and tones skin while removing eye make-up, just what you wished for. Introducing Essentials Soothing Cleansing Water make-up cleanser, a rinse-free formula that micro-emulsifies impurities and waterproof make-up without irritating skin, gentle for even the driest and most sensitive complexions. Skin feels clean, refreshed, and revitalized. -marcelle.com
I cannot say enough good things about this cleanser. It is just fantastic. This was the first cleansing water I ever used and I have not stopped purchasing it ever since. Marcelle is by far one of the most innovative Canadian brands out there, and this water is no exception. It really is great when my skin is at its worst and about to flare up in a puffy allergic mess (yep, dry and sensitive skin, isn't my life wonderful). Nothing seems to soothe it quite the same way, must be the aloe in it.

Cleansing Oil:
Cleansing oils have been around a while now, and while I first discovered it years ago (hey one of my first blog posts was on Mac's Cleanse Off Oil) and have never stopped using them, I am always on the look out for newer and better products. While they used to be reserved for spas and counters, we now can find cleansing oils at our local drug stores or mass retailers.  Basically apply it to dry skin, rub it around and dissolve any dirt and makeup on your skin. Then wet your hands and rub your skin until it becomes milky. Rinse off. Your done.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil - This silky-soft cleanser will effortlessly remove make-up from the whole face quickly and effectively, leaving skin feeling clean, refreshed and clear of impurities. It’s the ultimate time-saver.Removes makeup, Suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers, Removes waterproof make-up, Leaves skin feeling clean and refreshed -thebodyshop.ca
When I first heard The Body Shop had launched a Cleansing oil I (impatiently) waited for the next 3 for $30 sale to nab one up. I was not disappointed. If anything this reminds me or my Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil but at a fraction of the price. It is quite thick but is convenient in a pump format (something Origins can't claim).  Basically it is cheap, it works well and smells great. No draw backs. I won't be buying Origins again any time soon.
L'oreal Paris Sublime Radiance -Sensational Cleansing Oil - Beyond makeup removal, this incredibly gentle oil removes traces of makeup and impurities to reveal skin that looks amazingly hydrated, sublime and glowing. This radiance-infused formula instantly removes traces of makeup (even waterproof), for face and eyes, with no greasy finish. -lorealparis.ca
What can I say about this one? Well it is a bit thinner and actually reminds me of Mac's Cleanse Off Oil in constancy, but that is where the similarities end. This is so much better and cheaper. When I am done with it there is no trace of makeup left on my skin, and unlike some other brands, there is no clouding in my eyes. I love it, oh and you can buy it just about anywhere.

Soap Free Cleanser:
Weather it is a gel or a milk, a soap free cleanser can be a great way to clean your skin and remove makeup without the need for traditional soap biased cleanser. Popular in Europe, Milk Cleansers are applied dry and wiped off with a cotton pad or a cloth. Soap free gel cleansers are becoming more popular on the market and promote clean skin without interfering with skins moisture levels.

Marcelle Ultra Gentle Cleansing Gel - An ultra-mild and non-foaming cleanser that gently yet effectively cleans the skin while respecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. - marcelle.com
Yep, another Marcelle product, I just love this Canuck brand. This cleanser is great for people of all skin types including sensitive (woot woot). Containing Aloe vera, glycerin and glyceryl oleate it helps with hydration levels and has a wonderful soothing effect on the skin. It also is perfume free and hypo-allergentic. This truly is a gentle gel cleanser. Another huge plus is it comes in a gigantic 350 ml pump bottle for only $12.95 (srp). 
Vichy Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser - 3-in-1 Cleanser - milk, toning lotion and eye makeup remover. Ultra-quick and practical cleanser for sensitive skin. Perfectly cleanses and removes all traces of makeup. Leaves skin feeling fresh, soft and soothed. -vichy.ca
Cleansing milks are an amazing way to remove makeup, cleanse, tone and hydrate you skin. It does it all. As I said above these are quite popular in Europe and gaining ground here in North America. Vichy being a French brand is definitely one you should check out if you want to get a good milk cleanser for you dry skin.

Cleansing Balm:
Cleansing balms seem to be all the rage right now. While high end brands ten to be leading the way, there are some affordable options too. Pretty much you slather it on dry skin, rub it around and then use a wet muslin cloth to remove it and bam!You have clean skin that is soft. Some people like to do facial massage while it is on for more emollient effects and lymphatic drainage.

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Balm - 
This cleanser is an indulgent make-up remover for the whole face. It gently and efficiently melts away make-up and impurities, leaving skin feeling clean, refreshed and pampered.Gently melts away make-up,Leaves skin feeling clean and petal-soft, Removes all types of make-up, Suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers -thebodyshop.ca
 Not sure what I can add to this that the description above has not said. This stuff is amazing. When I load up the waterproof makeup, this wipes it away...gone no more. It also leaves my skin super hydrated and soft. I just adore it.


So there you go, a bunch of ways you can get clean skin by skipping the soap. Milk cleansers, cleansing oil, cleansing waters, cleansing balms, soap free gels....just lots of options. I would truly recommend giving any of these product a try.

What's your favourite way to clean your skin?