Matt,
This is probably too late for your shopping trip, but I thought I'd post it anyway.
I just finished reading _The Clear Skin Diet_ by Logan and Treloar (Cumberland House, 2007). On p.18 the authors discuss cleansers:
...it is worth spending a moment on the practice of daily washing acne-prone skin. When it comes to cleansing acne-prone skin, the questions of how to wash, when to wash, how often to wash, and what to wash with have always been a matter of debate. Most of this debate has occurred outside the arena of scientific investigation; only a few studies have actually examined the practice of washing, and there really hasn't been quality research to guide patients. Dermatologists have traditionally warned against overwashing so as not to agggravate the follicles down below the pore. Harvard researchers recently examined the effect of different washing frequency on the course of acne. Writing in the journal
Pediatric Dermatology (2006), they reported that twice-daily wasing with a mild facial cleanser (e.g. Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser) offered the greatest benefit. Specifically, Dr. Alexa Kimball and colleagues found that washing twice daily with the mild cleanser provided satisfactory results with the most improvements in open comedones and noninflammatory lesions. Washing only once per day was associated with a worsening of acne, while washing more than twice daily did not provide any additional benefit. Separate research published in the journal
Cutis by Dr. Zoe Draelos showed that Cetaphil Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin is gentle, well-tolerated, and beneficial in helping to clear up clogged pores. Many patients and dermatologists also report success with gentle cleansers from Dermalogica, a brand that includes natural botanicals, no artificial colors or fragrances.
I've used the Cetaphil N/O (not to be confused with the original Cetaphil for dry/sensitive skin) and like the way it cleanses and rinses, although the fragrance is a bit much for me. No experience with the Neutrogena. Like others here I like the Alpha Hydrox foaming cleanser as well as the newer soap free wash from their "White" line. CeraVe burns my skin, as emitecaps noted. Paula's Choice makes a couple of very nice cleansers that I'd recommend as well.
Hope this is of some help.
Mia