25 best cleansers for beautifully fresh skin
Figuring out which one of the many best cleansers (or face washes) meets your skin's needs is far from an easy task, namely because of the sheer number of options available. Seriously: there are foams, oils, lotions, balms and micellar waters – and every one of them works in a slightly different way when it comes to cleansing your face from the grime and removing makeup.
Not to mention, what works for one person might not work for you and your skincare routine. In other words, it can take some trial and error to get it right. Some are made to be more gentle and moisturising, meanwhile others are intended to be used as more of a deep cleanse. In an ideal scenario, you want a cleanser that does the job without stripping your skin of all the sebum, which in turn could result in an excessive production of oils.
But besides the type the cleanser, you'll also need to consider their active ingredients. And similar to any other skincare product, you also need to consider your skin type and any skin-related concerns such as eczema and rosacea. For example, if your skin is on the drier side, you'd probably benefit from some extra hyaluronic acid or ceramides. If you're susceptible to breakouts and have acne-prone skin, keep an eye out for salicylic acid. For a deep clean, a charcoal or clay cleanser can help to draw out and mop up excess sebum, and for brightening, vitamin C will help keep skin feeling good as new.
Best cleansers at a glance:
- Best hydrating cleanser: Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, £27, Cult Beauty
- Best affordable cleanser: e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser, £6, Boots
- Best cleanser for sensitive skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, WAS £25 NOW £15, Amazon
- Best gentle cleanser: Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser, £9.99, Cult Beauty
Now we’ve got the ingredients nailed, let's get to the FAQs. How do you figure out which type of cleanser will be best? Is it true that cleansing foams dry out skin? Does the micellar water you use as a makeup remover count as a cleanser? And is a cleansing balm too heavy for oily skin types?
We've put together a guide below to help you work out the best cleanser for you and we've included a full edit of all the best options to boot. Below, you'll find our personal favourites, cult classics and some new launches to fit any budgets, preference or skin type. So scroll down and say hello to fresher skin.
Micellar water
Micellar water is formed from little micelles (spheres of mild surfactants combined with purified water), which attract all the makeup, excess oil and daily grime on the surface of your skin – like a magnet – leaving it clean and refreshed. It can work on all skin types, even sensitive, as it's gentle but mighty. They're perfect if you prefer to remove your makeup with cotton pads (reusable, of course), and they work as a great first step in a double cleansing routine since they're perfect for removing makeup before you go in with a deeper, second cleanse.
Foaming cleansers
Foams have long been denounced as a skin-sapper and advised against for dry skin types. Foaming products require foaming agents, all of which can be higher in alkaline than the skin (which tends to be between 4.5 to 5.5 on the pH scale). Most foams are approximately 6, making them too harsh and stripping for some.
That said, many consider foams unbeatable for the clean feeling they leave behind vs oilier or balmier alternatives. The good news is new formulas such as oat, chamomile, coconut, or plant-derived foams are kinder to our skin's pH. If you usually find foams dry you out, check the ingredient list and opt for one that's free from sodium lauryl sulphates. They're particularly well suited to oily and combination skin. And for the cleansing power of foam, with the comfort of oil, we're obsessed with Cerave's Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, which is a perfect hybrid of both. It cleanses without stripping the skin barrier of goodness without leaving an oily film behind. Instead, it just leaves your skin cells deeply nourished.
Cleansing oils
Oils and balms are ultra nourishing and second to none at melting away stubborn makeup like waterproof mascara. That said, they're known to leave behind an oily film on the skin that some enjoy (it offers some added moisture), but others can't tolerate. Oilier skin types, in particular, may have opted to avoid oils, not wishing to add any excess greasiness to their skin. Scientifically speaking, though, oil dissolves oil. When dirt and sebum are trapped in our pores, a cleanser that contains something like seed oil can soften and loosen the clogging in order for it to be removed with ease, meaning it works well on all skin types. However, if you don't like the feeling it leaves behind, use it as your first cleanse and follow with a cleansing foam or gel.
Gel cleansers
Gel cleansers feel thicker and less drying than foam, but lighter and less greasy than oil, so they offer a good compromise for all skin types. They're one of the most popular forms of cleansing, they give a deep clean (when used with a hot cloth) and are a great carrier for extra ingredients like enzymes, vitamin E, aloe vera, glycolic acid, salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid, providing extra exfoliating and hydrating benefits to plump your skin and boost your natural collagen production.
Cleansing lotion/cream cleanser
Lotions or creamy cleansers are another popular choice. They tend to be nice and gentle, have a silky consistency and provide moisturising benefits. They're a particularly good option for dry or sensitive skin (though they can work on all skin types). They're perfect for an everyday cleanse and can be used with either cotton pads or a hot cloth depending on which you choose. Brands such as Elemis and La Roche-Posay are regular go-tos for this. For really tough, stubborn makeup or heavy sunscreen, you might need the muscle of an oil or micellar water first.
Looking for something a little more specific? Check out our guides to the best cleansing balms, best oil cleanser, best moisturisers and the best face toners. We’ve also got the best face SPF, the best facial serums for every skin type, face masks and everything you need to know about niacinamide.
For more shoppable beauty content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
Scroll down for our full edit of the best cleansers that will leave your face feeling refreshed…
1. Best vegan cleanser
Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser, £18, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Caudalie’s cult cleanser has had a makeover and now boasts a fully vegan, 97% natural origin, eco-friendly formula. The clear lotion transforms into an airy foam that sweeps makeup and grime away without stripping skin.
Save when you shop for the best cleansers with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
2. Best cleansing lotion
Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion, £3.80, Boots
Why we love it: A product that removes dirt, erases makeup and is suitable for sensitive skin for under £5 doesn't exi.... Oh. Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion, you are a very effective, very cheap skincare staple. *adds to cart and click to checkout*
Save while you shop for the best cleansers with these Boots discount codes.
3. Best oil cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, WAS £14 NOW £11.20, Boots
Why we love it: CeraVe know what they're doing when it comes to cleansers, and this one in particular takes the best bits from foaming cleansers with the best bits from natural oil cleansers. Even better, it leaves behind the bad bits (stripping skin, or leaving behind a greasy film). It feels silky and delicious and leaves skin incredibly clean, but comfortable.
4. Best gel-to-oil-to-milk cleanser
Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser, £25, Beauty Pie
Why we love it: This antioxidant-infused gel-to-oil-to-milk cleansing balm demonstrates Japan's mastery in skincare. Massage it and lather it on every night to remove makeup, oils and pollution. It offers a supreme clean unlike any other – trust us.
5. Best cleanser with squalane
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, £8, Boots
Why we love it: This gentle cleanser starts off as a balm but quickly melts into an oil-like consistency as its warmed between the hands, melting away makeup and impurities in a mater of seconds. Deeply hydrating, non-irritating and insanely luxurious, it's no wonder that we all wanted more, more, more. Luckily, The Ordinary also offers a supersized 150ml version. We're bulk-buying and suggest you do too.
6. Best gel cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, £9.20, Amazon
Why we love it: Regularly recommended by dermatologists and skin experts alike, CeraVe's hydrating cleanser is a non-foaming gel formula that contains both ceramides and hyaluronic acid for the plumpest, most hydrated skin of your life all while ridding pores of grime and dirt. Plus, it's fragrance-free so perfect for more sensitive skin types.
7. Best cleanser for sensitive skin
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, WAS £25 NOW £15, Amazon
Why we love it: Simple, affordable, and a celeb favourite (we're looking at you, Charlize Theron), there's nothing to dislike about this classic cleansing hero. It's super gentle on the skin and great if you struggle with sensitivity. Find a face wash as good as this one, we dare you.
8. Best foaming cleanser
Clarins Hydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser, £24, Boots
Why we love it: Clarins extensive range of cleansers all feature nutrient-rich alpine herbs and 100% organic ingredients sourced directly from the brand's alpine farm and open-air laboratory in the French Alps. The Velvet Cleansing Milk is ultra gentle on skin and is powered by softening plants balms to loosen and lift stubborn makeup.
Save when you shop for the best cleansers with these Boots discount codes.
9. Best cleanser for dry skin
Susanne Kaufmann Cleansing Gel, £35, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Don't be fooled by the wee-yellow colour, this Susanne Kaufmann gel cleanser smells absolutely dreamy. Not to mention, it's extremely gentle on the skin but somehow manages to remove mascara with ease. A gem for alleviating dryness in the skin.
Save when you shop for the best cleansers with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
10. Best clay cleanser
Why we love it: This product is clay-based, which allows it to draw out impurities. It also contains probiotics to feed goodness into the skin. The result is uber clean skin, but without the tightness some clay cleansers leave. Use it in the morning for an all-day-long glow.
11. Best cleanser for dry skin
Ultra Facial Cleanser, £21, Kiehl's
Why we love it: An oldie but a goldie. With a gorgeously rich and moisturising formula, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser is both affordable and great for dry skin. What more could you want?
12. Best jelly cleanser
Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, £19, Glossier
Why we love it: You'd be forgiven for thinking Glossier skincare might not be up to scratch. But you'd be wrong. The Milky Jelly cleanser leaves no trace of makeup (eye and lip included) and soft skin in its wake. Can they do no wrong?
13. Best gentle cleanser
Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser, £9.99, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: This ultra-hydrating jelly cleanser from BYOMA is excellent for breaking down dirt and removing excess oil. It also contains a unique blend of skin-boosting tri-ceramide complexes and an antioxidant-rich liquorice root and green tea extract. You’ll never have to worry about your skin feeling tight after a deep cleanse. Perfect to use as a gentle exfoliating cleanser.
14. Best hot cloth cleanser
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £18.50, Boots
Why we love it: If you think you're into skincare and you haven't tried this hot cleanser, then you have not lived. The buttery, delicious-smelling cream melts away makeup, then the cloth gently exfoliates as you remove the cleanser. Some cleansers come and go, but this will always have a place on our bathroom shelf.
15. Best hydrating cleanser
Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, £27, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Formulated with goodies like coconut-based surfactants, virgin marula oil and glycerin, this foaming jelly cleanser from Drunk Elephant is ideal for clearing out makeup, sunscreen and oil while also replenishing your skin’s moisture levels and boosting it with omegas 6 and 9. Did we mention that it’s also vegan and suitable for all skin types?
16. Best cleansing bar
Gallinée Cleansing Bar, £13, Holland & Barrett
Why we love it: Making soap sexy again, this innocent-looking cleansing bar actually contains a cocktail of lovely things like prebiotics and lactic acid to cleanse and soothe skin – AND doesn't actually contain any soap. So good that it keeps selling out.
17. Best everyday cleanser
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, £32, Space NK
Why we love it: Fresh's Soy Face Cleanser doesn't scrub, doesn't sting, doesn't leave skin tight and tingly, it just... cleans. Really, really well. Lovely and cooling, and smells like cucumber too. The perfect everyday cleanser.
Save when you shop for the best cleansers with these Space NK discount codes.
18. Best cleanser for combination skin
Lixir Electrogel Cleanser, £27, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Pleasing to the eye (we do love an Insta-worthy brand), this cleanser isn't just a pretty face: scientists just popped negatively charged 'electrogel' in this, which attracts and pulls the bad stuff out of your skin, ready to be rinsed away without drying it out in the slightest. People with combination skin have gone crazy for it, and we can see why.
Save when you shop for the best cleansers with these LookFantastic discount codes.
19. Best refreshing cleanser
Q+A Natural Skincare Peppermint Daily Cleanser, £7.50, Amazon
Why we love it: Perfect for a refreshing wash after a hot day, this cleanser helps fight blemishes and blackheads while revitalising your skin. Not to mention, it's vegan-friendly and does not contain any fragrance.
20. Best gel-to-foam cleanser
Wishful Get Clean Gentle Foaming Cleanser, £22, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: Created by Huda Beauty's Huda Kattan, this gel-to-foam cleanser is designed to unclog pores and smoothen your skin’s texture. Formulated with coconut, salicylic acid and gluconic acid, it leaves your skin feeling baby-smooth.
21. Best affordable cleanser
e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Daily Cleanser, £6, Boots
Why we love it: This affordable daily cleanser is filled to the brim with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides. All-in-all, it's perfect for washing away excess oil, impurities and makeup – plus, the price is unmatched.
22. Best purifying cleanser
Stella By Stella McCartney Reset Cleanser, £50, Cult Beauty
Why we love it: This cleanser by Stella McCartney practically melts away makeup and removes pollution particles from your skin. It's suitable for all skin types and leaves behind a much brighter complexion.
23. Best resurfacing cleanser
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse Resurfacing AHA/BHA Mangosteen Cleansing Gel, £22, Medik8
Why we love it: As one of Medik8's bestsellers, this resurfacing cleanser is ideal for gently exfoliating and removing dead skin cells, resulting in a visibly smoother complexion. This antioxidant-rich formula also provides a youthful boost by smoothening fine lines and wrinkles.
24. Best soothing cleanser
SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel Cleanser, £44, LookFantastic
Why we love it: Fuelled by hyaluronic acid, chamomile and aloe vera extract, this exfoliating cleanser smoothens out and refreshes rough surfaces with ease. Ideal for normal, combination and oil skin types.
25. Best honey-infused cleanser
Farmacy Beauty Clean Bee Cleanser, £27, Space NK
Why we love it: Made with the brand's own honey extract as well as coconut, sugar and amino acids, this cruelty-free product is made with sensitive skin in mind – it's free from mineral oils and parabens.
