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16 face cleansers we really, really rate for every skin type
From comforting creams to blemish busters 🫧
Finding the right cleanser for your skin type is crucial. After all, washing your face is how every good skincare routine starts. But with so many different textures to choose from – be it gels, balms and foaming formulas – selecting your winner can feel very eeny, meeny, miny, moe.
Just like finding a good foundation match, your face wash routine needs to be tailored according to your skin type. Luckily, today's shelves are brimming with options. That's right, people, we're far from the days of one-size-fits-all skincare.
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How to pick the right face cleanser
So, which one to go for? If you have oily skin, or if you're prone to blemishes, Facialist Abi Oleck recommends reaching for a gel cleanser as they will deeply clean the skin without blocking pores. Ideally, find one containing lactic or a plant-derived salicylic acid to counteract congestion and to reduce oil production.
If dryness is your skin woe, opt for a creamy cleanser that's brimmed with conditioning ingredients such as squalane, oats and hyaluronic acid. “If you’re experiencing dryness after cleansing, it’s an indication that the skin's barrier has been compromised,” says Abi.
“The solution is to avoid harsh acids and switch to ingredients that rebuild the lipid structure [a.k.a, ceramides]. You'll want to avoid an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulphate, which will strip the skin of its natural moisture."
How we test
To give these players a fair chance in our testing, we used each one morning and evening to slough away oils and slay away makeup from the day. We paid close attention to how well each cleanser lathered, removed build-up without stripping the skin, and how easily it washed away without leaving any residue. And because we enjoy a lil pamper too, we considered the smell and texture of each cleanser to deliver those ultimate spa vibes.
With all that in mind, it's time to put down the makeup wipes once and for all and upgrade that first vital step in your skincare routine. Here are the grime fighters and pore un-cloggers truly rated by team Cosmo…
Best cleansers for every single skin type
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse
What is it? An exfoliating face wash to brighten and smooth texture
What makes it special? The best cleansers for brightening don't always rely on vitamin C. Exhibit A: Medik8's Surface Radiance Cleanse is packed with salicylic acid, mandelic, and lactic acid (dw, that's a lot less intense than it sounds) to slough away dead cells and improve the skin's overall appearance.
So if yours is feeling a little rough – bumps, pores and dry zones are all common concerns – this skin smoother is here to tackle all kinds of texture.
Which skin type? Congested skin that needs a little brightening.
| Size | 150ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | L-mandelic acid, L-lactic acid, salicylic acid and mangosteen peel extract |
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
What is it? A skin-softening and nourishing butter that swipes away makeup and grime.
What makes it special? Drunk Elephant's Slaai Makeup Melting Butter is a true multi-tasker. The main attraction is the nourishing cleansing balm: it's brimming with fruit oils and extracts to gently melt away makeup while feeding the skin with moisture.
It also comes with a Bamboo Booster – a small tube of gritty bamboo spheres that can be added to the balm to gently exfoliate dry skin. Stick to it and baby-soft, radiant skin will be yours.
Which skin type? This balm is packed with nourishing oils – we mean it – so we'd highly suggest this formula for those with dry AF skin.
Key Specifications
| Size | 110g |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Fruit extracts (blueberry, kiwi and strawberry), Fruit oils (cranberry seed oil, acai fruit oil and watermelon seed oil), virgin marula oil, baobab seed oil. |
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
What is it? A non-drying gel cleanser
What makes it special? Blemish-prone skin types will love this cleansing formula. It contains salicylic acid to effectively cleanse the skin, removes make up and unclogs pores. Not only does it reduce excess oil, but it helps minimise the appearance of pores too.
Which skin type? Oily skin, this is the decongesting formula for you.
| Size | 150ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid, zinc compound and allantoin |
What is it? This isn't any old gel. It's a gel that transforms into a hydrating, milky oil. Yum.
What makes it special? If you're a fan of Skin Rocks' Cream Cleanser, feast your eyes on this bby. It combines three textures of cleanser into one; it starts as a silky gel before transforming into an oil and then into a milky consistency.
Gently massage into the skin and it easily lifts makeup and grime while keeping hydration a tip-top prio.
Which skin type? All skin types can get involved here. And there's a fragrance-free version for those with sensitive skin.
| Size | 125ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Jojoba, argan and rosehip seed oils; grape seed and avocado oils; glycerin |
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
What is it? A balm-to-oil cleanser.
What makes it special? Some cleansers leave your face feeling dry and tight — well, step aside. This cleanser is enriched with squalane, the new super hydrator that's knocked hyaluronic acid off the top spot.
Rub between your palms and watch it transform from a balmy texture to an emulsifying oil, massage into dry skin, then rinse.
Which skin type? Add this to your cart if you've got dry skin and you'll never look back.
| Size | 150ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Squalane, sucrose stearate, ethyl macadamiate and sucrose laurate |
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser
What is it? A lathering, cream cleanser
What makes it special? A classic for a reason, this stunning formula is enriched with cocoa butter, chamomile and eucalyptus – and trust us when we say, it smells divine.
It effectively cleanses, purifies and moisturises skin, leaving the complexion plump and supple.
Which skin type? All skin types will enjoy this dreamy cream cleanser.
| Size | 200ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Cocoa butter, rosemary extract and chamomile extract |
Garnier Brightening Vitamin C Cream Cleanser
What is it? A gentle cream cleanser
What makes it special? Garnier's Brightening Vitamin C Cream Cleanser does all the duties of a brilliant face wash, but it will also brighten the skin to give a lit-from-within look.
The milky lather gently removes makeup and grime, while vitamin C leaves your skin looking radiant and fresh. It's a great morning wash to perk up your complexion for the day ahead.
Which skin type? This cleanser is best suited to anyone who is looking to brighten or reduce pigmentation.
| Size | 250ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Vitamin C and glycerin |
Naturium Fermented Camellia Creamy Cleansing Oil
What is it? A thick, oil cleanser
What makes it special? Oil-based cleansers can be a divisive topic. Some love the feeling of a rich oil to melt makeup off, while others simply cringe at the thought. If you're the former, know that Naturium's Camellia Creamy Cleansing Oil does a stellar job at breaking down makeup and thoroughly cleansing the skin.
Due to its gel-to-oil formula, it does require warm water, a microfibre cloth and a little bit of scrubbin' to get the product off, but that's something we're more than happy to do if it means soft and hydrated skin.
Which skin type? Dry, dehydrated and Sahara-like skin? This one's for you.
| Size | 103.5ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Glycerin, jojoba oil and camellia seed oil |
Ilia The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser + Makeup Remover
What is it? An airy foam cleanser
What makes it special? Ilia's Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser uses a gentler kind of cleansing agent, compared to other foam cleansers, so that it still effectively removes makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
As you massage it into the skin, the fluffy foam gently sweeps away impurities but, most importantly, the skin feels conditioned and hydrated after use.
Which skin type? Sensitive souls will love this delicate cleanser.
| Size | 200ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Sugar complex and plant-based surfactants |
What is it? A low-foaming, oil-absorbing cleanser that removes makeup.
What makes it special? Sorry folks, but removing your pores is not possible – nor would it be practical, as they're in charge of healthy oil regulation. However, if yours are a little enthusiastic about oil production, and you'd like to reduce their appearance, then take a look here.
Nivea's Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel is formulated to remove excess sebum caused by enlarged pores, but will maintain a hydrated skin barrier too (cause, yes, oily skin still needs hydration).
Which skin type? Enlarged pores? This one's for you.
| Size | 150ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Salicylic acid and niacinamide |
CeraVe Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser
What is it? A foaming cleanser
What makes it special? A lot of foam cleansers can strip the skin and will leave it looking and feeling fried. Not this one, though. The cream-to-foam formula gently gets rid of excess dirt and oil, without disrupting the skin's natural barrier. Plus, it's amazingly calming, and reduces redness and inflammation, too.
Which skin type? Oily, blemish prone skins, meet your new go-to.
| Size | 236ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Ceramides, hyaluronic acid and amino acids |
Tatcha The Rice Wash
What is it? A creamy, hydrating cleanser
What makes it special? This creamy cleanser envelopes your skin in a comforting, hydrating lather. It's hardworking enough to remove makeup and grime from the day, but doesn't leave your skin feeling stripped or dry. We also love that it feels slightly exfoliating so it also helps skin to feel smooth, plump and squeaky clean.
Which skin type? All are welcome!
| Size | 120ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Japanese rice powder, Okinawa algae blend and hyaluronic acid |
Murad Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser
What is it? A non-foaming, creamy cleanser
What makes it special? Here’s a cleanser you can trust if you suffer from eczema; the nourishing cream is loaded with shea butter, oat extract and peptides to effectively cleanse your skin, without severely pissing off dry and irritated zones.
The combo of skin-kind ingredients helps to restore the integrity of your skin barrier (helping to prevent flare-ups in the long run) and brings solace to areas of redness and flakiness. Super hydrating and super good.
Which skin type? Hit this up if you’re eczema prone or have seriously dry skin.
| Size | 200ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Peptides, oat extract and sugar complex |
The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm
What is it? A slightly exfoliating balm cleanser
What makes it special? This gentle but hardworking balm feels indulgent to use, and also delivers some serious anti-irritation and redness magic with soothing oat extracts. Massage it into skin and remove with a cloth, but it can also be left on for ten minutes as a calming mask.
Which skin type? Sensitive-skinned people – this is The One.
| Size | 150ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal |
La Roche-Posay Sensitive Micellar Water
What is it? A skin-kind micellar water cleanser
What makes it special? As soon as the word 'sensitivity' is thrown into the topic of skincare, La Roche-Posay springs to mind. This French pharmacy brand is the crème de la crème for effective, kind-to-skin formulas – and much can be said for this micellar cleanser.
Soak a cotton round in the gentle solution and use it to wipe away makeup and oil. It doesn't feel drying but instead leaves your skin soft and hydrated. Plus, it's a great alternative if you're in a rush, or don't have a running tap near by.
Which skin type? Sensitive and reactive complexions.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
What is it? A gentle face wash with zero nasties
What makes it special? We get it, this looks like something your GP would hand you, but all aesthetic judgements aside it's actually a fantastic cleanser for clarifying, hydrating and protecting your skin's barrier. The pared-back, fragrance-free formula is soothing on sensitive complexions, and it sits at a very reasonable price tag too. Happy days.
Which skin type? Everyone, but especially so if you've got dry and sensitive skin
| Size | 236ml |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol |
How should you incorporate a cleanser into your skincare routine?
Well, many experts recommend a double cleanse at night to remove any buildup of makeup, sweat and dirt.“Several types of skin stressors contribute to premature ageing by increasing inflammation,” Abi explains. “So to avoid skin damage, carry out a deep cleanse in the morning and evening to help reduce pore-blocking dirt and pollution particles," she adds. Cleansing will also prime your skin ready for your skincare routine ahead, be it your favourite serum, hyaluronic acid, or moisturiser.
What are the golden rules of cleansing?
When it comes to cleansing, there are a few wise words of advice to follow to ensure a thorough and happy scrub.
Check your temp: While it's tempting to stand under the shower and wash your face, it's likely the water is too hot which can strip your skin of its natural oils. Cold water won't effectively break down makeup and oils, so the perfect middle ground is lukewarm water. It helps your cleanser work even harder, while keeping skin hydrated.
Don’t be abrasive: Flannels are fine, but you know what’s even better than a flannel? Microfibre cloths. They are way more gentle on the skin (especially if your flannel's on the crusty side) and you can get your hands on a two-pack for just a fiver.
Double up: Double cleansing isn’t just a con to get you to spend more money on products: you don’t even need two separate cleansers, just use the same one twice. It’s the only way to remove all your make-up, SPF (because you are wearing it every day, aren’t you?) and all the other stuff like sweat, sebum and general grime.
Don’t ignore your lashes: Not only do you risk eye infections by letting your mascara linger, but you also risk brittle lashes as mascara dries them out. So if pink-eye doesn’t scare you, maybe stubby lashes will.
BTW, our Beauty Special dedicated to skincare is on newsstands on the 27th of August. Don’t miss your chance to grab our beauty bible full of skincare tips and product recs for now to keep forever.
Victoria Jowett is an award-winning journalist and the former Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. She was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 for her work in beauty journalism and oversees the skincare, hair, makeup and fragrance content across all of Cosmopolitan’s platforms. She's worked in the beauty industry for over 13 years (and tested 1000s of products), making her an expert when it comes to recommending beauty brands that truly work. Having started her career working weekends on a makeup counter, Victoria began interning at the likes of AnOther and IDOL magazine, before landing her first Beauty Writer job at weekly fashion magazine, LOOK. Joining Cosmopolitan in 2016, Victoria has always remained a beauty fanatic and has been lucky enough to interview everyone from Britney Spears to Kourtney Kardashian about their beauty routines. Follow her on LinkedIn.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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