16 Aesthetician-Approved Cleansers for Every Skin Type

Cleansing is to skincare what brushing your teeth is to your personal hygiene routine: boring, but essential. It's the reason why, as an esthetician, cleansing is the first thing I do once a client has made themselves comfy on the bed—if the skin isn't clean, then any consequently applied products can't work their magic. Not only do the best cleansers do the hard work of removing daily grime, pollution, and makeup from your skin, but if you choose the right one, it can also do everything from sloughing away dead skin cells to calming breakouts and boosting moisture levels. But with so many cleansers out there, from cleansing balms to cleansing oils and drugstore cleansers to luxury cleansers, how do you really know which one is going to do the best job for your skin?

best cleansers

(Image credit: @monikh)

To start with, it's important to really understand your skin type—something that can be genuinely confusing to the uninitiated. While I don't personally love categorising skin into types—after all, skin is affected by so many factors—the skin is usually broken down into four key categories: oily, combination, dry, and normal (lucky you). On top of that, you may have additional skin concerns, such as sensitivity (see our round-up of the best cleansers for sensitive skin), redness, breakouts, dehydration, and signs of ageing, which will also impact your choice of cleanser.

How To Choose A Cleanser

Woman in white dressing gown cleansing her skin in the mirror

(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

As we've already established, your skin types and concerns should be the primary factors dictating your choice of cleanser. But it's also important to consider when you're going to use the cleanser and what you need the cleanser to do. For example, in the morning you only need to use a gentle cleanser as there's no need to remove makeup, but in the evening you'll probably want something more thorough, and depending on whether or not you've worn makeup, you may also need to double cleanse.

In addition, you may have a preference for texture. Some people like a refreshing gel cleanser or a foaming solution, whereas others prefer a nourishing balm cleanser, (Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is an icon for a reason) or a silky oil cleanser.

Choosing a cleanser for oily skin: If you have oily skin, opt first for an oil-based cleanser (remember, oil attracts oil), then a gel cleanser, ideally something with salicylic acid to deeply cleanse pores.

Choosing a cleanser for dry skin: Dry skin types usually prefer a cleansing balm or oil, or even a cream cleanser. Avoid anything foaming as this will strip skin.

Choosing a cleanser for combination skin: A gentle, non-foaming gel cleanser will help to ensure combination skin is thoroughly cleansed of excess oil, but not stripped of moisture in the process.

Choosing a cleanser for sensitive skin: If you have sensitive skin, it's best to avoid anything foaming, abrasive, or astringent. Look instead for calming ingredients like cica, oat, and aloe which you'll find in the best cleansers for sensitive skin.

Choosing a cleanser for breakout-prone skin: Again, if you're breakout prone then anything abrasive should be avoided. Utilises instead the powder of chemical exfoliants like salicylic and mandelic acids, which you'll find in some of the best cleansers for acne.

Keep scrolling for some top cleansing tips and to shop the best cleansers for your skin type and concerns.

best cleansers

(Image credit: @thatgracegirl)

The Best Cleansers, Tried and Tested

1. Environ Low-Foam Cleansing Gel

2. Sunday Riley Aquamarine Melt Cleansing Gel-Balm

3. Iraye Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

4. Zelens Shiso Balm Radiance Cleanser

5. Dr Sam's Flawless Cleanser

6. M&S Clarify Skin Perfecting Jelly Cleanser

7. Dermatica Balancing Glycerin Gel Cleanser

8. Beauty Pie Happy Face No-Stress Jelly Cleanser

9. Youth to the People Energy Cleanser

10. Rhode Pineapple Refresh Cleanser

11. Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm

12. Dr. Idriss Soft Wash

13. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleansing Balm

14. Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser

15. Skin Rocks The Cleansing Balm

16. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

The Testing Process

As an esthetician and beauty editor, I've tested hundreds of the best cleansers over the years, and in preparation for this feature I've been putting both cult classics and new launches to the test. I tested each cleanser against a full face of makeup and at different stages in my routine to figure out what where it worked best. In addition, I've pulled feedback from my friends and clients who have different skin types and concerns to my own, in order to establish the pros and cons of each cleanser.

Who Should Use A Cleanser?

In short, everyone. Even if you don't wear makeup, it's essential to cleanse skin in order to remove dust, pollution, sweat, oil, and product residue from skin.

In the morning, a gentle cleanse will suffice as you only need to remove whatever has built upon in your skin the night before—don't be tempted to skip this step, it's still crucial.

In the evening and after a day of being exposed to all sorts of environmental aggressors, you'll need a deeper cleanse. Those who wear makeup or who have easily congested skin will probably need to double cleanse—which involves using first an oil-based cleanser and then a water-based one to ensure skin has been thoroughly cleaned.

How To Cleanse Your Skin

Wondering how to wash your face and when? It depends on the time of the day and whether or not you're also removing makeup.

Morning cleanse: Prep skin by dampening it with water and ensure that your water isn't too hot, especially if you're washing your face in the shower. Massage a small amount of cleanser in small circles over your face and neck, with a firm pressure, then rinse off using your hands. Allow skin to dry, rather than drying it with a towel as this can transfer bacteria.

Evening cleanse: If you've worn makeup, use a micellar water to remove the majority of makeup from your face. This ensure that the cleansers you use next are focused on cleansing your skin, not makeup removal. To double cleanse, use a balm or oil first. Spend time massaging it slowly and firmly over your face and neck, then place a warm flannel over your face for 30 seconds and press gently. Next use a pump of a water-based cleanser, such as a foam or gel to cleanse your face again. if the product contains enzymes or exfoliating acids, you may want to leave it on your skin for a few minutes so they can work their magic. Rinse off with a clean, warm flannel and allow your skin to dry before proceeding with the rest of your skincare routine.

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Freelance Beauty Editor

Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.