Everybody has their own opinion on the most important step of a good skincare routine. But if you don't wash your face properly with the best cleanser for your skin's needs then I think we can all agree that the rest is redundant, because the products that follow just won't work properly.
While the best serums will deliver a potent dose of active ingredients to your targeted areas of concern, and the best moisturisers help to maintain a strong skin barrier, washing away the day's grime and make-up is essential first. Not only does it help to maintain healthy skin, but by removing build-up from the skin's surface the rest of the products that you use can properly penetrate the top layers and get to work. Clean face = effective skincare regime.
Mimi Luzon, skin wellbeing expert, aesthetician and facialist to Bella and Gigi Hadid, couldn't agree more. "Cleansing is an integral step in your skincare routine, even more so if you wear make-up," she says. "Cleansing dissolves away excess dirt, make-up and bacteria on your skin; not cleansing is likely to leave your pores clogged and your skin more at risk of breaking out."
Which type of cleanser is best?
The really tricky thing is that there are thousands—maybe even hundreds of thousands—on the market, and so finding the perfect one for you can be a bit of a minefield. Luckily, we've taken the liberty of breaking down the different types below along with team Marie Claire UK's favourites.
1. Micellar water
What is micellar water? It's tiny droplets of cleansing oil suspended in water. Micellar water is a great option for skin that's sensitive, as it's extremely gentle and doesn't make your face feel tight or dry after application. It's also perfect for when you can't be bothered to give your face a full-on deep cleanse—simply pour some onto a cotton pad and wipe over the face.
However, don't become reliant on this as your only cleanser as you won't be cleaning your skin completely.
2. Oil cleansers
Oil cleansers are really great at removing make-up, particularly at breaking down stubborn mascara. "Cleansing oils are a favourite among many, however I don’t like to use oils or oil cleansers on acne-prone skin," warns Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at Self London. "They can be highly comedogenic, so I’d avoid it if you’re prone to breakouts and blackheads."
3. Cleansing cloths
Elevate your standard flanneled washcloth with one of these options. A sustainable alternative to your go-to cotton pads, look for double-sided options (like these ones from Beauty Pie) that are gentle on and cleanse the skin.
4. Cleansing balms
Balms are particularly thick and luxurious-feeling cleansers that remove make-up brilliantly and are particularly great for dry skin that needs that extra hit of nourishment. Some can leave a slightly oily residue, and therefore need to be rinsed thoroughly, so it's best to take to them off with a flannel or cloth.
"Cleansing balms are great for dry skin types," advises Dr Mahto. "Once massaged into the skin, they work to dislodge any make-up, pollution or sunscreen that is left on the skin."
5. Foaming cleansers
A foaming cleanser is kind of the entry-level cleanser that you get given in your early teens. They get a bad rep because a number contains SLS, a foaming agent that can dry skin out.
That said, it doesn't negatively affect everyone, and those with an oilier skin type and prone to blemishes often get on well with the formulas. They really lather up to help cleanse every nook and cranny.
6. Gel cleansers
If you have combination skin then a gel is a perfect middle ground of nourishing for drier skin, while being lightweight and refreshing enough for those oilier parts. They can be used at any time of day, but make great morning cleansers. Use on damp skin and work in before rinsing.
7. Cream and milk cleansers
Cream and milk cleansers don't foam, and so tackle dirt and grime best when applied directly onto dry skin. They work well if you have dry or dehydrated skin, because they're super nourishing but don't strip your complexion of all life. Very simple and gentle cream cleansers are a particularly great match for sensitive skin.
Best cleansers at a glance:
- Best drugstore cleanser: Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, £12.50 | Sephora
- Best gel cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Foaming Gel Cleanser, £26 | Boots
- Best hydrating cleanser: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, £14.90 | Look Fantastic
- Best micellar water: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, from £3 | Look Fantastic
- Best cleanser for detoxing: Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser, £30.40 | Look Fantastic
- Best cleansing balm: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, £25.50 | Look Fantastic
- Best cleanser for blemish-prone skin: Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser, £26 | Sephora
- Best cleanser for sensitive skin: Murad Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser, £43 | Cult Beauty
What is the most effective way to cleanse your skin?
"If you're looking for a deep clean then a double-cleanse could be the answer," explains Dr Mahto. "It involves using a cleansing oil, balm or micellar water to break down make-up, SPF and sebum on the surface of your skin first, then following it with a deeper water-based cleanse. This removes sweat, bacteria and old skin cells. The second round of cleansing will clean much deeper into the pores to remove any impurities."
The number one rule is to think about your skin concerns and to choose your skin ingredients accordingly. Salicylic acid is a great deep exfoliant for oily skin, while thicker, richer cleansers marry well with dry skin. "I believe less is more; there is definitely such a thing as too many active ingredients," says Dr Mahto. "Applying a large number of active ingredients onto the skin can trigger allergy, sensitivity or irritation."
If you have sensitive skin invest in a couple of different cleansers. "You can use different cleansers on different parts of your face," adds Luzon. "For drier areas use a nourishing cleansing cream, and for oilier areas stick with foams."
So whether you prefer a cream cleanser, a thick balm, a lightweight gel or a nourishing cleansing oil, there's definitely a cleanser out there to suit your skin's needs (and your bank balance's). Remember to strengthen your treatment plan by arming yourself with the best toner, which follows your cleanser.
Should you use cleanser in the morning?
"I personally like to start my day by cleansing my face with foam or any other delicate product with a suitable pH level," says Luzon. "I also recommend starting your morning routine at least twice a week with an enzymatic exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and encourage skin glow."
The best cleanser for every skin type and concern
The Marie Claire UK Beauty Team take cleansing very seriously. They have tirelessly tried and tested hundreds, if not thousands, of cleansers in their time and have decided that the below are the very best. While trialling, they took the following into account: texture, ingredients, price and efficacy. These are their findings...
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser
One of the US's best-loved affordable skincare brands, Cerave's hydrating cleanser is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides to support skin's moisture levels and minimise dryness. The pump dispenser is super handy too. "I use this every single day," says Senior Beauty Editor Katie Thomas. "I have never loved a cleanser more than this. It is gentle, it is affordable, it's kind to my skin, it removes make-up. I am totally devoted. Hook, line and sinker."
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Foaming Gel Cleanser
"I've had this in my shower and used it every day for honestly over six months and it's still going," says Laura.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
If you experience dry skin after cleansing, you need The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser in your routine. It contains hero ingredient plant-derived squalane, which moisturises the skin as you cleanse, as well as lipophilic esters that dissolve all traces of makeup, including waterproof formulas.
"I love this cleanser, especially during the colder months when my skin can be prone to dryness," says Lottie Winter, Marie Claire's Beauty Director. "It always leaves my skin feel supremely clean, but also incredibly soft—almost like I've already applied a moisturising serum."
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Of all of the micellar waters out there (and boy, are there a lot of 'em), Garnier's is both exceptional and insanely good value—and a real favourite amongst the Marie Claire Beauty Team. It's free of alcohol and perfume, making it a great choice for even sensitive skin, and makes light work of lifting away your best mascara and long-wearing eyeliner. Piece of cake.
"Micellar water is wonderful stuff," says Katie. "But please, please, please don't use it as your only cleanser. It's an excellent make-up remover, but should be followed with another proper cleanse to remove things like excess make-up, dirt, pollution and SPF."
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
Imagine a green juice packed with superfoods—but for your skin. Youth To The People's Superfood Cleanser is exactly that, and is packed with an antioxidant powerhouse of kale, spinach and green tea to deeply decongest pores and protect against environmental aggressors.
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
This cleansing balm is a best seller for a reason. It transforms from a rich balm to a rich oil upon contact with skin, removing all traces of makeup and debris (including waterproof mascara and SPF residue), as well as impurities and oil build up that can clog pores, all without stripping the skin of vital moisture.
Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Foaming Cleanser
Foaming cleansers can have a tendency to be a little drying—but not this one. It harnesses the nourishing properties of glycerin to hydrate the skin as it cleanses, working to minimise feelings of dryness while gently removing impurities.
Its uniquely sensorial cream-to-foam formula has been dermatologically tested, and is proven to be gentle enough to use every day—even on sensitive and redness prone skin.
Skin Rocks The Cream Cleanser
Much more than your average cream, this cleanser from Queen of Skin Caroline Hirons' brand Skin Rocks is a total hit; it cleans the skin as thoroughly as a gel but with all the nourishing feel of a cream. Ingredients inside this elegant formula include amino acids, squalane and jojoba seed oil to boost your skin barrier and its hydration levels.
"A cream texture wouldn't usually be my first choice of cleanser as I usually prefer something that feels a little fresher, but I'm so impressed with this," says Laura. "My skin feels so, so clean and soft afterwards, and really well conditioned with any residue left behind. It does a decent job at removing make-up too (although I still like to take my mascara off with a balm first).
Elemis Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm
We would have, of course, included the famous original Elemis cleansing balm in this list. However, it doesn't appeal to those with more sensitive skin, so we think this is the better choice. Just like the original, this powerful balm deeply cleanses your skin to dissolve make-up and get rid of daily pollutants without drying it out, so you end up with noticeably clearer skin that's also seriously moisturised. This one feels like a real treat to use.
"When I'm teaching people about double cleansing, I always tell them to buy this," says Katie. "It's a brilliant product that deserves the cult following it has. Be sure to follow it up with a gel/cream/foaming cleanser."
Rhode Pineapple Refresh PGA Daily Cleanser
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last year, you'll have no doubt heard about Rhode, the undeniably Instagrammable skincare brand from Hailey Bieber. The brand's first cleanser, this contains pineapple enzymes to very gently exfoliate the skin as it washes.
Laura says, "With fruit enzymes in the formula, I expected this tingle on the skin a bit, or at the very least sting the eyes—but it didn't one bit. Instead, it just leaves skin feeling smooth, plump and baby-soft. It's a great morning or second cleanse."
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser
If your skin's oily or blemish-prone, it may sound counterintuitive but the last thing you want to do is wash away all your skin's natural oils, as this will encourage further sebum production. Instead, reach for a gentle salicylic acid-based gel cleanser like this Caudalie one.
Laura says, "I wouldn't use this everyday, but if I get a few spots I'll switch my usual cleanser for this, as it's effective without being drying. It's great for guys, too."
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser
As well as packing a punch for dry and dull skin, ExfoliKate is particularly effective at tackling both characteristics of combination skin—the AHAs, lactic and glycolic acid, break down dead and dry skin cells while also removing excess oil for a softer, more radiant complexion.
"I love to use this once or twice a week," says Katie. "But I particularly like using it as we are coming out of winter, when my skin is looking a little on the dull side. It's a spring awakening for the skin."
Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
A gentle oil that makes a great first cleanse, especially if you find that make-up removers usually sting your eyes. It's also rich in omegas and amino acids for extra nourishment.
"Some oil cleansers can sting my eyes, but not this one," says Laura. "I like to really work it into the skin to dissolve make-up, remove with a cloth and a splash of water, then follow up with a gel cleanser."
Decree Deep Cleanser
For when skin feels particularly congested and in need of a deep clean. What doesn't this formula contain? Clays to unclog pores, salicylic acid to tend to those blemishes, zinc and sulphur to calm inflammation AND lactic acid to gently exfoliate. "Good god, I love this cleanser," exclaims Katie. "No other product leaves my skin feeling as baby soft as this. Not even a peel mask. It's fantastic."
Dermalogica Oil to Foam Total Cleanser
This innovative product transforms into pretty much every texture during the cleansing process: it starts off as as gel-like oil, which removes make-up, before emulsifying into a foaming milk with a splash of water. It's a double cleanse in one bottle.
"This is about as close as you can get to a one-and-done cleanser," says Laura. "It melts away make-up as an oil, and then washes away as a milky foam (I'd still recommend always cleansing twice though). It's expensive, but a clever formula."
Murad Soothing Oat and Peptide Cleanser
When your skin is irritated it's advised to step away from the actives and resort back to a very simple skincare routine— and this gentle gel-cream cleanser is perfect for that. It contains colloidal oatmeal, known to help to soothe, and it feel cooling on inflamed skin, like a glass of chilled oat milk.
"I have an 'SOS skincare kit' for when my skin's stressed, and this cleanser is in it," says Laura. "If you want a 'simple' cleanser that still feels luxurious, this is it."
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Hydration Revival Cleanser
The bestselling make-up and skincare brand from celebrity MUA Charlotte Tilbury has added a cleanser to its line-up for the first time, and it's a good suits-all option for morning and night. Like all of Charlotte's skincare, it brings with it some impressive claims: skin stays two times more hydrated for up to 12 hours, and appears 97% clearer after seven days.
Laura says: "I like the texture of this, which it creamy and foamy at the same time, and feels deeply cleansing without stripping. It isn't anything groundbreaking but it appeals to the masses, and if you're a fan of Tilbury skincare, you'll love this."
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse
Medik8 is one of our favourite skincare brands, and this everyday cleanser is a must try. Designed to support and improve the appearance of ageing skin, it is both hydrating and exfoliating, so you really are left with your complexion looking and feeling its absolute best.
Laura says, "This is an easy way to quickly improve the look and feel of your skin just by washing it. It really feels like it's doing something, but not to the extent that it stings your skin."
17. L'Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Spot Fading Serum-In Cleanser
Step one of L'Oréal's new range to tackle pigmentation and post-blemish marks, this gel cleanser contains niacinamide and salicylic acid. It's proven to fade blemished by 51% in four weeks, and post-acne marks by 57%.
Laura says, "I'm a little dubious that just using a cleanser—which stays on your skin for seconds—would be enough on its own to have a huge impact on dark spots, but if you're using other products to tackle pigmentation and/or acne scarring, it can't hurt to include this in your routine. It's a great gel cleanser that feels refreshing on the skin."
