Right this way to find your new favourite cleanser
Everybody has their own opinion on the most important step of the skincare routine. But if you don’t wash your face properly with the best cleanser for your skin’s needs, then the rest is redundant, because the products that follow just won’t work properly. (For what it’s worth, cleanser and SPF are up there.)
Washing away the day’s grime and make-up is essential. Not only does it help maintain healthy skin, but by removing build-up from the skin’s surface the rest of the products 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 routines, even more so if you wear make-up,’ she says. ‘Cleansing dissolves away excess dirt, makeup and bacteria on your skin; not cleansing if likely to leave your pores clogged and your skin more at risk of breaking out.’
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’s favourites.
Different types of cleanser
1. Micellar water
What is micellar water? It’s tiny droplets of cleansing oil suspended in a water. It’s a great option for skin that’s sensitive, as it’s extremely gentle and doesn’t make your skin 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. However, don’t become reliant on this as your only cleanser as you won’t be cleaning your skin completely. Simply pour some on to a cotton pad and wipe over the face to clean and cleanse.
2. Oil cleansers
Oil cleansers are really great at removing make-up, particularly 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 Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. ‘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 wash cloth with one of these cotton options. A sustainable alternative to your go-to cotton pads, look for double sided options that are gentle on and cleanse the skin.
Beauty Pie, Double-sided organic cotton wash cloths, usually £15 | Beauty Pie (member price £6.68)
Designed to work with any cleanser Beauty Pie’s cleansing cloths are double-sided with one side which gently scrubs, and the other with a smooth skin grip for polishing and finishing.
Sponsored
4. Cleansing balms
Balms are particularly thick and luxurious-feeling cleansers that remove makeup 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 with a flannel or cloth. ‘Cleansing balms, such as Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, 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 contain 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.
How to cleanse skin properly
‘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 recommended starting your morning routine at least twice a week with an enzymatic exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and encourage skin glow.’
‘If you are 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. A 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 part of your face,’ adds Luzon. ‘For drier areas use a nourishing cleansing cream, and for oiler 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.
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, £9.50 | Lookfantastic
Best drugstore cleanser:
One of the US's best-loved affordable skincare brands, Cerave's hydrating cleanser, this formula is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides to support skin's moisture levels and minimise dryness. The pump dispenser is super handy too.
Cleanser type: Gel
Skin type: Any, but especially dry/dehydrated
Size options: 236ml, 473ml, 1l
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, £28 | Lookfantastic
Best makeup removing balm:
This deliciously thick balm does exactly what it says on the tub, taking the day's make-up, SPF and oil off in a few easy sweeps, turning into an oil upon massaging that then rinses off easily with warm water. It's a reliable cult favourite cleanser for good reason, and won't strip your already dry skin of all its moisture. We love it.
Cleanser type: Balm
Skin type: Any, especially dry
Size options: 30ml, 125ml
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, £5.99 | Lookfantastic
Best micellar 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. 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 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.
Cleanser type: Micellar Water
Skin type: Any, including sensitive
Size options: 100ml, 200ml, 400ml, 700ml
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser, £31 | Cult Beauty
Best gel cleanser:
This is a really, really good lightweight everyday cleanser. It works beautifully after a cleansing balm if you want to thoroughly cleanse the skin, especially in the summer when you've been wearing SPF. Or the winter for that matter, as you're more likely to wear richer creams.
Cleanser type: Gel
Skin type: Normal to oily
Size options: 59ml, 237ml
Frances Prescott Tri-Balm, £49 | Liberty
Best multipurpose cleanser:
We really love this innovative product. It comes in a sort of deodorant-style twist-up tube that you work into your skin directly. Although it says it can remove make-up we prefer to use it as a second cleanse. Once applied, work it in to give skin a proper clean. You can then leave it on as an exfoliating mask. The reason it's called three in one is that it's so moisturising, you could leave it all day as your face oil. Genius.
Cleanser type: Balm
Skin type: Any, especially dry
Size options: 20g, 70g
Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm, £44 | Lookfantastic
Best for fragrance-free fans:
The famous Elemis cleansing balm has had a very exciting update. It now comes fragrance-free. 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.
Cleanser type: Balm
Skin type: Any, especially dry
Size options: 100g
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, £37 | Cult Beauty
Best for healthy & happy skin:
Without a doubt one of the best cleansers on the beauty market, Oskia's hero formula offers a thorough cleanse without stripping your skin dry. It really does do it all: buffing away dead skin cells, removing make-up and environmental aggressors, improves skin's firmness and elasticity and supports the lipid barrier for your best skin ever. Just divine.
Cleanser type: Gel-balm
Skin type: Any, especially dry
Size options: 35ml, 100ml, 200ml
Skingredients Sally Cleanse, from £27 | skingredients.com
Best for blemish-prone skin:
The brain child of beauty genius The Skin Nerd, aka Jennifer Rock, Skingredients is all about feeding, protecting and respecting your skin with a focus on ingredients. It's just launched on UK soil and we couldn't be more excited. Sally Cleanse, featuring pore-declogging ingredient salicylic acid, can be used every three days to tackle excess oil, blackheads and blemishes. It can also be used as a 'micro mask' to zap pesky spots, and on your body to help with keratosis pilaris.
Cleanser type: Gel
Skin type: Oily or combination
Size options: 100ml
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, £5.50 | Cult Beauty
Best affordable balm:
This is one of the brand's most popular products and you can see why. Warm the product in your hands before applying it to your skin and watch as the day comes off. You can't argue with that, and you certainly can't argue with that price.
Cleanser type: Balm
Skin type: Any
Size options: 50ml, 150ml
Aurelia London Miracle Cleanser, £42 | Cult Beauty
Best probiotic cleanser:
Aurelia London is known for using probiotics in its products – meaning live GOOD bacteria that feeds the skin's microbiome and helps it function at its best. This cleanser basically ensures you have healthy skin.
Cleanser type: Balm
Skin type: Any, especially dry
Size options: 50ml, 120ml, 240ml
Fenty Skin Total Cleans’r Remove-It-All Cleaner, £20 | Harvey Nichols
Best for makeup removal:
Fenty Skin delivers a mighty cleanser. Use it to take off your make-up and seriously cleanse the face (because the wise, wise Rihanna says make-up wipes are cancelled). It's handy as it purifies the pores, so if you're prone to shine you'll love it.
Cleanser type: Gel-balm
Skin type: Any
Size options: 45ml, 145ml
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Hydrating Cleansing Cream, £13.99 | Superdrug
Best for sensitive skin:
This particular cleanser is very gentle and soothing on the skin, with clever anti-friction technology so as not to further irritate skin that's already a bit unhappy, which makes it a good starting place for blemish or acne-prone skin. What's more dermatologists regularly recommend it to patients in clinic, so you know it's a good'un.
Cleanser type: Cream
Skin type: Any, especially sensitive
Size options: 200ml
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser, £38 | Cult Beauty
Best cleanser for glowing skin:
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.
Cleanser type: Cream
Skin type: Dull, dry
Size options: 50ml, 120ml
Decree Deep Cleanser, £55 | Cult Beauty
Best for a deep cleanse:
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.
Cleanser type: Light cream
Skin type: All, especially dull or congested
Size options: 130ml
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Cream, £35 | Lookfantastic
Best fuss-free cleanser:
If your skin is in need to a loving hug, then this is a cuddle in a bottle. No harsh chemicals, just nourishment. Simple work a small amount into damp skin it'll eliminate dirt and impurities with the softest of touch.
Cleanser type: Cream
Skin type: All, including sensitive
Size options: 200ml
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse, £18 | Feelunique
Best for everyday:
Medik8 is just one of the brands that we trust and this gentle 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.
Cleanser type: Gel
Skin type: All, especially mature
Size options: 150ml
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse, £48 | Cult Beauty
Best for A-list skin:
Meghan Markle's London facialist offers up her expertise in her skincare line. This is a really good cleansing oil that gets rid of every last scrap of make-up, dirt and grime. Inside are peptides, vitamin A and antioxidants that work seamlessly to help fight free-radicals, boost collagen and reveal your natural glow.
Cleanser type: Balm
Skin type: Dull, dry, mature
Size options: 30ml, 100ml
