The 14 Best Facial Cleansers of 2021

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Washing your face might not be the most exciting step of your skincare routine, but it is an important one. Starting your skincare routine with a clean face is necessary for the rest of your products to work.

You might be tempted to grab just any old face wash, but that isn’t the best idea. Make sure to opt for facial cleansers that will remove dirt and excess oil, but won’t strip your skin.

So what makes the facial cleansers on this list so great? First, every single one of them has been tried and tested by me. If I haven’t tried it, I don’t recommend it. Also, this list takes into consideration various different skin types and skin concerns. Finally, there is a facial cleanser at just about every price point, so you can find a great face wash that fits your budget.

Best Facial Cleansers

Korres Foaming Facial Cleansers

Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser

This cleanser is an absolute hidden gem. I only decided to test it after receiving it in a FabFitFun box last year. Now I swear buy it.

While the cleanser calls itself a foaming cleanser, don’t let that fool you. This facial cleanser is gentle and creamy.

Buy Now at Sephora | $26


Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

This face cleanser makes it onto every best cleanser list on the internet for a reason. It really is that good.

This gentle face wash is great for every skin type. After washing, it leaves the skin feeling soft and clean, but never tight.

Buy Now at Sephora | $38


Hydrating Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

After going viral on TikTok, everyone is running to their local drugstore to buy a bottle of this facial cleanser.

I love that this super gentle face wash contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help hydrate and protect the skin.

Buy Now at Target | $10


Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

If you haven’t tried Glossier you are seriously missing out on a great brand. This cult-favorite cleanser is no exception.

I love the no-makeup makeup aesthetic, so it is no surprise that I am drawn to Glossier. When I need to remove my skin tint and tubing mascara, this is the cleanser I use. It gets off all of my makeup, doesn’t sting my eyes, and leaves my skin feeling soft.

Buy Now at Glossier | $18


Osea Ocean Cleanser

Osea Ocean Cleanser

If you are looking for a great brand to support, you need to check out Osea. All of their products are plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free, and ingredient conscious.

Using this gentle face cleanser is truly a spa-like experience. The texture and the scent are absolutely amazing.

Buy Now at Ulta | $48

Buy Now at Credo Beauty | $48


YTTP Face Wash

Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser

If you are looking for a great clean beauty cleanser, that is great for all skin types, this is the one.

Youth To The People uses superfoods to power all of their skincare products. This face cleanser utilizes vitamin-packed veggies like kale and spinach to condition the skin.

Buy Now at Sephora | $36


Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

If clean and simple beauty rituals are your thing, Indie Lee totally fits that vibe. Created by Indie after overcoming cancer, her products are safe for even the most sensitive skin.

The first thing you will notice when using this cleanser is the scent. It smell like you are washing your face with the most amazing spa water. Aside for the smell, this cleanser get the face clean and leaves you with a nice glow.

Buy Now at Sephora | $34


CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Yes there is another CeraVe cleanser on this list. This foaming facial cleanser is formulated with the same good ingredients of the other cleanser, but is made especially for those with oilier skin.

I love that this cleanser is gentle for a foaming cleanser. When my skin is feeling extra yucky or sweaty, this cleanser will wash away all of that filth.

Buy Now at Target | $10



Ceramic Slip Best Skincare

Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip

Sunday Riley might not be as popular as it was a few years ago, but this cleanser from the science-forward brand is a must-try.

I really love the unique formulation of this cleanser. The three different types of clay draw out impurities and help keep oil at bay. The olive oil esters balance out the clay by adding hydration.

Buy Now at Sephora | $35


Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

The obsession with Drunk Elephant’s Beste No. 9 Cleanser is real and for all the right reasons. 

When I tested all of DE’s products, I fell hard for this cleanser. The coconut-based surfactants work to make a nice, deep cleaning lather. Cantelope and marula oil leave the skin soft and glowing.

Buy Now at Sephora | $32


Kiehls Deep Clean Foaming  Face Wash

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Calendula Deep Clean Foaming Face Wash

Kiehl’s has a very large offering of products to address a wide variety of skin issues. The Calendula line and this face wash, in particular, are perfect for anyone with combination or oily skin.

This deep cleansing face wash is great during the summer when the skin is its oiliest. It will clean your skin of all gunk and grime, but will also soothe any irritation.

Buy Now at Sephora | $34


Belif Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser

Belif Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser

Belif is most known for their aqua bomb moisturizer, but they actually offer an entire aqua bomb line.

I became a lover of Belif and the aqua bomb line back when my skin was oiler. This gel cleanser helps to remove oil, reduce pore size, and soften the skin.

Buy Now at Sephora | $28


Tatcha The Rice Wash Softening Cleanser is one of the best facial cleansers.

Tatcha The Rice Wash Skin-Softening Cleanser

Tatcha hit a a home run when they created this cleanser. It combines the gentleness of a cleanser with the skin-smoothing power of rice. With one product you get clean, gently exfoliated skin.

Since starting retinol, my skin has changed from oily to dehydrated and flakey. This cleanser is perfect for cleansing my face while also getting rid of dead skin cells.

Buy Now at Sephora | $35


The Best Facial Cleansers

philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash

While philosophy isn’t talked about much anymore, this exfoliating facial wash is still a best seller. It utilizes micro-exfoliating beads to gently polish and scrub away impurities, while still being suitable for sensitive skin.

When I am traveling, I like to pack this wash because it does double duty. I can use it as a face wash but I also like to use it as an exfoliating body wash.

Buy Now at Sephora | $29


Shop The Best Facial Cleansers


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