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If there is one skincare product I never skip, it is cleanser. It may not be the most exciting step in a routine, but it is one of the most important. After all, every serum, moisturizer, and treatment starts with clean skin.
Over the years, I have tried more cleansers than I can count. Some were too harsh, some did not cleanse well enough, and a few earned a permanent spot in my bathroom. This roundup features the cleansers that impressed me enough to recommend them again and again.
Every product on this list has been personally tested by me. I have also included options for different skin types, concerns, and price points, so whether you’re looking for a simple drugstore staple or a luxury splurge, you’ll find a recommendation worth considering.
Best 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 by it.
While the cleanser calls itself a foaming cleanser, don’t let that fool you. This facial cleanser is gentle and creamy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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