By Amber Katz
Washing your face both morning and night might seem like a no-brainer, but using the right cleanser can make all the difference in achieving a healthy, radiant complexion. Facial cleansers remove dirt, oil, makeup and environmental pollutants that can clog pores and dull your skin’s natural glow. That said, if it seems like there are countless cleansers on the market, you’re not alone. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, but this guide to the best cleansers can help. Plus, all the benefits of using one and tricks for getting your face as clean as possible.
The benefits of using a cleanser
Using a cleanser is critical to maintaining healthy skin, whether or not you wear makeup, says Ryan Turner, MD, dermatologist and TRNR SKIN founder. “Sweat, sebum, pollutants, and bacteria build up on the skin’s surface every single day, and failure to remove it can be damaging — not only can this lead to enlarged pores and breakouts, but it can also accelerate skin aging,” he explains. “Pollutants and free radicals cause damage to collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for strong, resilient skin. While they do break down with age, a big part of that is due to exposure to free radicals. Without protecting your skin from free radicals (and that includes not only wearing sunscreen and using antioxidant-rich skincare, but cleansing properly), you could end up seeing more fine lines and wrinkles, skin laxity, and more damage.”
What to look for in a cleanser
Karan Lal, DO, FAAD says that good cleansers should have hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin. “Cetearyl alcohol is a great emollient that moisturizes as it assists in cleansing,” he explains. If you have oily skin, you may want a foaming cleanser to help get rid of excess oils. “If you have dry skin, you want a gentle and/or hydrating cleanser that won’t strip the skin. For combination skin you should stick to what feels best for you.”
How to use a cleanser
Always follow the instructions on the packaging — some formulas are meant to be applied with dry hands to dry skin, others with dry hands to wet skin, and so on, says Dr. Turner. “Following the instructions will ensure you’re getting the most out of a product.”
When cleansing, Dr. Turner recommends using light pressure and circular motions to massage the formula into your skin, concentrating on areas that are prone to excess oil or congestion, such as around the nose and along the jawline. “Thirty seconds should be a sufficient amount of time for the cleanser to fully break down oils, makeup, and other residue, but, again, follow the instructions,” he says. “Always use tepid water to rinse — cold water may not fully emulsify the formula and thus could leave residue on your skin, while hot water will strip your skin barrier.”
“If you use cleanser as a makeup remover, one round of cleansing may not be enough to fully break it down and wash it away,” warns Dr. Turner. “Consider cleansing in two phases, or ‘double cleansing,’ by using a richer cleanser first (oils are excellent at breaking down stubborn makeup), then following that with a lighter formula to wash away anything that might be left behind.”
Best overall cleanser
At under $15, this steal of a facial wash delivers, and delivers well. It boasts ceramides to keep your skin its bounciest and most youthful, but it also removes stubborn cosmetics and SPF.
Best cleanser for dry skin
Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
Dr. Lal says that this is great for those of us who want a foaming cleanser but have dry skin. The price point is also fantastic and it contains no harsh ingredients, so it’s also good for those who have sensitive skin.
Best cleanser for oily skin
TRNR Skin Glycolic Gel to Foam Cleanser
While many gel cleansers are too stripping for dry skin types, Dr. Turner formulated this product to ensure it was moisturizing enough for dry skin, yet not heavy on oily skin. “The star ingredient in this formula is glycolic acid, which gently exfoliates away dead skin cells to help improve skin texture and tone as well as prep the skin for the next steps in your skincare routine,” says Dr. Turner. “It also contains soothing, hydrating aloe and antioxidant-rich grapeseed and green tea extracts to help address free radical damage while removing excess oil.”
Best cleanser for mature skin
Perfect One Focus Smooth Cleansing Balm
This JBeauty (Japanese beauty) pick is well-priced and is fantastic for hydrating and moisturizing skin while removing pesky waterproof makeup and sunscreen. We love its slight, zesty bergamot scent for a touch of aromatherapy during a boring, nightly task.
Best powdered cleanser
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator
We love this cleanser, which can be added to your regularly scheduled cleanser, or used on its own to clean the skin and lightly exfoliate it. It’s even gentle enough for daily use.
Best balm cleanser
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
This is Dr. Turner’s pick and he says it’s ideal for removing makeup and it’s good for dry skin. “It’s quite nourishing due to the jojoba and avocado oils in the formula,” he says. “The balm melts into a milk with the addition of water, and rinses away clean without leaving the skin feeling greasy.”
Best drugstore cleanser
Board-certified dermatologist and Tiktok favorite, Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky recommends this cleanser from Olay. She says it can help clean, tone and refresh your skin ahead of a good night’s sleep. This cleansing pad you activate with water is ideal for travel and leaves skin feeling super clean.
Best splurge cleanser
Naturopathica Manuka Honey Cleansing Balm
It’s not cheap, but we love this cleanser for its divine, slightly sweet scent. More importantly, it also has a soothing texture and makeup-removing prowess. Plus, it cleanses without stripping the skin and can be paired with the brand’s skin brush for an emphatic lymphatic glow.
