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- The best cream cleansers for dry skin
- The best foaming cleansers for a refreshing clean
- The best gel cleansers for oily, acne-prone skin
- The best micellar water: remove makeup and impurities
- The best oil cleansers for removing heavy makeup
Explore the best of the silky-smooth cleanser options for dry or sensitive skin
Discover the balancing effect of foaming cleansers which cleanse without stripping
Find an oil-free cleanser that fights blemishes and texture
Swipe away makeup and pollutants with micellar technology
Like dissolves like – use oil to remove makeup, excess sebum and impregnated dirt
The Best Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin
Cream cleansers are an essential addition to any skincare routine, offering a gentle and effective way to cleanse without stripping the skin. Unlike foaming or gel-based cleansers, which can leave the skin feeling dry, cream cleansers provide hydration and help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This makes them particularly suitable for sensitive, dry, or dehydrated skin, though they also work on moderately oily and combination complexions.
Top Cream Cleansers for Different Skin Types:
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser – A dermatologist-approved formula with ceramides to restore the moisture barrier, ideal for dry and eczema-prone skin.
- Skingredients Prebiotic Cleanser – Packed with prebiotics and PHAs, this gentle cleanser balances and refreshes all skin types, including oily and sensitive.
- Image Vital C Hydrating Cleanser – Brightens dull skin with vitamin C while maintaining hydration and fighting the first signs of ageing.
- Biofresh Cleansing Milk – Uses natural ingredients like green tea and cucumber to cleanse deeply and soothe sensitive, acne-prone skin.
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Cleanser – A fragrance-free, dermatologist-recommended option for sensitive and reactive skin, calming inflammation and redness.
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Why Choose a Cream Cleanser?
Cream cleansers are perfect for gently removing makeup, dirt, and pollutants while protecting the skin’s hydration. They are less likely to irritate sensitive skin and often contain nourishing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics. Unlike harsh cleansers that strip natural oils, cream cleansers maintain skin balance, preventing excess oil production and dehydration.
How to Use a Cream Cleanser
Massage onto the face for 60 seconds, paying attention to areas prone to buildup. Rinse with warm water or wipe with a damp cloth. Follow with a hydrating serum or moisturiser for optimal results.
Benefits of Cream Cleansers
- Non-foaming, gentle formula, no drying surfactants
- Maintains hydration and skin balance
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin
- Leaves skin soft, refreshed, and radiant
Incorporating a cream cleanser into your routine can enhance your skin’s health and radiance, providing a gentle yet thorough cleanse tailored to your skin type.
Read the full article reviewing the best cream cleansers
The best foaming cleansers for a refreshing clean
Foaming cleansers are a fundamental to many skincare routines, providing a fresh, deep clean. These cleansers emulsify oils, dirt, and makeup, making them easy to wash away and leaving the skin prepped for hydration. Ideal for normal to oily skin types, foaming cleansers can also cater to sensitive and acne-prone complexions when formulated correctly.
Top Foaming Cleansers for Radiant and Clear Skin
- CeraVe Foaming Cleanser – A gentle, dermatologist-developed cleanser with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides. Ideal for normal to oily skin, it cleans without stripping.
- CeraVe Cream-to-Foam Cleanser – Combines cream and foam for a gentle yet thorough cleanse. Perfect for normal and combination skin.
- CeraVe Foaming Oil Cleanser – An oil-based formula that removes impurities without double cleansing. Best for normal to dry skin.
- Acnaut Cleansing Foam – Contains lactic acid to combat blackheads and acne. Suited for oily and acne-prone skin.
- Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash – Salicylic acid tackles breakouts while tea tree oil soothes inflammation. Great for teenage and acne-prone skin.
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Benefits of Foaming Cleansers
Foaming cleansers effectively remove excess oil, makeup, and impurities, making them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin. They often include ingredients like salicylic acid for acne, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and soothing agents like aloe vera and chamomile to calm irritation.
Key Ingredients to Look For
- Hydrators: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides
- Anti-acne: Salicylic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide
- Soothing agents: Aloe vera, chamomile, green tea extract
How to Use Foaming Cleansers Effectively
Massage the product onto damp skin for 30-60 seconds, focusing on oily or clogged areas. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a hydrating serum or moisturiser. Adjust the amount of product based on skin type to avoid over-cleansing.
Comparing Foaming Cleansers with Other Types
Foaming cleansers offer a balance between deep cleaning and preserving natural oils, unlike gel cleansers that can be more drying or cream cleansers that focus on hydration. Choose based on your skin type and concerns.
Incorporating the right foaming cleanser into your routine can help achieve clear, radiant skin without compromising moisture or balance.
Read the full article reviewing the best foaming cleansers
The Best Gel Cleansers for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
Cleansing gels are a vital tool for achieving clear, smooth, and healthy skin. Designed to tackle oiliness, remove dirt, makeup residue, and pollutants, these cleansers help combat acne, rough texture, and uneven tone. With so many options available, finding the right gel cleanser tailored to your complexion is essential for effective skincare.
Top Cleansing Gels for Clear Skin
- CeraVe Smoothing SA Cleanser – Formulated with salicylic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, it fights acne, smooths texture, and hydrates while unclogging pores. Best for textured, blemish-prone, and teenage skin.
- Acnaut Oxy Wash Gel Cleanser – Contains lactic acid and oxygen to deeply cleanse, reduce sebum, and soothe redness. Ideal for acne-prone and combination skin.
- Skingredients Sally Cleanse – A 2% salicylic acid exfoliating cleanser that resurfaces skin and fights breakouts. Suitable for oily and spot-prone skin.
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser – A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Removes impurities and excess oil without disrupting the moisture barrier.
- IMAGE Clear Cell Clarifying Gel Cleanser – Combines salicylic acid and neem extract to clear breakouts, reduce shine, and prevent future acne. Great for oily and combination skin.
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Benefits of Gel Cleansers
- Deeply cleanse and clear clogged pores
- Reduce excess oil and shine
- Help prevent acne and improve texture
- Lightweight, non-greasy, and suitable for oily skin
How to Choose Your Ideal Gel Cleanser
Look for acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and tea tree oil. For sensitive or dry skin, opt for sulphate-free cleansers with soothing agents like aloe vera and glycerin. Hydrating components such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides help maintain moisture levels.
How to Use a Gel Cleanser Effectively
Use a gel cleanser as part of your evening routine. Start by removing makeup with micellar water or a cleansing balm, then apply the gel to damp skin. Massage for 30-60 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm water. Follow with a hydrating serum and moisturiser to replenish lost moisture and support the skin barrier.
Incorporating the right gel cleanser into your skincare routine can help reduce acne, smooth texture, and achieve a balanced, clear complexion.
Read the full article reviewing the best gel cleanser
The Best Micellar Water: Remove Makeup and Impurities
Micellar water is a game-changer in skincare routines. Known for its gentle yet effective cleansing properties, it removes dirt, oil, and makeup without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Micellar water contains micelles, tiny molecules that act like magnets to lift impurities, making it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Top Micellar Waters for Effortless Makeup Removal:
- Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Cleansing Water – A dermatologist-recommended, fragrance-free cleanser that calms sensitive and dry skin. Perfect for daily use, but some struggle with waterproof makeup.
- CeraVe Micellar Cleansing Water – Hydrating and non-comedogenic, it’s great for balanced or combination skin, with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support the moisture barrier.
- La Roche-Posay Rosaliac Micellar Makeup Removal Gel – A gel-to-water formula that soothes sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. It’s gentle yet effective for makeup and dirt removal.
- La Roche-Posay Sensitive Skin Micellar Water – Ideal for dry and reactive skin, it maintains the skin’s pH balance and removes impurities without stripping moisture.
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Why Micellar Water is a Must-Have?
Micellar water is versatile, acting as a makeup remover, cleanser, and toner. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and can target specific concerns with added ingredients like hyaluronic acid for hydration or niacinamide for calming.
How to Choose the Right Micellar Water
- Oily Skin: Opt for mattifying or purifying formulas with salicylic or glycolic acid.
- Dry Skin: Look for hydrating options with hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
- Sensitive Skin: Choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products with soothing agents like aloe vera or green tea extract.
How to Use Micellar Water Effectively
Soak a cotton pad with micellar water and gently wipe your skin, focusing on areas prone to buildup. No rinsing is typically required unless specified. Follow with a cleanser for a deeper clean if needed.
Key Benefits:
- Removes makeup effortlessly
- Suitable for all skin types
- Maintains moisture balance
- Calms and soothes skin
Incorporating micellar water into your routine provides a quick, effective way to cleanse and prep your skin for the next steps, leaving your complexion fresh and radiant.
Read the full article reviewing the best micellar water
The best cleansing oils for heavy makeup removal
Cleansing oils have become essential in modern skincare routines for their ability to dissolve makeup, excess sebum, and impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Top Cleansing Oils for Effective Skincare:
- Ella & Jo Melt the Day Away Cleansing Balm – A nourishing balm that removes stubborn makeup, SPF, and impurities. Ideal for most skin types but may require a second cleanse for clog-prone skin.
- Kinvara Absolute Cleansing Oil – A plant-based oil that removes waterproof makeup while nourishing the skin. Best for dry to combination skin but contains some clog-prone ingredients.
- Dermalogica Precleanse Cleansing Oil – A lightweight formula that balances oil production and unclogs pores. Perfect for oily and combination skin but may not suit reactive skin types.
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Why Choose Cleansing Oil?
Cleansing oils work on the principle of “like dissolves like”, breaking down oil-based impurities without stripping the skin. They are particularly beneficial for sensitive or clog-prone skin, promoting a healthy skin barrier and leaving the complexion soft and radiant.
Choosing the Right Cleansing Oil:
Different skin types require specific formulas. Non-comedogenic oils like evening primrose or rosehip are excellent for oily or acne-prone skin, while those with sensitive skin should look for fragrance-free options with soothing ingredients like chamomile or jojoba oil.
How to Use Cleansing Oil Effectively:
Apply to dry skin and massage for 60 seconds, focusing on clogged areas. Emulsify with warm water to form a milky consistency before rinsing off. Follow up with a cream or gel cleanser for a thorough double cleanse.
Addressing Misconceptions:
Contrary to popular belief, cleansing oils don’t worsen oily or acne-prone skin when using non-comedogenic formulas. They also rinse off easily if formulated with emulsifiers.
Read the full article reviewing the best oil cleansers
