11 Bestselling Face Cleansers To Remove Makeup – 2023
Get rid of even the minutest traces of makeup without drying and damaging your skin.
Expertise: Medical & Esthetic Dermatology, Venereology
Experience: 9 years
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Ph... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Face washes are the unsung heroes of our everyday skincare regimen. However, they can become superheroes too if they work as makeup removers as well. Yes, you must treat yourself with the best face washes to remove makeup. You can now skip the extra makeup removal step with another additional product. You can have a face wash that does it all for you.
Incorporating a face wash that does facial cleansing along with makeup removal will make your skincare routine so much easier. Hence, we have listed the 11 best face washes to remove makeup and take care of your skin. Have a look!
In This Article
11 Best Face Washes To Remove Stubborn Makeup
Best pH-Balanced Formula:CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
The CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is ideal for regular cleansing and offers long-lasting hydration. The rich, creamy formula transforms into foam and gently removes impurities, excess oil, makeup, and sunscreen residue. This non-drying cleanser refreshes your skin without stripping it’s natural moisture. It contains hyaluronic acid and an Amino Acid Complex that support the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF). This product is enriched with three essential ceramides– 1, 3, and 6-II that restore the skin’s natural barrier. Go ahead and check out this review on YouTube for further details about the product.
Skin Type: All
Pros - Recommended by dermatologists
- pH-balanced formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Paraben-free
- Soap-free
- Fragrance-free
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Cons
None
Pro TipBest Non-Drying:Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser
The Clean & Clear Essentials Foaming Facial Cleanser removes makeup from acne-prone and oily skin. The gentle formula and rich lather eliminate heavy makeup and impurities without drying the skin out. Regular use of this cleanser ensures refreshed and healthy skin, free of dirt and buildup. The oil-free formula contains nourishing coconut oil-based ingredients that wash away impurities while preventing acne and breakouts. The moisturizing agents and astringents ensure clean and hydrated skin.
Skin Type: Acne-prone
Pros - Non-drying
- Oil-free
- No residue
- Gentle
Cons
- May cause rashes.
Best Anti-Aging:L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cream Cleanser
The L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cream Cleanser is equipped with anti-aging benefits and replenishing oils to remove makeup from all skin types. The gentle formula contains essential nutrients, oils, and moisturizers that make your skin supple, soft, and smooth. This face wash is suitable for daily use and can be used during day and night with other anti-aging skin products. The clinically-approved formula prevents dryness and stripping of natural skin oils during makeup removal.
Skin Type: All
Pros - Dermatologist-recommended
- Creamy texture
- Non-drying
- Anti-aging
Cons
- Feels greasy
Best Vegan:DRUNK ELEPHANT Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
The DRUNK ELEPHANT Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is an innovative formula that eliminates makeup and grime from sensitive skin. It is gentle, non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and maintains a pH level of 6.1 to balance the skin’s natural barrier and leave it healthy and problem-free. This face wash has mild surfactants and makeup-dissolving emollients that don’t leave any residue and promote soft and clean skin. It also contains additives like fruit enzymes, thermal mud, marula oil traces, glycerin, and vitamins to refresh your skin with a rejuvenating scent. If you want to know more about the benefits of the DRUNK ELEPHANT Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser , you can check out this video.
Skin Type: Sensitive
Pros - Gentle
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Essential oil-free
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
- Silicone-free
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
Pro TipBest Cruelty-Free:ra organics Lavender Vanilla Cleansing Oil Face Wash & Makeup Remover
The e.ra organics Cleansing Oil Face Wash & Makeup Remover uses nourishing and rejuvenating ingredients to offer soft, supple, and smooth skin while boosting hydration levels. It removes foundation, eye makeup, and waterproof mascara while repairing the skin. The anti-aging properties and skin-loving ingredients provide long-lasting hydration for glowing skin.
This face wash contains vitamin E and antioxidant-rich argan oil that promote skin elasticity and protect the skin from free radical damage. Rosemary, an antiseptic, prevents dermatitis and eczema while combating free radicals, oily skin, and acne. Sunflower oil controls moisture loss, restores the skin barrier, and soothes dermatitis-prone damaged skin. Jojoba oil, rich in vitamins B and E, heals acne, wounds, and psoriasis while activating collagen production to make your skin smooth and wrinkle-free.
Skin Type: Dry and Sensitive
Pros - Anti-aging
- Paraben-free
- GMO-free
- Sulfate-free
- Alcohol-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Feels heavy
Best Non-Comedogenic:VERA BOTANICS Oil Cleanser And Makeup Remover
The VERA BOTANICS Oil Cleanser And Makeup Remover provides a gentle way to wipe off makeup and impurities from any skin type, including acne-prone and sensitive skin. Its deep action formula works by thoroughly dissolving product buildup and makeup.
It penetrates the deepest skin layers and pores to remove blackheads, liner, mascara, lipstick, foundation, and sunscreen without enlarging the pores. This olive oil-based facial cleanser cleanses, softens, and hydrates the skin and is suitable for daily use. It protects the skin from environmental damage without stripping its natural oils and preventing excess sebum production.
Skin Type: All
Pros
- For all age groups
- Non-comedogenic
- Gentle
- Vegan
- Non-irritating
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
Best Gentle:bliss Makeup Melt Jelly Cleanser With Rose Flower
The bliss Makeup Melt Jelly Cleanser has a super-gentle formula that works incredibly well for sensitive skin to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. The unique jelly-like formula offers effective cleansing and skin balancing. It contains vitamin B5 that supplies a boost of hydration to rejuvenate the skin and improve its natural barrier. It also revives the skin cells to give you soft, clean, and silky skin.
Skin Type: Sensitive
Pros - Gentle
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
Best Lightweight:JULEP Hydrating Cleansing Oil
The JULEP Hydrating Cleansing Oil offers instant hydration while effectively removing makeup. The mild formula softens and hydrates your skin without leaving any oily residue. The nourishing and age-defying formula contains rosehip seed oil to protect, repair, and soothe the skin. Grapeseed oil, rich in potent antioxidants, heals the skin, and olive oil softens, relieves, and calms dry and sensitive skin without clogging the pores. Pink grapefruit peel oil improves cleansing abilities while leaving behind a refreshing scent. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review.
Skin Type: All
Pros - Lightweight
- Anti-aging
- No residue
- Cruelty-free
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
Best Hypoallergenic:Ebanel Alpha To Omega+ Sherbet Cleanser
The Ebanel Alpha To Omega+ Sherbet Cleanser nourishes the skin and removes makeup, daily grime, excess oil, and impurities. The gentle formula eliminates all traces of stubborn makeup products like lipstick, foundation, and waterproof mascara.
This deep-action cleansing balm regulates sebum production. It contains natural stem cell extracts, peptides, vitamin C, and antioxidants that moisturize, firm, and lift the skin. It is enriched with natural exfoliants from papaya, tomato, raspberry, chamomile, willow herb, and acerola. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, adds, “Tomato extract also promotes brightness of the skin. It contains vitamin C, flavonoids, lycopene, and beta-carotene which are powerful antioxidants. It protects the skin against free radical damage, thereby preventing photoaging.” Regular use of this cleanser helps you get even-toned, glowing, hydrated, and blemish-free skin.
Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, and Normal
Pros - No residue
- Gentle
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Doesn’t remove eye make completely.
Pro TipBest Hydrating:INDIE LEE Brightening Cleanser
The INDIE LEE Brightening Cleanser gently removes makeup and other impurities. It also works as an exfoliating mask when left for 5 minutes before washing. It washes away waterproof makeup and product buildup from the skin to leave it silky and smooth. The safe and natural formula contains strawberry seed oil, tomato extracts, and hydrolyzed wheat protein to hydrate, strengthen, firm, and protect the skin. This cleanser also brightens and even-tones the skin.
Skin type: Oily, Combination, Dry, and Normal
Pros - Talc-free
- Synthetic fragrance-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- GMO-free
- Petroleum-free
Cons
- May cause irritation and breakouts.
Best Non-Allergenic:KOPARI Tropical Glow Cleanser
This tropical glow cleanser from KOPARI is a daily hydrating face wash that contains active enzymes that gently exfoliates the skin. The oil-free formula is packed with natural ingredients like coconut, pineapple, and papaya. Coconut adds hydration, while pineapple and papaya gently dissolve the dead skin cells and impart a radiant glow to the skin. This face wash is also infused with aloe vera that calms irritated skin and makes it soft and smooth.
Skin Type: All
Pros - Gentle
- Vegan
- Non-irritating
- Non-allergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
None
Infographic: Benefits Of Using A Facial Cleanser Regularly
Facial skin cleansers remove pollutants, oil, sebum, and dead skin cells while protecting the skin from external aggressors. It is crucial to cleanse your skin at night as well as in the morning to get rid of any pollutants or toxins. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the benefits of using a facial cleanser. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Face cleansers need no introduction! They can effortlessly remove makeup and reduce the amount of dirt and impurities on your skin. Face cleansers and washes help get rid of the dead skin cells while boosting collagen production. These cleansers can gently remove excess oil, makeup, and other residues. The rich lather that some of these cleansers form ensures super clean and well-hydrated skin. The best face cleansers are tested by ophthalmologists as well. However, you should steer clear of products that can cause dryness or rashes.
Why Trust Stylecraze
Shiboli Chakraborti is a certified skin care coach who is passionate about reviewing products that can help her readers. Her review process involves careful research into the features and benefits of each product and the aggregation of consumer feedback across several trusted platforms. Here, she talks about the best face cleansers that will help you remove your makeup with ease without using an additional product.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to take off makeup?
Use your daily cleanser to take off the foundation and blush. Pour some skin-friendly cleanser on a cotton pad to wipe the area in and around your eyes. After removing all makeup from the corners of your eyes, use a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and supple.
Is an exfoliating face wash a necessary step when removing makeup?
No, using an exfoliating face wash is not a necessary step while removing makeup but you can do so to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores that might have been affected due to stubborn makeup products.
Which one do you use first – a makeup remover or a face wash?
Use a makeup remover before washing your face to make sure that you have no makeup leftovers on your skin.
Which is the best makeup remover – wipes or face wash?
Face washes are safer than makeup remover wipes. Face washes gently remove makeup from your skin while makeup remover wipes can be harsh on your skin, especially when coupled with an exfoliant. However, makeup remover wipes come in handy when you are on the road or if you have stubborn makeup that is getting too hard to remove.
How can I clean my makeup naturally?
You can remove your makeup naturally with the help of almond oil, olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, cucumber juice, milk, or a combination of baking soda and honey.
What should I put on my face after removing makeup?
After removing makeup, follow your normal skin care routine comprising of a toner, serum, and moisturizer. The toner will help restore your skin’s pH balance while the serum and moisturizer will nourish your skin and offer it a youthful glow.
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