28 Best Facial Cleansers Of 2023 For Supple And Glowing Skin

Cleanse away the irritants from your skin with these dermatologist-favorite formulas.

Reviewed by Georgia SmithGeorgia Smith, Cosmetologist
By Shiboli ChakrabortiShiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

The best facial cleanser helps you in so many ways. They can remove makeup, dirt, fight dangerous microbes, and exfoliate dead cells, leaving you with perfectly clear skin. If you have been looking for one that suits your skin type, your search stops here. To avoid all that confusion, we have compiled a list of the top-notch facial cleansers for every skin type that will make you look your best self! Scroll down to know more!

Top Picks
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Best Oil-Free:EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser
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Best Fragrance-Free:CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
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Best For All Skin Types:InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser
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Best For Dull Skin:Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
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Best For Daily Use:Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser
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Best For Dark Spots:Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser
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Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Eyeeco Tea Tree Eyelid & Facial Cleanser
Price on Amazon
Best Gentle Formula:Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser
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Best pH-Balanced Formula:Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Price on Amazon
Best Non-drying:Skin Medica Facial Cleanser
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Best Facial Cleansers For Different Skin Types

Best Oil-Free:EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

The Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser is a dermatologist-recommended skin care product that removes damaging pollutants from your skin. The formula is pH balanced, sensitivity-free, and oil-free. It is infused with micro-massaging bubbles that replenish oxygen content on the skin surface. The enzymes and amino acids in the formula loosen up oil, makeup, and impurities from the skin and pores to purify the skin, leaving it balanced. Here’s a review video to help you get a better understanding of the product.

Skin Type: All

Key Ingredients: Apple amino acids and Bromelain


Pros
  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Oil-free
  • Sensitivity-free
  • pH balanced
  • Value for money
  • Gentle
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Expensive

protip_icon Pro Tip
Bromelain is extracted from the stem and fruit of the pineapple plant. The first clinical application of Bromelain was in 2012 in medicine to remove dead tissue from severe burns.

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has received 6,542 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Price at the time of publication: $30.5

Best Fragrance-Free:CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

The CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is infused with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. The gentle formula does not strip off the skin’s natural moisture while removing excess oil, sebum, dirt, and makeup. It leaves your skin conditioned and hydrated without a greasy or sticky feeling. Ceramides maintain and restore your skin’s natural barrier, while hyaluronic acid provides hydration and locks in moisture for up to 24 hours. Need more information? Watch this video to make an informed decision about the product.

Georgia Smit, a cosmetologist, says, ”This formula is great for sensitive skin types. It is non-comedogenic which means it doesn’t contain any potential pore clogging ingredients.”

Skin Type: Dry, Sensitive, Oily, and Acne-prone

Key Ingredients: Ceramides and Hyaluronic acid


Pros
  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-irritating
  • Mild
  • Anti-acne
  • Soap-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • May cause breakouts

protip_icon Pro Tip
Focus more on the hairline and nose areas as makeup and dirt tend to get accumulated here.

Why It’s Worth Buying: It has received over 80,038 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
Price at the time of publication: $14.57

Best For All Skin Types:InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser

This refreshing Vitamin C Cleanser from InstaNatural is formulated with a unique combination of plant extracts and essential oils to prevent blackheads and breakouts. The oil-free cleanser reduces the appearance of pores and minimizes signs of premature aging. It is infused with vitamin C to tone, brighten, and tighten the skin, while supporting collagen production. Nutrient-rich coconut water in the formula balances and hydrates the skin, while aloe vera nourishes and refreshes it. The sugarcane extract in the cleanser exfoliate, improve skin texture, and maintain cell turnover. If you need further convincing, check out this YouTuber’s review.

Skin Type: All

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Coconut water, Green tea extract, Aloe vera, and Sugar cane extract


Pros
  • Gentle
  • Not-greasy
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • SLS-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Dye-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Glycol-free
  • Polyethylene-free

Cons

  • Drying

Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has more than 17,715 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Price at the time of publication: $24.95

Best For Dull Skin:Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

The Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser sloughs away dead skin, excess sebum. and impurities. This AHA/BHA powered cleanser contains a triple-action formula containing lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids to give you a flawless and healthy-looking complexion. The biodegradable jojoba beads in the cleanser gently exfoliate dry and dull skin, while the AHA acids smoothen your skin and induce new cell turnover.

Skin Type: Oily

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid, and Jojoba beads


Pros
  • Petroleum-free
  • Oil-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Phthalates-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Oxybenzone-free

Cons

  • Expensive

protip_icon Pro Tip
To wipe your face, do not use the same towel that you used to wipe your body. Use a clean and fresh towel after a face wash. Do not scrub, just pat it dry.

Price at the time of publication: $16.0

Best For Daily Use:Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser

4.6
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser Image: Kate Somerville

The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser has a gentle yet potent formula suitable for daily use. It contains a unique composition of fruit enzymes and AHAs, which gently cleanses away impurities, excess oil, and makeup with ease to reveal smooth and glowing skin. The lactic and glycolic acids unclog the pores, refine your skin, and improve complexion. This formula does not strip away skin’s natural moisture and offers a spa-like experience.

Skin Type: Dry

Key Ingredients: Papaya enzyme, Pineapple enzyme, Pumpkin enzyme, Glycolic acid, and Lactic acid


Pros
  • Gentle
  • Sulfate-free
  • Non-irritating
  • Value for money

Cons

None

protip_icon Pro Tip
For the best results, let the exfoliating cleanser stay on the skin for 10-15 minutes so that it dissolves dead cells and eliminates impurities, revealing brighter, smoother skin.

Why It’s Worth Buying: With over 1,135 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
Price at the time of publication: $68.0

Best For Dark Spots:Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser

4.6
Youth To The People Kale + Green Tea Superfood Face Cleanser Image: Youth To The People

This active cleanser from Youth To The People Kale is powered with antioxidant-rich plant extracts. This gentle cleanser has a rich gel like texture, which lathers well and cleanses your skin without stripping. It contains cold-pressed ingredients like kale, spinach, green tea, alfalfa, vitamins C, E, and K. Kale rejuvenate and brightens the skin while reducing dark spots. Spinach heals and makes the skin radiant. Green tea and alfalfa boost collagen production and fight free radical damage. The formula is pH balanced and acts as a makeup remover.

Skin Type: All

Key Ingredients: Kale, Green tea, Spinach, Alfalfa, Vitamins C, E, and K.


Pros
  • Mild
  • Oil-free
  • Dimethicone-free
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalates-free
  • Mineral-free

Cons

  • May cause breakouts

Why It’s Worth Buying: It has received 3,761 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
Price at the time of publication: $64.0

Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Eyeeco Tea Tree Eyelid & Facial Cleanser

4.5
Eyeeco Tea Tree Eyelid & Facial Cleanser Image: Eyeeco

The Eyeeco Tea Tree Eyelid & Facial Cleanser gently removes away dirt and makeup without irritating your eyes or drying the skin. The formula contains 1% tea tree oil to reduce blemishes and acne. The chamomile extract in the formula soothes acne scars and irritations, while shea butter hydrates and locks in moisture. This cleanser is ideal for rosacea and acne-prone skin. It also helps to control blepharitis mites and ease itchy eyes or irritated skin.

Skin Type: Acne-prone and Sensitive

Key Ingredients: Tea tree, Shea butter, Chamomile, and Vitamin E


Pros
  • Non-irritating
  • Non-drying
  • Gentle
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Not very foamy

Price at the time of publication: $45

Best Gentle Formula:Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser

4.6
Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser Image: Philosophy

The Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleanser by Philosophy is made with gentle and eco-friendly ingredients. It removes make up residues, deeply cleanses your pores, and tones your skin. The meadowfoam seed oil in the formula melts away excess oil and debris on your skin. Its antioxidant properties offer skin conditioning benefits to reveal super hydrated and healthy-looking skin.

Skin Type: Combination and Oily

Key Ingredients: Meadowfoam seed oil


Pros
  • Gentle
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalates-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • SLS-free
  • SLES-free

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $38

Best pH-Balanced Formula:Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

4.6

The pH-balanced Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser from Drunk Elephant is infused with mild cleansing ingredients that gently cleanse your skin without stripping its natural barrier. Its active ingredients like cantaloupe extract and glycerin restore lost moisture while repairing and maintaining your skin, leaving it soft and glowing. The cleanser does not contain any harsh ingredients that can irritate your skin. The jelly-like formula sloughs away dirt, excess oil, and makeup.

Skin Type: Sensitive

Key Ingredients: Cantaloupe extract and Glycerin


Pros
  • pH balanced
  • Non-irritating
  • Non-sensitizing
  • Gentle
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Silicone-free
  • Dyes-free
  • SLS-free

Cons

  • Drying

Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has received 2,033 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
Price at the time of publication: $32.0

Best Non-drying:Skin Medica Facial Cleanser

4.6

The Skin Medica Facial Cleanser is a great addition to your skincare routine. The soap-free formula hydrates and refreshes your skin while cleansing dirt, excess oil, makeup, and pollutants. The cleanser contains pro-vitamin B5, known as panthenol, which maintains skin moisture, and camellia oleifera leaf extract to minimize sun damage, even out the skin tone, and reduce visible fine lines. The calming and soothing properties of the cleanser make it ideal for sensitive and oily skin.

Skin Type: All

Key Ingredients: Camellia oleifera leaf extract, Glycerin, and Pro-vitamins B5

Pros

  • Soothing
  • Gentle
  • Non-drying
  • Soap-free

Cons

  • Contains SLS
Price at the time of publication: $36


Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser

4.6
Murad Essential C Cleanser Image: Murad Essential C Cleanser

The Environmental Shield Essential-C Cleanser by Murad purifies and moisturizes your skin. It is powered by patented Resorcinol Technology that reverses environmental skin damage. The gel-based cleanser has vitamins A and C, which effortlessly remove impurities, leaving a refreshing citrusy scent. Vitamin E in the formula nourishes and protects your skin from free radical damage. The formula also contains allantoin and panthenol to reduce dryness and hydrate your skin.

Skin Type: Dry

Key Ingredients: Vitamins A, C, and E, Allantoin, and Panthenol


Pros
  • Clinically proven
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalates-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Oxybenzone-free
  • Petroleum-free
  • Citrus fragrance
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Watery consistency

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has garnered over 2,041 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Price at the time of publication: $13

.Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser

4.6
Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser Image: Image Skin Care

The Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser by Image Skincare melts away environmental impurities and makeup from your skin without stripping away its moisture. It deeply cleanses your skin while adding a boost of essential vitamins and hydration. The cleanser contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, that brightens and revitalizes your skin, while vitamin A reverses sun damage and induces a healthy glow. The creamy, hydrating formula soothes redness, leaving soft and refreshed skin.

Skin Type: Sensitive

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Orange peel oil, and Retinyl palmitate


Pros
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Creamy formula
  • Gentle
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • May cause breakouts

Price at the time of publication: $28.8

.Obagi Nu Derm Gentle Cleanser

4.6

The Obagi Nu Derm Gentle Cleanser washes away daily impurities, oil, and makeup, leaving your skin even-toned, clean, and fresh-looking. The formula contains active ingredients like oat amino acid, derived from oat protein to maintain healthy and glowing skin. It is formulated to revive and soothe the appearance of aging skin.

Skin Type: Dry to Normal

Key Ingredient: Oat amino acid


Pros
  • Gentle
  • Smells good
  • Non-drying

Cons

  • Contains SLS

Price at the time of publication: $43

PCA Skin Facial Wash

The PCA Skin Facial Wash gently exfoliates your skin to remove makeup, dead skin cells, excess oil, and daily impurities to prevent breakouts. It contains active ingredients like lactic acid and gluconolactone to protect against environmental damage and moisturize the skin deeply. The product also has natural ingredients like aloe vera extract that calms irritation and soothes inflammation. This professional-quality cleanser offers a refreshed start and purifying end to your day.

Skin Type: Oily and Combination

Key Ingredients: Lactic Acid, Gluconolactone, and Aloe vera


Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Gentle
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Dye-free

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $35

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser

4.7
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser Image: Kiehls

The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser effectively dissolves dirt, excess oil, and debris, while maintaining your skin’s natural pH. This emollient-rich formula contains potent ingredients like avocado oil, vitamin E, apricot oil, and squalane. It is formulated with sugar-derived glycoside foaming agent to thoroughly cleanse your skin without over-drying it. This gentle and safe formula does not strip away your skin’s moisture.

Skin Type: Sensitive

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Avocado oil, Squalane, and Apricot kernel oil


Pros
  • pH balanced
  • Gentle
  • Non-drying

Cons

None

Price at the time of publication: $20.9

Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser

4.6

The Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser by Image Skincare gently exfoliates and washes away impurities, leaving your skin clean and soft. The foaming gel contains natural plant extracts like organic grape water and calendula, rich in antioxidants and enzymes, to boost hydration and nourish your skin. Its certified organic ingredients like lotus flower, turmeric, green tea, clover blossom, burdock root, and calendula restore softness and maintain skin’s optimal balance. The cleanser also contains hyaluronic acid that restores your skin’s natural moisture content.

Skin Type: Dry and Damaged

Key Ingredients: Organic grape water, Aloe vera, and 7-extract blend


Pros
  • Soothing
  • pH balanced
  • Mild
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalates-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Dye-free

Cons

  • Unpleasant scent

Price at the time of publication: $28.8

.EltaMD Deep Pore Facial Cleanser

4.5
EltaMD Image: Eltamd Deep Pore Facial Cleanser

The Deep Pore Facial Cleanser by Elta MD is infused with mild cleansing ingredients that gently cleanse your skin without stripping it. The cleanser binds moisture to the keratin in skin cells. It cleanses deeply without over-drying and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and clean. The formula sloughs away dirt, excess oil, and heavy makeup.

Skin Type: All

Key Ingredients: Orange oil


Pros
  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Gentle
  • pH balanced
  • Oil-free
  • Soap-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sensitivity-free
  • Non-irritating

Cons

  • Contains SLS

Why It’s Worth Buying: It has gained over 1,253 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
Price at the time of publication: $30

The Neostrata Restore Facial Cleanser is a super-effective dermatologist-recommended, non-foaming gel designed for sensitive skin. The non-drying formula contains PHA, which retains moisture and prevents the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It gently removes impurities and makeup, making your skin look younger and smoother. This cleanser is ideal for individuals with rosacea and those who have undergone chemical peeling.

Skin Type: Sensitive

Key Ingredients: Gluconolactone

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Non-irritating
  • Gentle
  • Non-drying
  • Soap-free

Cons

  • Runny texture

Price at the time of publication: $28.8

Image Skincare Ageless Total Facial Cleanser

4.6

The Ageless Total Facial Cleanser by Image Skincare reverses skin damage and signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and pigmentation. It gently cleanses away makeup and dead skin buildup and exfoliates without irritating the skin. It contains cooling menthol and green tea, which boost refreshment and invigorate your skin. Glycolic acid smoothens the skin, unclogs pores, and promotes your skin’s overall health.

Skin Type: Dry

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Menthol, and Green tea extract


Pros
  • Anti-aging
  • Rich lather
  • pH balancing

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell

Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 1,893 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Price at the time of publication: $28.8

Pure Biology Facial Cleanser

The Pure Biology Facial Cleanser is formulated with a lush blend of botanical extracts and natural essential oils to cleanse your skin without stripping its vital moisture. The hydrating formula cleanses your pores, clarifies your skin tone, and adds a boost of nourishment. The rosemary extract in the formula reduces inflammation and prevents breakouts, while vitamin C enhances your skin’s complexion and improves elasticity. It reduces age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles by retaining the skin’s moisture levels.

Skin Type: Combination, Matured, Dry, and Oily

Key Ingredients: Rosemary, Clary sage, Lemongrass, and Lemon peel oils


Pros
  • Gentle
  • Anti-acne
  • Non-GMO
  • Paraben-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Greasy texture

Why It’s Worth Buying: The overwhelming 1,652 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Price at the time of publication: $24.49

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

4.5

The Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser by La Roche-Posay is infused with 2% salicylic acid and lipo hydroxy acid. The salicylic acid helps clear acne and breakouts, eliminate blackheads, and whiteheads, revealing clearer-looking skin. The lipo hydroxy acid concentrates on the oily areas to gently exfoliate and remove dirt or impurities. The cleanser does not contain any harmful chemicals that irritate or aggravate your acne. It soothes your acne and makes you feel refreshed after every wash.

Skin Type: Acne-prone, Oily, Sensitive, and Combination

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and Lipo hydroxy acid


Pros
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Oil-free
  • Allergy-tested
  • Gentle
  • Soothing
  • Paraben-free
  • Fragrance-freeh

Cons

  • Drying
Why It’s Worth Buying: With 11,588 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Price at the time of publication: $15.19


CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

The Foaming Facial Cleanser by CeraVe removes excess oil, sebum, dirt, and makeup without harming the natural skin barrier. The gel-based texture of the cleanser leaves your skin conditioned without any greasy or sticky feeling. It contains ceramides to maintain and restore your skin’s natural barrier, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture for up to 24 hours. The niacinamide in the formula calms the skin and improves skin texture.

Skin Type: Normal to Oily

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, and Niacinamide


Pros
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-irritating
  • Fragrance-free
  • Non-drying
  • Non-irritating
  • Value for money

Cons

None

Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 16,408 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $20.77

The dermatologist-recommended Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser by Neutrogena penetrates deep to remove excess sebum, oils, impurities, and makeup from your face, without stripping away the natural moisture. It contains glycolic acid, an AHA exfoliator that penetrates into your skin to exfoliate it and brighten your complexion. The cleanser consists of alpha and beta acids microbeads that smoothens rough uneven patches, leaving even-toned skin with less visible pores. It also unclogs your pores, clears acne, and reduces blemishes.

Skin Type: Sensitive

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid

Pros

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Soap-free
  • Oil-free
  • Gentle
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Drying

Price at the time of publication: $65

Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

4.6

The Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser has a gentle yet potent formula that removes excess sebum, oils, impurities, debris, and makeup from your face without over-drying. The 10% glycolic acid penetrates your skin and brightens your complexion. The gentle microbeads eliminate dead skin to reveal glowing skin. Tea tree, shea butter, and bamboo extracts in the formula lighten dark spots, acne scarring, and blemishes while calming irritation and redness. This cleanser reduces aging signs, fights sun damage, and improves skin texture.

Skin Type: Oily and Acne-prone

Key Ingredients: Tea tree, Peppermint, Lavender, Shea butter, Seaweed, Willow bark, and Bamboo extracts


Pros
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Anti-aging
  • Cruelty-free
  • Smells good
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Drying

Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 14,946 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $22.9

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

4.6
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Cream Cleanser with Antioxidant Booster, 5 oz. 5 Ounce (Pack of 1) Image: First Aid Beauty

The First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser maintains your skin’s natural acidity and prevents acne flare-ups. The gentle formula cleanses excess oil and makeup without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight. Its anti-inflammatory properties prevent breakouts and lighten the skin tone. The cleanser contains aloe vera and allantoin to calm, nourish, and soothe the skin, while glycerin acts as a natural humectant. White tea extracts, licorice root, and feverfew extracts in the formula have unique antioxidant properties to fight environmental stress.

Skin Type: Sensitive, Dry, Oily, and Combination skin

Key Ingredients: Aloe, Allantoin, Glycerin, Licorice root, and White tea extracts


Pros
  • Dermatologist tested
  • pH balanced
  • Cruelty-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Soy-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Nano-free
  • Nut-free
  • Phthalates-free
  • Propylene glycol-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Oxybenzone-free
  • Coal tar-free
  • Triclocarban-free
  • Ethanol-free

Cons

  • Drying
Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 5,667 rave reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $12.0


La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

4.5

The La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a creamy formula that helps your skin retain essential moisture while effectively cleansing your skin. It sloughs away dead skin, dirt, excess sebum, makeup, and debris with ease. The glycerin in the formula works as a natural moisturizing agent that binds moisture to your skin. The cleanser is powered by prebiotic thermal water for hydrating, soothing, and antioxidant benefits. The niacinamide and ceramides in the formula soothe and nourish your skin, respectively.

Skin Type: Normal to Dry

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Niacinamide, and Glycerin


Pros
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Allergy-tested
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Soap-free
  • Sulphate-free

Cons

  • Not moisturizing

Why It’s Worth Buying: A whopping 19,135 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
Price at the time of publication: $11.99

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash

The Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash contains salicylic acid to fight breakouts and reduce visible redness. It is infused with aloe vera and chamomile to calm irritation and clear up acne. The formula eliminates excess oil production by penetrating deep into the skin. It unclogs pores to remove dirt and impurities without stripping away your skin’s moisture. The micro clear technology of the product boosts the delivery of acne medication and provides healthy-looking skin.

Skin Type: Acne-prone

Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Chamomile, and Aloe vera


Pros
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-drying
  • Oil-free
  • Value for money

Cons

  • May cause breakouts

Why It’s Worth Buying: The extensive 8,426 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
Price at the time of publication: $14.76

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

The Cetaphil Daily Cleanser is formulated and recommended by dermatologists for effective daily use. It removes makeup, surface oils, and dirt without stripping your skin of essential oils or leaving it feeling dry or tight. The formula deeply cleanses your skin and does not leave any residues. It hydrates your skin and offers refreshed, clean, and flawless-looking skin.

Skin Type: Normal to Oily

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Panthenol, Hydrogenated castor oil


Pros
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Non-drying
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Gentle
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • Strong odor
Why It’s Worth Buying: Almost 10,585 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $13.97

Now that you know the 28 best facial cleansers, it’s time to learn how to select the best option for your skin type. Here are a few factors to consider while choosing a foaming face wash

How To Choose The Best Facial Cleanser

Check the ingredients list. Avoid products that contain harmful chemicals like DEA, MEA, TEA, mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, PEG as these may irritate the skin. Look for herbal ingredients and skin-friendly ingredients like niacinamide, ceramide, and PHA. Also, avoid cleansers with artificial fragrances.
Pick a product according to the skin type. If you have oily and acne-prone skin, avoid cleansers that have natural plant oils and are comedogenic. Go for ingredients like tea tree oil, AHA and BHA, aloe vera, witch hazel to eliminate excess sebum.

For dry skin, pick products that contain moisture-locking ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. If you have sensitive skin, choose a dense foaming cleanser with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or willow bark extracts.
The skin’s natural pH is 5.5. However, several foaming washes have a slightly higher pH. These washes are perfect for targeting acne-prone skin and purify your complexion. If your skin is on the dry side, look for foaming washes with a lesser pH so that it does not strip off moisture.

Once you have picked your cleanser, follow the steps to ensure you are using them correctly.

How To Use Facial Cleanser

Step 1: Wet your neck, face, and hands.

Step 2: Massage a pea-sized amount of the product on your face in circular motions.

Step 3: Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Step 4: Pat your skin dry and follow up with a moisturizer.

Are you wondering how a facial cleanser works? The section will give you all the details. Read on to know more.

How Facial Cleansers Work?

Facial cleansers work by a process known as micellation. This chemical reaction breaks down larger substances such as oils into smaller particles, which gets easily dissolved and rinsed off.

Cleansing your face is a vital part of your skincare routine. Scroll down to read the advantages of using a facial cleanser for your skin.

Facial Cleanser Benefits

  • Face washes remove dirt, excess oil, and any other impurities from your face.
  • Regularly washing your face with the cleanser will make your skin look healthy and fresh.
  • Some cleansers contain AHA and essential oils like tea tree oil, which target acne and breakouts.
  • A good cleanser keeps your skin hydrated.
  • Cleansing your face also helps minimize enlarged pores and keep them unclogged.

Your facial skin attracts impurities, germs, dirt, and pollution throughout the day. This clogs your pores, making your skin look dull and lifeless. Properly cleaning your face is a crucial step in a skin care regimen and facial cleansers come as a great savior in removing all the impurities, making your skin squeaky clean and bright. However, consider investing in facial cleansers that are oil-free and hypoallergenic and stay away from the harmful chemical-based facial cleansers that might cause breakouts or irritation.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author, is a certified skin care expert who believes that using a good facial cleanser is an integral part of your skin care routine. The list includes cleansers that have been carefully reviewed by her to help her readers pick the best ones for themselves. They help remove makeup, dirt, fight dangerous microbes, and exfoliate dead cells, leaving you with perfectly clear skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are facial cleansers bad for your skin?

Cleansers are good for your skin only when they are used in the right amount. Excessive cleansing can strip your skin of its natural oils in moisture, leaving it dry and irritated.

Does facial cleanser expire?

Yes, most cleansers have a shelf life of about two years when stored in proper condition.

Is facial cleanser the same as face wash?

No. Facial cleansers have hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, whereas face washes are a substitute for soap and sometimes are quite harsh. Facial cleansers are usually gentle and mild and your skin.

Does facial cleanser get rid of acne?

Facial cleansers specifically formulated for acne-prone skin eliminate bacteria that clog your pores and prevent acne.

Is facial cleanser FSA eligible?

Facial cleansers or usually not FSA eligible. But in some cases, if the cleansers are medicated (cleansers used to treat acne and skin other skin conditions) can be covered by FSA.

Is facial cleanser supposed to burn?

Facial cleansers are not supposed to tingle, sting, or burn. If you experience any flaking, irritation, or redness it is a sign that you might be allergic to some ingredients in it. Discontinue using the product and consult a dermatologist.

Does facial cleanser get rid of blackheads?

Yes, few facial cleansers contain ingredients like salicylic acid, witch hazel, glycolic acid, and charcoal which effectively slough away dead skin cells, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Is it ok to use an expired facial cleanser?

No. Most face washes contain active ingredients which begin to depreciate in 6 months. Using expired facial cleansers can cause inflammation, rashes, and skin irritation.


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