13 best cleansers for a glowing complexion in 2025, reviewed
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn how we test.
One of the best cleansers can make a world of difference to your skin, whether you're looking to do a whole skincare revamp or you're planning to switch out your current formula. Be it in form of a cleansing oil, a gel, a cleansing balm, a foam or micellar water (whew), it's no secret that every effective skincare skincare routine starts with a quality cleansing product.
Yep: before using your toner, face serum and moisturiser, it's crucial that you focus on removing makeup, washing away face sunscreen and any build-up with a gentle yet purifying formula. But why is cleansing so important? We're glad you asked.
“Cleansing is one of the foundations of any good skincare routine,” says aesthetic doctor, Dr. David Jack. “Throughout the day, your skin is exposed to environmental pollutants, bacteria and excess oil, which, if not removed, can lead to congestion, dullness and breakouts. A well-formulated cleanser not only cleanses, but also sets the pH of your skin to support overall microbiome health.”
You don't want grimy skin, so do as the doctor says, pls.
SKIP TO: Full reviews | What type of facial cleanser is best? | What to look for in a good cleanser | Do I need to double cleanse? | How do dermatologists recommend washing your face?
Meet the experts:
- Dr. David Jack, aesthetic doctor and skincare expert.
- Dr Leah Totton, medical and cosmetic doctor and founder of Dr Leah Cosmetic Clinics and Dr Leah Skincare.
- Dr Dev Patel, aesthetic doctor and founder of CellDerma.
- Helen Marie, founder and facialist at The Sculptress London.
How we test the best face cleansers:
Over the years, the GLAMOUR team has collectively reviewed hundreds of cleansers, having tested them for a minimum period of four-six week. We've made sure to conduct our testing with different skin types and skin conditions in mind, while assessing the following:
- Efficacy – How well did the cleanser perform?
- Ingredients list – Did the ingredients call for any alarm for any specific skin types?
- Value for money – Can the price tag be justified?
- Any reactions – Did using the cleanser result in breakouts/irritation/dehydrated skin?
What is the best face cleanser? Ahead, our full edit of reviewed formulas.
- Best for: Strengthening, smoothing, softening.
- Type: Gel.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
- Fragrance: No.
- Size: 236ml or 473ml.
Why we love it: Regularly recommended by dermatologists and skin experts alike, CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser is a non-foaming gel formula that contains skin barrier strengthening ceramides and hydrating hyaluronic acid for the smoothest, softest and most hydrated skin of your life. All while ridding pores of makeup build-up, grime and dirt — and being fragrance-free, it's perfect for more sensitive and irritated skin types.
“My desert island product would be this cleanser, seriously. I don't tend to gravitate towards no-frills face washes, but I actually ended up stealing this from my brother – soz about that. It's now my go-to for when I want a one-and-done cleanse that takes everything off. I can't be doing with cleansers that sting my eyes or leave a greasy residue, so this is ideal for swiftly removing SPF, makeup, and eye makeup, even my stubborn MAC Eye Kohl (shout out to shade Costa Riche) that normally required another round with a dedicated eye makeup remover. It leaves my skin perfectly clean, hydrated and comfortable, and I can't be without it.” — Emma Hobday, Freelance Commerce Writer.
ESPA Optimal Skin Pro-Cleanser Supersize
- Best for: Protecting the skin barrier, exfoliating, brightening, softening.
- Type: Gel.
- Key ingredients: Omega and vitamin complex, moringa seed extract, pumpkin enzymes, jojoba spheres.
- Fragrance: No.
- Size: 200ml.
Why we love it: Stop everything and add this multifunctional cleanser to your basket if you want your skin to feel as soft as a baby's.
A cleanser, exfoliator and face mask in one, this is the perfect way to streamline your skincare routine. An omega and vitamin complex (starring vitamin F, vitamin E and echium oil) protects your skin barrier from environmental stressors, while moringa seed extract nourishes, and pumpkin enzymes swiftly sloughs away dull skin cells.
Jojoba spheres provide a gentle exfoliation, before neroli, sweet orange and bergamot oils sweep in to moisturise and condition. Achieving visibly brighter, softer and radiant skin has never been so easy.
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm
- Best for: Nourishing, hydrating, softening.
- Type: Balm.
- Key ingredients: Black cherry, elderberry oil, starflower oil.
- Fragrance: Black cherry scent.
- Size: 100g.
Why we love it: We know and love the classic Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm like an old friend, so we were delighted to meet this new beauty product, brimming with a blend of essential oils and a juicy black cherry scent, with hints of almond and vanilla.
Beginning its life as a rich balm, it cleverly transforms into a silky oil when gently massaged into the skin, simultaneously making light work of make up, SPF and impurities. It then becomes a hydrating milk upon contact with water, leaving your complexion hydrated, supple and nourished. Starring a trio of nourishing oils (starflower oil, elderberry oil and optimega oil) alongside rose and mimosa waxes, your skin will never feel so cared for.
Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Pore Purify’r Gel Cleanser
- Best for: Brightening and clarifying.
- Type: Gel.
- Key ingredients: Triple cherry complex, niacinamide, aloe juice.
- Fragrance: Barbados Cherry inspired scent.
- Size: 190ml.
Why we love it: If Rihanna's made it, we'll get it on our faces. Following suit from the Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Superfine Daily Cleansing face scrub and the Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Blah 2 Bright 5% AHA Face Mask, the cleanser in the family efficiently bids a*dew* to excess oiliness and shine.
The triple cherry complex uses three forms of Barbados Cherry, which is packed with vitamin C, to instantly brighten and clarify, while niacinamide (or vitamin B3) works to refine skin texture and lessen the look of enlarged pores. With the addition of soothing aloe juice, this is your fast track to fresh, soft and glowing skin, with a juicy cherry scent to boot.
LANEIGE Water Bank Gentle Cleanser
- Best for: Hydrating, soothing, plumping.
- Type: Gel.
- Key ingredients: Blue hyaluronic acid and an allantoin and amino acid complex.
- Fragrance: No.
- Size: 250ml.
Why we love it: With a low pH value that ensures skin isn't irritated or left tight and stripped, this cleanser ideal for dry or sensitive skin types. Promoting your natural radiance, this soothing formula works to keep your complexion in its best condition while removing the day's impurities.
It contains blue hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate, plump and moisturise, and an allantoin and amino acid complex work to soften and smooth.
Heartleaf Soothing Face Cleanser
- Best for: Calming, soothing, softening.
- Type: Gel.
- Key ingredients: Fermented heartleaf extract, fermented beta-glucan, ceramides.
- Fragrance: No.
- Size: 148ml.
Why we love it: If your skin lets out a shill scream at the mere sight of anything fragranced or acid-based, introduce it to this. Reducing signs of skin sensitivity (like redness, dryness, itching, stinging) in two weeks, this instantly calming cleanser is ideal for treating sensitive skin with the TLC it deserves.
Swiftly removing impurities, makeup and SPF without the need to rub, this kind-to-skin staple is formulated with hero ingredient, fermented heartleaf extract. Which does what, exactly? Only comfort, hydrate, repair, and soothe in one. With the addition of plumping fermented beta-glucan and strengthening ceramides, your complexion will soon revel in this soothing, calming masterpiece.
Emma Hardie Moringa Light Cleansing Gel
- Best for: Nourishing, strengthening, glow-boosting.
- Type: Gel.
- Key ingredients: Moringa and sweet almond oils, vitamin E, omega 6.
- Fragrance: Uplifting, spa-like scent.
- Size: 100ml.
Why we love it: Before you book a spa day, try this cleanser first. It has the most *heavenly* scent, thanks to a blend of orange, rose and jasmine extracts, which doesn't sound like much, but trust us when we say that it really is an indulgent experience. The spa-like experience is elevated still with how it melts into the skin with a deliciously silky smooth texture, due to the nourishing moringa and sweet almond oils. Omega 6, vitamin E and fatty acids work to moisturise, while wild sea fennel enhances your natural glow, and moringa seed peptides strengthen the skin barrier to help protect against environmental aggressors. In just a few minutes, you can wave goodbye to all makeup and impurities, plus the day's stresses.
“I have used this cleanser for years. I frequently try new formulas, and I like them — but nothing compares, and I always return to this one. As a gal with an oily skin type, the gel formula is perfect for me as opposed to the richer, thicker Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, but both star the same ingredients and the same beautiful scent. My skin isn't sensitive, so I prefer fragranced cleansers - I feel it elevates the experience more - and this scent truly transports my skin and my senses to a spa.” — Emma Hobday, Freelance Commerce Writer.
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
- Best for: Refining, exfoliating, smoothing.
- Type: Gel.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, zinc, allantoin.
- Fragrance: No.
- Size: 150ml.
Why we love it: This skin-clearing face cleanser is designed to reduce the appearance of blackheads and blemishes, as well as remove impurities and lessen the likelihood of breakouts. Destined for a spot in your skincare routine, the formula is powered by 2% salicylic acid (a BHA, or beta hydroxy acid), which is a hero at unclogging blocked pores, refining skin texture and providing a gentle exfoliation. Zinc extract helps to control excess sebum production, while skin-soothing allantoin ensures your complexion is still calm and comfortable, not tight and dry.
Shop more of the best salicylic acid cleansers here.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Creamy Cleansing Oil
- Best for: Brightening, exfoliating, nourishing.
- Type: Oil.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, lactic acid, green tea extract.
- Fragrance: No.
- Size: 177ml.
Why we love it: Dealing with dry or dull skin? This one's for you. This silky oil envelops the skin in a powerhouse blend of brightening vitamin C, skin-sloughing lactic acid, and moisturising apricot oil and sunflower seed oils. Leading the way for your complexion to appear more radiant with a strengthened skin barrier, it also features green tea extract, which is packed with antioxidants and work to soothe, nurture and protect. The result? An overall healthier-looking complexion that's balanced and refreshed.
Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel
- Best for: Purifying, hydrating, nourishing.
- Type: Gel.
- Key ingredients: The brand's TFC8 complex, aloe leaf juice, rose flower water, cucumber extract.
- Fragrance: No.
- Size: 100ml.
Why we love it: What could be a more perfect prep step for your Augustinus Bader The Cream than this cleanser? Nothing, is what. With a refreshing gel texture that gently transforms into a light milk, your skin is sure to delight in this luxe formula. Powered by the brand's patented TFC8 (a complex of vitamins, amino acids and synthesised molecules), to repair, renew and shield the skin from environmental stressors, it's also blended with aloe leaf juice, rose flower water and cucumber extract. Nourished, calm and soothed skin is yours.
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Hydration Revival Cleanser
- Best for: Restoring, moisturising, strengthening.
- Type: Cream.
- Key ingredients: Biomimetic Barrier Shield Technology, hyaluronic acid, peptides.
- Fragrance: No.
- Size: 30ml or 120ml.
Why we love it: If you've overdone it on the AHAs or got caught in the sun, you may well have a compromised skin barrier. Enter: Charlotte Tilbury's magical creation, which features Biomimetic Barrier Shield Technology to create a protective layer on the skin to shield it from further damage, as well as prevent water loss and hydrate. That's not all - there's smoothing peptides in the mix too to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and skin texture, alongside hydration hero, hyaluronic acid. The result? Clear, bright and radiant skin.
- Best for: Hydrating, nourishing, brightening.
- Type: Gel.
- Key ingredients: Tri-ceramide complex, green tea extract, liquorice root.
- Fragrance: No.
- Size: 175ml.
Why we love it: This ultra-hydrating jelly cleanser is excellent for an everyday cleanse, efficiently breaking down dirt and removing excess oil without leaving your skin feeling tight and dry. Infused with a barrier-boosting tri-ceramide complex (ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) to replenish the skin barrier and restore natural moisture levels, it also contains green tea extract to nourish, and liquorice root to brighten. A hydrated, healthier-looking complexion, coming soon near you.
- Best for: Plumping, exfoliating, hydrating.
- Type: Balm.
- Key ingredients: Pineapple enzymes, green tea extract, polyglutamic acid.
- Fragrance: No.
- Size: 1.35oz or 5oz.
Why we love it: Yep, we're not ashamed to admit that we lust over Hailey Bieber's flawless skin, and Rhode's cleanser is one step closer to getting us there. It's formulated with ultra-plumping humectant, polyglutamic acid, which helps to seal in moisture, and antioxidant-rich green tea extract, which calms, soothes, and protects against environmental stressors (hi there, city pollution). But the star of the show is its namesake pineapple enzymes, which are a naturally gentle exfoliant for refined skin texture, and encouraged skin cell turnover. In short, it's a great all-rounder. It cleanses without stripping or drying the skin, sweeps away SPF, makeup and impurities with sassy aplomb and we're quietly obsessed with the zingy, pineapple-yellow colour.
Cleanser & Face Wash FAQs:
Which type of facial cleanser is best?
Dr Dev believes that the best facial cleansers will be intelligently formulated to be suitable for all skin types, as these are likely to combine an effective cleanse with kind-to-skin ingredients. But if you want a cleanser tailored to your specific skin type, keep scrolling…
| Cream Cleanser | “Opt for a hydrating cream cleanser that's formulated to retain moisture if you have dry skin,” says Dr Dev. “This should prevent the skin from being stripped of its natural oils. Look for ingredients like glycerin and chondrus crispus extract, which helps to lock in moisture." Creamy cleansers tend to be nice and gentle, have a silky consistency and provide moisturising benefits. They're perfect for an everyday cleanse and can be used with either cotton pads or a hot cloth depending on which you choose. For really tough, stubborn makeup or heavy sunscreen, you might need the muscle of an oil or micellar water first. |
| Gel Cleanser | “A gentle gel cleanser is ideal for removing excess oil, unclogging pores, and reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, blackheads, and breakouts. CellDerma’s Hydraclean suits all skin types but is particularly beneficial for oily, congested, and blemish-prone skin. The key ingredient, rosehip seed oil, is rich in linoleic acid which strengthens the skin barrier and helps reduce breakouts," comments Dr Dev. The expert continues that you should choose a gentle, fragrance-free gel cleanser to minimise irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin. “Avoid foaming cleansers as these may contain harsh surfactants - the ingredients that do the cleansing,” he advises. Gel cleansers are one of the most popular forms of cleansing. They give a deep clean (when used with a hot cloth) and are a great carrier for extra ingredients like enzymes, vitamin E, aloe vera, glycolic acid, salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid, providing extra exfoliating and hydrating benefits to plump your skin and boost your natural collagen production. |
| Foaming Cleansers | Foaming products require foaming agents, all of which can be higher in alkaline than the skin (which tends to be between 4.5 to 5.5 on the pH scale). Most foams are approximately pH6, making them too harsh and stripping for some. The good news is new formulas such as oat, chamomile, coconut, or plant-derived foams are kinder to our skin's pH. If you usually find foams dry you out, check the ingredient list and opt for one that's free from sodium lauryl sulphates. They're particularly well suited to oily and combination skin. And for the cleansing power of foam, with the comfort of oil, we're obsessed with Cerave's Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, which is a perfect hybrid of both. |
| Oil Cleansers | “If you have very dry, sensitive, or compromised skin, a nourishing, barrier-repair cleansing balm such as my Afterglow Ceramide Cleanser is most suitable,” says Dr. David Jack. “It contains ceramides and essential lipids to reinforce the skin’s protective barrier, while also hydrating and calming the skin using azelaic acid.” Oils and cleansing balms are ultra nourishing and second to none at melting away stubborn makeup like waterproof mascara. That said, they're known to leave behind an oily film on the skin that some enjoy (it offers some added moisture), but others can't tolerate. Oilier skin types, in particular, may have opted to avoid oils, not wishing to add any excess greasiness to their skin. Scientifically speaking, though, oil dissolves oil. When dirt and sebum are trapped in our pores, a cleanser that contains something like seed oil can soften and loosen the clogging in order for it to be removed with ease, meaning it works well on all skin types. However, if you don't like the feeling it leaves behind, use it as your first cleanse and follow with a cleansing foam or gel. |
| Micellar Water | Micellar water is formed from little micelles (spheres of mild surfactants combined with purified water), which attract all the makeup, excess oil and daily grime on the surface of your skin – like a magnet – leaving it clean and refreshed. It can work on all skin types, even sensitive, as it's gentle but mighty. They're perfect if you prefer to remove your makeup with cotton pads (reusable, of course), and they work as a great first step in a double cleansing routine since they're perfect for removing makeup before you go in with a deeper, second cleanse. |
What to look for when buying a cleanser:
Dr. David Jack recommends looking for ingredients that support your skin’s microbiome and barrier, not disrupt it.
“Those who are acne prone or have oily skin should use cleansers with exfoliating acids, like PHAs and AHAs, which gently resurface and exfoliate at an acidic pH – optimal for the ‘good’ bacteria of the skin,” he says.
“If hydration is a main concern, a formula with ceramides, lipids and squalane," as well as extra hyaluronic acid would be good to look out for. “These ingredients will help maintain moisture, strengthen the skin and reduce any inflammation.”
Elsewhere, “those with sensitive skin and prone to irritation are also best avoiding synthetic fragrances and a high concentration of essential oils, like lavender oil. Some alcohols are hydrating, but others can disrupt the skin barrier, such as ethanol and SD alcohol 40," he says.
"Always avoid harsh sulfates and soap-based cleansers, as these can strip the skin and lead to irritation or dehydration.”
Actually, Helen Marie, lymphatic facialist and founder of The Sculptress London, even advises to consider consulting a skincare professional before switching to a new product if you have really sensitive skin.
To conclude: if your skin is on the drier side, you'd probably benefit from some extra hyaluronic acid or ceramides. If you're susceptible to breakouts and have acne-prone skin, keep an eye out for PHAs and AHAs, or a BHA like salicylic acid. For a deep clean, a charcoal or clay cleanser can help to draw out and mop up excess sebum, and for brightening, vitamin C will help keep skin feeling good as new.
Do I need to double cleanse?
If you're wondering whether you need to double cleanse, the short answer is a yes.
“Double cleansing guarantees a truly effective clean,” says aesthetic doctor and founder of CellDerma, Dr Dev Patel. “It allows your skincare products to work more efficiently and enhance their overall effects. By using two different types of cleansers, you can remove surface-level impurities while deeply cleansing your pores, leaving your skin fresh, balanced, and prepped for the next step in your routine.”
Medical and cosmetic doctor, Dr Leah Totton of Dr Leah Skincare, recommends double cleansing once a day in the evening, for those who have worn makeup or SPF throughout the day.
“Double cleansing is also effective for those with oily skin types and acne prone skin, as it can help to remove bacteria and excess oil from the skin, whilst unclogging the pores,” she advises. "But those with rosacea, eczema or sensitive skin should avoid double cleansing, as it may remove the skin’s natural moisture, leaving the skin dry, tight and irritated.”
How do dermatologists recommend washing your face?
Dr. David Jack advises cleansing twice daily, in the morning and evening.
“In the morning, washing with a gentle cleanser removes overnight sweat, oil and bacteria while prepping your skin for the day from a pH point of view. At night, cleansing is even more crucial to remove pollutants, heavy metals, SPF and irritants or debris accumulated throughout the day,” he says.
As for your technique, “be very gentle with your pressure, as you want to clean the face but not strip the skin’s natural oils and upset the microbiome,” Helen Marie told us. “I swear by a good cream cleanser, which will ideally have no fragrance, no sodium chloride (basically salt), and to be a pharmaceutical grade. Even with a good skincare routine, I would still recommend seeing a specialist for a deep cleanse every four-six weeks.”
And if you like cleansing in a hot shower, think again: Dr Leah advises that the temperature you wash your face with should be lukewarm.
“As a general rule of thumb, always use lukewarm water, as water that is too hot can dry out or irritate the skin, and cold water will not properly remove makeup," she comments. “Use your fingers to gently rub the product into the skin, but not scrub. Ensure you pat the skin dry afterwards with a soft bath towel, as towels which are abrasive can disrupt the skin barrier.”
Looking for something else? Shop the best moisturisers, best face toners, best face SPF and best facial serums for every skin type.
For more beauty content from GLAMOUR UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Twitter @deniseprimbet and Instagram @deniseprimbet.
