How to Choose the Right Cleanser
Are cleansers all created equal?
While an effective cleanser is important to keep skin debris-free, does it matter whether you use an oil, balm, foam or even soap? Experts agree that whilst most of the formula disappears down the sink, the right cleanser can make a difference as a first step to preparing your skin for what comes next.
Those with oily or irritated skin should look for a cleanser containing niacinamide and ceramides, whilst more acne-prone skin will benefit from non-comedogenic oils such as squalene and salicylic acid. Glycolic acid is good for pigmentation, and lactic acid is good for dry or sensitive skin, helps tackle dullness and fades dark spots.
The Inkey List
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and blemish-prone, this non-stripping cleansing balm deeply cleanses skin while keeping skin hydrated for up to 12 hours. Oat Balm Cleanser, £15 The Inkey List
Beauty Pie
This luxe, balm-like cleanser transforms into a milky fluid. Rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, it deeply cleanses, soothes stressed skin and improves radiance. Youthbomb Quillaja Melting Cleanser, £25 (member’s price) Beauty Pie
Tatcha
This two-in-one cleanser contains camellia oil to gently remove even the heaviest waterproof makeup, melt away excess oil, and nourish skin. The Camellia Cleansing Oil, £148 Tatcha
Fenty Skin
This cream-based cleanser is loaded with botanical actives to slough away all traces of makeup and impurities, whilst vitamin C works to reveal brighter, clearer skin. Total Cleans’R, £32 Fenty Skin
Elemis
This award-winning balm cleanser cleanser’s three-in-one transformative formula starts as a nourishing balm, before melting away impurities as an oil, and hydrating as a cleansing milk. Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, £52 Elemis
Augustinus Bader
A nourishing, conditioning balm-to-oil cleanser that effortlessly dissolves dirt, excess oil, and waterproof makeup without disrupting the skin barrier. The Cleansing Balm, £66 Augustinus Bader
Round Lab
Korean skincare brand Round Lab’s foaming 1025 Dokdo Cleanser, £12.75, has a gently acidic formula and deep sea minerals, great for all skin types.
Medik8
Medik8’s Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil, £35, is proven to effortlessly remove the most stubborn waterproof makeup, sunscreen and daily impurities, even around the eyes.
L'Oreal
With the efficacy of a serum in a lightweight gel-to-foam cleanser, powered by brightening niacinamide and exfoliating salicylic acid, L’Oreal’s Bright Reveal Serum-In-Cleanser, £14.99, is clinically proven to fade dark spots and visibly correct hyperpigmentation.
CeraVe
CeraVe’s Blemish Control Cleanser, £13, combines 2 percent salicylic acid, purifying clay and niacinamides to remove excess oil, clear pores and help reduce blemishes.
NIOD
This lipid-rich, oil-based cleanser transforms into a milky emulsion. Enriched with fruit lipids, it helps maintain hydration, improve moisture retention and protect the skin from dryness. Hydro-Ester Cleaning System, £42 NIOD
Trinny London
Great for normal to oily skin, this exfoliating gel cleanser contains natural quillaja and oat amino acids to deeply cleanse, and lactic and malic acids to gently remove dead skin. Better Off Cleanser, £31 Trinny London
