What to Look for in the Best Facial Cleansers

Selecting the right facial cleanser is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a facial cleanser.

1. Skin Type Compatibility

Citrus catapult arrow

Choose a cleanser formulated for your specific skin type—such as oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal—to ensure it addresses your unique needs without causing irritation or imbalance.

2. Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for gentle, effective ingredients that align with your skincare goals. Avoid harsh sulfates and opt for nourishing elements like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or soothing botanicals if you have sensitive skin.

3. Formulation

Citrus catapult arrow

Facial cleansers come in various forms including gels, creams, foams, oils, and balms. The texture and formulation can impact how well it removes makeup, dirt, and excess oil while maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier.

4. Targeted Concerns

Citrus catapult arrow

Consider any specific skin concerns you want to address, such as acne, dullness, or redness. Some cleansers offer added benefits like exfoliation or calming properties to help improve the overall appearance of your complexion.

  1. 1
    Liquid Facial Soap

    Clinique

    7,623 REVIEWS
    Dermatologist-developed liquid soap cleanses gently yet thoroughly.
  2. 2
    All About Clean Rinse-Off Foaming Face Cleanser
    1,949 REVIEWS
    Clinique All About Clean Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser is a cream-mousse cleanser that gently and effectively rinses away makeup.
  3. 3
    Special Cleansing Gel

    Dermalogica

    1,852 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Soap-free, foaming gel cleanser. Formulated with lavender and removes impurities and excess oils, leaving the skin feeling smooth and clean.
  4. 4
    Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    834 REVIEWS
    An efficient and energizing face wash.
  5. 5
    Liquid Gold Cleansing Oil
    766 REVIEWS
    A gentle-yet-effective Golden Jojoba Oil makeup removing cleanser that activates with water to break bonds of makeup and impurities
  6. 6
    Foaming Sonic Facial Soap
    370 REVIEWS
    Foaming facial soap gently, effectively cleanses skin.
  7. 7
    Soothing Cleansing Oil

    Bobbi Brown

    281 REVIEWS
    A rich yet lightweight oil cleanser and makeup remover.
  8. 8
    Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    251 REVIEWS
    Emulsifies with water to a cleansing milk, gently, yet effectively dissolving even the hardest to remove makeup and impurities without over-drying, leaving skin clean and replenished.
  9. 9
    Cleansing Balm

    Indie Lee

    196 REVIEWS
    A crystal clear gel balm that transforms into a milky cleanser when activated with water.
  10. 10
    Purifying Face Wash

    Indie Lee

    124 REVIEWS
    Gently, yet thoroughly, remove makeup and impurities with this antioxidant-rich foaming cleanser.

What to Look for in the Best Facial Cleansers

Selecting the right facial cleanser is essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a facial cleanser.

1. Skin Type Compatibility

Citrus catapult arrow

Choose a cleanser formulated for your specific skin type—such as oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or normal—to ensure it addresses your unique needs without causing irritation or imbalance.

2. Ingredients

Citrus catapult arrow

Look for gentle, effective ingredients that align with your skincare goals. Avoid harsh sulfates and opt for nourishing elements like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or soothing botanicals if you have sensitive skin.

3. Formulation

Citrus catapult arrow

Facial cleansers come in various forms including gels, creams, foams, oils, and balms. The texture and formulation can impact how well it removes makeup, dirt, and excess oil while maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier.

4. Targeted Concerns

Citrus catapult arrow

Consider any specific skin concerns you want to address, such as acne, dullness, or redness. Some cleansers offer added benefits like exfoliation or calming properties to help improve the overall appearance of your complexion.