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

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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

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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

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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

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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
    The Essence Foaming Cleanser
    329 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Rich, pillow-soft lather to help remove makeup, excess oil, and pollution, leaving skin feeling refreshed, soft and supple.
  2. 2
    Soothing Cleansing Oil

    Bobbi Brown

    281 REVIEWS
    A rich yet lightweight oil cleanser and makeup remover.
  3. 3
    Liquid Facial Soap

    Clinique

    7,652 REVIEWS
    Dermatologist-developed liquid soap cleanses gently yet thoroughly.
  4. 4
    Botanical Brilliance Exfoliating Cleanser
    647 REVIEWS
    A triple-action exfoliating cleanser that botanically buffs away impurities for visibly smooth, soft skin.
  5. 5
    Ocean Cleansing Mudd
    498 REVIEWS
    Clarifying seaweed-infused cleanser designed to purify and decongest skin.
  6. 6
    Ocean Cleansing Milk
    355 REVIEWS
    Moisturizing, creamy cleanser designed to gently remove makeup and surface impurities.
  7. 7
    Gentle Cleanser

    SkinCeuticals

    320 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Creamy, non-foaming cleanser removes makeup and dirt, leaving skin soft without stripping natural moisture. 
  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
    Glycolic Renewal Cleanser

    SkinCeuticals

    216 REVIEWS
    BestSeller
    Daily exfoliating cleansing gel targets dullness and rough skin texture for a clear and bright complexion.
  10. 10
    Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser
    206 REVIEWS
    This dual-purpose 2-in-1 liquid cleanser and toner removes deep-down dirt and oil, for clear, smooth, shave-ready skin.

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.