Best Cleansers 2026: Top Face Washes for Every Skin Type and Budget

Choosing a cleanser can feel like Goldilocks' task of searching for the perfect bowl of porridge – finding one that's just right is rarely straightforward. Add in that our skin is constantly changing, due to hormones, the seasons and environmental stressors, and it's easy to see why finding the ideal formula can be challenging.

Cleansers are often overlooked, but the right one is the basis of a good skincare routine. To understand what we should be looking for, I spoke with Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, GP and founder of the Aesthetics Doctor, who explained that the ideal formula depends entirely on skin type. “If someone is acne-prone or oily, I would usually recommend something more gel-based, because it helps break through excess oil more effectively,” he says. “Ingredients such as salicylic acid and niacinamide can also be helpful for those skin types.”

For very dry or sensitive skin types, he advises cream, milk or balm cleansers, with gentle formulations that are less likely to leave the skin feeling stripped. “The goal is always to cleanse properly without disrupting the skin barrier or causing irritation,” El Muntasar says.

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To bring you the best cleanser for every skin type, budget and concern, I spent six months putting the most popular cleansers through their paces. You'll find my 12 favourites below.

At a glance

Best overall and best budget cleanser: Cetaphil gentle exfoliating salicylic acid cleanser £9.94 for 236ml at Amazon
Best cleanser if you can afford it: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse £45 for 100ml at Sarah Chapman
Best cleanser for redness: Dr Hauschka cleansing cream £12.84 for 50ml at Amazon
Best spa-like cleanser: Elemis Pro-Collagen hydrating cleansing mousse £48 for 125ml at Elemis
Best cleanser for a clean feel: Chanel La Mousse Camellia cleanser £51 for 150ml at John Lewis
Best balancing cleanser: Rhode Pineapple Refresh PGA daily cleanser £30 for 150ml at Sephora

Why you should trust me

An interest in skincare has seen me reviewing beauty products for nearly a decade. Over the past few years, my own complexion has seen many changes, with my skin type seemingly fluctuating from one week to the next. During that time, I've tested more cleansers than I can count, tackling everything from redness and breakouts to dehydration and fine lines.

How I tested

I tested 25 cleansers over several months, using each one for at least a week, morning and evening, to see how well it removed makeup, daily grime and SPF. I paid close attention to how each product felt during use and immediately afterwards, and whether it lived up to any claims. To ensure fair comparison, the rest of my skincare routine remained consistent throughout testing, allowing any changes to be attributed to the cleanser alone. I also considered packaging, ingredients, texture and feel during application, and overall cost.

Best overall and best budget cleanser: Cetaphil gentle exfoliating salicylic acid cleanser

Cetaphil offers hard-working skincare at a budget-friendly price. My hormonal skin is prone to bumps and excess oil, and this cleanser performed exceptionally well, leaving my skin feeling clean and balanced.

Formulated with a triple acid blend of salicylic acid, mandelic acid and gluconolactone, this foaming gel helps promote natural cell turnover, smoothing rough, bumpy skin. Despite the acids, I had no problems on my sometimes reactive skin.

It can be used on the face and body, which made it ideal for using in the shower when I had breakouts on my arms and shoulders. It's fragrance-free, not too drying, and a solid choice for a deep cleanse.

It's a shame that there wasn't a little more foam, as I enjoy the visual cue of a thorough cleanse, although in reality this isn't an indicator of performance. While it's suitable for most skin types, those with very dry, dehydrated or blemish-prone skin may find the formula a touch too strong for regular use.

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Type: gel | Most suitable for: all skin types, particularly oily skin, sensitive skin and those with keratosis pilaris | Price per ml: from about 4p | Key ingredients: salicylic acid, mandelic acid, niacinamide, vitamin B5 and gluconolactone | Certified cruelty-free? No | Vegan? Yes

Best cleanser if you can afford it: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse

I've used Sarah Chapman's Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse before, so when I set out to test the best cleansers on the market, it was an easy choice to revisit. Anyone who's had a facial at the Skinesis clinic will recognise the indulgent and results-driven products.

This balm is packed with omega fatty acids and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as baobab and borage oils, which worked wonders at soothing my flare-ups. It also contains a gentle dose of vitamin A to smooth texture and vitamin E with hydration-boosting properties, leaving skin with that classic Skinesis glow. A single pump was enough to cleanse my face and neck, melting away makeup and SPF in one fell swoop.

It has a noticeably spa-like scent, strong but not overwhelming, and transforms from balm to a milky oil when mixed with water. With ageing concerns starting to show, particularly around my eyes, I also appreciated the inclusion of ingredients such as the peptide dermaxyl and Q10, which support collagen production and skin firmness. With consistent use, my skin looked fresher and more polished.

This cleanser is a great option for sensitive skin, thanks to its relatively gentle actives, although those prone to congestion may prefer to alternate it with a lighter formula.

It's a shame that it's pricey, making it a less realistic option for everyday use. However, if your budget stretches to it, it's an excellent all-rounder.

Best cleanser for redness: Dr Hauschka cleansing cream

While particularly suited to sensitive, redness-prone skin, Dr Hauschka's Cleansing Cream is gentle enough for most complexions. After a week of use, my skin felt noticeably smoother, softer, and more hydrated.

The cleanser is marketed as a cream, yet it has a thicker, more mask-like texture – which, once or twice, I left on for a few minutes to sink in before washing off. I found a pea-sized amount enough to thoroughly remove all traces of makeup, which is impressive for a cleanser with a non-oily texture.

The fine sweet almond meal provides gentle exfoliation, helping to lift excess oil from around the T-zone with gentle, circular motions, while soothing botanical additions, including St John's wort, chamomile and calendula, worked well to calm and nourish my skin. This cleanser is a reliable option even during times of heightened sensitivity or reactions.

It's a shame that the packaging made it difficult to squeeze out the last remnants of product. You'll have to use your muscles!

Best spa-like cleanser: Elemis Pro-Collagen hydrating cleansing mousse

I've long been partial to an Elemis product, although I have found some of its fragranced cleansing balms a little too rich for my skin, occasionally leading to breakouts. So I opted to test a different cleanser from the range, and was pleasantly surprised.

The mousse has a soufflé-like texture that feels rich on the skin, and while it carries that signature Elemis scent, it's noticeably lighter and therefore more suitable for daily use. The brand claims it is “clinically proven to increase skin hydration by 125% after just one use”, and while I can't quantify that, I did notice my skin felt better hydrated after a week of use, especially around my mouth and eyes.

Formulated with a natural prebiotic derived from inulin, the cleanser helps support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. It left my skin feeling soft and comfortable, and was especially soothing on a dry patch on my cheeks triggered by a potent retinol. I was particularly careful not to go too close to my eyes, as the essential oils can irritate.

A little goes a long way, and while it removes makeup and impurities well, I found it worked best when removed with a mitt or flannel.

It's a shame that the signature blend of nine essential oils may feel a little overpowering for some, both in terms of fragrance and feel on the skin.

Best cleanser for a clean feel: Chanel La Mousse Camellia cleanser

Chanel's La Mousse Camellia cleanser was a delightful surprise, and, unexpectedly, more affordable per ml than some other cleansers here. Results aside, I loved that it brought a touch of luxury to my bathroom shelf.

I chose this cleanser for its promise of an effective cleanse without drying out skin. The cream transforms into a rich foam on contact with water, and I could genuinely feel it working as I massaged it into my skin.

The cleanser is infused with camellia ceramides to hydrate and preserve the skin's barrier, and works a treat when it comes to removing daily grime. In fact, it performed impressively – effortlessly removing a full day of sweat, SPF and makeup. After use, my skin felt refreshed, clean and balanced.

It's a shame that while it works incredibly hard to offer a deep and effective cleanse, it may prove too harsh for breakout- and irritation-prone skin.

Best balancing cleanser: Rhode Pineapple Refresh PGA daily cleanser

I'm usually sceptical of celeb brands that launch a range of skincare, with claims that can seem overreaching, but Hailey Bieber's Rhode Pineapple Refresh PGA daily cleanser is a standout example.

Enzyme cleansers often have a nibbling sensation that I find a little offputting, making me worry that my skin is reacting badly. However, despite containing pineapple enzyme, this gentle balm-to-lather formula felt more comforting than aggressive, with just a mild tingling.

Its balmy texture, combined with plumping polyglutamic acid (PGA) and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, left my skin feeling not just clean, but soft, hydrated and supple too.

It's a shame that I did notice a few breakouts along my chin and jawline during the first few days of use, which may simply have been my skin adjusting to unfamiliar ingredients. That said, it may not be the best choice for acne- or breakout-prone skin.

The best of the rest

Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin hot oil double cleansing balm

This Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin balm has a pleasant, subtle scent and a beautifully smooth texture that glides on to the skin without feeling sticky. Warming a grape-sized amount between the palms before massaging into the face, then removing with a warm cleansing cloth, made for a satisfying, spa-like ritual.

It left my skin feeling thoroughly clean and soft, with a noticeable reduction in the appearance of pores, particularly around my chin, and I enjoyed the pleasant warming sensation as I massaged it in.

It didn't make the final cut because you have to sign up to be a Beauty Pie member to get it for £18, otherwise it's £34. Plus, it's a little gloopy (not sticky, but gloopy), and can be harder to break down than other balm cleansers.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Revival cleanser

Suitable for most skin types (but can be a bit harsh on reactive skin due to citric acid and fragrance), Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Revival cleanser is best used with warm water and removed with a cloth. After cleansing twice, I saw it remove a full face of makeup, leaving my skin feeling super clean but not stripped of moisture.

It's described as a priming cleanser, and is designed to support clearer, smoother and more radiant-looking skin. The skin-lipid-barrier-supporting ingredients of shea butter, rosehip oil and camellia oil ensured that it felt nourishing on my skin, leaving a healthy, natural glow.

It didn't make the final cut because it made my skin feel nice after use, but I did experience some irritation around the eye area at the beginning.

Byoma Foaming Rice deep cleanser

I love Byoma's skincare, particularly for the affordable price point and effectiveness. Each use of the Foaming Rice cleanser left my skin feeling clean, hydrated and comfortable, and after a week of use my complexion looked clearer with no breakouts.

It worked particularly well on my sensitive skin, with no stinging or burning, even around the eye area, and it was easily removed with just water – no flannel needed. Although it's worth noting that it could maybe irritate some very sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it contains myristic acid, lauric acid and potassium hydroxide. Overall, though, this is a strong performer for a great price.

It didn't make the final cut because I wasn't a fan of its smell, which is likely down to its natural, fragrance-free formulation. However, despite its slightly earthy, fermented notes, it isn't overpowering and will become familiar with continued use. Also, the pump broke during testing.

Jan Marini Bioglycolic face cleanser

This cleanser has a lovely, creamy gel texture that glides on to the skin. The scent isn't strong, although I did find it slightly reminiscent of baby skincare products. After use, my skin felt a little tight, but also smooth, fresh and clean. It also removed a small amount of makeup that was still left from the night before, although I didn't find it as good at removing a full face of makeup. My skin didn't seem to need as much of this one as other cleansers of this consistency, so a small amount goes further. It does a great job of washing away impurities and softening bumps.

It didn't make the final cut because I did experience a little stinging in certain areas while massaging it into the skin, especially where I had spots or existing redness. It wouldn't be ideal as a first cleanse, as it wasn't the best at removing makeup.

Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino hydrating cleanser

I enjoyed using the Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino hydrating cleanser each morning and evening: it applies beautifully with a cooling gel texture that transforms into a light foam on contact. It felt refreshing from initial use and gave an immediate sense of clean without stripping.

Over time, I noticed my skin looked brighter, clearer, and more even. The scent is pleasant and subtle, which added to the overall experience. While I did initially experience a few breakouts, they quickly cleared, and my skin was left noticeably more balanced.

It didn't make the final cut because it requires a “breaking in” period. It can trigger short breakouts for some skin types, but I found that once the initial adjustment passed, my skin looked clear and brighter.

Dialogue Leo Radiance cleansing balm and mask

Dialogue launched in 2026, and its concept immediately caught my attention. Each product takes its name from a zodiac sign, and comes with a corresponding affirmation and a five- to seven-minute meditation, available via YouTube and Spotify to listen to while cleansing. I'm not sure whether the stars aligned in terms of astrology (although I am a Leo), but I appreciated the reminder to make my self-care routine a bit more of a ritual-like experience.

The cleanser itself is gentle yet effective, making light work of removing mascara and SPF without leaving any residue. Containing astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant known for being more stable than vitamin C, it helps support the skin barrier and protect against environmental stressors.

It didn't make the final cut because it sits at the pricier end of the scale, which may put off those wanting to try before committing fully. Mini versions would be a welcome addition (and great for travel). That said, if you're able to stretch to it, it won't disappoint.

Type: balm | Most suitable for: all skin types, especially those needing a deep cleanse | Price per ml: about 53p | Key ingredients: astaxanthin, safflower, cherry kernel, passion fruit and apricot kernel oils and milk thistle seed esters | Certified cruelty-free? No | Vegan? Yes

What you need to know

How often do I need to use cleanser?

“For most people, cleansing twice a day is usually appropriate, once in the morning and once in the evening. That said, it does depend on your skin type,” says aesthetics doctor El Muntasar.

He suggests that those with naturally very dry or sensitive skin could skip the morning cleanse and simply rinse with water, as this helps preserve some of the skin's natural oils. However, if you have very oily skin, exercise frequently, or wear heavy SPF and makeup daily, then you may benefit from a more thorough cleanse.

What is the correct way to use a cleanser?

El Muntasar recommends “starting with lukewarm water rather than hot water, because very hot water can damage the skin barrier and increase dryness or sensitivity.

“Massage the cleanser into damp skin for about 30 to 60 seconds, paying particular attention to areas that tend to be oilier or more congested, such as around the nose, chin or beard area if someone has facial hair. After cleansing, the skin should feel clean and comfortable, not tight or squeaky. That overly stripped feeling is usually a sign the cleanser is too harsh for your skin.”

Do I need to double cleanse?

According to El Muntasar, double cleansing can be helpful, particularly for people who wear makeup daily, use a lot of SPF or have oilier skin.

“The first cleanse is designed to break down oil-based products such as makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum and environmental debris,” he says. “That is where balm cleansers, oil cleansers or micellar waters can work well. The second cleanse is then used to properly clean the skin itself using a gentler water-based cleanser. Not everybody needs to double cleanse, but for many people, especially in the evening, it can make a noticeable difference to how effectively the skin is being cleansed.”

What should I be careful about?

“One of the biggest red flags is a cleanser that leaves the skin feeling overly tight or ‘squeaky clean’, because that often means the skin barrier is being stripped,” says El Muntasar. “I would also be cautious of cleansers with a lot of fragrance, essential oils or abrasive exfoliating particles, particularly for sensitive skin types. If your skin becomes very red, irritated or uncomfortable after cleansing, that's usually a sign the product is too harsh or not suitable for your skin.”

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Mollie Davies is a beauty, fashion and lifestyle journalist, with nearly a decade's experience in testing everything from the most flattering denim for long legs, to lipsticks that stay in place after several glasses of wine. When she's not testing the best cleansers or perfecting a French manicure, you'll find her in a bubble bath, listening to a history podcast, or cuddling her basset hound