Cleansing is the skincare step you probably do without a second thought. But don't underestimate the power of a face wash when it comes to transforming the condition of your skin. A great cleanser does more than simply remove make-up and give your skin that lovely refreshed feeling. The constant act of washing away impurities (whether that's your make-up or even simply the pollution particles that become embedded in your pores after a day on the go) allows all your skin's important processes to function at their optimum level. That has a long-term impact on the overall health of your skin as well as the appearance of your complexion. Moral of the story? Never underestimate your cleanser. (Always fancied trying a face brush tool? Browse the best of the bunch here).
Granted though, shopping for the best face wash for you can often turn out to be a fairly baffling task. There's so much on the beauty shelves to choose from, from gels, creams, scrubs, balms, you name it. Finding 'the one' when it comes to face washes relies on you knowing your skin and knowing what it needs.
How To Find The Best Cleanser For Oily Skin
If you have oily skin and you are looking for a cleanser, it is easy to make a grab for the toughest-looking, most deep-cleaning option out there. That's not always the right approach when it comes to buying a face wash. As leading facialist, Sarah Chapman explains, 'If you strip your skin with a cleanser it will produce more oil making it more problematic. Your cleanser should not aggravate or irritate your skin, but should leave it glowing, clean and comforted.'
Sarah continues, 'my philosophy is based on skin condition rather than skin types. I find this is a much more effective way to approach the skincare that you use. With this in mind, you might find that keeping a couple of cleansers to hand, rather than just one, is a good idea, to accommodate the subtle changes in your skin from week to week.' Remember that your skin can change from season to season, month to month. Whilst in summer you're likely to be looking for something more refreshing, even if your skin is oily, it might be crying out for a more nourishing cleanser in the colder winter months.
How To Find The Best Cleanser For Dry Skin
Sarah says 'If your skin feels tight after cleansing your cleanser is too drying for your skin condition, so opt for oil-based balm cleansers, which will deep clean and nourish at the same time.'
How To Find The Best Cleanser For Acne Prone Skin
Again, it's tempting if you have acne, to reach for a cleanser that promises a real deep clean, but this can often result in irritation. You want to cleanse your skin gently without aggravating it. Cleansers that contain salicylic acid are lactic acid work well as they very gently exfoliate your skin, shifting any potential spot-causing impurities, whilst calming and soothing your skin at the same time to cut down on redness.
Shop: Our Pick Of The Best Cleansers For Every Skin Concern
The Best Cleansers For Every Skin Concern
1 of 16Best For All Skin Types - Marie Reynolds London Goji Mallow Cleanser
This hydrating and nourishing facial wash is perfect for all skin types. It's enriched with a natural super-antioxidant blend of Goji Berries, Acai Berries and Oat Silk to help reduce inflammation and boost skin health.
2 of 16Best For All Skin Types - WISHFUL Get Clean 2% PHA & Sea Moss Gentle Foaming Cleanser
New from WISHFUL, this deep-cleansing but gentle gel-to-foam formula melts away make-up without stripping the skin and leaving it feeling tight. The 2% gluconic acid gently exfoliates, while sea moss retains moisture for baby-soft skin.
3 of 16Best For All Skin Types - RoC Energising Cleansing Mousse
Amazing for even sensitive skin, RoC’s Energising Cleansing Mousse is a real wake-up call for a tired, lacklustre complexion. It gently cleanses the skin's surface and eliminates impurities while respecting the skin’s equilibrium. If you love a cleansing foam, give this one a try.
4 of 16Best For All Skin Types - Aurelia, Miracle Cleanser
Aurelia's probiotic ingredients continuously protect, restore and balance the skin from within. Helping to reduce the damage caused by pollution and stress, they activate the skin's ability to repair itself, maintaining equilibrium.
5 of 16Best For Dry Skin - Lixirskin Electrogel Cleanser
Lixirskin's Electrogel Cleanser combines oils with glycerin to provide a cleanse that rids skin of everyday pollutants without dehydrating it.
6 of 16Best For Dry Skin - Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Drunk Elephant's Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser contains coconut-based fatty acids that work to nourish dry skin as it cleanses.
7 of 16Best For Dry Skin - Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
Drunk Elephant has come up trumps again with another amazing cleanser for dry skin. This balm version nourishes skin, and supermodel Adut Akech even cites it as her favourite.
8 of 16Best For Oily Skin - Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
Oskia's luxurious cleanser melts away make-up, smells amazing, and leaves skin balanced, clean and radiant.
9 of 16Best For Oily Skin - Soap & Glory Vitamin C Clarity Facial Wash
Soap & Glory's Vitamin C Clarity Facial Wash gently refreshes, smoothes and purifies skin in one.
10 of 16Best For Acne-Prone Skin - CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
CeraVe's SA Smoothing Cleanser contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate and smooth skin without irritating it. It's great for acne-prone skin.
11 of 16Best For Acne-Prone Skin - Paula's Choice Clear Cleanser
Paula's Choice Clear Cleanser removes dirt and debris from your pores and contains glycerin, an ingredient that protects skin from dryness.
12 of 16Best For Sensitive Skin - Kate Somrville Goat Milk Cleanser
Kate Somerville's Goat Milk Cleanser is a cult classic that's famed for its calming, soothing properties. Beauty guru Caroline Hirons is a huge fan, too.
13 of 16Best For Sensitive Skin - Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser
Avene's Gentle Milk Cleanser is a real sensitive skin hero for those that really struggle when it comes to finding a cleanser. It leaves skin supple and smooth.
14 of 16Best For Mature Skin - Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse is a go-to for many and for good reason. The formula cleans deep into pores and its cocktail of oils leaves skin glowing.
15 of 16Best For Dry And Sensitive Skin - Codex, Bia Exfoliating Wash
Bia Exfoliating Wash lightly exfoliates and tones skin, making it gentle enough for everyday use. This wash never leaves skin feeling tight or dry and is clinically proven to improve the appearance of skin flakiness.
16 of 16Best For Active Breakouts, CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
CeraVe's latest addition to their cleansing lineup contains a cocktail of hero spot-fighting ingredients for the affordable price of £12.50. 2% salicylic acid flushes out pores, removing blackheads, while hectorite clay and niacinamide work together to calm active breakouts and reduce inflammation.