How to choose the perfect cleanser for your skin type
Selecting a cleanser can feel like Goldilocks' quest for the perfect bowl of porridge – finding one that's just right is rarely straightforward. With skin constantly changing due to hormones, seasons, and environmental stressors, the ideal formula can be challenging to pinpoint. Cleansers are often overlooked, but the right one forms the foundation of a good skincare routine. To understand what to look for, Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, GP and founder of The Aesthetics Doctor, explains that the ideal cleanser 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, he advises cream, milk, or balm cleansers with gentle formulations that are less likely to strip the skin. “The goal is always to cleanse properly without disrupting the skin barrier or causing irritation,” El Muntasar adds.
Testing methodology: 25 cleansers over six months
Over several months, 25 cleansers were tested, each used for at least one week, morning and evening, to assess how well they removed makeup, daily grime, and SPF without stripping the skin. The rest of the skincare routine remained consistent throughout testing to attribute any changes to the cleanser alone. Factors such as packaging, ingredients, texture, feel during application, and overall cost were also considered.
Best overall and best budget: Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Cetaphil offers hard-working skincare at a budget-friendly price. Priced from £9.94 for 236ml, this foaming gel is formulated with a triple acid blend of salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and gluconolactone to promote natural cell turnover and smooth rough, bumpy skin. Despite the acids, it caused no issues on reactive skin. It can be used on the face and body, making it ideal for shower use when breakouts appear on arms and shoulders. It is fragrance-free, not too drying, and a solid choice for a deep cleanse. However, those with very dry, dehydrated, or blemish-prone skin may find it too strong for regular use. Type: gel. Most suitable for: all skin types, particularly oily and sensitive skin, and those with keratosis pilaris. Price per ml: from about 4p. Key ingredients: salicylic acid, mandelic acid, niacinamide, vitamin B5, gluconolactone.
Best splurge: Sarah Chapman Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse
At £45 for 100ml, this soufflé balm-to-oil cleanser is packed with omega fatty acids and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as baobab and borage oils, which soothe flare-ups. It contains a gentle dose of vitamin A to smooth texture and vitamin E for hydration, leaving skin with a classic Skinesis glow. A single pump melts away makeup and SPF. It has a spa-like scent and transforms from balm to milky oil when mixed with water. Ingredients like peptide dermaxyl and Q10 support collagen production and skin firmness. This cleanser is great for sensitive skin, though those prone to congestion may prefer alternating with a lighter formula. Type: soufflé balm to oil. Most suitable for: dry skin. Price per ml: from about 45p. Key ingredients: vitamins A and E, dermaxyl, baobab and borage oils.
Best for redness: Dr Hauschka Cleansing Cream
Priced from £12.84 for 50ml, this cream has a thicker, mask-like texture that can be left on for a few minutes before washing off. A pea-sized amount thoroughly removes all traces of makeup. Fine sweet almond meal provides gentle exfoliation, while soothing botanicals including St John's wort, chamomile, and calendula calm and nourish skin. It is a reliable option even during heightened sensitivity. The packaging makes it difficult to squeeze out the last remnants. Type: cream. Most suitable for: sensitive skin and redness. Price per ml: from about 26p. Key ingredients: sweet almond meal, anthyllis, calendula, chamomile.
Best spa-like: Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Mousse
At £48 for 125ml, this mousse has a soufflé-like texture that feels rich on the skin. The brand claims it is “clinically proven to increase skin hydration by 125% after just one use,” and testers noticed better hydration after a week, especially around the mouth and eyes. Formulated with a natural prebiotic derived from inulin, it supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture. It was especially soothing on a dry patch triggered by retinol. The essential oils can irritate eyes, so care is needed. Type: mousse. Most suitable for: dry and dehydrated skin. Price per ml: about 38p. Key ingredients: earth marine water, padina pavonica ferment, inulin, essential oils.
Best for a clean feel: Chanel La Mousse Camellia Cleanser
At £51 for 150ml (34p per ml), this foaming cream transforms into a rich foam on contact with water. Infused with camellia ceramides to hydrate and preserve the skin barrier, it effortlessly removes sweat, SPF, and makeup, leaving skin refreshed and balanced. However, it may prove too harsh for breakout- and irritation-prone skin. Type: foaming cream. Most suitable for: dehydrated, dull, and dry skin, and those with redness. Key ingredients: camellia ceramides, camellia water.
Best balancing: Rhode Pineapple Refresh PGA Daily Cleanser
At £30 for 150ml (20p per ml), this gentle balm-to-lather formula contains pineapple enzyme, polyglutamic acid, and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid. It left skin feeling clean, soft, hydrated, and supple. Some breakouts occurred during the first few days of use, possibly due to skin adjusting. It may not be the best choice for acne-prone skin. Type: balm to lather. Most suitable for: most skin types, particularly dry skin. Key ingredients: pineapple enzyme, glycerine, saccharide isomerate, polyglutamic acid.
Expert advice: how to use cleansers correctly
Dr Ahmed El Muntasar recommends cleansing twice a day for most people, but those with very dry or sensitive skin could skip the morning cleanse and simply rinse with water. “Start with lukewarm water rather than hot water, because very hot water can damage the skin barrier and increase dryness or sensitivity,” he says. “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. After cleansing, the skin should feel clean and comfortable, not tight or squeaky.” Double cleansing can be helpful for those who wear makeup daily, use a lot of SPF, or have oilier skin. “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,” El Muntasar warns. “I would also be cautious of cleansers with a lot of fragrance, essential oils or abrasive exfoliating particles, particularly for sensitive skin types.”
