Effective cleansers for washing the face: top best, reviews, rating, how to use

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Cleansing your face is the first and most important step in even the simplest skin care routine. In this article, we've rounded up the best cleansers for different skin types that will cleanse your skin without drying it out.

• How to use a facial cleanser
• Rating of the best facial cleansers
• The best 3 in 1 multi facial cleansers
• The Best Acne Cleansers for Teens
• The best cleansers for dry skin with a nourishing complex
• Effective cleansers for sensitive facial skin
• Effective cleansers for oily and combination skin

How to use a facial cleanser

1. Before cleansing your face, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid exposing your skin to additional dirt and debris.
2. Remove eye makeup. Eye makeup remover gently dissolves long-wearing and waterproof formulas.
3. Warm a small amount of foaming facial cleanser between your fingers and add some room temperature water. Apply to damp skin.
4. Using the natural weight of your hands, spread the facial cleanser evenly over your face and neck.
5. Raise your hands quickly. Repeat the exercise 7 times on the face, 7 times on the nose, 5 times on the neck.
6. Finish with gentle circular movements over the entire face and neck.
7. Rinse with room temperature water and wipe dry. Water that is too hot or too cold can irritate your skin.
8. Use a toning lotion for your skin type.

How to clean pores at home

To get stunning results, you don't have to spend a lot of money on expensive products or spa treatments. There are a few simple home remedies you can try that are made from natural ingredients and are easily accessible to everyone.

Photo by Isaac Rock: Pexels

• Oats and onion puree

Place about three tablespoons of raw oatmeal in a cup or bowl, then add enough boiling water to cover the oatmeal and let the mixture sit for about five minutes. Grind a small onion in a blender or food processor and mix with the prepared oatmeal. If the mixture is thin, add a small amount of warmed honey to create a thick consistency.

Before applying the mask, clean your skin with water and dry with a towel. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it there until it dries. After carefully remove the mixture with water (it should not get into your eyes), moisturize your skin with light cream.

• Tonic made from vinegar and tea leaves

Prepare a tonic base using a green tea infuser or a small spoonful of loose leaf tea per cup of boiling water. Leave the brew for 2-3 minutes. Add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a cup.

Wash your face, and then wipe the areas with contaminated pores with a swab and tonic. Avoid getting the product into your eyes. After drying the skin, it is necessary to moisturize it with lotion or cream.

Regular procedures aimed at cleaning the pores of the face can significantly improve the appearance of the skin and establish the processes of its renewal and regeneration.

Rating of the best facial cleansers

The best 3 in 1 multi facial cleansers

Foaming gel for washing 3 in 1 CeraVe – Cleanser

This cleanser has a unique formula that contains three essential ceramides (1, 3 and 6-II). This unique formula cleanses your skin and removes excess oil without interfering with the skin barrier. It contains hyaluronic acid, which helps maintain moisture levels in your skin and keep it calm.

pros

• Contains niacinamide
• Non-comedogenic
• Non-irritating
• Fragrance free
• Developed by dermatologists
• pH balanced formula

Garnier SkinActive Face Wash Gel

Garnier SkinActive Face Wash is made using 96% natural extracts. This is a deep pore cleanser that not only thoroughly cleanses your skin but also visibly reduces the size of your pores. It contains green tea extracts that soothe your skin and keep it nourished.

pros

• No parabens
• No dyes
• Silicone-free
• Sulfate Free

Multi facial cleanser 3 in 1 Tatcha

This is a daily gel cleanser that has an exfoliating effect on your skin. It gently exfoliates your pores, lifts all dead skin cells and impurities, and leaves your skin hydrated and soft. It lathers into a creamy lather and is suitable for even the most sensitive and delicate skin types.

pros

• Oil-free formula
• Dermatologist tested
• Without cruelty
• No synthetic odors
• Sulfate free
• No urea

Sunday Riley Clay Cleanser

This clay-based cleanser cleanses your skin like it never existed! If your skin is overly oily, try this clay cleanser from Sunday Riley. It contains French green clay, bentonite and white clay extracts that draw out all the oil and impurities from deep within your skin.

pros

• No parabens
• No phthalates
• Fragrance free
• Silicone-free
• Low-fat
• Natural
• Without cruelty

Multi facial cleanser 3 in 1 Organic Farmacy

This antibacterial face wash is suitable for both men and women. Its gentle formula keeps your skin clean and fresh. It also claims to reduce blemishes. Consider the best facial toners.

pros

• Antiseptic properties
• Contains natural extracts
• Contains tocopherol
• No detergents
• Doesn't irritate your skin

Minuses

• The formula is constantly changing.

The Best Acne Cleansers for Teens

Dermatologica Dermal Clay Cleanser

This is a non-foaming clay cleanser specially formulated for oily skin. It provides a thorough cleanse and leaves your skin clean. It contains lemon, sambuca and ivy extracts to improve your skin's texture and reduce dullness.

pros

• Gluten free
• Natural composition
• No artificial flavors
• No artificial flowers
• No parabens
• Without cruelty

Avene Eau Thermale Cleansing Foam Face Wash

This product has a mattifying effect on your face. It is suitable for oily and sensitive skin. Its gentle cleansing formula removes dirt and makeup from your face. It contains thermal spring water that has an immediate soothing effect on your skin.

pros

• No soap
• Contains moisturizers
• Contains glutamic acid
• Silicone-free
• No parabens
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic

Olehenriksen Oil Control Cleanser

This product is a Refinery29 beauty winner. As the name suggests, it helps your oily skin find balance by reducing excess sebum and unclogging skin pores. It deeply cleanses your skin by exfoliating dead epithelial cells that clog your pores. Applying sunscreen is a must after using this cleanser as it contains AHAs. Find out about Korean cosmetics facial toners.

pros

• Contains Ahas (glycolic and lactic acids)
• No parabens
• No phthalates
• No sulfates
• Antiseptic properties

Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Oil-Reducing Cleanser

This is a unique creamy foam cleanser that controls oil without drying out your skin. It removes dirt, excess sebum and traces of makeup. The brand also claims to reduce the appearance of enlarged skin pores. It helps restore balance to your skin and improves its texture.

pros

• Non-drying
• Suitable for oily and combination skin
• No dyes
• Fragrance free

La Roche-Posay Effaclar-Cleansing foaming facial gel

This gel contains zinc picolinate which removes dirt and excess oil from your skin effectively. It does not dry out your skin and is suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

pros

• Non-comedogenic (tested)
• pH balanced formula
• Contains thermal spring water
• No parabens
• Non-alcoholic
• No soap

Which remedy is better

Pay attention to the following aspects:

• must correspond to the type and condition of the skin;
• after use it should not cause discomfort, burning, or a feeling of tightness;
• should not contain alcohol and aggressive surfactants;
• the composition should contain extracts of herbs and plants, oils and vitamins;
• should fight inflammation and blackheads, and not provoke their appearance;
• effectively cleanse the epithelium, penetrating deep into the pores.

The composition of an ideal facial gel should be as follows:

• anionic component for foaming (Magnesium Laureth Sulfate);
• amphoteric surfactants (allaintoin, chitosan);
• softening oil (walnut, olive);
• vitamins, extracts.

The best cleansers for dry skin with a nourishing complex

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Face Wash

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser cleanses your skin without irritating it, leaving it soft and smooth. This gentle face wash removes dirt, makeup, and impurities while also helping to retain your skin's moisture without clogging your pores. It is a water-based formula that nourishes your skin with gentle yet effective cleansing.

pros

• Suitable for dry and sensitive skin
• Dermatologically tested
• Non-comedogenic
• Hypoallergenic
• Non-drying
• Soap-free formula
• Fragrance free
• Travel-friendly packaging
• pH balanced
• Removes light makeup

Minuses

• Contains parabens

Himalaya Aloe Vera Facial Cleanser & Moisturizer

Himalaya Herbals Moisturizing replenishes your skin's lost moisture after every wash. It nourishes dry and stretched skin. It is enriched with cucumber, which cools and soothes your skin, and aloe vera, which tones and softens it. This gentle formula contains natural ingredients that cleanse your skin, leaving it feeling fresh and radiant.

pros

• Suitable for dry skin
• Ideal for daily use
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Soap-free formula
• Natural raw materials
• No parabens
• Without cruelty
• Travel-friendly packaging
• Hypoallergenic

Minuses

• Artificial scent

Liquid Neutrogena Facial Cleanser

Review

Neutrogena Pure Mild Liquid Facial Cleanser is a gentle face wash that can be used daily to achieve clear, bright and healthy skin. It contains glycerin, removes excess oil while the skin conductors in it do not obstruct your skin. It rinses your skin and leaves it clean without leaving any clogged pores behind.

pros

• Suitable for all skin types
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Ideal for daily use
• Dermatologist tested
• Hypoallergenic
• Low-fat
• Non-comedogenic
• Travel-friendly packaging

Minuses

• Contains parabens

St D'Vence Facial Cleanser

St D'Vencé Moroccan Argan Face Wash is a blend of pure argan oil and raw wild honey. This combination is further enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E to keep your skin hydrated longer. This gentle, foaming face wash maintains your skin's balance and prevents premature aging. It nourishes your skin cells and gives your complexion a healthy glow.

pros

• Suitable for dry skin
• Ideal for daily use
• Provides intense skin hydration
• Vegetarian ingredients
• Hypoallergenic
• Without SLS-, SLES-, and paraben
• Without cruelty

Aroma Magic Facial Cleanser

Aroma Magic Lavender Face Wash cleanses, soothes and refreshes your skin with lavender extracts and nourishes with whipped shea butter. The antioxidant property of its orange extracts prevents skin aging. It also contains a blend of lavender and rose essential oils to protect your skin from minor irritations. For best results, follow it with moisturizer and sunscreen.

pros

• Suitable for dry skin
• Ideal for daily use
• No parabens
• No soap
• Non-alcoholic
• Non-drying
• Travel-friendly packaging

Minuses

• May not be suitable for sensitive skin

Cleansing rules

A few simple rules will help make the process delicate but effective.

• Wash your face no more than twice a day, otherwise your skin will begin to intensively produce sebum. Regulate the water temperature: ideally it should be slightly warm. But contrasts and temperature changes may well lead to skin problems. Be sure to wash off any makeup remover, including micellar water.
• After washing, gently pat your face dry with a towel without rubbing the skin. By the way, instead of a fabric towel, it is better to use a disposable paper towel.
• Don't forget to finish cleansing by wiping your face with toner using a cotton pad. The tonic will remove the remnants of makeup remover, restore the pH level and tighten the pores.

Answer the questions in our test to find out which skin cleansing regimen is right for you.

© Getty Images

Take the test

Effective cleansers for sensitive facial skin

Sebamed Clear Facial Cleansing Foam

Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam actively works to deeply cleanse your skin. It is infused with panthenol to remove bacteria from the surface of your skin immediately. It removes dirt and makeup to leave you with crystal clear skin. Its regular use reduces the appearance of acne. It also helps in maintaining the pH balance of your skin.

pros

• Suitable for dry and acne-prone skin
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• No parabens
• Travel-friendly packaging
• Non-drying
• Ideal for daily use
• Controls acne

Minuses

• Expensive
• Not very effective at removing makeup

BioAqua foam cleanser with Aloe Vera extract 92%

It contains active milli capsules that nourish your skin while purifying it. These capsules contain extracts of jojoba oil, avocado and vitamin E. This cleanser gently removes daily dirt and leaves you with soft, smooth skin. It can also be used as an excellent skin moisturizer as it is rich in protein and vitamins.

pros

• Suitable for dry skin
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Ideal for daily use
• Provides skin hydration
• Pleasant aroma
• Natural raw materials

Minuses

• Contains parabens
• Not sealed packaging

Multi-cleanser 3 in 1 for cleansing and moisturizing the face SoulTree

Review

Soul Tree Indian Rose Face Wash is a moisturizing face wash formulated with fresh, powerful Indian Rose and Turmeric extracts. It also contains aloe vera and forest honey, which leaves your skin feeling refreshingly hydrated with every wash. It cleanses your face of dirt and impurities and restores its natural softness.

pros

• Suitable for dry and normal skin
• Natural ingredients
• Without cruelty
• No parabens
• No added flavor
• Travel-friendly packaging

Minuses

• Expensive
• May cause irritation
• May dry out skin

EVOLUT deep cleansing foam cleanser

It contains precious herbs, botanicals and well-processed granules that remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. It restores the moisture balance of dry skin and helps make it visibly lighter, softer and more radiant.

pros

• Suitable for normal to dry skin
• Ideal for daily use
• Pleasant aroma
• Travel-friendly packaging
• Effectively removes makeup

Minuses

• May dry out skin
• May cause acne
• Foams hard

Everyuth Naturals Moisturizing Fruit Face Wash 3 in 1

Everyuth Naturals Moisturizing helps your skin regain its natural strength. It contains apple extracts that revitalize your skin and make it glow while providing intense hydration. It flushes away dirt from deep within the pores and restores moisture and essential nutrients that are lost due to exposure to harsh environments.

pros

• Suitable for dry skin
• Ideal for daily use
• Non-drying
• Travel-friendly packaging

Minuses

• Contains parabens
• Contains added flavor
• Doesn't foam well

Features of the cleansing gel for washing

Until recently, it was believed that the gel was ideal for caring for oily, problem skin. Its consistency is viscous, thanks to which it well envelops the surface of the epidermis, penetrating into the upper part of the pores and effectively removing impurities from them. In addition, it has better contact with the skin and stays on it longer during washing, providing high-quality cleansing.

In fact, the consistency of the product does not affect its effectiveness. You can use both gels and foams for washing. It all depends on personal preference. But among gel-based products, it is indeed easier to find solutions for oily and problematic skin. Manufacturers successfully take advantage of the existing stereotype and offer customers solutions for every taste and budget.

It is important to remember that the main active ingredients must be both effective in cleansing and safe. Therefore, when choosing a product, you should avoid those that contain aggressive surfactants. We are talking about all types of sodium sulfate (SLS, SLES), as well as mineral oil.

pixabay.com/Adriano Gadini

Effective cleansers for oily and combination skin

Multi Cleanser 3 in 1 Cetaphil Pro DermaControl

If you are looking for a drugstore formula, this is the best one. Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Foam Wash removes impurities, excess sebum and all traces of makeup to give you squeaky clean skin. This keeps your face oil-free throughout the day.

pros

• Clinically Proven Formula
• Non-comedogenic
• Hypoallergenic
• pH balanced formula
• Suitable for all ages
• No parabens
• Fragrance free

Multi cleanser 3 in 1 Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser

This cleanser is a 2022 Allure Reader's Choice Award winner and addresses skin concerns such as oiliness, wrinkles, dullness, and fine lines. Its gel formula is powerful yet gentle on your skin. It's so gentle that you can use it to double cleanse.

pros

• No parabens
• No sulfates
• No formaldehyde
• Non-alcoholic
• Without cruelty
• 100% natural
• Recyclable packaging

Neocutis Neo-Cleanse Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

This cleanser gently exfoliates your skin. Its gentle exfoliating formula feels comfortable on your skin and is suitable for normal to oily skin types. It contains glycerin, which prevents your skin from being stripped of its natural oils. However, the AHA (glycolic acid) in it will increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. You need to apply sunscreen after using this cleanser.

pros

• Dermatologist tested
• No artificial flowers
• No artificial flavors
• Not tested on animals
• No sulfates
• No dyes

Burt's Bees Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream

If you love using all-natural products, this is the cleanser for you. This is a 99.9% natural cleansing cream that thoroughly removes dirt, makeup and excess sebum from your face. It contains chamomile and aloe vera extracts that soften your skin and keep it feeling fresh for a long time.

pros

• No parabens
• No phthalates
• Without Vaseline
• Does not cause irritation
• Suitable for all skin types (including extremely sensitive skin)

Neutrogena Facial Cleanser

If you have oily and acne-prone skin, you need to try this facial cleanser. It's an oil-free formula with salicylic acid that gently cleanses your skin and pores to help you get rid of excess oil and acne. This also prevents further acne.

pros

• Non-comedogenic
• Low-fat
• Without a trace
• Clinically proven
• Recommended by dermatologists

Now that you know all about the best facial cleansers, which one do you want to use to get the clear and fresh skin of your dreams? Let us know in the comments section below!