The Best Cleansers For Every Skin Type, Budget And Need According To Our Beauty Editors

In search of a new cleanser? There’s no denying it – finding the right formula for your unique skin type can be tricky. But that’s where Grazia come in. We’ve tried and tested a myriad of face washes suited to every single skin type from the best cleansers for oily and combination complexions to the best cleansers for dry and sensitive skin The good news? There’s something out there sure to leave your skin feeling thoroughly cleansed of make-up, daily grime and impurities, from oil cleansers to balm cleansers and everything in between. And, of course, we've got options suited to all beauty budgets.

Black Friday deals on face cleanser

Black Friday began on the 24th of November and it's the perfect time to save on a new face cleanser. The most exciting sales event of the year is still taking place with almost every brand taking part. Looking to grab a bargain? We've spotted some Black Friday deals on the best cleansers to shop right now, or keep scrolling to continue reading our buyer's guide.

Shop Black Friday cleanser deals on: LookFantastic | Boots | Sephora

Save 50%: Liz Earle Cleanse And Polish Starter Kit, WAS £20, NOW £14

Save 25% off: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, WAS £48, NOW £38.40

Save 20% off: Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, WAS £47, NOW £32.40

Save 20%: Caudalie Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser, WAS £18, NOW £14.40

But first, a reminder as to why cleansing is so important. 'If we are not cleansing, we’re essentially allowing build-up on the skin which can open up a whole range of issues,' says top dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite. 'Even if you don’t wear makeup, you still need to remove other products which your skin comes into contact with from moisturisers to SPF as well as daily pollutants, dirt oils and sweat,' she says. 'Build-up of these toxins can result in everything from lack of luminosity to clogged pores, dry, irritated skin, breakouts and even acne.'

Of course, cleansing also allows a clean canvas on which to apply extra products within your skincare routine, allowing for more effective penetration.

Editor's Choice: The Best Cleansers 2023 At A Glance

Best Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin: The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Best Cleanser for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel

Best Cleanser for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid for Normal to Dry Skin

Best Cleanser for Combination Skin: Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Cleanser

Scroll on for our Grazia-approved pick of the best, from cult classics to beauty newbies.

Shop: 7 of The Best Cleansers For All Skin Types 2023

Best Cleansers 2023 FAQs

Cleanser vs face wash: What's the difference?

Wondering what the difference between a face wash and a cleanser really is? Holly Robinson at Skinfluencerhas the answer. 'Both are used to remove dirt, makeup and excess oils from the skin,' Holly says. 'Face washes are typically more suited to an oilier skin type as they are usually water-based formulations such as gel or foaming. Cleansers are typically a cream texture which is more hydrating and soothing on the skin so a better choice for a sensitive or dry skin type.'

How often should you use a cleanser?

'One cleanse in the morning and one in the evening should be more than sufficient if you’re using the right products for your skin and cleansing deeply and thoroughly every time,' says Dr Alexis Granite.

It's also a good idea to cleanse again after sweating - consider bringing a travel-sized option to the gym.

How long should you leave a cleanser on before rinsing?

According to dermatologists at CeraVe a cleanser should be 'applied to the face for three to five minutes and then rinsed off.' This should give enough time to adequately break down make-up.

What's the best cleanser for oily or acne-prone skin?

'Acne is caused by the triad of clogged pores, increased oil production and bacteria,' says Dr Eirini Merika, Consultant Dermatologist at Montrose London. 'When dead skin builds up it can block the pores and trap sebum(skin oil) beneath the surface.'

'For this reason, I'd look to cleansers that contain BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), such as salicylic acid. This is a key ingredient for keeping acne-prone skin at bay. BHAs are oil-soluble and penetrate the skin to unclog pores by dissolving sebum and exfoliating dead skin. They thus work to clear blackheads and whiteheads, the most early signs of acne development. It is best to start with a low concentration and gradually build up.'

What's the best cleanser for sensitive skin?

'There are many causes for sensitive skin, ranging from genetic predisposition, skin conditions like eczema and rosacea as well as external factors that cause irritation and skin allergy,' explains Dr Merika. 'Hyaluronic acid is the least likely ingredient to irritate sensitive skin - incorporate this into your cleanser to hydrate and replenish the skin without irritating it. '

'Looking at ingredients to help reduce already irritated skin, niacinamide is one of the best. Niacinamide is a version of vitamin B3, which is acts as an antioxidant by improving the skin's strength. It also has anti-itch and anti-microbial properties and can also protect against the damaging effects of the sun.'

'It is very important to test all new ingredients first in a small test patch if suffering from sensitive skin to prevent skin irritation.'

What's the best cleanser for dry skin?

'Ceramides are probably one of the best,' says Dr Merika. 'The skin is a natural physical permeability barrier that prevents the loss of moisture and protects the body from the external environment. It consists of many layers of skin cells and lipids. Ceramides are types of lipids that make up 50% of the skin. Drying skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis as well as climate and skin ageing are linked to low ceramide levels. Replenishing naturally occurring ceramides is key to treating dry skin by restoring skin balance and sealing moisture in.'