16 Best Cleansers For All Skin Types, Tested and Approved

Rachael Martin Beauty Editor says: 'Those with combination skin can often feel neglected by cleansers that cater to other skin types. This one really is the exception though - I've used it on my skin in the mornings and that's when I really see the difference - my complexion looks instantly brighter and more glowy, while whipping away that excess oil fellow combination skin types will be all too familiar with. As a whole, I'd describe it as having quite a 'mild' formulation that still feels effective. The gel texture is springy and lightweight, and it lathers up beautifully. It's the slightly acidic pH that keeps the 'squeaky clean' feeling at bay and helps to balance a combination skin type overall. And if the word 'acid' fills those with sensitive combination skin with fear, then you needn't worry. I'm typically reactive, and this was about as gentle as they come. Would recommend.'

Rachael Martin Beauty Editor says: ‘'I’ve been using this one for years – it was already an integral part of my skincare routine long before I became a beauty journalist. Despite occasionally swapping it out to try other cleansing balms, I’ve always reverted to my beloved Elemis – and you best believe I’ve tried every iteration going, from the beautifully floral rose to the gloriously earthy fig  – and I’m equally impressed by all. For the past six months I’ve been incredibly strict with myself and have solely used the Elemis Cleansing Balm for the purpose of this review (including utilising out my mini version when travelling). I find it sloughs my make-up away with ease and has left my complexion feeling softer and looking healthier. It works. And I won't be swapping it out any time soon. A big claim, but I can safely say that this is my favourite cleansing balm of all time. It starts off as a solid formula but melts into a slightly milky, balmier texture that applies beautifully and doesn’t drag on the skin. I’ll work it into my complexion and watch as my make-up (including waterproof mascara) melts away. I have oily skin, and typically a balm has been known to break me out, but this one doesn’t. I use as the first step in my double cleansing routine alongside a gel-based cleanser and I’m rigorous about ensuring any remnants are swept off my skin promptly. This prevents any blocked pores. My skin is far from perfect, but now that I’ve adopted a more Elemis consistent skincare routine I’ve seen a marked improvement in how it looks – it’s brighter, smoother and bouncier. And although I still battle with redness, I do have less spots and blemishes. And the scent, oh, the scent! Delicate but deliciously aromatic, it leaves your face wash routine feeling that touch more special. Would recommend.’

Rachael Martin Beauty Editor says: 'If you're on the hunt for something cheap that will minimise acne and blemishes, then The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser is worth its salt - it's one of the best cleansers for acne-prone skin. Something of a beauty bargain, this lightly foaming face wash is enriched with 2% salicylic acid (a powerful BHA known for its pore-clearing properties) which helps to dry out pesky spots and minimise their frequency. There's zinc too, which is known to help absorb excess oil for a more mattified complexion. If I'm in the midst of a breakout then this will be the cleanser I'll reach for. After a little work it lathers well on wet skin revealing a sudsy texture. Being honest, it's a texture that I wouldn't normally go for - I've been conditioned to think that a foaming face wash will be stripping, but this is anything but. After rinsing with warm (never hot) water I noticed how my complexion felt smooth and soft without feeling tight - although I appreciate some do feel like it leaves their skin feeling a little taut. It improves the look of my skin within days and the blemishes are considerably flatter and less red. There's salicylic acid to thank for that.'

Rachael Martin Beauty Editor says: 'Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol in a cleanser? Consider me immediately sold. Known for their ability to soothe, calm and bolster dry skin, these aren't the only ingredients worthy of a mention. There's dirt-busting micelles in there and amino acid cleansing clusters which combine to make cleansing skin a total breeze. Simply lather up, rinse, pat dry and you're good to go. Sensitive skin types, rejoice!'

Rachael Martin Beauty Editor says: Despite being a cleansing balm girl, I bit the bullet and swapped out my trusty favourite for the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish - all in the name of beauty journalism. To explain my apprehension, I'm someone with very reactive skin. I break out easily with the introduction of new products, so I often proceed with caution. Luckily, I needn't have worried. I'm SO impressed. This cleanser is a total joy to use. Firstly, it lathers beautifully. The texture is luxurious and silky, melting away make-up with ease - even my stubborn waterproof mascara. The cotton cloth is also lovely - it's soft and cocooning and I actively look forward to gently wiping away the leftover product. Afterwards, my skin feels soft and nourished with none of the usual tightness associated with cleansing. I do think my complexion has become considerably brighter and more radiant over the past few weeks - I'll definitely be keeping it on as part of my daily routine.'

Commercial Content Editor Jade Moscrop says: 'If you love a no-nonsense skincare routine and are also a fan of a double cleanse, boy do we have the product for you. The clever DuoCleanse from Sculpted By Aimee is a total game-changer and means less packaging, fewer products to carry around and store, plus a targeted skincare system for your skin. Select from Cleanse & Brighten, Cleanse & Exfoliate or Cleanse & Clarify. On one side, you'll find a gentle cleanser that removes makeup really well, and on the other, a second cleanser that's suited to your skin. I absolutely love how easy this makes double-cleansing, just a couple of pumps and you're done. The gentle cleanser works hard to remove any traces of makeup, and I've found that since using the salicylic acid cleanser, my pores are less congested, my skin is brighter and it feels more hydrated. I've also been much less oily, which is a big bonus. All this for a purse-friendly price and in refillable, aesthetically pleasing packaging? I'm a convert.'

Commercial Content Editor Jade Moscrop says: 'Oily skin types, rejoice, as this purifying cleansing gel from La Roche-Posay works a treat. The refreshing foaming texture sloughs away makeup and excess oil to reveal a balanced complexion - no stripping in sight. Our top tip? After cleansing, pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing to minimise irritation. This is a holy grail product for the oily-skinned out there; it leaves my face feeling clean, soft, but not tight or stripped of moisture. A great everyday cleanser. I particularly love the packaging for ease of use, and one bottle lasts for ages.'

Beauty Editor Rachael Martin says:'CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid is considered the GOAT for those with dry skin types. Although the formula is gentle, it works well to cleanse without stripping the skin of moisture - this is thanks to a hero blend of hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides. It's beloved by beauty editors and dermatologists for a reason. This is my everyday cleanser. The texture is similar to a thick, milky cream and it feels gentle and soothing when applied to my skin. It doesn't really lather, so I'd recommend using it as the second step in a two step cleansing routine - a balm works well to remove make-up to start off with. While I wouldn't say this is the best for whisking away make-up it is an incredibly soothing and calming second cleanse suited to sensitive skin types - and for that reason alone it's the one I'll always reach for.'

Acting Beauty Director Verity Clark says: 'After a red, itchy face flare-up last year, I overhauled my cleansing routine. Enter, this ultra-hydrating, very gentle cream cleanser from Murad. I hate using the term "soft: when talking about skincare, but using this is akin to putting a lovely rich moisturiser on my face. It does a good job of removing SPF and makeup - although I wouldn't use it after wearing heavy foundation - but where it excels is in helping to curb pesky irritation.'

Commercial Content Editor Jade Moscrop says: 'Dealing with dry, mature skin that's been damaged by the sun? Oskia's Renaissance Cleansing Gel could be an excellent option - it's been made with vitamin A palmitate which is known to resurface dull skin and promote elasticity gently.This is my luxury splurge, and I recommend it to everyone. The scent, the texture, the cleansing abilities - it's a dream come true. It leaves my skin feeling soft, supple and re-energised. I tend to buy it in bulk when it's on sale, and luckily, a bottle does last for a while.'

Commercial Content Editor Jade Moscrop says: 'Did you know that Scarlett Johansson has a skincare line? Well, you do now, and you'll be delighted to hear that it's utterly fabulous. This cleanser is brilliant for those with ultra-sensitive skin as it's so gentle and contains no nasties. This is a wonderful everyday cleanser, which leaves skin feeling gorgeously soft and hydrated. It's fragrance-free, which means that it is a bit clinical in scent, but still smells pleasant. It foams up nicely, but one full pump is a little too much product for me, so I'd suggest going easy when applying to make it last longer. Great as the second step of a double cleanse, and I LOVE that it's refillabe.'

Beauty Writer Sameeha Shaikh says: 'This no-fuss hybrid combines the very best of cleansing textures. The cream-to-foam-to-milk formula includes hyaluronic acid, peptides and a Biomimetic Complex to keep my skin barrier healthy, plump and nourished. It worked wonders for my skin in the run-up to my wedding, so I won't be swapping it out any time soon.'

Beauty Editor Rachael says: 'I'd seen this cleanser going viral on TikTok so was very intrigued to try, although, at this point, it should be worth saying that I've got several favourites already. Let it be known that it takes something truly special to sway me - but Dr Sam's did just that. Made with calming aloe vera and soothing allantoin, the redness in my skin (especially around my jawline, chin and tip of my nose) appeared minimised after just one use. You heard that right. After. Just. One. Use. Seriously impressive stuff. I usually use it as the second cleanse in a two-step routine - after the Elemis Cleansing Balm. The texture errs on the thicker side, and it feels slightly tacky on the skin initially. After massaging it in, my skin is left feeling beautifully soft to the touch and expertly cleansed. Add to that the refill size, and you've got yourself a great, value-for-money, effective all-rounder that has earned its place in the beauty hall of fame.'

Hannah Banks-Walker, Head of Fashion Commerce says: 'If you're prone to redness or just have skin that tends to be very reactive, it's worth trying this cleanser from QMS. While it's formulated for all skin types, its nourishing formula means that even those with the most sensitive skin can use it daily and still see the best results. My skin was in a bit of a mess when I discovered QMS. While it's a quieter brand – there's no swanky packaging or massive ad campaigns here – it is the best skincare I've ever tried. I now swear by this cleanser – it's so gentle, makes my skin feel super-soft and even removes makeup (including mascara).'

Beauty Editor Rachael says: 'Gentle and powerful can go hand in hand - if the iconic Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is anything to go by, that is. Made with soy proteins, cucumber extract, rosewater, borage seed oil and mallow flower extract, expect a soothing blend that bolsters a compromised skin barrier and helps promote elasticity. It's a brand best seller for a reason - especially if you have enlarged pores. I noticed a decided difference in the size of those around my nose with continued use. Big results, while being extremely gentle.'

Beauty Editor Rachael says: 'Simple never fail to impress me - and the Smoothing Gel Cleanser with 5% AHA and Hyaluronic Acid is no exception. It lathers beautifully and whips away make-up like a dream - even stubborn waterproof mascara. The infused AHAs ensure beautifully soft, smooth skin without any residing tightness - there's the infusion of hyaluronic acid to thank for that. And bonus points for the ceramide boosters in there too. They work to support the skin’s natural ceramide production to repair a damaged barrier. Plumper, brighter, healthier looking skin made easy.'