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

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. Junior Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'If I'm in the midst of a breakout then this will be the cleanser I'll reach for. It improves the look of my skin within days.'

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. One reviewer said, 'I have sensitive oily skin and this cleanser doesn't result in any reactions like some other cleansers do. My skin feels clean and refreshed after every use. Definitely a fan of La Roche-Posay.'

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. Grazia's Junior Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'This is my every day cleanser. It's incredibly soothing and calming - it's the one I'll always reach for.'

At this point Tatcha is well known for its cleansers - like the Tatcha Matcha Cleanse which works a treat for oilier complexions. The the milky, grainy textured Rice Wash however is the go-to favourite among loyalists. It's been made to 'capture water to help replenish the skin’s natural moisture reservoir' resulting in a softer, more comfortable complexion. One Space NK reviewer said, 'This is an amazing cleanser which I have thoroughly enjoyed using. It is smooth on the skin and very moisturising. It has a delicate scent, but nothing overpowering. My face looks and feels clean and hydrated after use. The packaging is aesthetically pleasing and simple to use. I absolutely love this cleanser and will definitely buy again in the future.' As if we needed to be swayed...

'After a red, itchy face flare up last year I overhauled my cleansing routine,' says Acting Beauty Director Verity Clark. 'Enter, this ultra hydrating, very gentle cream cleanser from Murad. I hate using the term 'soft' when talking about skin care but using this is akin to put 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.'

Those with combination skin tend to deal with an oily t-zone, more pronounced pores, breakouts, and drier patches of skin. Good news though, because the Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Cleanser could be your new BFF. The lightweight gel creates a satisfying lather to slough away impurities and reveal a brighter, more balanced complexion with minimal effort. 'This is the perfect morning cleanser,' says one reviewer on Cult Beauty. 'It cleans the skin well without leaving it too tight and dry feeling.'

Much revered French skincare line Caudalie doesn't scrimp when it comes to their formulations - case in point, their instant foaming cleanser. Simply apply to wet skin and massage in for a cleaner-than-clean finish that feels soft and soothed. It's particularly good for skin prone to blemishes thanks to soothing chamomile extract. One Cult Beauty reviewer wrote, 'I use this gentle foaming cleanser every morning and the oil cleanser at night. This foaming cleanser is light, gentle and doesn’t strip the skin, my skin is left soft and hydrated. I love this range it’s a good price point too.'

Something of a cleansing all-rounder, Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish is a cult classic for a reason. This exfoliating cleanser melts away dirt, pollutants and makeup for a brighter more radiant complexion that's noticeably rejuvenated. One customer left a review on Look Fantastic writing, 'I love this product. I use it in the shower every morning, goes on well and I use the cloth to take it off.  I’ve had breakouts in the past and this helps to keep my skin clear and glowing.  I’ve just got one for my friend to try too.  The tube lasts me ages so good value for money.' High praise indeed.

It's no wonder the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing balm is multi-award-winning - just the tiniest amount is enough to effectively remove even waterproof makeup. Several hero ingredients (including padina pavonica, a brown algae rich in fatty acids) help to retain moisture and smooth and plump tired complexions. 'This is my go-to first cleanse,' says Grazia's Junior Beauty Editor Rachael. 'It's honestly the best for removing make-up. It's very aromatic and spa-like which makes it utter heaven.'

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 gently resurface dull skin and promoting elasticity. One reviewer on Cult Beauty said, 'I love the scent of this so much that it's a real treat to use. The cleansing element works well and feels really silky on the skin. It removes make-up nicely, whilst being gentle and nourishing. This is a more expensive cleanser that I am happy to spend the money on!'

Foam cleansers get a bad rep, granted. In the past the formulations would be too drying, stripping the skin from any last trace of sebum to leave your complexion feeling tight and uncomfortable. New iterations ensure the skin is left squeaky clean, but comfortable too. Look to the Filorga cleanser for proof - it works well to remove heavy make-up while leaving skin feeling soft and soothed. One Sephora reviewer said, 'Just tried this product and it removes even heavy make up - my Guerlain mascara which is not the easiest one from that perspective and leaves the skin so soft with this clean feeling! I would recommend this to anyone there who's looking for a good cleanser!'

Hideously expensive, we know, but Sisley's Lyslait Cleansing Milk was always going to make this list - it's made with beautiful white lily and woodmallow to soften and Vitamin E to fight free radicals. And just one glance at the customer reviews confirm it's well worth its salt. 'I hadn’t purchased this for quite a while (because so expensive) but decided to treat myself as it’s one of the few cleansers that don’t need washing off with water,' said one consumer. 'I’ve already noticed my skin is a lot less dry and softer and that’s before toning and moisturising.'

We're the Grazia Beauty Team, of course we'll wax lyrical about the Bramley Spearmint Invigorating Face Wash. Junior Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'Since trying this on a staycation at The Pig hotel, I've been hooked. Not only does it smell gorgeous (without being overwhelming) but I adore how it leaves my skin feeling cleansed and smooth - it's especially good on days when I'm erring on the more oily side. It's rich in antioxidants to brighten and spearmint leaf to decongest blocked pores - I take extra time to massage around my nose to minimise the appearance of blackheads.'

Grazia's 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.'

There's a reason Dr Levy have such a cult following - the products are known to be efficacious and effective. The Switzerland 3Deep Renewal Micro-Resurfacing Cleanser? It's no exception. The clever concoction of glycolic and lactic acids make light work of sloughing away dead skin cells revealing a brighter complexion over time. And the customer reviews don't lie. On Face The Future one wrote, 'Being 50 in two months I needed to really up my game as I do not want to go down the surgical route. I have been an avid sunscreen user so I think that is what has kept the wrinkles at bay, however my skin has lost its radiance and looks a little dry and flat in the sunlight. I have been eyeing and reading various reviews on Dr Levy products and though I would start with this miracle cleanser. Wow I am not kidding after using for less than a week I can see an improvement in my skin. Ok not on the level of professional peels and probably never will no matter how long I use it for, but this is a marvellous, no dryness, sensitivity, redness just a new clarity to my skin. I will definitely be repurchasing this any trying other products particularly the décolletage cream. Honestly just buy it.' We're hitting the check out button, pronto.

Housed in a beautiful glass bottle, Votary's cleansing oil is luxurious but beautifully light. Skin is left feeling wonderfully clean and conditioned as the oil gets to work combatting a dull complexion and blitzing away impurities. 'I am on my second bottle of this oil cleaner and i love it,' said one Space NK reviewer, 'It is very gentle at taking off all of my make-up with ease with a flannel. It is especially good at taking off my eye make-up without stinging or clouding my eyes. The smell is beautiful and not overpowering. And added bonus is that the flannel is wonderful to use.'

Oily, temperamental skin? Consider a soap bar as opposed to a traditional liquid cleanser. 'I have perioral dermatitis with oily skin,' explains one Cult Beauty reviewer. 'I’ve been using this bar daily for months and it keeps my skin balanced. I will definitely keep using it. I would imagine it may not work if you already have dry skin but I don’t even need a moisturiser when I use it.'

Junior Beauty Editor Rachael says, 'I'd seen this cleanser going viral on TikTok so was intrigued to try, although, at this point, it should be worth saying that I've got several favourites already - meaning 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 appeared minimised after just one use. You heard that right. After. Just. One. Use. Seriously impressive stuff.'

Dull, lacklustre skin? Look to a cleanser rich in brightening ingredients, like Pai's Rosehip Cleaning Oil which is made with antioxidant carotenoids known to repair and protect against environmental stressors. And that's all before we get started on the delicious scent - expect orange, basil and jasmine, ensuring a joy giving cleanse (without irritation) every time. One Cult Beauty reviewer said, 'This is a staple product in my routine...rosehip is so good for the skin, removes my makeup and spf very well and leaves my skin feel great! I have super sensitive rosacea prone skin and I have no issues!'

It's expensive, granted, but nothing sloughs away make-up quite like the Dr Dennis Gross' Cleansing Gel - all while leaving skin feeling softer and smoother, too. Made with the brand's signature Alpha Beta alpha hydroxy acids (including glycolic, mandelic and azelaic) skin becomes decongested after the first use, and only improves with time. There's a reason why the Grazia team scramble to nab any spare samples in our beauty cupboard.

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. Hannah Banks-Walker, head of fashion commerce says: '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 make-up (including mascara).