Editor's Pick
Quick Picker
What are Cleansers
Cleansing is the foundation of every skincare routine. The right cleanser removes impurities, makeup, and excess oil without disrupting your skin's natural barrier. At GetPerfect, we test cleansers on various skin types - from sensitive and dry to oily and acne-prone. We evaluate their cleansing ability, pH balance, ingredients, and long-term effects on the skin. Our reviews will help you find a product that truly cleanses your skin and prepares it for the next steps of your routine.
Best for: every skin type as routine foundation
Not ideal for: removing waterproof makeup alone
Best Cleansers by Type
Best Cleansers for Oily Skin
Oily skin needs thorough cleansing without over-drying. Gel and foam cleansers with salicylic acid or niacinamide are ideal for regulating sebum production.
What to look for
- Gel or foam texture
- Contains salicylic acid or niacinamide
- No heavy oils
- Mattifying effect
Best Cleansers for Dry Skin
Dry skin requires gentle cleansers that don't strip natural oils. Cream and oil cleansers with ceramides and hyaluronic acid are the ideal choice.
What to look for
- Cream or oil texture
- Ceramides and hydrating ingredients
- SLS and alcohol-free
- Skin-like pH (5.5)
Best Cleansers for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin reacts to irritating ingredients. Look for fragrance-free cleansers with minimal ingredients and soothing components like aloe vera or chamomile.
What to look for
- Fragrance and dye-free
- Minimal ingredient list
- Soothing ingredients
- Dermatologically tested
Cleanser Comparison
Select products to compare
| Product | Type | pH | Fragrance | Price Tier | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Editor's Pick
|
Cream | 5.5 | No | Drugstore | 4.7 ★ | |
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser
Best for Sensitive Skin
|
Cream | 5.5 | No | Mid | 4.6 ★ | |
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser
Best for Hydration
|
Gel | 5.5 | Light | Drugstore | 4.5 ★ |
All Cleansers
Budget Pick
Best for Hydration
Best for Sensitive Skin
Best for Sensitive Skin
Best for Oily Skin
Best for Sensitive Skin
Editor's Pick
Editor's Pick
Editor's Pick
How to Choose the Right Cleanser
Start with your skin type
- Oily skin: gel and foam cleansers
- Dry skin: cream and oil cleansers
- Combination skin: gentle foam cleansers
- Sensitive skin: micellar and cream cleansers
Choose cleanser for your skin type
Don't use harsh cleansers on dry skin
Check the pH
- Ideal pH is 4.5-6.5
- High pH (>7) can disrupt skin barrier
- Low pH helps maintain healthy microbiome
Look for pH-balanced products
Avoid high-pH soaps
Avoid these traps
- Too frequent scrubbing can damage skin
- SLS may be too harsh for sensitive skin
- Alcohol at top of ingredient list is drying
How to Use a Cleanser
- 1 Wet your face with lukewarm water
- 2 Apply cleanser to hands and lather
- 3 Gently massage face in circular motions for 30-60 seconds
- 4 Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
- 5 Pat dry with clean towel
Frequency:
2x daily - morning and evening
Pair with
Avoid mixing with
- Retinol immediately after cleansing on dry skin
- High concentration acids right after cleansing
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend cleansing 2x daily - morning and evening. Morning can use a gentler cleanser, evening should be more thorough to remove makeup and impurities.
Double cleansing is a two-step cleansing method. First use an oil cleanser to dissolve makeup and SPF, then a water-based cleanser for deep cleaning.
The wrong cleanser can. Overly harsh cleansers can disrupt the skin barrier and cause excess oil production. Choose a product for your skin type.
Depends on your needs. Salicylic acid helps oily/acne-prone skin. AHA acids for aging skin. For basic cleansing, a gentle cleanser is enough.
Signs of wrong cleanser: tight dry feeling, redness, stinging or burning, increased oiliness during day, or new acne breakouts.
Micellar water is good for gentle cleansing and makeup removal, but for thorough evening cleansing we recommend following with a water-based cleanser.
