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TOP 10 BEST FACE CLEANSERS

A close up image of a female model rubbing her face with BYOMA’s Jelly cleanser, in front of a multicoloured background.

It’s no secret that happy, healthy skin starts with a great cleansing routine. From melting away make up to diminishing daily dirt and grime, the best face cleansers not only clean your complexion but nourish, hydrate and radiate them too. With that in mind, here at Cult Beauty, we’ve rounded up the 10 best face cleansers to help start (or end) your day the right way…  

And by that we mean fresh faced and rearing to go! 

OUR TOP 10 FACE CLEANSERS 

  1. Youth To The People The Superfood Cleanser 
  2. KraveBeauty Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser 
  3. ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm 
  4. BYOMA Creamy Jelly Cleanser  
  5. CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser 
  6. Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil 
  7. Royal Fern Phytoactive Cleansing Balm 
  8. Grown Alchemist Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser 
  9. Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser 
  10. 111SKIN Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser 

BEST CLEANSERS FOR YOUR FACE 

We can’t talk about the best face cleansers without spotlighting Youth To The People’s The Superfood Cleanser. Acting as the ultimate daily detox for your complexion, the gel-to-foam blend mixes kale, spinach and green tea to effortlessly sweep away dirt, oil and impurities – without stripping your natural moisture. What’s more, a treat for both your skin and senses it’s enriched with the invigorating scent of fresh greens, embracing a fresh start every day. 

SHOP ALL YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE >>> 

Cure your complexion’s cravings with KraveBeauty's Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser. Just as delightful as your morning brew, this non-stripping solution melds vitamin B5 and sodium PCA with hydrating matcha to lift away daily dirt while shielding your skin barrier from any environmental aggressors – we’re talking pollution, UV rays and everything in between. We’ll cheers to that! 

SHOP ALL KRAVEBEAUTY >>> 

Continuing to hold the title for one of the best face cleanser, ELEMIS’ Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm take pride of place across beauty shelves around the globe. Featuring the brand’s renowned 3-in-1 formula, it starts as a nourishing balm, transforms into a luxurious oil, before finishing as a restorative milk which locks in some much-needed moisture. Plus, enriched with marine and botanical extracts (we’re talking padina pavonica and rose wax), this buttery balm leaves skin feeling soothed, soft and oh so smooth. 

SHOP ALL ELEMIS >>> 

254

£10.99

Based on its less is more philosophy, BYOMA’s Jelly Cleanser gently and effectively breaks down dirt, debris, excess oil and make up, whilst keeping your protective skin barrier intact. The secret to this renowned formula? It marries a unique blend of tri-ceramide complexes with antioxidant-rich liquorice root and green tea extract to intensely nourish your complexion without compromising on its dewy finish.  

SHOP ALL BYOMA >>> 

Keeping blackheads and breakouts at bay, CeraVe’s Blemish Control Cleanser works hard to remove excess oil for a smooth, soft sign off. Combining 2% salicylic acid and niacinamide to keep your complexion balanced and hydrated, the gentle wash unclogs pores, exfoliates dead skin cells and reduces the appearance of impurities. Ideal for daily use, this is the first step towards a clearer complexion that’s ready to shine. 

SHOP ALL CERAVE >>> 

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£29.00

Dissolving lingering residue, Medik8’s Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil goes beyond its call of duty – caring for complexions post-exposure to environmental stressors. Supercharged by its anti-pollution technology, this potent potion removes skin-dulling impurities (such as pollution) that have accumulated throughout the day while its infusion of vitamin E grants a healthy-looking complexion. So, in short there’s not much this everyday essential can’t do… 

SHOP ALL MEDIK8 >>> 

1

£85.00

Powered by the brand’s bespoke complex, Royal Fern’s Cleansing Balm sloughs away stubborn make up to unveil glowy all day long. Calling on cucumber extracts and hyaluronic acid, it reduces the appearance puffiness, increases vital hydration and preserves the skin’s natural healthy pH levels by suppling valuable antioxidants. Impressive, we know.  

SHOP ALL ROYAL FERN >>> 

Start your skin care regime as you mean to go on with the best face cleanser. Cue: Grown Alchemist’s Gentle Gel Facial Cleanser. The unique formula features a combination of comforting chamomile and soothing pressed rose petals to leave your complexion refreshed, revived and radiant. And while its lightweight, gel-like texture glides smoothly across the skin, its balanced blend eases tightness ready for the rest of your routine. 

SHOP ALL GROWN ALCHEMIST >>> 

Dreamt up with sensitive skin types in mind, Kate Somerville’s Goat Milk Cleanser is enriched with (you guessed it) goat milk proteins to soothe dry and irritable complexions. Infused with Manuka honey, jojoba and avocado oils, it ensures you skin is left feeling and looking clean – minus any tension or greasiness.  

SHOP ALL KATE SOMERVILLE >>> 

Targeting uneven, dull skin tones, 111SKIN’s Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser creates the ideal clean canvas. Transforming from a fine powder into a rich lather upon contact with water, this renowned formula fuses papain enzymes, shikimic acid and the brand’s signature NAC Y² complex to unclog pores and brighten dry, oil and mature complexions.  

SHOP ALL 111SKIN >>> 

BEST CLEANSERS FOR YOUR FACE FAQs 

What is the healthiest thing to wash your face with?

The healthiest option for washing your face typically depends on your skin type and any specific concerns you have. Generally gentle, non-comedogenic cleansers that include natural ingredients and oils such as aloe vera, chamomile, jojoba and coconut oil are great options – especially for dry or sensitive complexions. For the best results, wet your face with lukewarm water and use your fingertips to softly rub in the cleanser. Then, rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat your face dry.   

How do I choose the right cleanser?

Similarly, choosing the best face cleanser varies according to your skin type, concerns and preferences.  

The best cleansers depending on skin type: 

  • Oily: gel-based or foaming cleansers that can help control excess oil. 
  • Dry: creamy or moisturising cleansers with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. 
  • Combination: gentle gels or lotions that balance both oily and dry areas.
  • Sensitive: hypoallergenic products that use soothing ingredients like aloe or chamomile. 

The best cleansers depending on skin concerns: 

Is micellar water enough to clean your face?

While micellar water can effectively wash your face – as it contains tiny micelles (AKA oil molecules) that attract dirt and light make up, allowing you to wipe them away easily – it’s not as successful at cleaning away waterproof or heavier products. Our suggestion would be to follow your micellar water with a gentle cleanser to ensure all impurities are removed.  

So, there you have it, now you know the 10 best face cleansers, it’s time to elevate your cleansing routine as a great day starts with a fresh face… 

SHOP ALL CLEANSERS >>> 
Trifonia Asmar
Trifonia Asmar Writer and expert

Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.

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