Best Cleansers for Skin, Tried and Tested

If you’re looking for a budget cleanser that doesn’t compromise on quality, this cult cleanser from The INKEY List is packed with soothing Colloidal Oatmeal and barrier-repairing Ceramides to deliver a dewy and even skin texture. The gentle formula melts makeup and excess oil without stripping sensitive or irritated skin of much-needed moisture. And with the small price tag? It’s a tiny investment for a *big* skin transformation.

Tried and tested: "This is easily one of the best cleansers I have ever used. Since first buying it last year, it has become my regular first cleanse and has improved my skin so much as I have suffered with adult acne for several years. The texture is a little strange when you put it on (like washing with Vaseline) but now I love to spend time massaging it in before adding water to make it milky and rinsing with a muslin cloth and following with a second cleanser. Kind on eyes and easily removes a full face of makeup. Seriously the best priced cleansing balm I have used, I love it. Quality product and great for anyone with dry and acne prone skin." - Kathryn, Customer Review

Tried and tested: “In the past I've tried CeraVe Cream to Foam Cleanser and I can say that CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is even better than the other one. It has a milky/creamy texture that hydrates and moisturises the skin, it doesn't feel dry at all. The skin feels more smooth after using it. During cold weather I combat my dry skin and this cleanser is definitely the one that I need. It is fragrance free and it's not too harsh for my type of skin.” - Adriana, Customer Review

The biggest myth surrounding cleansing oils? That they’re not suitable for breakout-prone skin. While this might be true for formulas with comedogenic (or pore-clogging) ingredients, the same can’t be said for this derm-approved cleanser. Fragrance free and ultra hydrating, every use is clinically proven to increase skin’s hydration, smooth uneven texture, and reduce redness. Leaving skin soft and clean, we rarely feel the need to second cleanse - but we do always follow with their Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream.

Tried and tested: “This product was my first time trying Skinfix, and let me tell you, it will not be my last! This cleanser left my skin feeling squeaky clean, yet completely hydrated! I have acne prone combination skin, and struggle with finding a good cleanser that doesn't leave my skin feeling dry and tight. But the ingredients in this wash are gentle, yet extremely effective at cleansing, and leave my skin feeling smooth and hydrated all day! The cherry on top is that the product is completely cruelty-free, vegan, and the bottle is made with recycled plastic. Can’t wait to try more!” - Julia, Customer Review 

If there’s one cleanser we always recommend for sensitive, acne-prone skin, it’s this bestselling cream cleanser. Derm-approved and recommended for even the most angry, inflamed skin, it’s formulated with the brand’s signature Thermal Spring Water and is designed to lift even the most stubborn makeup to leave skin feeling soft, soothed and clean. Just gently massage onto dry skin and wipe off with a cotton pad. Using in the morning? Follow with La Roche-Posay’s cult SPF50 Fluid.

Tried and tested: “When I first bought this, I used it like a normal cleanser, thinking it was really gentle but that it just didn't clean well! That was until I realised that you're supposed to apply it straight onto dry skin. When I did that, I could feel it melting my sunscreen away like it never had done before. Will definitely repurchase now that I know how to use it; it works even better as part of a 'double cleanse’.” - Robbie, Customer Review

Tried and tested: “Lovely silky feel to this balm once mixed with warm water, glides nicely over my skin and easily washes away, leaves my skin feeling soft and not tight. It is especially gentle when removing mascara.” - Sheree, Customer Review

Searching for a new morning cleanser? Enter this face wash from our very own Sephora Collection, which is filled with Prebiotics and Aloe Vera to gently cleanse and soothe the skin. Unscented and moisturising, we dampen our skin with cool or warm water before lathering this formula between our hands and massaging across our skin. Simple, easy-to-use and most of all, effective, this is one cleanser we never go without.

Tried and tested: “Didn’t expect much for the low price, but this cleanser performed beyond my expectations! It doesn’t dry out my skin too much or irritate my skin, and the formula is clean and fragrance-free. Would recommend!” - Diane, Customer Review

A fan of MEDIK8’s bestselling micellar water? Then you’ll love this softening cleansing oil. No frills but all thrills, this lipid-enriched formula is a great cleanser for dry skin - or those looking for a little extra love. Designed to dissolve impurities with a powerful but gentle blend of Safflower Oil and Moringa Seed Extract, we massage into dry skin and emulsify with lukewarm water for the ultimate cleanse.

Tried and tested: “My favourite cleansing oil, I use it as my first cleanse every evening. It's got a wonderful aroma, great texture and glides onto skin beautifully before adding water to turn it into a milk. I like to remove it with hot towels (when I'm feeling extra!). It really brings the scent out and gives you that wonderful spa-like feeling.” - Jan, Customer Review