Cleansers: The Foundation of Every Routine
Your cleanser sets the tone for everything after. The wrong one compromises your barrier. The right one cleans effectively without stripping or irritating.
Our Top Picks
Expert-vetted winners for every skin type.
Best gentle foaming face wash for all skin types
The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
A gentle foaming cleanser that removes excess oil without stripping, making it ideal even for oily and sensitive skin.
Best daily foaming cleanser for oily skin
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Developed with dermatologists for normal to oily skin—deeply cleanses excess oil without disrupting the barrier.
Best hydrating cleanser for dry and eczema-prone skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Best for very reactive, rosacea-prone skin that reacts to most cleansers.
Best Korean oil cleanser for double cleansing
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil
Our favorite Korean oil cleanser—lightweight, viral, and effective for removing makeup, sunscreen, and blackheads without clogging pores.
Compare Features
See how our picks stack up — find the right cleanser in seconds.
| Product | Fragrance-free | Oil-free | Plant-based | Cruelty-free | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser The Ordinary | $10-13 | Check Price | ||||
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser CeraVe | $14-18 | Check Price | ||||
 La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser La Roche-Posay | $16-22 | Check Price | ||||
Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Anua | $14-18 | Check Price |
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How to Choose
Gel vs Cream vs Foam
Gel cleansers are lightweight and work well for oily skin. Cream cleansers are hydrating and ideal for dry or sensitive skin. Foaming cleansers can be satisfying but choose ones formulated for sensitive skin to avoid over-drying.
Why Fragrance-Free Matters
Even "natural" fragrance can irritate sensitive skin. If you have reactive, acne-prone, or compromised skin, opt for fragrance-free formulas to protect your barrier.
pH and Barrier Support
Your skin's ideal pH is slightly acidic (4.5-5.5). Cleansers that are too alkaline can disrupt your barrier. Look for pH-balanced formulas with ceramides, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid.