The 30 best face cleanser brands
Neutrogena, Cerave and Garnier lead our ranking of 30 face cleanser brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Face Cleanser brands, ranked
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1
Neutrogena
Salicylic acid 2% gel wash in the Oil-Free Acne Wash, aimed at clearing blackheads and blemishes on oily skin.
Top products: Deep Clean Facial Cleanser· Oil-Free Acne Face Wash· Ultra Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Website: neutrogena.com |Brands like Neutrogena
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Cerave
Ceramide-based cleansers in creamy foaming and gel textures, with a fragrance-free range suited to dry skin.
Top products: Oil Control Facial Cleanser· Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser· Renewing SA Cleanser
Website: cerave.com |Brands like Cerave
Popularity 9.4/10
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3
Garnier
Micellar water cleansers that lift makeup and grime without rinsing, at a low shelf price.
Top products: Micellar Water All-in-1 Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Website: garnierusa.com |Brands like Garnier
Popularity 9.0/10
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4
Cetaphil
Milky lotion-style wash in the Gentle Skin Cleanser, a non-soap formula that rinses off without leaving skin tight.
Top products: Hydrating Gentle Skin Cleanser· Daily Facial Cleanser· Gentle Clear Acne Face Wash
Website: cetaphil.com |Brands like Cetaphil
Popularity 9.0/10
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5
Himalaya
Ayurvedic herbal washes built around neem and turmeric, a natural option for oily or blemished skin.
Popularity 8.7/10
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6
Olay
Amino-peptide anti-ageing washes alongside gentle everyday foaming cleansers for normal skin.
Top products: Regenerist Advanced Anti-Ageing Revitalizing Face Wash· Age Defying Classic Facial Cleanser· Cleanse Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser
Website: olay.com |Brands like Olay
Popularity 8.3/10
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7
Mary Kay
Direct-selling brand whose TimeWise 4-in-1 cleanser handles combination, oily or dry skin in one bottle.
Top products: TimeWise 4-in-1 Cleanser· Hydrating Cleanser
Website: marykay.com |Brands like Mary Kay
Popularity 8.1/10
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8
The Face Shop
Korean brand whose rice-water and green-tea washes are light foaming gels at a modest price.
Top products: Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
Website: thefaceshop.com.my |Brands like The Face Shop
Popularity 7.0/10
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9
La Roche-Posay
Dermatologist-developed Toleriane cleansers with ceramides and niacinamide, sold in gentle and purifying versions.
Top products: Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser· Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser
Website: laroche-posay.us |Brands like La Roche-Posay
Popularity 7.0/10
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10
Elemis
Spa-grade balms and cleansing products from a British brand, often sold with toners in gift sets.
Top products: Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Website: us.elemis.com |Brands like Elemis
Popularity 6.8/10
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11
Shiseido
Japanese prestige brand whose cleansing foam and oil suit daily routines, with pharmacy-rooted formulas.
Top products: Clarifying Cleansing Foam· Perfect Cleansing Oil
Website: shiseido.co.uk |Brands like Shiseido
Popularity 6.5/10
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12
Pond's
Long-running cold-cream style cleansers and foams sold in large, inexpensive tubs.
Website: ponds.com |Brands like Pond's
Popularity 6.4/10
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13
Philosophy
Minimalist one-step cleansers in plain bottles, marketed around simple, fragrance-free washing.
Top products: Purity Made Simple Cleanser· Made Simple One Step Facial Cleanser
Popularity 6.4/10
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14
Kiehl's
Premium cream-based gentle washes with a separate men's gel line, sold in small sizes.
Top products: Ultra Facial Cleanser· Facial Fuel Invigorating Face Wash Gel
Website: kiehls.com |Brands like Kiehl's
Popularity 6.4/10
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15
Dermalogica
Professional-salon cleansers sold for home use, with pro-size bottles and exfoliating gel options.
Top products: Precleanse· Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
Website: dermalogica.com |Brands like Dermalogica
Popularity 6.1/10
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16
CLEAN & CLEAR
CLEAN & CLEAR targets acne-prone skin with face washes, foam cleansers, exfoliators, moisturizers and spot treatments. Daily and weekly cleansers are part of the lineup, along with products meant to target blackheads and breakouts. The brand describes its acne products...
Website: cleanandclear.com |Brands like CLEAN & CLEAR
Popularity 5.9/10
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17
TATCHA
Pairing timeless Japanese beauty secrets with advanced science, Tatcha has a range of beauty products for all skin types. The products aim to repair and rejuvenate the skin that looks healthy and flawless. You can take the skincare routine quiz...
Website: tatcha.com |Brands like TATCHA
Popularity 5.8/10
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18
Fresh
Beauty brand Fresh offers skincare, lip care and scented products. Its Sugar lip balm is a signature lip product in the range, and it sits alongside the fragrance products. The fragrance products add scent options to the same collection, so...
Website: fresh.com |Brands like Fresh
Popularity 5.6/10
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19
BIODERMA
BIODERMA builds skincare for sensitive, dry and oily skin, with micellar water and face cleansers among its main formats. The French brand bases its formulas on dermatological research to clean skin gently. Its dry skin primer and facial care lines...
Website: bioderma.co.uk |Brands like BIODERMA
Popularity 5.3/10
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20
Aveeno
Aveeno provides a line of skin-friendly skin care products. To guarantee no harm is done to the skin, their sensitive skin care products are made with the cleanest components. All their products are made with natural, potent ingredients chosen after...
Website: aveeno.com |Brands like Aveeno
Popularity 5.3/10
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21
Murad
Murad sells skincare from the United States, including anti-aging serums, face cleansers and travel-size products for trying items before buying full sizes. The brand was built around dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad's work on skin care. Its range covers different skin...
Website: murad.com |Brands like Murad
Popularity 5.1/10
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22
Origins
Origins builds skincare around plant ingredients, with a line of activated charcoal masks for cleansing oily skin. Travel-size versions of its face products are sold so shoppers can take them on trips.
Website: origins.com |Brands like Origins
Popularity 5.1/10
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23
Clarins
Clarins was established in 1954. The founder wanted to create this brand to understand women's needs. They wanted to create an attractive solution for all the women's needs in the beauty sector. They have taken inspiration from nature by studying...
Website: clarinsusa.com |Brands like Clarins
Popularity 5.1/10
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24
Burt's Bees
Burt's Bees builds beeswax lip balms, along with moisturizing lotions and other skincare products. The brand uses natural ingredients in its formulas. The beeswax lip balm sits at the heart of its range, which is built around natural ingredients and...
Website: burtsbees.com |Brands like Burt's Bees
Popularity 5.1/10
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25
Noxzema
The Noxema brand is committed to providing you with the fresh start you require every day. For years, their products have been trusted to cleanse skin and combat blemishes, and they are still dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. Discover their selection...
Website: noxzema.com |Brands like Noxzema
Popularity 5.0/10
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26
Bioré
Cleansers, scrubs, micellar water, toner, and other skincare products are available from Bioré. They were developed in collaboration with Japanese doctors to address particular skin issues. It is dedicated to delivering the best skin care and clear skin solutions for...
Website: biore.com |Brands like Bioré
Popularity 4.8/10
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27
Dr.Brandt Skin Care
Dr. Brandt is a skincare company that makes science-based products for all skin types. The brand helps people with various skin concerns like anti-aging and pigmentation. The company's team of dermatologists and other skin experts curate their range of products...
Website: drbrandtskincare.com |Brands like Dr.Brandt Skin Care
Popularity 4.6/10
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28
Global Beauty Care
Who doesn’t crave a radiant face? Global Beauty Care struggles to create products that instantly enhance the skin. Maintain and replenish your glow with the detox sheet masks and deep cleansing kit. Their stuff comes in cute packaging mentioning all...
Website: globalbeautycare.com |Brands like Global Beauty Care
Popularity 4.5/10
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29
Biotique
Biotique products are inspired by Ayurvedic knowledge, a 5,000-year-old holistic system recognized for its excellent skin and hair care secrets. They carefully chose components for their ability to provide a loving and protecting environment while enhancing the inherent beauty of...
Website: biotique.com |Brands like Biotique
Popularity 4.4/10
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30
Sulwhasoo
The essence of health and happiness could be felt by holding the finger of our ancestors for their remedies and beliefs. Inspired by Korean traditional philosophy, Sulwhasoo extends skincare productions with its special anti-aging serums. The brand adopts signature ingredients...
Website: us.sulwhasoo.com |Brands like Sulwhasoo
Popularity 4.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrogena | neutrogena.com | /neutrogenaUS | Neutrogena | @Neutrogena | – |
| Cerave | cerave.com | /cerave | cerave | @cerave | – |
| Garnier | garnierusa.com | /garnierusa | garnierusa | @garnierUSA | GarnierUSA |
| Cetaphil | cetaphil.com | /Cetaphil | cetaphilus | – | – |
| Olay | olay.com | /OlayUS | olay | @olayskin | Olay North America |
| Mary Kay | marykay.com | /MaryKay | marykayus | @MaryKay | – |
| The Face Shop | thefaceshop.com.my | /thefaceshopmalaysia | thefaceshopmalaysia | – | – |
| La Roche-Posay | laroche-posay.us | /LaRochePosayUSA | larocheposayusa | @LaRochePosayUSA | LaRochePosayUSA |
| Elemis | us.elemis.com | – | – | – | – |
Face Cleanser Buying Guide
Choosing the right face cleanser can make a big difference in your skin's health and appearance. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to select the perfect one for your skin type and concerns. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision when shopping for your next face cleanser.
The Importance of a Good Face Cleanser
Using a good face cleanser is an essential step in any skincare routine. It helps to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts. Moreover, a gentle cleanser can also hydrate and nourish your skin, leaving it soft, supple, and refreshed.
Know Your Skin Type
The first step to choosing the right face cleanser is to identify your skin type. Your skin type will determine the formulation of the cleanser that you should be using. Here are the main skin types and the type of cleansers that are best suited for each:
Normal Skin
If you have normal skin, you're lucky as it's the least problematic skin type. Your skin has an adequate balance of oil and moisture, and there are no visible signs of flakiness or sensitivity. You can use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils.
Dry Skin
Dry skin lacks moisture and can feel tight and flaky. A cream or a lotion-based cleanser would be ideal for dry skin as it can hydrate and nourish your skin while cleansing it. Avoid using sanitizers and foaming cleansers as they can strip your skin of moisture.
Oily Skin
Oily skin produces an excess of sebum and is prone to breakouts and acne. A foaming cleanser or a gel-based cleanser that can dissolve sebum and unclog your pores would work best for oily skin. Avoid using cream-based cleansers as they can make your skin more oily.
Combination Skin
Combination skin is a mix of oily and dry skin, with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks. A gel-based or a foaming cleanser would be the best option for combination skin as it can remove oil and dirt without stripping your skin of moisture.
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is easily irritated and can react to ingredients in products that are usually well-tolerated by other skin types. A gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic cleanser that doesn't contain any harsh chemicals is ideal for sensitive skin.
Ingredients to Look For
The ingredients list on the back of the bottle can be intimidating, but there are a few key ingredients that you should look for when choosing a face cleanser:
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that can help to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. It's especially beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin types.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is another type of AHA that's particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin. It can help to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent breakouts.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can attract and retain moisture in your skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. It's an excellent ingredient for dry and mature skin types.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient that can help to control acne and soothe irritated skin. It's ideal for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types.
Ingredients to Avoid
While there are some ingredients that you should look for in your face cleanser, there are also a few that you should avoid. Here are the ingredients that can irritate your skin and make it worse:
Sulfates
Sulfates are harsh detergents that are commonly found in foaming cleansers. They can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated.
Fragrance
Fragrance can be a major irritant for sensitive skin types. It's best to opt for fragrance-free products or products that use natural fragrances such as essential oils.
Alcohol
Alcohol can be extremely drying for your skin and can damage the natural barrier, leaving your skin vulnerable to bacteria and infections.
Texture and Formulation
The texture and formulation of your face cleanser can also impact its effectiveness. Here are the different types of cleansers and their benefits:
Gel Cleansers
Gel cleansers have a lightweight texture that can dissolve oil and remove impurities from your skin. They're ideal for oily and acne-prone skin and can help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
Creamy Cleansers
Creamy cleansers have a lotion-like texture that can hydrate and nourish your skin while cleansing it. They're ideal for dry skin types that need extra moisture.
Foaming Cleansers
Foaming cleansers have a bubbly texture that can remove dirt and grime from your skin. They can be quite drying, so they're best suited for oily and acne-prone skin types that can handle a more aggressive formula.
Oil Cleansers
Oil cleansers have a unique formulation that can dissolve makeup and sebum without stripping your skin of moisture. They're ideal for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin types.
Conclusion
Choosing the right face cleanser can make a world of difference in your skin's health and appearance. By knowing your skin type, looking for the right ingredients, and selecting the right texture and formulation, you can pick a cleanser that will work wonders for your skin. Remember to always patch test new products and introduce them slowly into your routine to avoid any adverse reactions.
