The 10 Best Face Cleansers for Every Skin Type in 2025

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Cleanser is an affordable, gentle foam that’s great for dry and sensitive skin — in our testing it removed excess oil and dirt without over-drying. Priced at $7.99 and scoring 8/10, it’s an easy drugstore pick, but our experience shows some people can still have allergic reactions so patch testing is wise. It’s not the strongest makeup remover, so plan a double cleanse if you wear heavy or waterproof cosmetics.

The Deep Cleanse earned an 8.5/10 in our round-up for leaving combination skin clean but hydrated — during our review it improved pore appearance and delivered a subtle glow without stripping. We found the gel formulation feels luxe and hydrating, and its sulfate-free, paraben-free formula helps maintain softness after washing. That said, fragrance and the higher $42 price make it less accessible for sensitive or budget-conscious users, and a few testers reported irritation or breakouts. If you want a pore-refining treat, this is a strong, pampering pick.

As a gel cleanser, Drunk Elephant’s Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser does a reliable job dissolving makeup and daily grime — in our testing it removed everyday foundation without over-lathering. Formulated sulfate-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free for combination skin, we found it cleans effectively but can sting if it gets into the eyes and may leave dry skin feeling a touch tight. During our review its 7/10 score reflects solid cleansing power but signals dry-skin users should follow with a rich moisturizer. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, a clean option if you don’t have ocular sensitivity.

Dew Dream Cleansing Balm is a dream for removing full-coverage makeup — in our testing it melted off foundation and sunscreen without leaving residue. We found the balm’s gentle, non-irritating formula makes it safe for sensitive skin and excellent for a no-scrub first cleanse. During our review some users mentioned an odd skin feel afterward, so expect to follow with a water-based cleanser if texture bothers you. At $34 it’s a solid mid-range pick that balances efficacy and skin-friendly formulation.

Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser uses feverfew extract to soothe reactive skin — during our review it took off dirt and excess oil without provoking irritation. We found the foam works well for many sensitive users and helps avoid over-cleansing, but its pump can be unreliable and some testers reported a slightly dry or tight finish. With a 7/10 score it’s a gentle, affordable option that’s best followed by a hydrating serum or cream if you notice any post-wash dryness.

Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser is the dependable, budget-friendly workhorse we keep recommending — our experience shows it’s hydrating, dermatologist-recommended, and gentle enough for most sensitive skin. At $11.99 and an 8/10 score, it’s widely available and won’t strip your skin, but it does contain SLS and parabens which some people prefer to avoid. During our testing it was too mild to remove heavy makeup in one go, so pair it with an oil or balm if you wear long-wearing cosmetics.

Refining Foam Cleanser earned an 8.5/10 in our testing thanks to its dual-cleanse friendliness and visible skin-refining benefits — we noticed softer, brighter skin after regular use. The sulfate-free, paraben-free and fragrance-free formulation removes makeup and excess oil without stripping, but because it contains potent acids it may be too strong for extremely sensitive skin. During our review some testers also mentioned the pump can get stuck occasionally, yet its smoothing and brightening payoff makes it worth trying if your skin tolerates active ingredients.

Bowe Glowe Cleanser is our top-rated choice in this batch with a 9.5/10 score — during our review it clinically removed 100% of foundation, sunscreen and pollution without stripping the barrier. We found the cream texture comforting and skin-beneficial thanks to acetyl hexapeptide-49, ceramides and niacinamide, which soften and calm while cleansing. The only real downside is price at $36, but for anyone who wants a high-performance, sensitivity-friendly daily clean that doubles as skin care, it’s a standout.

Superfruit Exfoliating Cleanser brightens and helps fade dark spots — in our testing it delivered noticeable tone improvement and a radiant finish. We found the gel’s exfoliating action effective, but its fragrance and active exfoliants make it a poor fit for very sensitive skin; several users reported a burning or stinging sensation. With a 6.5/10 score it’s best used sparingly by those with resilient skin or incorporated into a rotation rather than nightly, especially if you’re prone to irritation.

Nourishing Cleansing Milk is a hydrating milk cleanser that we found delivers a boost of moisture thanks to plant-based hyaluronic acid, making it comforting for dry or aging skin. In our testing it cleans without stripping and leaves skin feeling supple, but our experience shows the fragranced formula and $45 price tag reduce its appeal for sensitive or budget-minded shoppers. The paraben-free formulation is a plus, yet this option scores 6.5/10 because scent and cost limit accessibility. Consider it for a soothing evening cleanse if you tolerate fragrance.

Baptism Gentle Foaming Facial Gel Cleanser earned an 8/10 in our review for blending effective cleansing with hydration — we found its 10% glycerin content helps retain moisture while removing makeup and grime. Our experience shows it’s versatile for all skin types and offers both fragranced and fragrance-free versions to suit preferences, though some testers found the scent of the fragranced option too strong. The gel does require proper lathering to clear heavier products and can leave skin slightly drier for a few users, so plan a hydrating follow-up if needed.

Magic Melt is a milky cleanser we found effective at melting away makeup — including waterproof mascara — while leaving dry skin feeling soft and nourished. In our testing its oat extract and raspberry seed oil deliver noticeable hydration, but our experience shows the texture can feel lighter than a deep-cleaning gel, and heavy makeup or sunscreen may need a second cleanse. With a 7/10 score it’s a wallet-friendly, gentle choice for dry skin that prioritizes comfort over an ultra-deep clean.

SOS Gel Cleanser is one of our top sensitivity picks and earned a 9/10 for removing SPF, oils, and dirt without burning the eyes or leaving skin tight — in our testing it was reliably gentle and effective. We found the sulfate-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, vegan formula exceptionally reassuring for reactive skin types and a solid daily go-to. The only real gripe from users in our review is the occasional stuck pump, but that small hassle doesn’t undercut its excellent cleansing performance. If you have sensitive skin, this is a standout.

Soy Face Cleanser is a gentle gel we found effective at removing everyday makeup and calming skin with aloe vera and cucumber extract, making it versatile for all skin types. During our review it handled light cleanses well without being harsh, but our experience shows its scent divides users and it can struggle with heavy or waterproof makeup. Some testers also reported post-wash dryness, so follow with a moisturizer if your skin trends dry. With a 7.5/10 score, it’s a reliable, soothing option for everyday use.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser scored an 8/10 in our testing for being a gentle, hydrating milk cleanser that’s great for dry and sensitive skin thanks to ceramides and hyaluronic acid. We found its fragrance-free formula maintains the skin barrier well and is ideal for daily use, but our experience shows the non-foaming texture may not remove heavy makeup or sunscreen in one step. Some users notice a lotion-like residue or miss a squeaky-clean feel, so pair with an oil or balm if you wear long-wear cosmetics.

Super Facialist Vitamin C Cleansing Oil is brilliant at melting away makeup — during our review it handled waterproof mascara and dense foundation with ease and left skin feeling soft and hydrated. We found the citrus scent pleasing, but the strong fragrance and tendency to leave a greasy residue are downsides for sensitive or oil-prone users, and the runny consistency can mean accidental spills. With a 7/10 score it’s a solid oil cleanser if you prioritize makeup removal and hydration, just expect an extra rinse or follow-up cleanse.

For the Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil travel size, in our testing it proved to be a lightweight, budget-friendly oil that melts makeup and impurities without leaving a greasy residue. We found the sulfate-free, paraben-free and vegan formulation works well across most skin types and is a handy travel pick at $8.00. During our review the added fragrance and potential for eye irritation lowered its fit for very sensitive users, so avoid the eye area. Overall it earns a 7.5/10 as an effective, affordable oil cleanser.

Fermented Camellia Cleansing Oil is a sensitive-skin–friendly oil that, in our testing, removed eye and face makeup without tugging and left skin feeling soft and hydrated. We found the fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free formula gentle enough for all skin types and especially useful as a first cleanse. During our review some users noted a waxy or oily residue and said it can be slow to emulsify, so you may need a second water-based cleanse. It scores 7.5/10 for efficacy with a caveat about finish and emulsification.

Bioderma Sébium H2O Micellar Water is a go-to for oily skin types who want quick, no-rinse cleansing — in our testing it removed makeup and left skin clean without dryness. We found it effective for everyday use, and being paraben-free is a plus, but the added fragrance can irritate sensitive skin and it struggles with waterproof formulas. With a 7.5/10 score it’s excellent for light cleanses and touch-ups, though you’ll need a heavier remover for long-wearing or waterproof makeup.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash is a go-to affordable gel cleanser that contains 2% salicylic acid to target breakouts and excess oil; in our testing it reliably treats blemishes for oily skin. We found it effective and widely available, but our experience shows it can be drying or irritating—especially if you’re sensitive—so follow with a moisturizer. Some users report increased breakouts or irritation, which is why it scores a 7/10 despite strong acne-fighting power. Use it as a spot-focused option rather than an everyday hydrating cleanser.