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May 01, 2024

The Best Cleansers 2023

In search of a new cleanser? There’s no denying it – finding the right formula for your unique skin type can be tricky. But that’s where Grazia come in. We’ve tried and tested a myriad of face washes

In search of a new cleanser? There’s no denying it – finding the right formula for your unique skin type can be tricky. But that’s where Grazia come in. We’ve tried and tested a myriad of face washes suited to every single skin type from oily and combination to dry and acne-prone. The good news? There’s something out there sure to leave your skin feeling thoroughly cleansed of make-up, daily grime and impurities, from oil cleansers to balm cleansers and everything in between.

Best for acne prone skin: The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser

Best for oily skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel

Best for dry skin: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid for Normal to Dry Skin

Best for combination skin: Cosrx Low PH Good Morning Cleanser

Scroll on for our Grazia approved pick of the best, from cult classics to beauty newbies.

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If you're on the hunt for something that will minimise acne and blemishes, then this cleanser is

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Oily skin types, rejoice, as this purifying cleansing gel works a treat. The refreshing foaming

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CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid is considered the GOAT for those with dry skin

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Those with combination skin tend to deal with an oily t-zone, more pronounced pores, breakouts,

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It's no wonder the Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing balm is multi award-winning - just the tiniest

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Much revered French skin care line Caudalie doesn't scrimp when it comes to their formulations -

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Something of a cleansing all rounder, Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish is a cult classic for a

'Acne is caused by the triad of clogged pores, increased oil production and bacteria,' says Dr Eirini Merika, Consultant Dermatologist at Montrose London. 'When dead skin builds up it can block the pores and trap sebum(skin oil) beneath the surface.'

'For this reason I'd look to cleansers that contain BHAs (beta hydroxy acids), such as salicylic acid. This is a key ingredient for keeping acne prone skin at bay. BHAs are oil-soluble, penetrate the skin to unclog pores by dissolving sebum and exfoliating dead skin. They thus work to clear blackheads and white heads, the most early signs of acne development. It is best to start with a low concentration and gradually build up.'

'There are many causes for sensitive skin, ranging from genetic predisposition, skin conditions like eczema and rosacea as well as external factors that cause irritation and skin allergy,' explains Dr Merika. 'Hyaluronic acid is the least likely ingredient to irritate sensitive skin - incorporate this into your cleanser to hydrate and replenish the skin without irritating it. '

'Looking at ingredients to help reduce already irritated skin, niacinamide is one of the best. Niacinamide is a version of vitamin B3, which is acts as an antioxidant by improving the skin's strength. It also has anti itch and anti microbial properties and can also protect against the damaging effects of the sun.'

'It is very important to test all new ingredients first in a small test patch if suffering from sensitive skin to prevent skin irritation.'

'Ceramides are probably one of the best,' says Dr Merika. 'The skin is a natural physical permeability barrier that prevents the loss of moisture and protects the body from the external environment. It consists of many layers of skin cells and lipids. Ceramides are types of lipids that make up 50% of the skin. Drying skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis as well as climate and skin ageing are linked to low ceramide levels. Replenishing naturally occurring ceramides is key to treating dry skin by restoring skin balance and sealing moisture in.'