- 9.99/10 1. Premium pick: Pangea Organic Facial Cleanser Australian Plum and Willow
- 9.85/10 2. Editors choice: Pure Biology Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid
- 9.00/10 3. Best value: Clean & Clear 2-Pack Day/Night Facial Cleanser
- 8.50/10 4. Simple Kind to Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser
- 8.40/10 5. TruSkin Daily Facial Cleanser With Vitamin C and Rosehip Oil
- 8.00/10 6. Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
- 8.00/10 7. Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Face Wash
- 8.05/10 8. Foxbrim Naturals CLEANSE Coconut Milk and Honey Face Cleanser
- 8.95/10 9. InstaNatural Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
- 8.85/10 10. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin
Gone are the days when Americans trusted the fragile and vulnerable skin of their faces to bars of harsh, drying, irritating soap. Today’s skincare has advanced to the point that we understand why the faces we use to present ourselves to the world deserve better. Today we can choose from some of the best facial cleanser choices formulated to suit our skin’s unique, individual needs.
There are facial cleansers to reduce acne breakouts and resolve problematic oily skin by removing dirt and oil-clogging buildup and then replacing it with deeply hydrating ingredients to soothe away irritation and the chronic skin-cell dehydration which leads to overproduction of oils.
There are other facial cleansers formulated to reverse the signs of aging in mature skin and to replenish lost moisture and elasticity.
You can choose from science-based facial cleansers with hyaluronic acid and salicylic acid, or organic botanical facial cleansers which harness the power of plant-based ingredients such as natural oils like coconut, argan, and jojoba oil, and natural botanicals like green tea, rosehips, willow bark, rosemary, and many others.
A quick read through the descriptions of some of today’s best facial cleansers will give you a good idea of how to start treating your face to what it really needs in a cleanser.
For those who appreciate the power of botanicals and plant-based skin nourishing ingredients, Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser With Australian Wild Plum & Willow is formulated to purify, cleanse, soothe, and balance oily, combination, and acne-prone skin with the power of Australian Wild Plum for skin-nourishing vitamins A and C. Wild plum hydrates and plumps parched skin cells for more moisturized, supple skin. Vitamin A protects skin from sun damage and imparts a healthy glow by encouraging skin cell regeneration. It’s a natural gentle exfoliant to encourage the sloughing off of dulling dead skin cells, and the regeneration of newer, healthier cells. Wild plum is also antioxidant-rich with naturally potent vitamin C to fight skin-damaging free radical cells formed by environmental factors such as UV ray exposure.
Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser uses the natural power of willow bark as an anti-inflammatory to soothe and repair skin redness and irritation and to prevent breakouts.
Pangea Organics adds natural argan oil to moisturize skin and promote a strong skin barrier to seal in hydration and lock out impurities for superior skin protection. Argan oil is rich in skin-healing vitamin E to improve skin’s ability to retain moisture.
Pangea Organics Facial Cleanser is a light, thin cleansing lotion that easily works into a thick rich lather that deeply cleanses, soothes, and heals irritated skin. It is formulated to be ideal for oily to combination skin, or for acne-prone skin. Enjoy the fresh, natural scent while you wash away dirt, makeup, and excess oil and leave skin clean, softened and moisturized.
- Balances oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
- Contains vitamins A and C from Australian wild plum extract
- Formulated with willow for anti-inflammatory properties and exfoliation
- Smoothes the complexion and boosts skin cell turnover
- Cruelty Free: Yes
- Vegan: No; contains honey
- Product Dimensions: Unavailable
- Product Weight: 4 fl oz
- Brand: Pangea
- Thin cleanser becomes a thick foaming lather
- Naturally exfoliating
- Leaves skin moisturized
- Contains Vitamins A and C for antioxidants
- Difficult to regulate the amount of product squeezed from tube
Pure Biology Facial Cleaner is one of the best facial cleanser choices for those with aging skin. Pure Biology contains the super-hydrating power of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in healthy young skin, but diminishes as we age. Hyaluronic acid added to the skin topically can help the skin cells to store and retain essential hydration to soften, smooth, moisturize and repair parched skin. Each hyaluronic acid molecule can store up to one hundred times its own weight in water, and has the ability to pull moisture from the air to store it deep below the skin’s surface.
Pure Biology adds the antioxidant power of lemongrass oil and lemon peel oil to help combat aging free radical cells formed from UV ray exposure and other environmental factors. Antioxidants help to reverse aging in cells and repair damage, restoring healthy cell function. Proline is added for its ability to aid in the production of crucial collagen and elastin to firm the skin and restore elasticity.
Pure Biology contains rosemary oil for its natural astringent property for unclogging pores as it gently cleans.
Pure Biology Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic acid is gentle enough to be used twice per day. Simply apply with warm water and work into a gentle lather on the surface of the face and then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Skin will feel smooth, clean, hydrated and replenished.
If you are looking for a cleanser that combines science and nature for the best cleansing and moisturizing, Pure Biology Facial Cleanser may be the best facial cleanser for you.
- Anti-aging formula cleanser
- Pore minimizing
- Brightens the complexion
- Exfoliates as it cleanses
- Cruelty Free: Yes
- Vegan: No
- Product Dimensions: 2 X 2 X 6 in
- Product Weight: 6 fl oz
- Antioxidant blend
- Helps skin to retain moisture
- Increases collagen production
- Cleanses and hydrates
- Scent may be too strong for fragrance-sensitive people
- May be too drying for dry or combination skin
![](https://static1.reviewthisimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/PureBiology1.jpg)
If you are looking for the best facial cleanser for day and night use, Clean & Clear 2-Pack Day/Night Cleanser may be the one for you. Sold as a duo, these are two separate cleansing formulas, one for morning use and one for night cleansing.
Morning Burst is a foaming facial cleanser with unique, reviving, bursting beads and a clean, refreshing citrus and ginger scent. Morning Burst is formulated with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant to correct damage from environmental factors such as UV rays, and to promote skin cell regeneration. Ginseng is added for its oil balancing qualities and to soothe sensitive skin. Cucumber extract tops off this reviving and replenishing formula to add essential, oil-free moisture and hydration. Morning Burst Facial Cleanser is formulated to nourish skin while removing the impurities that develop on your skin overnight.
The Clean & Clear Night Relaxing Deep Cleansing Face Wash is formulated to remove dirt, oil and makeup from deep within the pores. Sea kelp is added to hydrate and soften skin by naturally aiding in moisture retention and to remove toxins and lessen skin breakouts. Deep sea minerals nourish and nurture the skin for overnight repair. Added to these benefits are a soothing night time aroma to calm the mind and body as you prepare for sleep. If you don’t have overly oily skin, you should top off your nightly cleansing regimen with a moisturizer to defend against drying.
Both the day and night formulas are oil-free, hypoallergenic,and formulated to be gentle enough for daily use.
- Face cleanser duo with morning formula and night formula
- Enlivening citrus and ginger for "Morning Burst"
- Night face wash with calming effect
- Cruelty Free: No-animal testing only in countries where it's required
- Vegan: No
- Product Dimensions: 1.5 X 5.1 X 7.6 in
- Product Weight: 16 fl oz
- Hypoallergenic
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Two formulas specialized for day and night use
- May be drying-best for oily skin
- Product is thick and doesn't move through nozzle easily
![](https://static1.reviewthisimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/CleanClear1.jpg)
Simple Kind to Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser gently removes dirt, makeup, impurities and oily build-up from the face, leaving the skin refreshed and replenished. Simple Kind to Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser contains beneficial vitamin B5 for its healing anti-inflammatory properties, making this the best facial cleanser for irritated skin.
Simple Kind to Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser gently heals, refreshes and soothes with natural chamomile for its cleansing antiseptic properties and a powerful boost of antioxidants to repair skin cells damaged from natural aging and UV ray exposure. Natural geranium oil is infused through Simple Kind to Skin foaming facial cleanser to promote the sloughing off of dulling dead skin cells and encourage skin cell regeneration, resulting in a more radiant, healthy glow.
Simple Kind to Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser provides the skin with instant hydration from skin-loving. ultra-hydrating natural glycerin and triple-purified water. It contains no harsh chemicals and is naturally gentle to the skin.
For fresh replenished skin that’s healthy, clean, and restored, Simple Kind to Skin Foaming Cleanser is one of the best facial cleanser choices for skin-loving ingredients. It instantly foams and cleanses away irritating buildup of grime, oils, and makeup with a rich, moisturizing lather that’s hypoallergenic, pH balanced, and noncomedogenic, making it safe for the most sensitive skin. It contains no dyes, perfumes, or harsh chemical irritants. It leaves skin clean, refreshed, and hydrated.
- Foaming cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup
- Contains pro-vitamin B5
- Contains hydrating glycerin
- Geranium oil and chamomile to restore skin
- Cruelty Free: No
- Vegan: No
- Product Dimensions: 7 X 1.8 X 1.8 in
- Product Weight: 5 fl oz
- Provides instant hydration
- No artificial perfumes or dyes
- Leaves no residue
- Instant foaming
- May be drying for some skin types
![](https://static1.reviewthisimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Simple-Kind-to-Skin1.jpg)
TruSkin Daily Facial Cleanser may be the best facial cleanser for those who want a gentle foaming cleanser to deep clean and protect, while it promotes skin’s health with anti-aging properties. TruSkin contains organic aloe vera, for it’s deep hydrating and naturally protective properties. It also contains 15% vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants to fight ageing free radical cells deep below the skin’s surface to aid in improved healthy cell function.
TruSkin Daily Facial Cleanser is a creamy foaming face wash with a light, natural scent that revives and rejuvenates. Skin will feel clean, smooth and replenished.
TruSkin is formulated with high quality ingredients including rosehip oil—used in skincare for hundreds of years for its skin healing and anti-aging properties. Tea tree oil is added for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. TruSkin Cleanser is infused with oregano oil, a powerful natural antibiotic proven to reduce acne and skin breakouts, and MSM for keratin production for healthier skin. The proven benefits of olive oil work in Truskin Daily Facial Cleanser to promote a strong skin barrier to effectively seal moisture inside the skin layers and to lock out impurities. Finally, Truskin Cleanser is formulated with natural orange peel for brightened, clarified skin. Orange peel is effective in improving discoloration and uneven skin tone.
TruSkin is gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is vegan and free of sulfates, parabens, and alcohol.
- Vitamin C, rosehip oil and aloe formula
- Anti-aging properties
- Natural plant extracts
- Gentle, foaming face wash
- Cruelty Free: Yes
- Vegan: Yes
- Product Dimensions: 1.5 X 1.5 X 5.8 in
- Product Weight: 4 fl oz
- Cleans, softens, and hydrates skin
- Powerful antioxidant power of vitamin C and botanical ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
- Burns with eye contact
For a cleanser that leaves skin feeling clean, hydrated and refreshed, Hado Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser may be the best facial cleanser for you. Hado Labo uses moisture-loving hyaluronic acid to pull moisture from the air and draw it deep into skin cells beneath the surface of the skin.
Hado Labo is Japan’s number one skin care line, and this cleanser is ultra-rich and luxurious. It creates a soft foam for a penetrating skin cleansing experience that removes dirt, excess oils, makeup and other impurities from the skin, leaving the face clean and moisturized for a beautiful glow.
Hado Labo is water-based and filled with hyaluronic acid which hydrates skin with the power to hold 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping skin plump, soft, hydrated and supple. It’s also based with natural glycerin to introduce deep hydration into cells and promote a strong skin barrier to keep it locked inside.
A little goes a long way with Hado Labo Tokyo Cleanser. Just a pea-sized amount foams up into a rich lather and combines deep pore cleaning with deep moisturizing, making it ideal for individuals of all ages. It reduces acne breakouts by removing excess oils and adding pure water hydration instead, and hydration is what’s needed for true moisturization and healthy, replenished skin.
Hado Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is alcohol-free and and free of dyes, artificial fragrance, mineral oils, and parabens. It is gentle enough even for sensitive skin and those with rosecea and other skin issues.
- Hydrating face wash with gentle lather
- Japanese face wash formula
- Contains moisture-containing hyaluronic acid
- Cruelty Free: No
- Vegan: No
- Product Dimensions: 3 X 2 X 6.2 in
- Product Weight: 5 oz
- Rich, creamy formula
- Rinses cleanly with no residue
- Free of fragrance, parabens, alcohol, fragrance, and dyes
- Suitable for all skin types
- May be drying for normal to dry skin types
- Product is fragrance-free, but the natural scent isn't for everyone
![](https://static1.reviewthisimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Hada-Labo1.jpg)
If you are looking for a foaming face cleanser to reduce acne breakouts with a natural formula, then Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Face Wash may be the best facial cleanser for you. Wow removes dirt, makeup, impurities and oil build-up from normal, dry, or oily skin with the antioxidant power of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a gentle, natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface where they cause a dull, grayish appearance. It promotes healthy cell turnover for a radiant glow, and improves skin’s pH to reduce acne breakouts without over drying.
Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Face Wash cleans and refreshes skin without leaving residue. It removes pore-clogging oil build-up and then deeply hydrates with pure Himalayan spring water and the moisturizing power of natural aloe vera, nature’s most powerful skin healing plant, Natural vegetable glycerin is added for hydration and protection of the skin’s natural barrier. Vitamins B5 and Vitamin E are added to Wow’s formula for fast skin improvement and advanced skin protection and pore tightening.
Wow’s superior cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing formula leaves skin looking and feeling healthy, soft and supple, as well as more vibrant and evenly toned.
For deep cleansing, moisturizing, hydration and prevention from drying and damage, Wow Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Face Wash may be the best facial cleanser. It is hypoallergenic, paraben and sulfate-free, and completely vegan.
- Cleanses, heals and hydrates with rich foam
- Works for all skin types
- Reduces breakouts
- Ideal for men and women
- Enriched with apple cider vinegar aloe and vitamins B5 and E
- Cruelty Free: Yes
- Vegan: Yes
- Product Dimensions: Not available
- Product Weight: 3.4 fl oz
- Contains vital nutrients to heal, repair and hydrate damaged skin
- Hydrating power of aloe
- Non-irritating, gentle exfoliation
- Reduces acne breakouts without drying
- Strong apple scent which may irritate those sensitive to fragrance
- Dispenser needs improvement
![](https://static1.reviewthisimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/WowFaceWash1.jpg)
Foxbrim Naturals CLEANSE Coconut Milk and Honey Face Cleanser is definitely at the top of the pack, and it's one of the best facial cleanser for people of all skin types, which makes us love it even more.
It's versatile, it has soothing botanical ingredients, and something about the coconut milk and honey combo makes us look forward to using every time.
On top of this, it's not scented, though do beware that the natural odor of this cleanser is not a personal favorite for everyone. We liked it just fine. Just sayin'.
Foxbrim naturals is a brand to watch, and this facial cleanser is one to try no matter what type of skin you have.
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Gently cleanses and removes impurities
- Moisturizing coconut milk, aloe, and honey gel formula
- Improves elasticity
- Cruelty Free: Yes
- Vegan: No-contains honey
- Product Dimensions: 7 X 2 X 2 in
- Product Weight: 4 fl oz
- For all skin types
- Never strips the skin
- Soothing botanical ingredients
- Healing vitamin E, jojoba, rosemary, honey and coconut milk
- Pump mechanism needs improvement
- Unscented product has a slightly astringent odor
InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser may be the best facial cleanser for treating the skin to the powerful antioxidant power of Vitamin C. Antioxidants help reverse damage from UV rays and other environmental factors on a cellular level to heal and restore healthier skin cell function. Potent antioxidants help to clear skin tone and diminish sun spots and discoloration. InstaNatural gently exfoliates the skin to aid in cell turnover, relieving dullness caused by dead skin cell buildup.
InstaNatural is a soothing blend of natural oils including grapefruit peel oil and jojoba to soothe skin and seal in hydration while it removes dirt, makeup, and buildup.Coconut water and natural aloe vera combine to hydrate and moisturize the skin deep below the surface, leaving it healthier and more resilient.
For deep cleansing that won’t dry your skin, InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleanser is infused with natural aloe for soothing skin hydration and the added benefits of healing vitamins A and C. Green tea extracts helps to reduce puffiness and under eye circles with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ingredients. Skin soothing chamomile adds natural antiseptic and antifungal properties to reduce irritation and redness.
InstaNatural Vitamin C Cleaner may be the best facial cleanser for a perfect balance of pore cleansing and skin refreshing agents, together with hydrating and moisturizing natural ingredients to soothe and balance the skin as it gently cleanses.
- Anti-aging, vitamin C formula
- Reduces breakouts and blemishes
- Exfoliating gel formula
- Cruelty Free: Yes
- Vegan: No
- Product Dimensions: 6.3 X 2.1 X 2 in
- Product Weight: 6.7 fl oz
- Works for all skin types
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Fades sun spots
- Exfoliating
- Pump dispenser needs improving
- Strong scent may be irritating to those who are fragrance sensitive
![](https://static1.reviewthisimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/InstaNatural2.jpg)
If you have normal to oily but sensitive skin, Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser may be the best facial cleanser for you.
Cetaphil is mild and gentle enough for everyday use. It is non-lathering and won’t clog pores or over-strip them. Cetaphil is formulated to be non-irritating, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It is clinically proven to be deep cleaning without over-drying. Cetaphil leaves skin refreshed, clean, soothed, and moisturized. It removes oil buildup, makeup, dirt, and impurities and can be used twice a day without leaving any residue behind. Your skin will feel moisturized, soft and supple.
While it cleans, Cetaphil gently hydrates with natural glycerin—a powerful humectant for adding essential hydration to skin cells. Skin that is hydrated will naturally stop over-producing excess oils, making Cetaphil one of the best facial cleanser choices for those trying to reduce acne breakouts.
Cetaphil also contains natural castor oil for a powerful boost of antioxidants to help fight damaging and aging free radical cells formed in the skin’s layers from exposure to environmental factors such as UV rays. Castor oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory to reduce discoloration and puffiness. It naturally helps to reduce acne breakouts without stripping oils from pores. It promotes overall skin health and imparts a healthy glow.
Cetaphil is dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic and never leaves a pore-clogging residue.
- Gentle and non-irritating for daily use
- Gently cleanses without drying
- For normal, oily, and sensitive skin
- Leaves skin soft and smooth
- Cruelty Free: Yes
- Vegan: No
- Product Dimensions: 7.5 X 3.9 X 2.1 in
- Product Weight: 16 fl oz
- Gentle yet effective
- Leaves no residue
- Low-lathering for gentle cleansing without over stripping pores
- Hypoallergenic and recommended for sensitive skin
- Contains artificial fragrance and may irritate those who are sensitive
- Non-lathering
![](https://static1.reviewthisimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Cetaphil-face-wash.jpg)
Today, when we lather up our faces at night, or in the morning, we want to be sure that we are doing more for our skin than just cleansing it.
Today’s best facial cleansers are meant not only to take away from the skin impurities such as dirt, makeup, and excess oil, but also to give back to the skin-nourishing vitamins and antioxidants, and critical hydration from trusted ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, and moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid—a property of young healthy skin which diminishes as we age.
No matter how many products we use on our skin—serums, moisturizers, eye creams, primers—it all begins with cleansing. Cleansing the delicate and potentially problematic skin of our faces is the first step in any skincare regimen and we want to make it a step that is beneficial for us. It is the base of our skincare routine upon which all the other products depend. If our pores are clogged with excess oil, grime, sweat, and makeup, they are not going to be open to absorbing the nourishing nutrients, moisturizers, and scientific ingredients that we pay good money for with the best of intentions in our other products.
What Ingredients to Look for in the Best Facial Cleanser for You
If you suffer from oily skin and acne breakouts, you probably want to look for facial cleansers that reduce oil build-up without over-stripping pores. The key to the best facial cleansers for acne is to find cleansers that not only remove oily build-up but also add essential non-oil moisture with ingredients like aloe and glycerin to hydrate cells without oil. Aloe and glycerin replenish skin cells and signal to oil glands to stop over-producing oils in order to seal in moisture. Salicylic acid is an ingredient known to reduce acne breakouts, and willow-bark is its natural counterpart, found in many great facial cleansers for acne.
If you have normal, dry, or mature skin, look for ingredients that add essential moisture like aloe and hyaluronic acid, and beneficial natural oils like jojoba—known to be very close in nature to natural human sebum. Other anti-aging ingredients are retinoids, peptides, vitamins and antioxidants, ingredients that reverse cell damage and encourage skin cell renewal and production of collagen and elastin to improve skin’s structure, texture, and elasticity.
You will easily find the best facial cleanser to suit your skin’s particular needs with today’s welcome advances in skincare—both science-based, plant-based, or the perfect balance of both!
Resources— PopXoDaily, HowStuffWorks, BeautyRx
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