The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Why trust us? Choosing the right facial cleanser is the foundation of a good skincare routine. To determine what makes a cleanser effective, we spoke with Dr Sabika Karim, an aesthetic doctor and GP. She emphasizes the importance of selecting a product that removes impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils or disrupting its protective barrier. “Choose a cleanser that suits your skin type,” she advises. For dry skin, she recommends cream, lotion, or balm cleansers with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. Combination skin benefits from gentle gels or low-foaming formulas that clean oily areas without over-drying. Sensitive skin should avoid fragrances, alcohol, and harsh exfoliants, opting instead for soothing ingredients like oat extract. Normal skin can use gentle creams or gels, while mature skin may prefer formulas with niacinamide and panthenol to support the skin barrier. Foaming cleansers can be effective, but Dr Karim suggests choosing sulphate-free options to avoid dryness. After consulting with experts, we tested 17 cleansers across oily, combination, and dry skin types over six weeks. The 12 below stood out for their effectiveness and suitability for different skin needs. 1. **Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser (Best Overall)** – This cream cleanser was a top performer, working well on all skin types. It gently removes makeup and impurities while containing ingredients like cocoa butter and camomile that support hydration. The warm cloth application provides a spa-like experience, leaving the skin feeling smooth and toned. 2. **Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser (Runner-Up)** – A cult favorite, this rich, nourishing cleanser is ideal for dry or sensitive skin. It contains goat milk, manuka honey, and avocado to soothe and hydrate. While the price is high, users found it effective for pre-makeup prep and left skin glowing. 3. **The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser (Best Budget)** – This affordable, minimalist cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It’s gentle on oily skin and doesn’t strip moisture, but it’s best followed by a moisturizer. Its simple formula with no fragrance makes it a good choice for sensitive skin. 4. **Skin Rocks Cream Cleanser (Best for Dry Skin)** – This rich, moisturizing cleanser is perfect for dry skin. It contains squalane and jojoba oil to hydrate and protect the skin barrier. It removes makeup effectively without leaving a tight or dry feeling. 5. **Q+A Oat Milk Cream Cleanser (Best Budget for Dry Skin)** – An affordable option for dry skin, this cleanser has a thick, hydrating texture that soothes and removes makeup without irritation. It’s suitable for sensitive skin and can be used alongside other treatments for acne-prone skin. 6. **Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Cleansing Gel (Best for Oily Skin)** – This gel cleanser is ideal for oily skin, leaving it feeling clean and hydrated without over-drying. It effectively removes makeup and sunscreen, making it a practical choice for daily use. 7. **The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm (Best for Combination Skin)** – This affordable balm cleanser is great for combination skin. It removes makeup and SPF effectively while leaving the skin feeling balanced and radiant. It’s a good alternative to more expensive options like Elemis’s pro-collagen cleanser. 8. **Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (Best Cleansing Balm)** – This indulgent balm is effective for removing makeup and SPF. It contains oils like elderberry and starflower, which provide a relaxing, spa-like experience. While it’s expensive, it’s often discounted during sales. 9. **Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil (Best Cleansing Oil)** – This oil-based cleanser is ideal for oily skin. It effectively removes makeup and impurities while restoring the skin’s natural oils. It leaves the skin feeling balanced and refreshed. 10. **Tatcha The Indigo Cleansing Balm (Best for Mature Skin)** – This balm is perfect for mature skin, helping to retain moisture and soothe irritation. Its silky texture and compact size make it a great travel option. 11. **Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser (Best K-Beauty Cleanser)** – This foaming gel cleanser is ideal for combination skin. It leaves the skin feeling refreshed and balanced without stripping moisture. It’s a great option for a second cleanse in the morning. 12. **Dua by Augustinus Bader Science Balancing Cream Cleanser (Best for All Skin Types)** – This affordable alternative to Augustinus Bader’s more expensive cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It uses TFC5 technology to support the skin barrier without drying or irritating. In our testing, we found that the best cleansers are those that effectively remove impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural balance. Whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin, there is a cleanser that can meet your needs and support a healthy skincare routine.