The best facial cleansers in the UK 2023

An essential beauty gesture, facial cleansing allows you to keep your skin healthy and free of impurities and dirt. Faced with the numerous cleansing products of different brands on the market, it is difficult to choose. To help you see more clearly, we have included in this guide the best facial cleansers of the moment.

Jonzac thermal spring water based dermal cleansing gel 1
9/10

Best value for money

Jonzac thermal spring water based dermal cleansing gel

The best face wash in 2021

Formulated with soothing thermal spring water, this gel gently cleanses the skin. It is ideal for sensitive and dehydrated skin.

4,86 £ on Amazon

The Jonzac thermal water-based dermal cleansing gel promises effective cleansing without causing tightness. It contains soothing and calming active ingredients, leaving the skin soft. It eliminates all impurities without leaving any residue for a clean and soft skin.

Ideal for sensitive and dehydrated skin, it also quenches the skin's thirst and boosts moisture levels. With a foaming texture, it brings freshness and radiance to your face. Moreover, its discrete perfume and its organic composition constitute other advantages.

Gel Nettoyant Visage Neutrogena Hydro Boost Aqua-Gel 2
7/10

Best value for money

Gel Nettoyant Visage Neutrogena Hydro Boost Aqua-Gel

The best entry-level face wash

With Barrier Care technology, this gel intensely cleanses your face while intensely moisturizing it for healthy glowing skin.

7,92 £ on Amazon
SO'BiO étic Facial Cleanser Foam 3
8/10

Best value for money

SO'BiO étic Facial Cleanser Foam

The best high-end face wash

This cleansing foam guarantees quality cleansing. It deeply purifies the skin to make it radiant and offer a clearer, fresher and purer complexion.

5,24 £ on Amazon
Detoxifying Face Wash - Garnier Organic Lemongrass 4
9/10

A great choice

Detoxifying Face Wash - Garnier Organic Lemongrass

A refreshing, organic face wash

Formulated from organic citronella essential oil, this product ensures gentle cleansing for perfect skin, free of all impurities.

4,36 £ on Amazon

Thanks to the combination of Organic Lemongrass essential oil, known for its purifying properties, and Cornflower Floral Water and Vegetable Glycerin, this Garnier Organic Detoxifying Cleanser effectively eliminates excess sebum, impurities and pollution residues for a perfectly clean and fresh skin.

It purifies the skin without drying it out. In addition, it seduces with its fresh herbaceous scent, 100% natural. Dermatologically tested, this facial cleanser is suitable for normal to combination skin, but also for sensitive skin.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best facial cleanser

Any specific needs?

The best face wash in 2021

The best entry-level face wash

The best high-end face wash

A refreshing, organic face wash

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best facial cleansers

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Jonzac thermal spring water based dermal cleansing gel 5
9/10
Gel Nettoyant Visage Neutrogena Hydro Boost Aqua-Gel 6
7/10
SO'BiO étic Facial Cleanser Foam 7
8/10
Detoxifying Face Wash - Garnier Organic Lemongrass 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Jonzac thermal spring water based dermal cleansing gel
Gel Nettoyant Visage Neutrogena Hydro Boost Aqua-Gel
SO'BiO étic Facial Cleanser Foam
Detoxifying Face Wash - Garnier Organic Lemongrass
Formulated with soothing thermal spring water, this gel gently cleanses the skin. It is ideal for sensitive and dehydrated skin.
With Barrier Care technology, this gel intensely cleanses your face while intensely moisturizing it for healthy glowing skin.
This cleansing foam guarantees quality cleansing. It deeply purifies the skin to make it radiant and offer a clearer, fresher and purer complexion.
Formulated from organic citronella essential oil, this product ensures gentle cleansing for perfect skin, free of all impurities.
Skin type
sensitive, normal to combination
sensitive, normal
Normal, sensitive
normal to mixed, sensitive
Components
thermal water-based
moisturizing agent and hyaluronic acid
natural ingredients
essential oil of Citronella Bio
Texture
gel skin
in gel
mousse
gel
Hydration
Certified Organic?
Yes
yes
yes
yes

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Buying guide - facial cleanser

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How to choose your facial cleanser

Facial cleansing is the first step in your skin care routine. It is very important to choose the right product for you. There are a few things to consider when buying a face wash.

#1 - Skin type

Skin type is the first factor to consider when considering a facial cleanser to find the right product for you. If you have sensitive or dry skin, you should opt for a gentle, moisturizing cleanser.

Normal skin, on the other hand, has the great advantage of being able to tolerate a wider variety of products. People with combination skin should choose products that don't make their skin suffer more. In fact, they should opt for facial cleansers that do not dry it out and that help control the production of sebum in oily areas.

#2 - Ingredients

The ingredients of a product is an important element to check before buying a beauty product. A facial cleanser most often contains collagen and elastin. They help keep skin smooth and firm.

It is crucial to check the list of ingredients contained in a product, especially if you have sensitive skin or suffer from allergies. Also, you may have adverse reactions to any of them. There are also facial cleansers that contain perfumes or parabens that your skin cannot tolerate. So, the ideal is to choose a product that does not contain any harmful ingredients for your skin.

#3 - Texture

Face cleansers come in different textures. You can choose between gel, cream or foam products. Very effective and with a fresh, creamy texture, gel facial cleansers are the most common.

Facial cleansing creams are ideal for dry skin. Richer than gel textures, they often contain moisturizing active ingredients that preserve the skin's hydrolipidic film. Lightness and softness are the order of the day with facial cleansing foams. Their airy texture melts on contact with the skin, delivering their subtle fragrances.

#4 - Moisture factor

It is very important to choose a face cleanser that boosts the level of hydration. Indeed, a product with a good hydration factor guarantees a quality cleansing, without causing tightness or irritation of the skin. Moreover, it nourishes it deeply to keep it balanced.

#5 - Absorption

Absorption is also a key factor to consider when it comes to facial cleansing. It's best to opt for a product with the best absorption factor. This is because a cleanser that absorbs better has the ability to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. In addition, it is ideal for unclogging pores.

How to properly cleanse your face?


The skin faces many external aggressions in a day. The face is the part that suffers the consequences. That's why it's very important to cleanse it morning and night to keep your skin healthy and radiant. The cleaning of the face allows to tighten the pores, to reduce the rate of oil present on the face, because that makes it unsightly. It also helps to fight against pimples, acne, sebum, etc.. However, for an optimal effect, it is necessary to use the good product adapted to its type of skin to avoid irritating the skin. In addition, you need to know how to properly cleanse your face to have a constant feeling of freshness.

There are a few steps to follow to get rid of all the impurities. First and foremost, you need to make sure your hands are clean to avoid the spread of bacteria. First, you need to use a facial soap. You can also apply a gel cleanser if you want to deep clean. Then, lather a small amount of product with water in the palm of your hands and apply to your neck and face. Gently massage your skin with circular motions and rinse with warm water.
After that, you can apply the toner to calm your skin. This will also make it look brighter and fresher. Finally, apply your facial moisturizer to keep your skin young and soft.

The different types of facial cleansers

There are many types of facial cleansers on the market. We will see below the most common ones.

Cleansing gels

Gel cleansers have antiseptic and exfoliating properties. They are very effective in purifying pores, removing excess oil and killing acne-causing bacteria.

They effectively cleanse impurities such as pollution and dust particles. They are often the most suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.

Micellar water

Micellar water is a perfect cleansing product to get a soft and totally purified face. It is made from purified water and small balls of cleansing oil suspended in the water.

It effectively removes makeup and any other impurities outside the pores. Plus, it removes excess oil for softer, healthier skin.

Cleansing foams

In cream or gel form, foaming cleansers remove excess oil as effectively as gel cleansers. They also remove hard-to-remove products effectively like makeup and sunscreen.

In general, foam cleansers are suitable for normal to combination skin.

Cleansing wipes

Made from special fibers, cleansing wipes are very convenient for cleansing the skin. They can effectively remove impurities as well as dead skin cells for smoother, more radiant skin.

Cleansing gel or micellar water?

Cleansing gel

Often containing sulfates or surfactants, the cleansing gel is a product to take care of its skin. It has many benefits for the skin. However, it is necessary to choose the formulation well and to check the dosage of surfactants. Indeed, if these sulfates, which are known to be irritating surfactants, are not combined with other mild surfactants, it can cause problems for the skin.

The cleansing gel effectively removes all impurities and dirt attached to the skin such as make-up pigments, toxins released by the skin, dust and pollutant particles. Moreover, it preserves the hydrolipidic film. It thus ensures a perfect cleaning without irritating the skin.

The formula of the cleansing gel also contains moisturizing and softening active ingredients, as well as agents like citric acid. This is another reason why it limits tightness. It thus guarantees a beautiful feeling of softness.

There are also cleansing gels that contain active ingredients such as cleansing zinc and copper. These can treat the problems of mixed and oily skin. Others are based on thermal or floral water. They are designed to soothe dry and sensitive skin.

Micellar water

Soothing and purifying, micellar water contains micelles. Thanks to the mixture of water and oil, it is very effective to clean the skin without attacking the cutaneous barrier. It is essential to remove make-up without leaving any residue.

Very practical and fast, it can offer a clean and soft skin in some minutes only. Moreover, it offers a pleasant sensation of freshness on the skin. Formulated without soap, it is thus appropriate for all the types of skins, even the driest and most sensitive.

Gentle and alcohol-free, micellar water works well on all types of makeup. If you are used to wearing too much makeup or waterproof makeup, which is a little difficult to remove, it removes makeup, cleanses your skin thoroughly and purifies your epidermis.

Verdict

Cleansing gel and micellar water each have their own characteristics and benefits for the skin. The choice depends on your preference, but also on your skin type. To cleanse combination to oily skin, the ideal is a cleansing gel.

Tips

Never wash your face more than once

It is important to never wash your face more than twice a day, as this can lead to a rebound effect.

Don't use hot water

You should never use hot water on your face before applying your cleanser. Hot water dehydrates your skin and potentially robs it of its natural lipid barrier.

Be sure to read labels

It is very important to read the ingredient list of a face wash carefully, as the cleansing gel may contain harmful substances that should be avoided.

Have clean hands

You should actually have clean hands before proceeding with your face wash. Opt for an antibacterial soap for this purpose, to effectively remove any germs on the hands.

Exfoliate once a week!

To regain a glowing skin, exfoliation once a week is necessary. Exfoliation eliminates dead cells and fights against the appearance of pimples and blackheads.

FAQ

What is the best face wash?

The best face wash depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to learn more.

When is the best time to cleanse your skin?

It is recommended to cleanse your face at night to remove makeup, pollution particles and other residues encountered during the day. You should also do it in the morning, to remove the sebum and perspiration accumulated during the night.

How often should you cleanse your face?

You should cleanse your face twice a day. This refreshes the face and removes pollutants, sweat and impurities.

Should you always rinse your cleanser? Why is facial cleansing important?

It is better to always rinse your cleanser instead of keeping cleansing ingredients on the skin throughout the day. This allows to keep on the skin traces of limestone which, in the long run, aggress the skin.

The purpose of facial cleansing is to rid the skin of its impurities while preserving its hydrolipidic film which protects the skin from external aggressions.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  3. Cleaning your skin with micellar water : the advantages, labelleadresse.com
  4. Face cleanser : how to clean your skin - NIVEA, nivea.fr
  5. Which face cleanser to choose?, vichy.ca
  6. Which cleanser to choose according to my skin needs?, polaar.com
  7. Which cleanser to choose for my face ? To have a healthy skin fight against imperfections and, aufeminin.com
  8. How to choose and use my face cleanser ? - PHYTOMER, phytomer.fr
  9. How to choose a good face cleanser?, bonnie-garner.com
  10. BEST FACE MAKEUP REMOVERS, bestreviews.com
  11. Face cleansers - 22 new face cleansers for a ..., doctissimo.fr
  12. Face cleansers - Toxic Substances in ..., quechoisir.org
  13. The 40 best face cleansers for a healthy skin?, gqmagazine.fr
  14. Foaming Face Cleanser ≡ SEPHORA, sephora.fr
  15. Face Cleansers | NEUTROGENA®, neutrogena.fr
  16. Face Cleanser : 5 easy recipes to make at home, planetezerodechet.fr
  17. Face Cleanser - Adapted to each skin type - NIVEA, nivea.fr
  18. How to cleanse your face according to your skin type, madmoizelle.com
  19. Face Cleanser | Cleansing Gel | Univers Pharmacie, universpharmacie.fr
  20. Organic & Natural Makeup & Face Cleansers, cattier-paris.com
  21. Solid Face Cleansers : the new beauty gesture ..., cosmopolitan.fr
  22. Amazon.co.uk : face cleansers, amazon.co.uk
  23. Face cleansers - Boutique bio, boutiquebio.fr
  24. Face cleansers : the best face cleansers - Elle, elle.fr
  25. Face cleansers and toners | L'OCCITANE, fr.loccitane.com
  26. Face cleansers and exfoliators | Kiehl's Since 1851, kiehls.fr
  27. Top 10 best face cleansers 2019, my-best.fr
  28. Face cleansers and makeup removers | notino.en, notino.fr
  29. Natural Face Washes in Powder | Yodi Beauty, yodibeauty.com
  30. Cleansers | Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, lush.com
  31. Carrot Energizing Face Wash | The Body Shop®, thebodyshop.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Jonzac thermal spring water based dermal cleansing gel 9
Jonzac thermal spring water based dermal cleansing gel
Gel Nettoyant Visage Neutrogena Hydro Boost Aqua-Gel 10
Gel Nettoyant Visage Neutrogena Hydro Boost Aqua-Gel
SO'BiO étic Facial Cleanser Foam 11
SO'BiO étic Facial Cleanser Foam
Detoxifying Face Wash - Garnier Organic Lemongrass 12
Detoxifying Face Wash - Garnier Organic Lemongrass

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