We all know that the first step to having clear skin is to cleanse properly. Doing this ensures you remove all the grime, pollution, sunscreen, oil, makeup and sweat which if not removed, could clog your pores and eventually lead to breakouts.
Not only does it give you a clean, fresh feeling, studies have shown that clean skin is much better at absorbing other products that you put on afterwards too. With literally thousands of options out there, it can be hard to find the right one. So, let us give you a head start with some of our favourites…
This jelly-to-foam cleanser will gently remove dirt, makeup and dust that may have settled on your face during the day. Formulated with glycerine and plant-derived hydrating ingredients, it will leave you skin feeling soft, smooth and calm.
Not only will this cleanse, it will also gently exfoliate dead skin thanks to sugar cane extract, citrus lemon fruit extract and sugar maple extract so you have brighter smoother, softer skin. The gel texture is refreshing and the cleanser is gentle enough to be used night and day.
This vegan cleanser will gently remove all traces of makeup, dirt and impurities while preserving your skin’s natural equilibrium. It’s packed with kale extracts that help deep cleanse pores and brighten skin, and soy extracts that soothe and moisturise skin so it doesn’t feel tight and uncomfortable after cleansing.
Turn your daily cleansing routine into a mini spa session with this luxurious cleanser. When the gel comes in contact with the natural warmth of the skin, it turns into an oil which effectively removes all traces of makeup, pollution and dirt. When the oil comes in contact with water it turns into a milk and the impurities are washed away. Antioxidant benefits of Vanilla Planifolia Water and detoxifying effects of Harungana Extract keep skin healthy, glowing and smooth.
Super gentle on skin, this deep cleansing formula has a creamy texture that lathers nicely to remove dirt and dead skin cells effectively with zero feeling of tightness.
Enriched with acacia honey, this has a honey-like consistency that transforms into a mousse when it is emulsified with water. It dissolves makeup and impurities, leaving skin soft and hydrated after you rinse it off.
This mask/cleanser hybrid is a creamy texture and boasts light exfoliation suitable for most sensitive skin types. Leave on for 10 minutes and let the multiple brightening and hydrating ingredients soak into your skin before rinsing off.
Don’t be fooled by the pretty bottle – this gel cleanser works deep to remove impurities and oils. Like the other products in the range, it boasts soothing and hydrating ingredients to leave your skin feeling fresh and plump.
With the texture of hair mousse, not only is this whipped cleanser super fun to apply, it also contains pearl extract serum to brighten and moisturise. Free of alcohol and soap, which can dry out your skin, it’s perfect for an everyday clean.
Boasting red pine oil in the formula to maintain moisture and oil levels, the rich cream lathers into a smooth foam that thoroughly cleanses your skin of impurities.
Apply on dry skin with dry hands, then wet your hands and massage the face, and rinse off. It has a subtle floral scent from the essential oil extracts.
Made for sensitive skin, this balm contains shea butter and blackcurrant oil to make the skin feel softer and moisturised. Use on dry skin.
The double-cleansing scrub melts right into skin, transforming from balm to oil to remove makeup, then to foam for deep-cleansing. In two variations: charcoal for oily skin, and green tea to soothe irritated skin.
Foams up really thick and creamy, more than any of the lot here. Skin feels comfortable and clean, not tight and dry, after use. It works best as a final cleanser after removing makeup and sunscreen.
This is a cult favourite. Its light foam gently cleanses and exfoliates thin, sensitive and troubled skin. It’s best to lather the product between your hands first as the balm becomes very watery when applied.
Apply this to skin when it’s dry, not wet. Then, massage with damp fingers and watch as stubborn waterproof makeup rinses right off. It’s tough on the heaviest eye makeup but so gentle on the eye area. Its fruity scent is also a delight.
This contains binchotan charcoal powder to absorb impurities while rice bran, enzymes and lactic acid cleanse and smooth without drying out skin even when used daily. It also has anti-pollution properties; it has an antioxidant that is said to prevent pollution particles from sticking to skin.
The finely milled formula with sugar extract and lotus seeds, for weekly use, dissolves completely to form a creamy lather and leaves a pleasant, subtle floral scent on your skin.
A daily-use bamboo charcoal-based powder with fine walnut shells that cleanses and exfoliates so you can skip the cleanser. It leaves skin feeling and smelling minty-fresh with its blend of essential oils.
This article was first published in Cleo.