10 gentle cleansers that don't strip your skin of its natural oils

Wash off the impurities without drying out your skin with these cleansing must-haves

Credits: 123rf
Credits: 123rf
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We all know that the first step to having clear skin is to cleanse your face thoroughly. 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 leave your skin feeling fresh and clean, but studies have shown that doing so helps your skin absorb the products more efficiently. 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.

Total Cleans’R Remove-It-All Cleanser, $43, Fenty Beauty from Sephora

Credit: Sephora
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This creamy cleanser transforms into a plush lather that gently sloughs away impurities and buildup on your skin. The cleanser comes formulated with Ginkgo biloba which helps to balance pores and fight shine, while Barbados cherry, an antioxidant ingredient helps to revitalise your skin.

La Mousse Off/On Foaming Cleanser, $71, Dior Beauty from Sephora

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A little goes a long way with this luxurious creamy cleanser from Dior Beauty. Light and easy to lather, this cleanser removes makeup residue, as well as UV filters and pollution, leaving your skin free from impurities.

Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel, $62, Then I Met You from Sephora

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Formulated with fermented rice water, this cleanser effectively removes impurities without stripping your skin of its natural oils. What’s more, it also features a blend of PHAs and plant-based antioxidants that cleanse your pores and minimise the risk of you breaking out.

Matcha Heartleaf Hydrating Cleanser, $26, KraveBeauty from Sephora

Credit: Sephora
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Dry skin? Peep KraveBeauty’s gentle, non-stripping cleanser. Made with Matcha and Heartleaf Extract, the cleanser has a gel-like consistency that lathers and foams nicely on the skin upon application. We love the cleanser as it not only removes dirt on the surface but also light makeup and other water-based impurities without stripping the skin.

The Uncomplicated Cleanser, $46, Esmi Skin Minerals from Sephora

Credit: Sephora
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Looking for a cleanser that’s fuss-free and straightforward? Whether you’re looking to hydrate or plump you skin, this cleanser is definitely worth incorporating into your routine. As its name suggests, the Uncomplicated Cleanser gently cleanses and purifies the skin without stripping away the oils, leaving it, soft and plump after each wash.

Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser, $39, belif from The Face Shop

Credit: The Face Shop
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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 your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.

Kaleanser Face Wash, $40, Sigi Skin

Credit: Sigi Skin
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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.

Chanel Sublimage L’Huile-En-Gel De Demaquillage, $149, Chanel Beauty

Credit: Chanel
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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 the detoxifying effects of Harungana Extract keep skin healthy, glowing and smooth.

Gentle Cleansing Foam, $52, Sulwhasoo

Credit: Sulwhasoo
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Having sold more than 19 million bottles since its launch, it’s safe to say that Sulwhasoo’s Gentle Cleansing Foam is a force to be reckoned with. Great for those with dry skin, this moisturising cleansing foam gently removes dead skin cells without overstimulating the skin, so it won’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry.

Immortelle Divine Cleansing Balm, $73, L’Occitane

Credit: L’Occitane
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This cleansing balm effectively dissolves makeup and impurities without drying the skin. The balm then transforms into an oil, which can easily be rinsed off with some water. Besides its cleansing properties, the balm also has anti-ageing properties as well as ingredients like Vitamin E that leave your skin looking smooth, clear and luminous.

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