Cleansers decoded

They're often left as an afterthought in our skincare routines, but never underestimate the power of a good cleanser. Not only do they provide important skin-improving benefits, but cleansing correctly will help your other products to work more efficiently too. Here's our pick of the best.

Shop Cleansers

 

The balm cleanser




Clinique Cleansing Balm

Lightweight and silky, the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm melts away dirt and every last bit of makeup while nourishing your skin. It's suitable for every skin type and perfect to add to your routine as we move into winter.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, £26

 

The foam cleanser

Estee Lauder Foam Cleanser

Best suited to oily and combination types, a foam cleanser will leave your skin squeaky clean. This formula from Estee Lauder gently removes makeup, unclogs pores and leaves your skin looking fresh and healthy. Use daily as a cleanser and twice a week as a three-minute mask. 

Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Foam Cleanser Purifying Mask, £24.00

 

The exfoliating cleanser

Clarins One-Step Exfoliating Cleanser

Exfoliating cleansers are designed to decongest clogged pores, remove excess oil and kill bacteria. They're usually used in the morning or as a second cleanse in the evening - not to remove makeup. Kiehl's version features pearlstone, which tackles clogged pores to gently exfoliate the skin and leave it feeling renewed. 

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser, £28

 

The cleansing milk

Sisley cleanser

If you suffer with dry, sensitive skin, try a milk cleanser to gently clean and soothe without stripping it of its natural oils. Enriched with white lily, Sisley's leaves skin feeling hydrated and smells like a spa. 

Sisley Lyslait Makeup Remover Cleansing Milk, £85

 

The oil cleanser

Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil


Oil cleansers are one of the best in the business for removing dirt and makeup as they work to gently dissolve any impurities on the surface of your skin. Apply to dry hands and smooth over a dry face working the product into the skin - perfect for an at-home massage. 

Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil, £35

 

The eye makeup remover

Clarins

If your eye makeup is particuarly stubborn and long-lasting, it's worth using a separate cleanser to avoid any discomfort or irritation. Caudalie's Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water will remove it in one swipe and includes soothing and moisturising organic grape water to refresh the skin.

Caudalie Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water, £15