Best Cleansers for 2024 for all Skin Types & Budgets

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Every good skincare routine starts with finding a really good cleanser that suits your needs and your skin type. Cleansing is one of my favourite parts of my regime, so I wanted to round up the best of the best that work for a range of skin types across different budgets. Check out my Best Cleansers for 2024 list.

Why are Cleansers Important?

It doesn’t matter how much money, time and effort you put into skincare if you don’t get your cleanse right, it’s all a big waste. Achieving thoroughly cleansed, but not stripped skin, is the ultimate foundation for keeping your skin barrier in the best shape possible.

Once you have removed all makeup, dirt, SPF and excess oil, your skin can effectively absorb all your other skincare products including serums, moisturisers, oils and more.

Cleansing doesn’t have to be a chore, and if you find the right ones for your needs, you will reap the benefits and get your skin soft, smooth and glowing.

Best Cleansers 2024 for Dry & Sensitive Skin

Dry and sensitive skin needs care and attention when it comes to cleansing and it’s super important to make sure that the skin barrier isn’t compromised. You will need a cleanser that’s super gentle, yet cleanses the skin effectively. Here are my top recommendations.

Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil

This luxurious, silky cleansing oil is suitable for all skin types but I think it’s particularly good for dryness.

It’s a beautiful oil that is super effective at removing makeup and breaking down excess oil in the skin, whilst maintaining the skin’s natural moisture and helping to increase hydration.

It emulsifies effortlessly with water, and doesn’t leave residue behind, just soft, pampered skin.

Shop it via the following links:

Erborian Centella Cleansing Oil

This cleansing all is super effective for removing every trace of makeup yet it is super gentle, even on sensitive skin.

The texture of this oil is silky and luxurious, and it effortlessly breaks down makeup, including waterproof mascara and sunscreen. The formula includes centella asiatica, sweet almond oil and sunflower oil, plus BisaBolife which together work to sooth and hydrate the skin, whilst helping to reduce the redness and inflammation caused by skin irritation.

I absolutely love this stuff and have been through quite a few bottles. I think it is good for all skin types because it’s super light and doesn’t leave a residue on the skin.

The Erborian Centella Cleansing Oil is available via the links below:

Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Make-Up Melting Cleanser

This is a brilliant cleanser if you are looking to make quick work of a face full of makeup!

This cleanser has an incredible texture that from a jelly to a lightweight oil and not only does it instantly break down even the most stubborn makeup, but it impart the skin with lots of skincare ingredients too.

It uses a blend of 9 nourishing oils and also shea butter to condition and soften the skin. A perfect first or single cleanse. For more information, read: Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Make-Up Melting Cleanser Review.

You can purchase this Fenty cleanser via the following links:

Harborist Hyper-Gentle Balm-Gel Cleanser

This is a new product from a small, independent brand and it is absolutely lovely.

It contains 20% Glycerin (one of my favourite products) for an intense hit of hydration and if you have sensitive skin, or any eczema-like symptoms, this will be great for you.

For more information, read: Harborist Hyper-Gentle Balm-Gel Cleanser Review.

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm is an oldie but a goody and I pretty much always have it in my stash. It is a brilliant cleanser for removing every scrap of makeup and impurities.

It is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic which means it’s good for sensitive skin and won’t clog pores. The formula uses safflower seed oil which is rich in linoleic acid, which breaks down makeup and natural oils, whilst leaving skin nourished and soft.

Buy it via the following links:

• Sephora UK*
• LOOKFANTASTIC*
• Clinique*

FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

This is Farmacy’s best selling product and apparently one sells globally every 15 seconds.

This is a great cleansing balm and I find it to be so effective that one cleanse is often enough, even when I am wearing loads of makeup.

It’s super skin softening and nourishing and it leaves my skin feeling really clean but never tight.

Shop FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm via the following links:

This is an absolutely gorgeous creamy facial wash with a texture like marshmallow, where it gets its name.

It is super hydrating and nourishing and is enriched with a natural super antioxidant blend of Goji Berries, Acai Berries and Oat Silk. The Goji Mallow Cleanse is great for red or sensitised skin as it reduces inflammation and helps to restore calm to the complexion. It’s also great for increasing elasticity and improving general skin health.

Best Cleansers 2024 for Oily Skin

When it comes to cleansing oily skin, it is crucial that while excess oil is removed, the skin isn’t stripped and left dehydrated. These cleansers respect the skin barrier while effectively treating oily skin types.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder

Powder cleansers are super convenient and easy to travel with, and this one is a really good one.

It uses white clay and AHAs to detox and smooth the skin in a gentle formula that is even suitable for sensitive skin types. There are also Micro-Crystalline Cellulose Grains that gently sweep away any dead skin that the AHAs have loosened up. A great one to use a couple of times a week.

For more information read: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Powder Cleanser Review. Shiop it via the following link:

Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser

This cleanser has been formulated to gently cleanse complexions prone to oiliness without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier. It’s the perfect solution for if my skin is feeling congested, if I can feel a spot coming or if one has suddenly arrived. 

Whilst giving the skin a deep clean, you can feel how gentle this formula is because it doesn’t strip, and in fact leaves the complexion comfortably hydrated.

Read Dermalogica Active Clay Cleanser Review.

Shop via the following links:

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

All CeraVe products are great for sensitive skin because they are packed with ceramides, and this one is particularly good for oilier skin types.

It’s a refreshing gel that gently removes dirt, oil and makeup. It removes excess oil without stripping the skin and is enriched with niacinamide to help to calm any blemishes and breakouts.

Shop it via the following links:

Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Caudalie is a beautiful French skincare brand and this foam cleanser is a lovely option for oily skins.

This foam cleanser is great for balancing excess serum without stripping the skin, and it has a lovely dose of chamomile in there to soothe and calm too. It is suitable for sensitive skin.

You can shop it via the following links:

Elemis Clarifying Clay Wash

Elemis have a range of products formulated to address oily skins, and this clay wash is really good.

This is a great deep cleanse, that cleans out the pores and lifts away excess oils. It works on blackheads and blemishes without drying out the skin. It has a lovely creamy texture that rinses away effortlessly.

Shop it at:

Best Cleansers 2024 for Combination Skin

I have combination skin and I find cleansing such an important part of my regime to keep my skin as balanced as possible. Light exfoliation helps to deal with t-zone issues, and maximise the absorption of hydrating ingredients.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Cleansing Gelee 

This is a brand new addition to the Advanced Night Repair franchise and I have been really enjoying it. It is an oil-based cleanser, however, it is lovely and light so if you don’t enjoy some of the heavier oils or balms, this one could be for you.

This is a skincare-packed formula designed to help strengthen the skin barrier and leave the skin feeling soft and balance. It comes in a lovely handy tube so it’s great for travel too. For more information read: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Cleansing Gelee Review.

You can buy it via the following links:

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil

This is a pretty new launch from Bioderma – the creators of Micellar Cleansing. I love an oil and this one uses micellar technology to quickly and effectively cleanse the skin.

Although primarily suitable for sensitive skin, I think this is perfect for combination skin as it has a super light oil texture that emulsifies with a splash of water and rinses clean away, leaving zero residue. It also provides antioxidant protection.

For more information read: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil Review.

You can buy this cleansing oil via the following links:

Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm 

If you love a balm but have combination skin, this is a great one because it has ingredients that help to reduce oil over time and also uses a range of nourishing ingredients to leave skin feeling soft and smooth.

It’s great for melting off makeup effortlessly, it emulsifies well and then I tend to use a face cloth to remove all traces of the balm.

Read Naturium Purple Ginseng Cleansing Balm Review for more information.

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser

Again, this oil to foam cleanser is great for combo skins because you get a lovely luxurious oil phase, which with added water turns to a light foam stage.

It melts off makeup if you use it on dry skin to start, and with the soft foaming action when water is added, it actually feels a bit like two cleanses in one.

Read CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser Review for more information.

Buy it at:

Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser

Although this is a hydrating cleanser, I think this is actually a great one of combination skins because it’s great for dealing with excess oil, and has a gentle exfoliating action without stripping.

It can be left on the skin for an extra minute or two to allow the lactic acid to vitamin c to exfoliate and brighten up the skin. I have combination skin and i It leaves my skin feeling super clean and silky soft.

Read Allies of Skin Molecular Silk Amino Hydrating Cleanser Review.

Shop via the following links:

Glossier Cleanser Concentrate

This is a great one for purifying and visibly refining pores. When mixed with water, the cleanser creates a lovely silky lather that feels soft and gentle on the skin.

You need to work it on for at least 60 seconds for the ingredients to activate. I love how it leaves my skin looking. It seems to instantly refine the pores and makes my skin look smooth, bright and glowing. It makes my skin feel tight and toned, but not dry which is key when it comes to a clarifying face wash.

Read Glossier Cleanser Concentrate Clarifying Face Wash Review.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser

This is probably my favourite gel cleanser. I have been through bottles and bottles of it. This one has a gentle acid blend for mild daily exfoliation and it always leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated.

It feels soft and silky on the skin and is a perfect morning cleanse. Read Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Cleanser Review.

Shop it via the following links:

Best All Round Luxury Cleansers 2024

Cle de Peau Beaute Cleansing Oil

This is a super luxurious cleansing oil and it is absolutely wonderful. It is expensive, but such good quality. It melts off makeup instantly, feels like silk on the skin, rinses away effortless and leaves my skin feeling so soft and comfortable. Plus it gives you a glow. I love it.

The texture feels like a beautiful serum, and the formula is packed with antioxidant grapeseed oil, marula oil, meadowfoam oil (amazing for balancing the skin) and argan oil for deep hydration. It is worth the splurge.

The Cle de Peau Beaute Cleansing Oil is available to buy via the following links:

Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser

This cleanser was a wonderful new discovery in 2023. The Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser is dubbed as a luxurious facial in a bottle and is an absolute joy to use.

The formula contains 23 synergistic active ingredients and can deliver antioxidant protection at a cellular level over 8 hours. It is much more than just a cleanser. It feels absolutely glorious on the skin and leaves my skin glowing. Love it. It’s a new obsession. For more information, read: Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser Review.

You can buy this oil cleanser via the following links:

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm

The original cleansing balm from Elemis is a true skincare icon. One of my favourite iterations is the Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm.

It has the same luxurious skin-loving texture as the original, with that same spa-like feel, but instead is infused with beautiful infused with English Rose Oleo Extract which is great for sensitive skin.

Buy it at:

Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm

This balm uses a true skincare formula and it’s as much about nourishing the skin as it is about cleansing. It uses Augustinus Bader’s TFC8 complex supports cellular renewal and guides key nutrients to the cells.

It turns into silky, lightweight oil texture upon application and a super soft milky emulsion when you add water, and leaves skin smooth, hydrated and super clean.

Read the full Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm Review.

It is available via the following links:

Best All Round Budget Cleansers 2024

The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm 

This is such a good quality balm cleanser at a really affordable price. It is designed to melt away makeup and impurities, and also moisturise and condition the skin with Oat Kernel Oil and Colloidal Oatmeal.

It’s a great first cleanse with a rich thick texture, and you can also leave it on the skin for 10 minutes if you feel you need a moisture boost. I think this is an excellent cleanser and it has a huge fan base.

Read the full review – The Inkey List Oat Cleansing Balm Review.

You can buy it via the following links:

+ Buy From

• Cult Beauty*
• LOOKFANTASTIC*
• The Inkey List*

Garnier Gentle Hydrating Deep Cleanser

This is a new 2023 launch from Garnier and it’s a really good one. If you’re looking for an affordable deep cleanser that’s super gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, you can’t go wrong with this one.

This is a really gentle yet hardworking formula. It uses clay to deep cleanse, while Hyaluronic Acid hydrates and Ceramides lock in water and help protect the skin barrier. I actually think that this is a pretty good dupe for the much pricier Augustinus Bader The Cream Cleansing Gel.

They share a similar light, hydrating texture that can deeply cleanse the skin without stripping it of moisture. Plus it comes in a lovely big bottle, so it will last you ages. You can’t go wrong with it. For more information, read: Garnier Gentle Hydrating Deep Cleanser Review.

Get it at:

Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm

I love the Skin Food moisturiser, so I knew that I’d enjoy the Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm.

This balm has a really nice texture – it’s a silky oil-balm texture and it melts into the skin easily and starts to break up makeup quickly. It emulsifies with water and rinses away nicely.

It has that super comforting Skin Food aroma, and leaves my skin feeling supple. For more information, read: Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm Review.

It is available to buy via the following links:

The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser

I am a big fan of this gel cleanser that launched last year and I think it’s a perfect one to pop in your shower.

It has a gel-to-foam format that gently cleanses the skin and whilst helping to maintain the all important skin barrier. It contains just eight ingredients which is always good to see, and I find this leaves my skin feeling clean without any tightness.

For more information, read: The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser Review.

You can buy it via the following links:

The Ordinary has two other very affordable cleansers. You can compare them all in The Ordinary Cleanser- Which One Should I Use?

CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

This is on4 of the newest cleansers from cult high street skincare brand CeraVe and it’s absolutely lovely.

This cleanser is designed to deliver the benefits of a double cleanse in one easy step. It works to gently removes oil, dirt, and makeup and uses a combination of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and gentle, amino-acid based surfactants.

For more information, Read: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser review.

You can buy it via the following links:

Brand New Cleansers for 2024

I will keep this section updated with all the new cleanser launches for the year.

MAC HyperReal Fresh Canvas Cream to Foam Cleanser

This new cleanser in the HyperReal franchise has a soft and creamy texture that turns into a gentle foam to deeply cleanse the skin.

It is designed to leave skin feeling fresh and moisturised with a healthy glow.

It just launched and is available now via the following links:

I hope you find this Best Cleansers for 2024 round up useful. I would love to hear your favourites too! I am always around to chat on Instagram.

Make sure you check out my other roundups of the best skincare of the year:

• Best Serums for 2024
• Best Moisturisers for 2024
• Best Eye Creams for 2024