From gel cleanser to micellar water: your ultimate face cleansing guide

You know that feeling when you wash your face, but your skin still feels tight, dry, or weirdly greasy? Or when your "gentle" cleanser somehow makes your breakouts worse?

Yeah, we’ve all been there.

The truth is, not all cleansers work the same way, and choosing the wrong one can throw your skin completely out of balance.

So, whether you’re dealing with oiliness, dryness, or just looking for a no-fuss way to remove makeup, here’s a breakdown of the best face cleansers—so you can finally find the one that works for you.

1 Gel cleansers: light, refreshing, and great for deep cleaning. Help control oil and prevent breakouts. Perfect for oily and acne-prone skin.

2 Cream cleansers: thicker and more hydrating, cream cleansers are ideal for dry and sensitive skin.

3 Foam cleansers: foam cleansers lift away dirt, but can be drying, so they are best for combination or oily skin.

4 Oil cleansers: ever tried washing your face with oil? It sounds weird, but it melts away makeup and SPF like a dream. Ideal for all skin types, and especially for dry skin.

5 Micellar water: the lazy girl's best friend. Just swipe it on with a cotton pad—no rinsing needed. Perfect for quick, gentle cleansing, especially for sensitive skin.

6 Cleansing balms: cleansing balms dissolve heavy makeup while keeping the skin soft and hydrated. Great for dry or sensitive skin.

7 Exfoliating cleansers: these have scrubs or acids (AHAs, BHAs) to buff away dead skin and unclog pores. Great for acne-prone or dull skin, but use sparingly!

8 Clay cleansers: if your face gets greasy within minutes of washing it, clay cleansers are your best bet. They help absorb oil and detoxify pores, making them ideal for oily and combination skin.

9 Powder cleansers: water-activated and fun to use, powder cleansers offer gentle exfoliation and a customisable cleanse. Depending on the formula, they can be good for any skin type.