I would argue cleansing is the most important step in any skincare routine—a good cleanser will wake up your complexion after a restful night or wash away the day so the rest of your skincare can do its job. Plus, there’s no better feeling than clean, fresh and radiant skin, right? But finding the right formula is half the battle, especially if the one you’re currently using is leaving your skin feeling dull and lacklustre.

To get the best out of your cleanser, it’s important to first identify your skin type and what your skin needs. Whether you have dry, sensitive, oily, acne or eczema-prone skin, there is a cleanser out there for you (we promise). But, with what seems like endless choice, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. Never fear, we’ve got you. 

Here, we’ve got your complete guide to the best cleansers for your skin type—because everyone deserves to enjoy that fresh skin feeling.

What are cleansers and how do they work? 

Unlike typical face washes, whose job is to foam up and simply rid the skin of oil and dirt, cleansers are more gentle in their formulas and are designed to clean the skin without stripping away natural oils—ultimately protecting our all-important moisture barrier. Cleansers can not only clean the skin from makeup, pollution and excess oil, but good ones can also nourish, balance and assist the skin in its natural exfoliation. Essentially, cleansing helps to keep your pores clear and preps your face for the rest of your skincare, allowing products like serums and moisturisers to absorb more effectively. 

As for how they work, you ask? We won’t bore you going too deep into the science (we are here for the beauty, after all). In short, cleansers work by absorbing impurities on the skin, using chemical or natural detergents called surfactants and allowing them to be washed away more easily. They contain a range of ingredients formulated specially for facial skin, allowing them to clean the skin more effectively than standard soap. 

How often should I be cleansing? 

At a minimum, we should all be cleansing at least once a day—preferably in the evening to wash off any makeup and dirt build up from the day. If you have more acne-prone or oily skin, you might want to cleanse in the morning, too, to wash off any overnight oil build-up. However, it is important to remember, if you find your skin is feeling tight or dry after a morning cleanse (trust us, you’ll know when this happens), then stick to evening only. 

The What: Oil-based cleansers are generally rich formulas packed full of (surprise, surprise) oils. They make for great makeup removers and help to remove stubborn water-resistant SPF, dirt and even excess oil from the skin. They can be used alone, or as a first step in a double-cleansing routine, leaving the skin soft and supple.

Best For: All skin types. However, if you have skin that is easily irritated, opt for a fragrance-free formula. Or, if your skin is easily congested or acne-prone, ensure you go with a lighter formula.  

Ones to try:  

Go-To Fancy Face, $45 from MECCA  

Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser, $82 from MECCA

Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil, $62 from Adore Beauty

CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser, $18.99 from Chemist Warehouse

The What: Cream cleansers, or sometimes referred to as milk cleansers, often have a thicker, cream-like texture and are effective at removing makeup, as well as generally ridding the skin from pollution and oil build up. Generally containing more hydrating ingredients, they are softer on the skin and leave it feeling plump and radiant.

Best For: Normal, dry and sensitive skin types. 

Ones to try:  

Alpha H Balancing Cleanser, $54.95 from Adore Beauty

Clarins Velvet Cleansing Milk, $49 from David Jones

SkinCeuticals Gentle Cream Cleanser, $79 from Adore Beauty 

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, $11.99 from Chemist Warehouse

The What: Just like their name, foaming cleansers form a rich foamy-lather on application and are great for removing excess oil, dirt and makeup. Although cleansers don’t have to foam to be effective, many prefer foaming formulas as they often give more of a ‘squeaky clean’ feeling.  

Best For: Oily, acne-prone or combination skin. Sensitive and dry skin types will want to avoid foaming cleansers as they can be more drying than other cleanser types.  

Ones to try:

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, $44 from MECCA

Dr. Barbara Sturm Cleanser, $94 from MECCA 

KORRES Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cream Cleanser, $37 from MECCA

Hada Labo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, $28.95 from Adore Beauty

The What: These cleansers have a gel-like texture and are a great option if you like a deep clean but find foaming cleansers too harsh for your skin. Easily lifting dirt and impurities from the skin, gel cleansers are lightweight and will leave skin feeling hydrated and, most importantly, clean. 

Best For: All skin types–especially those prone to congestion. 

Ones to try: 

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser, $59 from Sephora

Go-To Juicy Gel, $39 from MECCA

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, $97.10 from Adore Beauty

Bioderma Sensibo Soothing Foaming Gel Cleanser, $26.99 from Adore Beauty

NUXE Reve De Miel Face Cleansing and Makeup Removing Gel, $26

The What: Micellar and cleansing waters are, you guessed it, water-based cleansers. They shine when tasked with removing makeup and SPF and are perfect for on-the-go cleansing. Often non-rinse, they don’t leave behind any greasy residue and are the perfect travel companion, or for use as a first step in your double cleansing routine. 

Best For: All skin types. 

Ones to try: 

Bioderma Sensibo H20 Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser, $22.99 at Chemist Warehouse

VERSO Micellar Water, $64 at MECCA

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $10.29 at Chemist Warehouse

Dermalogica Micellar Prebiotic Precleanse, $70.30 at Adore Beauty

The What: Rich and ultra-moisturising, cleansing balms are effective at removing makeup and day-to-day pollution, leaving the skin feeling soft, nourished and clean. Dubbed oil-cleansers-in-solid-form, cleansing balms are up there as the most popular cleanser of choice and are ideal for a first or complete cleanse.

Best For: All skin types, particularly sensitive and eczema prone skin. 

Ones to try: 

Alpha H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm, $69.95 from Adore Beauty

RATIONALE #4 The PreCleanse Balm, $134 from RATIONALE

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, $106 from MECCA

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, $65 from Adore Beauty