The best face cleanser is the one that suits your skin type and that you will happily use every day. This page matches seven cleansers from six brands to the skin each one is worded for: normal to oily, oily and prone to mild acne, dry, sensitive, combination, and makeup wearers. Every fact below comes from the product's own listing, with its star rating and rating count. The listing's words are the brand's claims, not our test results.
If you are not sure where to start, begin with the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Gel, then use the sections below to compare skin types, textures and sizes. The how to choose section at the end covers skin type, label words, budget and how often to cleanse.
Best for normal to oily skin: CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Gel
Best for normal to oily skin: the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Gel, because it has by far the most ratings of any face cleanser we checked and the listing words it as dermatologist tested, non comedogenic, unscented and fragrance free.
The listing describes a 236mL oil control foaming gel for normal to oily skin that removes oil and protects the skin barrier, made with niacinamide and ceramides and labelled for face and body. It lists dermatologist tested, non comedogenic, nourishing, unscented and fragrance free. It holds 4.7 stars from 101,993 ratings, the most of any face cleanser we checked.
It suits anyone with normal or oily skin who wants a wash for normal to oily skin from a brand with a very large rating count. The honest catch: it is worded for normal to oily skin, so if your skin is dry, the Vanicream listing further down calls it ideal for dry skin.
Best for oily skin prone to mild acne: CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser
Best for oily skin prone to mild acne: the CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser, because the listing words it as a 2% salicylic acid wash that helps visibly reduce blemishes and the appearance of pores and blackheads.
The listing describes a wash with 2% salicylic acid and purifying clay, formulated for oily skin prone to mild acne. It says it is fragrance free, paraben free, non comedogenic and pH balanced, and developed with dermatologists. The listing also calls CeraVe the number one dermatologist recommended skincare brand in a US dermatologist survey it cites, which covers a set of skincare categories and a limited survey period. It holds 4.7 stars from 36,354 ratings.
It suits oily skin that also gets blemishes, and anyone who specifically wants a salicylic acid wash. The honest catch: the listing words it for oily skin prone to mild acne, so it is a narrower fit than an all round wash.
Best gentle face wash for dry skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Best gentle face wash for dry skin: the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser, because the listing words it as its mildest cleanser for daily facial use that helps remove makeup and excess skin oils without drying, ideal for dry skin.
The listing describes a pump dispenser bottle of about 237 mL, formulated without common irritants for those with sensitive skin. It says the cleanser leaves skin feeling clean and soft. It holds 4.7 stars from 34,119 ratings, the third highest count here.
It suits dry or sensitive skin and anyone who wants a mild daily wash that also lifts makeup. The honest catch: it costs more than every pick here except the Paula's Choice cleanser.
Best large size gentle cleanser for sensitive skin: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Best large size gentle cleanser for sensitive skin: the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 1000mL, because the listing words it as fragrance free, hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested for dry to normal, sensitive skin in a big bottle.
The listing describes a 1000mL cleanser for face and body that hydrates as it cleanses to help soothe and replenish skin. It lists a non comedogenic formula that will not block pores, hypoallergenic, fragrance free and paraben free, and says it helps defend against five signs of skin sensitivity. It holds 4.6 stars from 16,307 ratings, a count shared with the smaller size.
It suits sensitive, dry to normal skin, and anyone who wants one large bottle for face and body. The honest catch: the bottle is labelled for face and body, so it is more than most people need for the face alone.
Best budget face wash: Sukin Signature Foaming Facial Cleanser
Best budget face wash: the Sukin Signature Foaming Facial Cleanser, because it is the lowest priced pick here and the listing words it as cleansing, gentle and refreshing.
The listing describes a 125mL foaming facial cleanser with chamomile and gives the country of origin as Australia. Its description is three words: cleansing, gentle, refreshing. It holds 4.6 stars from 3,265 ratings.
It suits anyone who wants a simple foaming wash without paying for a premium brand. The honest catch: the listing gives only three words of description, so it says little about the formula, and it has far fewer ratings than the CeraVe and Vanicream picks.
Best cleanser for removing makeup: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Best cleanser for removing makeup: The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser, because the listing words it as a soap free all in one cleanser with plant derived squalane that dissolves makeup, for all skin types.
The listing describes a travel size cleanser that removes makeup and dirt while supporting the skin's moisture barrier through hydration. It says the formula is gentle enough for daily use, will not clog pores and was accepted by the National Eczema Association. The directions are to dispense into your hands, rub to warm the product, massage onto a dry face and rinse with warm water, and the listing says to patch test before use. It holds 4.6 stars from 6,163 ratings.
It suits anyone who wears makeup and wants to remove it and cleanse in one step. The honest catch: it is applied to a dry face, which is a different routine from a foaming wash, and this listing is the travel size.
Best premium foaming cleanser for oily or combination skin: Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
Best premium foaming cleanser for oily or combination skin: the Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, because the listing words it with hyaluronic acid and aloe for oily skin that should never feel tight or stripped.
The listing describes a 190 mL foaming cleanser with hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe that turns into a pearlescent texture, helps with oil control and cleanses away makeup, oil and debris. It lists normal, oily, combination, sensitive and blemish prone skin, says it is even suitable for skin prone to dehydration, and says it has no fragrance. It also mentions minimising visible signs of ageing. It holds 4.5 stars from 4,628 ratings.
It suits oily or combination skin, and anyone who wants a foaming wash that also mentions visible signs of ageing. The honest catch: it is the most expensive pick here and has the lowest rating of the seven at 4.5 stars.
How to choose a face cleanser
Match the cleanser to your skin type
Each listing words its own skin type, so start there. The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Gel is worded for normal to oily skin, and the Paula's Choice listing names normal, oily, combination, sensitive and blemish prone skin, so it is the one that names combination skin. For dry skin the Vanicream listing says ideal for dry skin, and the Cetaphil listing says for dry to normal, sensitive skin. The Ordinary listing says suitable for all skin types. These are the brands' own descriptions, so use them as a starting point, not a guarantee.
Foaming wash, gentle wash or makeup remover
Three styles run through this list. The foaming washes are the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Gel, the Sukin cleanser and the Paula's Choice cleanser, worded for oil control, gentle cleansing and a fresh, balanced feel. The gentle washes are Vanicream and Cetaphil, worded for dry and sensitive skin. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is its own routine: the listing says to massage it onto a dry face and rinse with warm water. If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen most days, our cleansing oil guide covers the oil based first cleanse some routines use before a wash like these.
What the label words mean
Fragrance free appears in the listings for both CeraVe washes and Cetaphil, and the Paula's Choice listing says no fragrance. Non comedogenic appears in the listings for both CeraVe washes, Cetaphil and The Ordinary, and the Cetaphil and Ordinary listings say it will not block or clog pores. Dermatologist tested appears in the CeraVe Foaming and Cetaphil listings. These are the brands' own claims, so if one word matters to you, check it in the listing for the exact size you buy.
Blemishes and blackheads
CeraVe Blemish Control and Paula's Choice both mention blemishes. The CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser is worded for oily skin prone to mild acne, with 2% salicylic acid and purifying clay. The Paula's Choice listing lists blemish prone skin and mentions enlarged pores. A cleanser is one step, and our face scrub guide covers the exfoliating step some routines add. Patch test any new product first, as The Ordinary listing itself says.
Budget or premium
Sukin is the lowest priced pick here. The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Gel costs more but comes in a larger 236mL size with far more ratings. Vanicream and Paula's Choice sit at the dearer end, and Paula's Choice is the most expensive pick. If volume matters, the Cetaphil comes in 1000mL. Every pick on this page holds 4.5 stars or higher, so the choice comes down to skin type and routine more than rating.
How often to use a face cleanser
The listings point to daily use, and the pack directions for the cleanser you choose are the guide. A cleanser is the first step of a routine, and our face mask guide covers what some people add after it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best face cleanser in Australia?
For most people the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Gel is the best face cleanser here: it has by far the most ratings of any cleanser we checked, and the listing words it as dermatologist tested, non comedogenic and fragrance free. If your skin is dry or sensitive, the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is the better match.
What is the best face cleanser for oily or combination skin?
The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Gel is worded for normal to oily skin, and the Paula's Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser lists oily and combination skin among its skin types. The CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser is the one to look at when oily skin is also prone to mild acne.
What is the best dermatologist recommended face wash for sensitive skin?
The Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is worded as hypoallergenic, fragrance free and dermatologist tested for sensitive skin, and the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is formulated without common irritants. The CeraVe Blemish Control listing cites a US survey naming CeraVe the number one dermatologist recommended brand. These are each brand's own claims, so patch test any new cleanser first.
Which face cleanser is best for dry or mature skin?
For dry skin, the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser is the pick: the listing calls it ideal for dry skin and says it helps remove makeup and excess skin oils without drying. Mature skin: the Paula's Choice listing mentions visible signs of ageing but is worded for oily skin, so dry mature skin may prefer Vanicream or Cetaphil.
What is the best face cleanser for blackheads, acne or teenagers?
The CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser is the pick: the listing describes a 2% salicylic acid wash that helps visibly reduce blemishes and the appearance of pores and blackheads, with purifying clay, for oily skin prone to mild acne. Choose by skin type rather than age.
Is there a natural or organic face cleanser on this list?
None of the seven listing descriptions calls its formula organic. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser says plant derived squalane, soap free and vegan, and the Sukin Signature Foaming Facial Cleanser lists Australia as its country of origin with three words of description: cleansing, gentle, refreshing. Read each listing's own wording before treating either as natural.
What is the best affordable face cleanser in Australia?
Sukin Signature Foaming Facial Cleanser is the lowest priced pick here, with 4.6 stars from 3,265 ratings in a 125 mL size. The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser Gel costs more but comes in 236 mL and has far more ratings. Vanicream and Paula's Choice are the dearer end of this list.
How often should you cleanse your face?
The listings point to daily use: Vanicream is worded as its mildest cleanser for daily facial use, and The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is described as gentle enough for daily use. Beyond that, follow the directions on the pack of the cleanser you choose, and patch test a new product before using it on your whole face.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or La Roche Posay Hydrating Cleanser: which is better?
Neither is one of the seven picks here, so we have not compared them. For CeraVe, this page covers the Foaming Cleanser Gel and the Blemish Control Cleanser. If you want a cleanser worded as hydrating, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser listing says it hydrates as it cleanses, for dry to normal, sensitive skin.
