Best Cleansing Gels & Foams of 2026
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Cleansing gels and foams are a popular choice for those looking for an effective way to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from their skin. These products come in a variety of formulas and are suitable for all skin types. They are designed to gently cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils, leaving it feeling refreshed and revitalized. Cleansing gels and foams are an essential part of any skincare routine and can help to improve the overall appearance and health of your skin.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Cleansing Gels & Foams
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid
The CeraVe Blemish Cleanser is specially formulated for blemish-prone skin, developed in collaboration with dermatologists. It features three essential ceramides that help protect your skin's natural barrier, ensuring it remains healthy. This refreshing gel-to-foam cleanser effectively removes dirt, impurities, and excess oils, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed. With MVE Technology, it locks in moisture, providing you with 24-hour hydration, so your skin stays nourished throughout the day.
Aveeno Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
The Aveeno Oat Cleanser is a gentle, non-foaming formula designed specifically for sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, impurities, and oil, leaving your skin feeling soothed and hydrated. Infused with Prebiotic Oat, it helps support your skin's natural moisture barrier, promoting repair and comfort. Additionally, the inclusion of Calming Feverfew provides antioxidant benefits, further enhancing the soothing effect. This hypoallergenic cleanser is fragrance-free, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to care for their sensitive skin without irritation.
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel for Blemish-Prone Skin
The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Gel is designed for deep cleansing, helping you achieve effortlessly clear skin. It effectively unclogs pores and removes excess oil, making it ideal for those with blemish-prone skin. This gel also reduces and prevents blemishes, such as blackheads and whiteheads, by eliminating unwanted sebum. Enriched with Salicylic Acid, Sea Salt, and Niacinamide, it stimulates the removal of old skin cells, ensuring your skin feels fresh and revitalised.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser
The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser is a refreshing facial cleanser designed for dry or dehydrated skin. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it effectively boosts your skin's hydration, ensuring it feels moisturised and plump. You can easily remove stubborn oil, make-up, and dirt, making your cleansing routine quick and efficient. This product is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, so you can enjoy a gentle yet thorough cleanse without irritation.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser with Niacinamide
Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser is perfect for even the most sensitive skin, making it suitable for all ages, including children and babies. Its clinically proven formula effectively removes dirt, makeup, and impurities while keeping your skin's moisture barrier intact. With Micellar Technology, it hydrates as it cleanses, ensuring your skin feels soothed and replenished. The new and improved formula includes Glycerin and Niacinamide, providing additional hydration without causing dryness, making it a gentle choice for your daily skincare routine.
L’Oréal Paris Men Expert 3-in-1 Wash
The Men Expert Beard Wash is designed to effectively cleanse your beard, face, and hair. It washes away beard flakes, residue, and odours, ensuring your beard feels soft while also nourishing the skin underneath. This product is perfect for men with oily skin and is suitable for all beard types. Enriched with Cedarwood Essential Oil, it offers a natural way to refresh your grooming routine, free from harsh ingredients like soap and parabens.
Purifide Daily Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin
The Purifide Daily Cleanser is specially formulated for sensitive, spot-prone skin. It is dermatologically tested, ensuring it gently cleanses without clogging pores, which is ideal for reducing facial sebum. The mild, soap-free formula includes skin-soothing ingredients like Liquorice Root Extract and Glycerin, helping to maintain hydration and leave your skin feeling soft. Additionally, it respects your skin's natural barrier, effectively removing oil and makeup without harshness, making it perfect for daily use.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser with Niacinamide
Cetaphil Skin Cleanser is ideal for even the most sensitive skin, making it suitable for all ages, including children and babies. Its clinically proven formula removes dirt, makeup, and impurities while maintaining your skin's moisture barrier, so you won't experience dryness after repeated use. With Micellar Technology, it provides long-lasting hydration, soothing and replenishing your skin as it cleanses. The new and improved formula includes hydrating Glycerin, Niacinamide, and Panthenol, ensuring a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser
The Beauty of Joseon Cleanser is a refreshing gel-type product enriched with plum water and mung bean extract. It maintains the skin's natural moisture balance while effectively removing impurities. The lightweight gel texture ensures your skin feels both dry and hydrated after use. Additionally, the inclusion of green plum water helps gently exfoliate dead skin cells, promoting a healthier skin turnover cycle. This means you can enjoy clearer, revitalised skin with every wash.
E45 Daily Foaming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
The E45 Foaming Cleanser is a gentle daily face wash designed for dry and sensitive skin. It effectively cleanses without stripping your skin of its natural moisture, ensuring that you feel refreshed and not dry after use. Dermatologically tested, it reaches deep into your pores to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, making it ideal for both morning and evening routines. This cleanser is also suitable for those prone to eczema and dermatitis, providing a caring solution for delicate skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is better gel or foam cleanser?
Furthermore, foaming cleanser is almost always better if your skin can handle it purely because of its deep cleansing properties. If foaming cleanser turns out to be too much, you can always switch to gel cleanser and know that it'll be fine for your skin while still providing a good amount of cleaning action.
2. What is cleansing foaming gel?
Foaming Cleansers: They're usually suggested for oily and acne-prone skin types since they are meant to deep clean the skin by getting rid of excess oil and sebum, as well as work to uproot any debris stuck in your pores, helping to keep your skin clean and refreshed.
3. What do cleansing foams do?
Foaming cleansers effectively removes makeup and clears up dirt from your pores. For instance, Mayerling's Foaming Cleanser dissolves skin impurities and prevents clogged pores for a radiant look and feel. Tip: Foaming cleanser is ideal for people with oily skin, and also for those with acne-prone or teenage skin.
During our cleansing gels & foam research, we found 306 cleansing gels & foam products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 283,994 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cleansing gels & foams list. We found that most customers choose cleansing gels & foams with an average price of £6.55.
The cleansing gels & foams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cleansing gels & foams, including CeraVe, Aveeno, NIVEA, Neutrogena, Cetaphil.
Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.