Best Cleansing Gels & Foams of 2026

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 2 Feb 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

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid Cover #TOP 1
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Aveeno Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser Cover #TOP 2
Aveeno Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser
ftb score rating icon 9.7
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel for Blemish-Prone Skin Cover #TOP 3
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel for Blemish-Prone Skin
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Cleansing Gels & Foams

CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid

3337875784054
Clear
236 ml (Pack of 1)
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser with Salicylic Acid Cover
CeraVe Blemish Control Face Cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin 236ml

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.

What We Like
Dermatologist-developed formula
Contains essential ceramides
Effectively removes impurities
Provides long-lasting hydration

Aveeno Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser

79642100
200 ml (Pack of 1)
Aveeno Calm+Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser Cover
AVEENO Face CALM+RESTORE Nourishing Oat Cleanser (1x 200ml), Non-Foaming Face Care, Gentle Cleanser with Prebiotic Oat and Calming Feverfew, Helps Preserve Skin's Barrier, For Sensitive Skin

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.

What We Like
Gentle non-foaming formula
Soothes sensitive skin
Supports moisture barrier
Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel for Blemish-Prone Skin

98755-04568-02
150 ml (Pack of 1)
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel for Blemish-Prone Skin Cover
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Wash Gel, Deep Cleansing Face Wash Gel, Salicylic Acid Face Wash Enriched with Niacinamide to Cleanse Pores and Remove Impurities, White, (150 ml), 1

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.

What We Like
Deeply cleanses pores
Reduces blemishes effectively
Concentrated active ingredients
Clinically tested for safety
Convenient for daily use

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser

12200
white
200 ml (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cleanser Cover
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Facial Cleanser, with Hyaluronic Acid for Dry or Dehydrated Skin 200ml

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.

What We Like
Hydrating hyaluronic acid
Removes stubborn dirt
Suitable for all skin types
Leaves skin refreshingly clean

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser with Niacinamide

Braun (Pebble 5810)
473 ml (Pack of 1)
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser with Niacinamide Cover
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, 473ml, Face & Body Wash, For Normal To Dry Sensitive Skin, With Niacinamide & Glycerin, Soap Free, Packaging May Vary

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.

What We Like
Suitable for all ages
Hydrates while cleansing
Non-irritating and fragrance-free
Gentle with or without water
Clinically proven results

L’Oréal Paris Men Expert 3-in-1 Wash

L’Oréal Paris men expert
3600523526130
Face Wash
200 ml (Pack of 1)
L’Oréal Paris Men Expert 3-in-1 Wash Cover
L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Cleansing 3-in-1 Beard, Face & Hair Wash 200ml, Barber Club Wash With Cedarwood Essential Oil, Deeply Cleanses and Removes Beard Flakes

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.

What We Like
Effective cleansing for beard and skin
Softens beard while cleaning
Suitable for oily skin types
Enriched with Cedarwood Essential Oil
Free from harsh chemicals
#TOP 7

Purifide Daily Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin

Cleanser (New)
235 ml (Pack of 1)
Purifide Daily Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin Cover
Purifide by Acnecide Daily Cleanser Acne Face Wash for Spot Prone Skin & Blemish Control, For Women and Men, 235ml

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.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Non-comedogenic formula
Hydrating ingredients
Removes makeup effectively

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser with Niacinamide

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser with Niacinamide Cover
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, 1L, Face & Body Wash, For Normal To Dry Sensitive Skin, With Niacinamide & Glycerin, Soap Free, 1 unit, Packaging May Vary

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.

What We Like
Suitable for sensitive skin
Long-lasting hydration
Vegan friendly
Fragrance free
Non-comedogenic

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser

JSMC02-FG
green
99.9 ml (Pack of 1)
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser Cover
Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser (100ml, 3.38 fl.oz.)

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.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation
Hydrating gel texture
Maintains skin barrier
Cruelty-free ingredients
#TOP 10

E45 Daily Foaming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

E45
3207160
White
150 ml (Pack of 1)
E45 Daily Foaming Cleanser for Sensitive Skin Cover
E45 Foaming Face Wash - Daily Cleanser for Dry & Sensitive Skin - Gentle Makeup Remover - Softens Skin & Controls Oil - Skincare for Women & Men, 150ml

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.

What We Like
Gentle on sensitive skin
Non-drying formula
Dermatologically tested
Easy to use
Removes makeup effectively
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

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.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

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.