Best Cleansing Gels & Foams of 2025

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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.
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.
NIVEA MEN Protect & Care Deep Cleaning Face Wash
NIVEA MEN Face Wash is specially formulated for normal to dry skin, providing a deep cleanse that leaves your skin and beard looking healthy and refreshed. It effectively unblocks pores while removing excess oil and impurities, ensuring your skin doesn't feel dry afterwards. Enriched with Aloe Vera and Pro-Vitamin B5, this cleanser not only cleans but also replenishes your skin, protecting its natural barrier. Following a simple routine will help maintain your skin's health and comfort throughout the day.
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin
The CeraVe Foaming Cleanser is expertly developed with dermatologists to provide effective cleansing for normal to oily skin. It contains three essential ceramides, which help to maintain your skin's natural barrier, ensuring it stays healthy and hydrated. This foaming gel cleanser efficiently removes excess oil, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean. With MVE Technology, it locks in moisture, providing you with 24-hour hydration for a more comfortable feel throughout the day.
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.
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.
Acnecide Benzoyl Peroxide Face Wash Gel
Acnecide Face Wash is a medicinal treatment designed to tackle mild acne and breakouts effectively. It contains 5% benzoyl peroxide, which is clinically proven to eliminate up to 95% of spot-causing bacteria, helping you achieve clearer skin. The AC Microsphere Technology not only absorbs excess oil but also releases glycerine to soothe your skin during use. Recommended for daily application, this face wash allows you to cleanse your skin conveniently while targeting troublesome areas.
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.
L'Oreal Paris Men Expert Charcoal Face Wash
The L'Oreal Men Expert Face Wash is specifically designed for daily use on skin prone to imperfections. It effectively targets and reduces the appearance of five types of skin imperfections, helping you achieve a clearer complexion. With the inclusion of purifying charcoal, this face wash cleanses deeply, removing impurities and excess oil. Additionally, it contains glycerin and salicylic acid, which contribute to a smoother skin texture, making it ideal for anyone looking to enhance their daily skincare routine.
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser with Niacinamide
The Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser is ideal for those with combination to oily-sensitive skin. It effectively removes dirt, excess oils, and makeup without leaving your skin feeling dry or tight. This cleanser protects your skin's moisture by deeply cleansing and minimising pores without stripping away natural oils. With its new low-lather gel formula, enriched with Niacinamide and Panthenol, it is both soap-free and non-irritating, making it suitable for daily use in the morning and evening.
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 581,566 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 £4.80.
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, NIVEA, Cetaphil, Aveeno, Acnecide.

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.