The 12 Best Gel Cleansers For Maintaining Healthy Skin

Facial cleansing is the first step in maintaining healthy skin and should never be skipped. Those with oily skin should find a balance between using a cleanser that is too gentle and one that is too harsh. But if you want a mild cleanser that also refreshes your face, a gel cleanser is your best bet.

The results of washing your skin, for example, might be significantly altered by employing the incorrect recipe. To avoid wasting money, choose a product that effectively removes all traces of the day’s makeup without leaving your skin feeling overly dry or greasy. Given the variety of products available, it should be easy to select a cleanser that is suitable for your skin type.

In the following, you’ll find a compilation of the best gel cleansers currently available. Some are designed to exfoliate and get rid of acne, while others are created to increase moisture and strengthen the complexion’s protective barrier. If you haven’t already found one that suits you yet, keep reading.

The skin is kept hydrated without being stripped of its natural oils by Glow Recipe‘s 3-in-1 makeup remover, cleanser, and deep clarifying mask, which aids in the long-term fight against blemishes and breakouts.

As its namesake suggests, this ultra-light gel contains blueberry extract, which works to neutralize free radicals, naturally moisturize, soothe irritation, and lessen discoloration.

Meanwhile, AHAs are mild exfoliating acids that unglue and help eliminate dead skin accumulation, whilst hyaluronic acid is recognized for profoundly hydrating and keeping skin supple. This cleanser has all the features you need at a price you can afford.

“I love the fresh, clean scent and the way my skin feels after using it. I use this with the Glow Recipe cleansing balm and my skin feels so clean afterward. I also bought this again after I started using it to make sure I have a backup,” one person shared.

With its unique antioxidant-rich solution, the Murad Essential-C Cleanser purges away environmental pollutants, replenishes moisture, and stimulates the senses with a refreshing citrus scent.

Vitamins A, C, and E work together to protect skin from free radical damage, while phospholipids and sodium PCA help dry skin attract and bind moisture. The composition of this product allows it to accomplish all three goals at once: purify, replenish, and improve the skin’s glow.

Regarding this product, one user reveals, “I’ve used Murad Essential-C Cleanser for close to 10 years now and I always get comments on my skin from estheticians when I get a professional facial.”

Peter Thomas Roth’s anti-aging facial washing gel has a revitalizing, peachy-clean freshness that aids in revealing a radiant, healthy, and young face.

Skin-loving ingredients including BHAs assist in chemically exfoliating the outer layer of the epidermis and reducing the look of combination skin, making this product suitable for all types. In addition to everyone’s beloved AHAS, white bark extract can be found elsewhere in the formula as it helps to brighten the skin’s look.

“I’m a skincare junky and this is my favorite cleanser. I finished off a big bottle recently and decided to try samples of a few other brands but I came back to this. It’s worth the money, a little goes a long way,” one buyer explained.

They add, “I’m in my thirties and feel like it genuinely made a difference in the appearance of some fine lines I’ve been lamenting over as well.”

You can use this foamy gel cleanser from Dermalogica on a daily basis without worrying about stripping your skin of its natural oils or hydration. Purities are washed away in a froth of soothing lather that doesn’t dry out the skin.

This well-known wash, made with soapbark, removes pollutants and dirt without irritating the skin. You can use it every day since it’s gentle and lightweight like many others on this list, and the extracts of balm mint and lavender help relax the complexion.

“I have been enjoying the Dermalogica Special Cleansing gel. It is a gel-to-foam cleanser that lathers up really well. I find it works well to break down makeup, but doesn’t strip the skin. It has lavender, balm mint, and aloe to hydrate, soften, and moisturize the skin. The bottle is large and should last quite a while. I would recommend,” explains a reviewer.

Grown Alchemist‘s mild facial cleanser will remove makeup and dirt without drying out your face, making uneven skin tone less noticeable. Plant-based ingredients perform skin-saving alchemy, eradicating blemishes while also protecting against the appearance of age spots.

While bergamot and willow bark noticeably decrease pore size and the appearance of age spots, aloe vera polysaccharides aid to leave skin pleasantly relaxed and smooth.

While speaking about this formula, one buyer says, “This was my first time using Grown Alchemist clean beauty products. This face wash was indeed gentle and smelled like floral botanicals.”

When used as directed, La Roche-Posay’s acne cleanser is intended to eliminate oil buildup effectively and reduce the frequency and severity of acne flare-ups.

This salicylic acid face wash contains 2% salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid to clean pores without the use of abrasive scrub particles that may be irritating to the skin. It has been shown in clinical studies to decrease the amount of oil produced by the skin’s surface by up to 47%, resulting in reduced oil production all day long.

In addition, lipo-hydroxy acid specifically targets oily skin to gently deliver accurate, cellular-by-cellular elimination of debris and impurities.

“Nice product, this doesn’t dry out my skin too much and it also doesn’t have a scent. I use this with the moisturizer and spot treatment and all these products have done wonders to my skin,” one user writes. “I 100% recommend this to anyone struggling with acne!”

If you have sensitive skin, you should try Avène’s Cleanance Cleansing Gel, which is a biodegradable daily cleanser for the face and body that helps remove pollutants and decrease excess oil without upsetting the skin’s natural PH balance.

Using delicate surfactants, it cleanses without irritating the skin and leaving it feeling clean and matte for up to six hours. The label’s hero ingredient, comedoclastin, is a stabilized extract of milk thistle that helps diminish the look of scars and other skin imperfections. It’s a simple AM and PM formula that’s both affordable and gets the job done.

“This cleanser applies smoothly and leaves the skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I am definitely going to be purchasing more of this product and would definitely recommend it,” explains one buyer.

Tatcha‘s exfoliating cleanser, made with natural luffa fruit and wild rose, removes dead skin cells, reduces oil production, and opens and closes pores all while leaving the skin feeling smooth and healthy.

For those who are unfamiliar, luffa fruit exfoliation aids in the removal of dead skin cells while also profoundly cleansing and decongesting pores and its extract form beautifies and conditions skin. Wild rose, on the other hand, is used to restore equilibrium, boost circulation, and soothe the mind and soul.

Simply squeeze a small quantity into your hands and rub it together to make a creamy foam, then gently massage your face, avoiding the eye region, and rinse completely.

Buyers are raving about this product with one revealing, “I’ve always had blackhead and pore issues and this actually works for me it’s very much like Japanese skincare which is what I’m used to. If you want something worth the price, this is it.”

You can wash away your day’s worth of dirt, oil, and pollutants with Beste’s No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, an ingenious jelly cleanser.

Makeup, sunscreen, and oils are easily washed away without stripping the skin of its natural protective barrier thanks to the mild surfactant mix, which includes surfactants derived from coconuts that are rich in fatty acids. Glycerin, another ingredient in this cruelty-free and vegan shampoo, restores moisture that is lost while washing.

While this product works well with oily and combination skin, several users share that it’s not ideal for dry skin. One buyer points out, “Great cleanser, one of the few cleansers that work for sensitive acne-prone skin which is a difficult combo for obvious reasons. Used this cleanser for a year or so and it’s done wonders for my skin. Definitely need an exfoliating peel or treatment once a week though but otherwise, this is great.”

Oh, yeah. It’s happening.

You’re going to fall in love with TULA Skincare’s gel cleanser, and we don’t blame you. It’s got everything you could possibly want from a cleanser: it’s packed with probiotic extracts that help soothe and nourish your skin; prebiotics (chicory root) visibly minimize wrinkles and improve firmness; turmeric, white tea, and blueberry hydrate the skin.

It just doesn’t get much better than this—unless it does.

OLEHENRIKSEN’s Daily Cleanser is everything you could ever want in a cleanser.

It’s super hydrating, deep-cleansing, and moisturizing—without stripping your skin of its natural oils. And it smells like orange juice! You want to dive into a jar of this stuff and just… smell it.

The formula is made with orange fruit water, which helps revive and refresh skin; pheasant plum extract, which helps loosen and lift dead skin cells; and algae extract, which helps condition skin. And there are a ton of other good things in here that help keep your skin looking fresh and healthy.

If you’re looking for something that will help revive dullness, uneven texture, and dryness, this is the gel cleanser for you.

Fresh Beauty’s gel cleanser is the latest skincare innovation from the brand, and it’s got everything you want: a light formula that gently cleanses without stripping your skin of its natural oils and moisture. It also helps maintain pH balance while removing impurities from the skin.

It’s made with soy proteins that help improve elasticity and reduce signs of fatigue on the surface of your skin. Elsewhere, cucumber extract helps cool and calm irritated skin, while aloe vera soothes any irritation left behind by the cleanser.

One reviewer wrote, “I have oily skin so I was worried this would be too hydrating and clog my pores, but it did the exact opposite! It visibly cleared breakouts over the course of only one week!”

So there you have it! A deep dive into the world of gel cleansers. Remember, when it comes to finding your perfect match, don’t settle for just any old soap. Choose a gel cleanser that’ll leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and ready to take on the world. Now go out there and find your glow!

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What to Look for in Gel Cleansers

Skin Type

When selecting a gel cleanser, it’s crucial to consider its effectiveness for your particular skin type. Gel cleansers are known for their ability to eliminate excess oils and unclog pores, making them an ideal choice for those with oily or combination skin. However, they may also work well for people with normal skin seeking a thorough and refreshing cleanse.

Active Ingredients

Examine the ingredient list of any gel cleanser you consider purchasing, as different ingredients cater to various skincare goals. For instance, if you desire a cleanser with exfoliating properties, search for products containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid. These ingredients can help remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother complexion.

Your skin type should also guide your choice of ingredients. Individuals with sensitive skin should opt for gel cleansers with soothing components such as aloe vera, chamomile, or allantoin while avoiding high concentrations of potentially irritating exfoliating acids. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil can be beneficial in controlling oil production, eliminating surface bacteria, and preventing breakouts.

Hydration and pH Balance

Although gel cleansers are primarily recommended for oily or combination skin types, it’s essential to select one that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture. Look for gel cleansers containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or panthenol to ensure your skin remains moisturized and balanced after cleansing.

Additionally, consider the cleanser’s pH level, as it plays a vital role in maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. A balanced pH (ideally between 4.5 and 6.5) helps preserve the skin’s acid mantle, which protects it from harmful bacteria and environmental factors. Choosing a gel cleanser with a balanced pH can help maintain your skin’s overall health while effectively cleansing it.

FAQ

How often should you use a gel cleanser?

Dermatologists generally recommend washing your face twice a day, in the morning and at night. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you might consider using a gel cleanser only at night, and simply rinsing your face with water in the morning.

Do I need to double cleanse?

The necessity of double cleansing depends on your individual needs. If you’re not wearing makeup or heavy sunscreen, a single cleanse with a gel cleanser may suffice. However, if you wear makeup, it’s recommended to start with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm to break down makeup, followed by a gel cleanser to thoroughly cleanse your skin.

Are gel cleansers effective at removing makeup?

While gel cleansers can remove light makeup, they might not be as effective at breaking down heavy or waterproof makeup. In such cases, consider double cleansing, starting with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm, followed by a gel cleanser to ensure thorough makeup removal and cleansing.

Are gel cleansers good for oily skin?

Gel cleansers are frequently a popular choice for those with dry skin, especially since they help maintain hydration levels and are gentle on sensitive skin. But, it’s also important to keep in mind that not all dry skin is the same, and some may find that they’re actually not quite moisturizing or gentle enough—we recommend opting for a milk cleanser or oil cleanser instead. When choosing a face wash, consider your individual skin needs and pick a product that will leave you feeling hydrated and comfortable.