Beauty
The 10 Best Facial Cleansers UK
· Top 10 comparison · Amazon.co.uk prices checked at publication
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How we choose: Buy Wise Hub hasn't tested these products in person. Our rankings are based on published specifications, Amazon ratings and buyer reviews, and this guide was researched and written with the help of AI tools, then checked by our team. Prices and ratings were correct at the time of writing and may change.
A good cleanser is the one skincare product almost everyone uses every day, and it's the easiest to get wrong. Too harsh and your skin feels tight and dry. Too rich and oily skin can feel congested. As the weather turns colder and central heating dries the air, many people switch to gentler, more hydrating formulas.
To find the best facial cleansers in the UK, we started with Amazon.co.uk's Cleansing Creams & Milks best-seller chart and picked ten well-reviewed options across skin types and budgets, from £2.25 pharmacy staples to a luxury cleansing balm. We read each live product page for price, rating, review count, size and listed ingredients. Skin benefits described below are the brands' own claims. We're not dermatologists, so if you have a skin condition, check with a pharmacist or GP.
Prices, ratings and review counts were checked on Amazon.co.uk on 27 October 2026 and change often. Always check the live price before you buy.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (Normal to Dry Skin), £9.38, 4.6★ (58,506 reviews)
- Best for oily skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel (400ml), £19.41, 4.6★ (50,050 reviews)
- Best for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser (200ml), £13.20, 4.6★ (6,559 reviews)
- Best budget: Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion (200ml), £2.75, 4.7★ (1,011 reviews)
- Best luxury balm: ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (100g), £50.80, 4.7★ (3,805 reviews)
Comparison at a Glance
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (Normal to Dry Skin): 4.6★ (58,506 reviews) · £9.38 · Best for: most skin types · View on Amazon.co.uk
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel (400ml): 4.6★ (50,050 reviews) · £19.41 · Best for: oily and blemish-prone skin · View on Amazon.co.uk
- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser (200ml): 4.6★ (6,559 reviews) · £13.20 · Best for: sensitive skin · View on Amazon.co.uk
- NIVEA Caring Cleansing Cream (Dry & Sensitive, 150ml): 4.4★ (5,515 reviews) · £2.25 · Best for: dry skin on a budget · View on Amazon.co.uk
- ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (100g): 4.7★ (3,805 reviews) · £50.80 · Best for: a luxury treat · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Clean & Clear Deep Action Wash Cream (150ml): 4.6★ (2,652 reviews) · £2.30 · Best for: spot-prone skin on a budget · View on Amazon.co.uk
- W7 Peachy Clean Cleansing Balm: 4.2★ (3,474 reviews) · £4.80 · Best for: budget make-up removal · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion (200ml): 4.7★ (1,011 reviews) · £2.75 · Best for: the lowest price for sensitive skin · View on Amazon.co.uk
- The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser: 4.6★ (875 reviews) · £11.10 · Best for: gentle make-up removal · View on Amazon.co.uk
- Sukin Signature Cream Cleanser (125ml): 4.5★ (1,481 reviews) · £7.16 · Best for: natural and vegan · View on Amazon.co.uk
The 10 Best Facial Cleansers Reviewed
#1 CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (Normal to Dry Skin): Best for most skin types
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 58,506 reviews · £9.38
CeraVe's Hydrating Cleanser is the top seller in Amazon.co.uk's cleansing chart, with 4.6 stars from 58,506 reviews, and the cleanser we'd recommend to most people first. It's a non-foaming cream developed with dermatologists, according to CeraVe. It contains three essential ceramides to support the skin's barrier and hyaluronic acid to attract moisture, and CeraVe says its patented MVE technology releases moisture over time for 24-hour hydration. It's unscented and can be used on face and body. The details list a 236 ml bottle at £9.38. Because it doesn't foam, it won't feel "squeaky clean". That's the point, though it may not shift heavy make-up on its own.
Specs (from the listing): 236 ml · non-foaming cream · 3 ceramides + hyaluronic acid · unscented · face & body
Pros
- Gentle, barrier-friendly
- Huge review base
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Doesn't foam
- May need a separate make-up remover
#2 La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel (400ml): Best for oily and blemish-prone skin
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 50,050 reviews · £19.41
La Roche-Posay's Effaclar gel is the go-to foaming cleanser for oily, blemish-prone skin, with 4.6 stars from 50,050 reviews. The brand says the updated formula includes a new active ingredient, Phylobioma, which it says helps balance skin pH, alongside Zinc PCA to help purify the skin, reduce excess oil and dissolve dead skin cells. It's dermatologist tested and unscented. To use it, lather in your hands with warm water, massage over the face (avoiding the eyes) and rinse. At £19.41 for a 400 ml bottle it's not cheap, but that's a lot of product. If you like a fresh, foaming clean without harsh scrubs, this is the one.
Specs (from the listing): 400 ml · foaming gel · Zinc PCA · unscented · dermatologist tested
Pros
- Big 400 ml bottle
- Targets oil and blemishes
- Very well reviewed
Cons
- Pricier
- Too stripping for dry skin for some
#3 La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser (200ml): Best for sensitive skin
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 6,559 reviews · £13.20
If your skin reacts to almost everything, La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser is designed for exactly that. It's a minimalist, hypoallergenic milk with no preservatives, according to the listing, made for intolerant, allergy-prone or fragile skin. It's a light milky fluid that removes impurities and make-up, including eye make-up, in one step, and it can be wiped off without harsh rubbing. It's enriched with glycerin and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water to soothe and hydrate. It has 4.6 stars from 6,559 reviews at £13.20 for 200 ml. A wipe-off milk feels different from a wash, so if you prefer rinsing, you can rinse with water afterwards.
Specs (from the listing): 200 ml · wipe-off milk · hypoallergenic, preservative-free · glycerin + thermal spring water · removes eye make-up
Pros
- Minimal, gentle formula
- Removes eye make-up
- Unscented
Cons
- Wipe-off texture isn't for everyone
- Smaller bottle
#4 NIVEA Caring Cleansing Cream (Dry & Sensitive, 150ml): Best for dry skin on a budget
Amazon.co.uk: 4.4★ from 5,515 reviews · £2.25
At just £2.25, NIVEA's Caring Cleansing Cream is the cheapest cleanser in our list, and it still has 4.4 stars from 5,515 reviews. It's a rich, creamy formula with almond oil (the details list an almond scent), designed for dry and sensitive skin. NIVEA says it removes make-up and cleans pores without drying the skin or disturbing its natural moisture balance. Massage it onto wet skin in small circles, avoiding the eyes, and rinse with water. It isn't fragrance-free, so if you're scent-sensitive, choose CeraVe or La Roche-Posay instead. For dry skin on a tight budget, it's hard to beat.
Specs (from the listing): 150 ml · cream · almond oil · dry & sensitive skin · rinse off
Pros
- Cheapest here
- Rich and comforting
- Removes make-up
Cons
- Scented (almond)
- Small tube
#5 ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (100g): Best for a luxury treat
Amazon.co.uk: 4.7★ from 3,805 reviews · £50.80
ELEMIS's Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is the premium pick, and the most expensive product here at £50.80 for 100 g. It shares the highest rating in our list, 4.7 stars from 3,805 reviews. The listing describes it as hydrating, deeply cleansing, softening and nourishing. This listing is for the Rose variant (the title mentions Original, Rose, Fig, Black Cherry and Fragrance-Free versions). It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, per the listing. Balms melt into an oil on the skin to dissolve make-up and SPF, then emulsify with water. They're especially good in the evening as a first cleanse. It's a gift-worthy indulgence rather than a necessity. If you want the balm experience for less, the W7 Peachy Clean is £4.80.
Specs (from the listing): 100 g · cleansing balm · Rose variant · all skin types incl. sensitive
Pros
- Joint-highest rating
- Luxurious texture
- Melts make-up
Cons
- Most expensive by far
- Listing is light on ingredient detail
#6 Clean & Clear Deep Action Wash Cream (150ml): Best for spot-prone skin on a budget
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 2,652 reviews · £2.30
Clean & Clear's Deep Action Wash Cream is an oil-free, budget cleanser for spot-prone skin, with 4.6 stars from 2,652 reviews at £2.30. It's formulated with salicylic acid, which Clean & Clear says works deep down to help prevent spots and breakouts, and it cleans into the pores to remove dirt, oil and make-up in one step. The brand claims it helps prevent spots from first use. Salicylic acid can be drying, so if your skin feels tight, use it once a day rather than twice. The details oddly list the item form as "Oil" despite the "wash cream" name and oil-free claims (listing inconsistency). A great-value choice for teenagers and oily skin.
Specs (from the listing): 150 ml · oil-free · salicylic acid · removes make-up
Pros
- Very cheap
- Contains salicylic acid
- Well reviewed
Cons
- Can dry out sensitive skin
- Listing details inconsistent
#7 W7 Peachy Clean Cleansing Balm: Best for budget make-up removal
Amazon.co.uk: 4.2★ from 3,474 reviews · £4.80
W7's Peachy Clean is a budget cleansing balm at £4.80, with 4.2 stars from 3,474 reviews. W7 says it melts away stubborn make-up, even waterproof formulas, and is infused with skin-nourishing oils. It rinses off to leave skin soft and not greasy. It's peach scented, so it's not for anyone who avoids fragrance. It's the lowest-rated cleanser in our list, but at around a tenth of the price of the ELEMIS balm, it's a good way to try the balm-cleansing routine. Use it as a first cleanse to remove make-up, then follow with a gentle wash such as CeraVe.
Specs (from the listing): Cleansing balm · peach scented · removes waterproof make-up (claimed) · rinse off
Pros
- Cheap balm
- Removes heavy make-up
- Fun scent
Cons
- Lowest rating here (4.2★)
- Fragranced
#8 Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion (200ml): Best for the lowest price for sensitive skin
Amazon.co.uk: 4.7★ from 1,011 reviews · £2.75
Simple's Kind to Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion is a gentle milky cleanser for sensitive skin. It has 4.7 stars from 1,011 reviews, the joint-highest rating in our list, at just £2.75 for 200 ml. Simple says it's formulated with pro-vitamin E to nourish skin and panthenol to support the skin's natural barrier. It's described as microbiome-friendly, dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic (unlikely to block pores). The details list it as unscented, cruelty-free and vegan. It removes make-up and impurities and leaves skin soft. For anyone who wants a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser without spending much, it's a brilliant buy.
Specs (from the listing): 200 ml · milky lotion · pro-vitamin E + panthenol · unscented · non-comedogenic · vegan
Pros
- Top-rated and cheap
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- Smaller review base
- Lotion texture less cleansing for oily skin
#9 The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser: Best for gentle make-up removal
Amazon.co.uk: 4.6★ from 875 reviews · £11.10
The Ordinary's Glycolipid Cream Cleanser uses plant-derived glycolipid cleansing agents to remove make-up, including foundation, eyeliner and mascara, without stripping the skin, according to the brand. It's formulated to respect the skin's natural pH. The Ordinary says it suits all skin types, and the details list combination, dry and sensitive skin. It's unscented. It has 4.6 stars from 875 reviews at £11.10. The Ordinary has a loyal following for simple, ingredient-led formulas, and this is a good one-step cleanser for people who wear make-up but don't want to double-cleanse.
Specs (from the listing): Cream cleanser · glycolipids · pH-respecting · unscented · removes eye make-up
Pros
- One-step make-up removal
- Unscented
- Trusted ingredient-led brand
Cons
- Smaller review base
- Size not clear in the bullets
#10 Sukin Signature Cream Cleanser (125ml): Best for natural and vegan
Amazon.co.uk: 4.5★ from 1,481 reviews · £7.16
Sukin's Signature Cream Cleanser is aimed at people who prefer natural, vegan skincare. The listing says it's free from sulphates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, animal derivatives, harsh detergents, propylene glycol, artificial colours and triethanolamine. Key ingredients are rosehip, avocado, wheat germ and sesame oils. Apply a small amount to moist hands, lather with water, massage in and rinse, once or twice daily. It's listed for dry and sensitive skin. It has 4.5 stars from 1,481 reviews at £7.16 for 125 ml. It contains wheat germ, so anyone with a wheat sensitivity should check the full ingredients.
Specs (from the listing): 125 ml · cream · rosehip, avocado, wheat germ, sesame · sulphate- and paraben-free · vegan
Pros
- Vegan, free-from formula
- Nourishing oils
- Mid-range price
Cons
- Smallest bottle here
- Contains wheat germ
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Facial Cleanser
Match the cleanser to your skin type
Dry or mature skin usually prefers non-foaming creams, milks or balms (CeraVe, NIVEA, Simple, ELEMIS). Oily or blemish-prone skin often does well with a gel or salicylic acid wash (La Roche-Posay Effaclar, Clean & Clear). Very sensitive skin should look for short, fragrance-free formulas (La Roche-Posay Toleriane, Simple).
Fragrance-free vs scented
Fragrance is a common irritant. CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Simple and The Ordinary are unscented. NIVEA (almond), W7 (peach) and the ELEMIS Rose variant are scented, which some people love and others react to.
Foaming or non-foaming?
Foam doesn't mean cleaner. Foaming gels feel fresh but can be drying, especially in winter. Non-foaming creams and milks clean more gently. If your skin feels tight after washing, switch to a gentler formula.
Do you need to double cleanse?
If you wear heavy make-up or waterproof SPF, a balm or oil first (ELEMIS, W7), followed by a gentle wash (CeraVe), gets everything off. Otherwise, a single cleanser that removes make-up (The Ordinary, La Roche-Posay Toleriane) is enough.
Price per ml
Pharmacy brands (NIVEA £2.25 / 150 ml, Simple £2.75 / 200 ml, Clean & Clear £2.30 / 150 ml) are excellent value. CeraVe and La Roche-Posay are mid-range. ELEMIS is a luxury treat at £50.80 per 100 g.
How we chose
We started with the Amazon.co.uk best-seller chart for Cleansing Creams & Milks (Beauty) on 27 October 2026. We shortlisted the best-reviewed, in-stock products and read each live product page for price, rating, review count and specs. We haven't tested these products in person. Rankings reflect the listed specs, buyer ratings, review volume and value. Where a listing is unclear or contradicts itself, we say so.
FAQ
What is the best facial cleanser in the UK?
For most people, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. It's the best seller in Amazon.co.uk's cleansing chart, with 4.6 stars from more than 58,000 reviews. It's a fragrance-free, non-foaming cream with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, for £9.38.
What cleanser is best for oily skin?
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel is the most popular choice, with Zinc PCA to help reduce excess oil, per the brand. On a budget, Clean & Clear Deep Action Wash Cream contains salicylic acid to help prevent spots.
Which cleanser is best for sensitive skin?
Look for fragrance-free, minimal formulas. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser is hypoallergenic and preservative-free, according to the listing, and Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion is a fragrance-free option for £2.75.
Is a cleansing balm better than a cleanser?
A balm is best for dissolving make-up and SPF, often as the first step of a double cleanse. A cream or gel cleanser is enough for most people on make-up-free days. ELEMIS is the luxury balm pick, and W7 Peachy Clean is the budget one.
How often should I wash my face?
Most people do well cleansing twice a day, morning and evening. If your skin feels dry or tight, try a gentler cleanser or just rinse with water in the morning. Follow the product's directions.
More skincare guides: Best Micellar Water UK · Best Toner Pads UK · Best Mascaras UK
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