Skin care

18 Best Face Cleansers

Is the No. 1 skin care product from Clinique? Cetaphil? Nope! Read on to find out

December 6, 2010 | by Molly Roemer | 115 COMMENTS

No. 14: Dermalogica mediBac Clearing Skin Wash, $33 TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*
Why: "After the first use I could tell a difference in my skin. It is awesome! I have extremely oily adult acne skin and after using this wash, the tone and texture of my skin was fabulous. The smell is pretty awful, but with results like these how can I hold that against the best cleanser I have ever used? And trust me I have used them all." -- kt1974, TotalBeauty.com member

Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.

*At time of publication

SEE NEXT PAGE: No. 13: Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, $4.49

6 of 19

products mentioned

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap

8.5

Mary Kay Creamy Cleanser 2

8.0

Ambi Complexion Cleansing Bar

8.2

Philosophy Purity Made Simple 3-in-1 Cleanser for...

8.9

Dermalogica mediBac Clearing Clearing Skin Wash

8.8

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar

8.4

Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash

9.0

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

8.1

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

9.5

Glytone Mild Gel Wash

9.1

Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming...

9.2

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser

9.4

Kiehl's Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser

9.0

Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash

9.3

Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser

9.2

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

9.5

Bioelements Flash Foam Cleanser

9.1

Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel

8.9

leave a comment

View old comments

Love Mary Kay, Suki, and DHC! Great cleansers!

by GigiSD Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 08:06PM Report as inappropriate

Great suggestions! I keep hearing great things about the dermogica brand so I'm excited to try them!

by Kbhaber Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 07:28AM Report as inappropriate

Interesting.

by Monique3 Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 10:21AM Report as inappropriate

I can't afford any of these brands though I am sure they are good.

by emjay Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 10:12AM Report as inappropriate

Really need a new cleanser will have to look into some of these

by Jonealle77 Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at 09:51AM Report as inappropriate

Would have been nice to see more drugstore products.

by amber.flute Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 09:24PM Report as inappropriate

I love LUSH cleansers. Particularly Angels on Bare Skin.

by Psyren Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 09:14PM Report as inappropriate

Great list! Some of the ones at the beginning I don't agree with, but I love the Boscia and Dermologica. I want to try the Suki, Glytone and Aveda Tourmaline! Just with they weren't so spendy.

by Erin4 Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at 01:26PM Report as inappropriate

Clinique never works on my skin

by LittleBunny Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 08:43PM Report as inappropriate

So many. My fav wasn't listed here L"Oreal Revitalift Cream Cleanser

by EricaF123 Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 01:08PM Report as inappropriate

great i love cetaphil

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 11:58AM Report as inappropriate

it's nice to know all these tips to be perfect hihi

by MissPaillette Sunday, December 30, 2012 at 05:58AM Report as inappropriate

nice to know

by aishak55 Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 02:35PM Report as inappropriate

When in doubt, go with Boscia. That's been a rule of thumb for me for awhile, and it has yet to prove me wrong.

by GingerDrink Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 10:19AM Report as inappropriate

Origins is always a great bet.

by BlackFleur145 Monday, December 10, 2012 at 07:20PM Report as inappropriate

Clinique is very good. It is affordable and they always give you goodies when you buy smth.

by lilas Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 06:50PM Report as inappropriate

Clinique facial soap is the best I've ever used. Gentle, well priced, and lasts a long time even with am and pm washes.

by Lamexicana1 Friday, November 9, 2012 at 08:51PM Report as inappropriate

Might have to try the dermalogica one! I do love philosophy purity made simple though!

by Chris213 Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 07:08AM Report as inappropriate

If you have Clarisonic, the brand of the cleanser won't make a big difference.

by lilas Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 04:15PM Report as inappropriate

Totally enjoyed this artlcal! And you covered all skin types and price points. Kudos!

by HeideC Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at 03:21PM Report as inappropriate

Love, Love, Love my "Purity made simple" by Philosophy it is one easy product that can do the work of any multi-step skin care system. My skin has never looked and felt so good. I think this should rank higher than 15 out of 19!

by reneeb0116 Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 04:18PM Report as inappropriate

I am surprised that more supermarket brands weren't listed in this article. I use Neutrogena Visibly Even and Visibly Bright (I alternate). They each are enriched with soy a natural skin brightener in addition to the salycilic acid I need for acne prevention. I've used Origins Checks & Balances a lot, I just cannot afford it any more. I am completely satisfied with the results I get from the Neutrogena products I use and will most likely continue to use them as I don't see a need to spend an arm and a leg on the more expensive department store brands.

by flirtygirl214 Thursday, August 23, 2012 at 11:12AM Report as inappropriate

I really enjoyed this round-up and now I have a few leads for my next cleanser purchase. I currently use the Origins Checks and Balances (and love it) but I may look into some of the others for a little something different as the seasons change.

by HeathRene Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 11:18AM Report as inappropriate

I was disappointed to see that the first comment for this story is dated January, 2009. Such old article should be replaced with stories containing reviews of new products in the market.

by Pureabeerness Monday, August 13, 2012 at 09:38AM Report as inappropriate

I haven't tried too many of these. I have tried a liquid type of the Cetaphil, but I just didn't feel clean at all. But the Suki, Dermalogize, and Origins cleaners all sound like ones I will have to try as I struggle with breakouts still.

by Mrs.Endres13 Monday, July 30, 2012 at 08:22PM Report as inappropriate

I have tried some of these but not the bar cleansers. Guess I just didn't think there were many of those left!

by mhw Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 01:12PM Report as inappropriate

wish the reviews more inclusive of info about the products.

by JessBailey Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 03:15PM Report as inappropriate

Glad to see DHC Olive Oil cleanser getting its due. It only takes three pumps to wash all the makeup off my face. Also not surprised to see a Bosica product in number one - I use one of their masks and it's the best mask I've ever used.

by elph37 Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at 11:24AM Report as inappropriate

I know Philosphy's Purity cleanser is good...

by MizzPink Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 11:20AM Report as inappropriate

I recently started to use the DHC Olive Oil wash and I love it

by Only1KimmieD Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 12:21PM Report as inappropriate

Philosophy purity

by lisiana_de_bem_justino Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 08:43PM Report as inappropriate

I receive a free sample of the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, trust me, I know the name sounds very unappealing. Who is going to want to put oil on their face?!?! It sounds like a nightmare. BUT once you try it you will fall in love! You put it on your face, do not wet face until AFTER. It does a great job at removing make up and gets down into the pores to remove EVERYTHING. It works amazingly! If you're not so convinced go to DHCcare online and request a free catalog and they send you four samples of their best sellers (including the deep cleansing oil)

by Pearls21 Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 08:08PM Report as inappropriate

hmmm... DHC Deep Cleansing Oil? not so sure about this one...

by charlize_adrienne Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 06:33PM Report as inappropriate

Really skin care tips, to get skincare reviews visit skincarereviewsbyalana website

by skincarereviews Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 04:28AM Report as inappropriate

really helpful! I've been looking for a new cleanser

by sportimonki13 Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 09:51AM Report as inappropriate

I have used a few of the above cleansers and loved them. I have the Origins one currenly and love its smell.

by beautybody Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 07:47PM Report as inappropriate

I've heard great things about Glytone and have always wanted to try it.

by Brandi27 Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 07:52AM Report as inappropriate

i liked the clinique facial cleanser but it did nothing for my acne. although it surely made my skin feel pretty good.

by myaxraine Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 11:17AM Report as inappropriate

I don't like the fragrance in the Basis Cleaner Clean Face Wash

by hamhockey7 Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 07:34AM Report as inappropriate

Origins, Fresh, Glytone, and Boscia...some of my favs!

by SunBunnyxxxooo Friday, March 23, 2012 at 06:25PM Report as inappropriate

I haven't even heard of some of these brands, but my favorite cleanser is on here so that makes me happy. :-)

by tallredamanda Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 10:44AM Report as inappropriate

I sometimes use the Clinique Face Soap and it is actually really good. I didn't know many of the other products, so it'd be nice to try them out.

by hananoire Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 04:05PM Report as inappropriate

I've been using the DHC Cleansing Oil for about a year now. I won't use anything else to remove my make-up. Combined with my Clarisonic I have the cleanest, softest, healthiest skin I've ever had. My esthetician at Nordstrom always asks what I'm using on my skin because it looks so fantastic. I think even she's amaze at how wonderful this product is.

by phathazel Monday, March 19, 2012 at 02:05PM Report as inappropriate

Very informative for people that have different degrees of oil/dryness.

by GlowGirl Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 11:16AM Report as inappropriate

Purity

by volta Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 01:16AM Report as inappropriate

I use the Purity Made Simple and I SWEAR by it. I'm looking to invest in the Clarisonic because I've heard amazing things about the combo.

by BellezzaBeauty Sunday, March 4, 2012 at 05:43AM Report as inappropriate

When I first received a free sample of the Cleansing Oil, I was reluctant to try it. I have very oily skin - even at 50. I was pleasantly surprised. My face was clean and not at all greasy feeling. I recommend DHC to all my friends.

by DebbieBuss Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 03:23PM Report as inappropriate

this is great.....

by yuri_barbie_hernandez Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 09:25PM Report as inappropriate

Ssome of these are a little expensive

by hayleyxonewjersey Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 08:24AM Report as inappropriate

Because of this article I had to buy the DHC Cleansing Oil. I must say it is a good cleanser. Wasn't sure at first with it being an oil, but it does a fantastic job. It takes all kinds of makeup off including that Mally waterproof mascara that just doesn't want to leave!

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 08:31AM Report as inappropriate

Really good product round-up; too bad so many of them are expensive!

by Jewelrydesigner Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 08:08AM Report as inappropriate

Purity Made Simple + Clarisonic Mia = the best skin I've had in YEARS!

by Secretblush13 Monday, January 2, 2012 at 10:33PM Report as inappropriate

I have the Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Splash Away Foaming Cleanser - it's amazing.

by vampirehunter Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 07:33AM Report as inappropriate

I have the Clinique liquid facial soap! Been using it for a while now!

by MissXu Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 10:20PM Report as inappropriate

great products thank youuu

by Nicole2814 Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 09:20PM Report as inappropriate

I have to try some of these..great article with affordable products.

by thegeekchic Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 12:29AM Report as inappropriate

The best face wash is the TwinLuxe Renewing Face Wash & Scrub. I use this face wash daily and the scrub is very gentle on my skin. I highly recommend!

by jon323 Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 03:06PM Report as inappropriate

I agree that the Origins Frothy (checks and balances) is the best cleanser for oily/combination skin I have tried. I am curious about the oil-type cleanser - fighting oil with oil sounds intriguing. Thanks for the article-good one!

by tarynone Monday, November 28, 2011 at 10:48AM Report as inappropriate

I like to use Dove beauty bars as a facial cleanser, and Aveeno is also good.

by StephieRawx Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 01:42AM Report as inappropriate

Nothing beats the Origins checks and balance cleanser! It is the best!!

by midnightblue00 Monday, November 14, 2011 at 08:24PM Report as inappropriate

Really good article.

by kmb1129 Friday, November 11, 2011 at 10:09PM Report as inappropriate

interesting :))

by peaches095 Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 02:03PM Report as inappropriate

I hate Mary Kay cleansers sorry if you like them but I don't. I loooove clinique stuff. Got rid of my blemishes :)

by Flicky_95 Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 04:57AM Report as inappropriate

Great article! I've tried the Mary Kay and the Clinique and both of them are great. I'm excited to try some of the others on here as well.

by taryn.romero Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 08:12AM Report as inappropriate

im curious about the Philosophy and the Origins.. ive tried Mary Kay and the Clinique.. its very nice.. but i love trying new products.. very helpful..

by Mssaralee18 Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at 08:42AM Report as inappropriate

Selma, do you have a website that has these prices? What about the shipping?

by Only1KimmieD Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 12:55PM Report as inappropriate

thanks for the suggestions. I completely agree - I love the Origins face wash!

by tarynone Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 11:28PM Report as inappropriate

Most of these are way less lexpensive in Europe,there in the US they charge you a lot more money for the same thing than here.

by selma Sunday, September 18, 2011 at 10:08AM Report as inappropriate

I'd like to try the Ambi Complextion bar!!

by lanigaga Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 05:29PM Report as inappropriate

Very interesting!

by vfalkow Thursday, September 8, 2011 at 03:03PM Report as inappropriate

I love the prity made simple, that's a real good cleanser and a great bargin if you buy the extra big bottle at QVC

by Only1KimmieD Monday, July 11, 2011 at 12:55PM Report as inappropriate

Seacrets of the Dead Sea cleansing milk is THE best

by liz48170 Monday, June 13, 2011 at 06:42PM Report as inappropriate

my husband swears by the ambi complextion bar

by candy55124 Monday, June 13, 2011 at 07:22AM Report as inappropriate

The Deep Cleansing Oil seems interesting! I'd like to try that after I'm done with my current wash

by awan0912 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 01:41PM Report as inappropriate

I still use noxema scrub. I like the clean tingle.

by MissPurple Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 12:31PM Report as inappropriate

My face is so greasy and its tough to find products for oily skin. The best ones I have found so far are the clear powder called Mattify Ultra and MUAC's Aloe Jelly Moisturizer. The powder stops my face from the greasies for several hours and the Aloe Jelly is the only moisturizer that's light weight enough to balance my skin without adding to the oil problem. I'm curious about the Clinique Product on this list, it looks promising. I didn't like the MAC Blot Powder at all. You can't use the same applicator more than a few times without the skin oil transferring to the compact. And what's worse is that it's crazy expensive and doesn't stop the oil at all.

by makeupjunkie82 Monday, May 16, 2011 at 07:33PM Report as inappropriate

i cant believe how many if these listed contained sodium laryl sulphates!

by luxylexi Monday, May 16, 2011 at 06:02PM Report as inappropriate

The DHC oil is great, works very well on my oily skin and gets rid of all makeup easily

by elena62 Monday, May 9, 2011 at 01:59PM Report as inappropriate

Boscia is a good cleaners. DDF blemish foam cleanser is good too. Philsophy's purity made simple didn't do anything for me.

by shell1375 Monday, May 2, 2011 at 09:26PM Report as inappropriate

I loved Fresh Soy Face Cleanser! It was mild and gentle!

by jewelpjm Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 02:01PM Report as inappropriate

Hmm, I haven't tried any of these. Lately, makeup wipes and bar soap have been the best thing for cleansing my skin. Clinique's foaming cleanser is good too though.

by LipglossandSpandex Friday, April 8, 2011 at 10:10PM Report as inappropriate

I use suki foaming exfoilating cleanser. I was pleased to see a lot of natural cleansers and pretty much all of them were under $30!

by Organic_skin_rocks Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 04:35PM Report as inappropriate

I would love to see the complete list of the products that were tried. What products that did not make the list, because I am completely surprised that Arbonne RE9 Advance is not on this list.

by thbear59 Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 07:42AM Report as inappropriate

Nice roundup, and a nice range of prices. The only one I've tried so far is Philsophy's Purity cleanser. I definitely will look into a couple of these further!

by Jewelrydesigner Monday, March 28, 2011 at 11:24AM Report as inappropriate

some of these are at a steeeeeppp price :(

by lelalu100 Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 09:35AM Report as inappropriate

I use many of these products and they are amazing. Great products

by brendag20127 Friday, March 18, 2011 at 01:47PM Report as inappropriate

Nice to see that all of my current face products are on this list pretty much. I am also loving the products from Skin1 right now though!

by pynkNymphette Monday, March 14, 2011 at 02:42AM Report as inappropriate

I have only heard/seen a few of these before and I'm intrigued to try the ones I haven't heard of! I currently use Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Gentle Pore Exfoliator wash and love it but am definitely game to try something new!!

by lisa2683 Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 11:58PM Report as inappropriate

i havent used any of these

by judyangel101 Friday, February 25, 2011 at 04:00PM Report as inappropriate

clinic is amazing!

by Bon_Bon Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 06:17PM Report as inappropriate

Love the cetaphil liquid gentle face cleanser for dry skin!

by bailey7 Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 08:51AM Report as inappropriate

I love Basis cleanser. I'm going to look for the kind mentioned in this article. I haven't seen it yet.

by muellsrus Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 05:11PM Report as inappropriate

Clinique about ruined my skin. The only one that works for me is Neutrogena Redness soothing...and it's about half the price.

by LittleBunny Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 03:43PM Report as inappropriate

Do not like the Aveda products!

by kayla_d_moore Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 05:25AM Report as inappropriate

the orgins cleanser looks good.. but i cant imagine spending more then $8 on a face wash. i think ill try the basis...

by cmiller63 Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at 08:34PM Report as inappropriate

THe CLinique facial wash bar is also great! And lasts longer then the liquid verison...

by kupham Friday, January 28, 2011 at 10:11AM Report as inappropriate

Clinique has worked miracles on my moderate - severe acne (:

by britney_falconer Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 02:58PM Report as inappropriate

I haven't used any of these products of these but I think that noxzema should be on this list and i definetely will be trying some of these!

by crazygirl21 Friday, January 21, 2011 at 07:50AM Report as inappropriate

I use Aqua Glycolic. My dermatalogist said I have great skin. Later, I discovered they sell the Aqua Glcolic products in their office! Sometimes I use liquid Cetaphil because you don't need water to rinse it. Just wipe off.

by valkyrie911 Monday, December 20, 2010 at 07:56AM Report as inappropriate

To me, Purity Made Simple will always be #1!

by starla1971 Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 01:46PM Report as inappropriate

I LOVE clinique 3 step skin care, not just the cleanser!

by kenya Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 07:50PM Report as inappropriate

clinique 3 step skin care system is really amazing. some of these products are too expensive for my price range. but i may try them!

by kenya Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 07:42PM Report as inappropriate

Most of these I've never heard of! I'm definitely doing some shopping soon!

by GeekyChic Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 11:52AM Report as inappropriate

I agree Purity is an amazing cleanser and will last you forever. i have a 3 oz bottle and have used it for 3 minths straight and i have barely even made a dent in it !

by drugstore_lady Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 07:00AM Report as inappropriate

I use Clinique :)

by CliniqueLover Friday, December 3, 2010 at 02:30PM Report as inappropriate

Best facial cleansers from TOPONS

by flowersheet Friday, November 26, 2010 at 12:09AM Report as inappropriate

Nu Skin ageLOC cleanser and toner is so easy to use and has combined two steps which in the past was not possible. New science, great idea and leaves the skin soft and lightens. Love it

by marymatt Friday, September 24, 2010 at 12:55PM Report as inappropriate

I have used the Made from Earth Green Tea Cleanser since I was a teenager, when my mom bought it for me. Over the years I've tried many, many other cleansers and I always come back to the one from Made from Earth. So, now it is the only one I ever buy. You can use it two different ways, either by massaging it over your face and then wiping it off with tissue or a wahcloth or rinsing it off with water. It is gentle on my dry sensitive skin and leaves it feeling soft and moisturized. It also removes my makeup, including eyeliner, mascara (unless it's waterproof), eye shadow, concealer, and face powder, with no irritation. It is very reasonably priced and a bottle lasts me a long time, usually at least 3 months. I have recommended it to many people who comment on how great my skin looks and feels. I can't say enough good things about Made from Earth - so glad I found it!

by popolklkp Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 09:15AM Report as inappropriate

I am not surprised that Estee Lauder's foaming cleanser came in at #1. My sister recommended it to me, and swore by how well it cleanses my face of make up. I've been using it ever since. I've tried the drug store cleansers but they just don't quite remove make up as well as this one does. They can be purchased from any Estee Lauder counters at Macy's, and this particular cleansures is for both normal and combination skin. When you dab it onto your hand, it looks like a creamy cleanser but when you wash it onto your face it becomes a foamy cleanser. Seriously, before using this I was using a product that didn't cleanse my face well so after using it I was having to use astringents to wipe my face completely clean of make up, but since using this, I have not had to use any other additional cleansing or astringent products at all. Definitely highly recommended. :)

by Mariamsma Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 02:18PM Report as inappropriate

You only went to age 50. I recently turned 60. What do you suggest we do just give up. What if we want to stay looking good at that age?

by Rikka1 Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 01:59PM Report as inappropriate

Huge variety of products, most of which I wasn't aware of! Shop on...

by cytoqueen Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 06:59AM Report as inappropriate

thanks for all the helpful hints! the prices are right up my alley.

by littlebear13 Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 05:48AM Report as inappropriate

Nice variety of products to try - although mostly for acne prones.

by cggrpa Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 04:57AM Report as inappropriate

Home » Beauty Tips » Skin care » 18 Best Face Cleansers