my top 7 cleansers right now

Please note some products were gifted and affiliate links are used in this post.

I thought I’d share some of my favourite cleansers at the moment as I finally seem to have my skin under control after a bout of dermatitis and hormonal breakouts. With the nature of my job I do get to try more skincare than the average person and I appreciate 7 cleansers is a lot to have in one go, but hopefully you’ll find my tried-and-tested experience useful!

The breakthrough for me was learning to double cleanse (thank you, Dermalogica). The idea is that one cleanse serves to clean the skin (remove dirt, make up, daily grime) and the other serves to replenish the skin or actively treat (put goodness back in or soothe breakouts). it’s a method that really works for me and I tend to start with a balm/oil based cleanser (spoiler; using oil does not make your skin oily in fact its the reverse) and then more of an exfoliant product. I’ll order these as “step 1 options” and then “step 2 options.”

1 - dermalogica pre cleanse balm

A step 1 option. Please, please, please believe me when I say if you have oily skin you need an oil cleanser. They’re gentle on the skin and just like the Indian concept of oil pulling - oil will in fact draw out greasiness from the skin rather than add to it. I’m absolutely gutted to say that the balm version of this product is being discontinued, however, the oil is still going, here which is just as good. The formulation of Dermalogica products works a treat for me and I really trust them. I use this product to cleanse in the evening as it also works as a make up remover. It gives you baby soft skin and preps it really nicely for a deeper or more specific treatment cleanser afterwards.

2 - kate somerville goat milk cleanser

A step 1 cleanser, this is one of the gentlest products I have found. A true cult-favourite, I was late to the Kate Somerville party and am making up for lost time. Perfect for the most sensitive of skins, this cream cleanser is what I turn to when my skin is on fire.

Packed full of natural milk proteins, avocado and manuka honey, it’ll not only cleanse but soothe your skin. If I’m not having a great time skin-wise I’ll only use this for a few days - or I use it as an excellent way to remove make up, dirt and sebum before moving on to a treatment product.

3 - beauty pie deep purifying cleanser

The last of my step 1 recommendations and it’s been renamed since I bought this and now falls into the Dr Glycolic range. I use this product quite a bit, it seems to pair really well with AHA exfoliant products when I’m two-step cleansing.

One thing I would say though (as with any clay product) is that it will speed up spots coming (and going). So, if you have a big event 1-2 days away I’d steer clear, but on the other hand if you’ve got something coming up in 4-7 days and you can feel some pimples brewing this is a great way to get them gone.

4 - dermalogica special cleansing gel

i’d say this works as an all rounder - a step 1 and 2! this is a popular one in my house, my husband uses it too. the brand’s number 1 cleanser in the world, it’s soap free so you don’t get the tightness so many people get (which means your skin is dry - a chat for another time) and it removes impurities without stripping the skin. its water based and goes on like a gel, gently frothing with water. really, really recommend - would be good for teen skin, or skin prone to sudden breakouts.

5 - murad AHA/BHA cleanser

If you don’t know Murad, you should. One of the most effective brands on the market for my skin and I’m yet to sample a dud product - they all work! This cleanser is a little stronger than the rest, packed full of glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids that both physically and chemically exfoliate the skin.

Don’t be scared of the word “acid” - who doesn’t love vinegar on their chips! The important thing is to buy from a brand who’s formulations are properly regulated and tested, like Murad. This cleanser is designed to be used 2-3 times a week either to treat breakouts or ward them off. I find this one brilliant in the lead up to my time of the month. Strongly recommend, but make sure you have a good water based serum with hyaluronic acid in to help moisturise the skin afterwards.

6 - clarins one step orange cleanser

A step 2, this cleanser was discontinued for years and they’ve just brought it back. My Mum used it when i was growing up and i used to get told off for using it, but i couldn’t resist as it worked. a spa grade product and super reasonable at £21-25 depending on where you shop, it gently exfoliates the skin leaving it buffed and spots treated. The smell is divine and for me it really is the smell of summer skin. thrilled its back - i publicly “eeeeped” in John Lewis on Oxford Street when I spotted it, promptly buying two - one for me and one for my Mum as a thank you for the years I stole hers….

7 - murad vita c exfoliating cleanser

The last in my recommendations only because it’s the most recent addition, launching this year. Again from Murad, this exfoliating cleanser packs a punch. I find their Vita C range to be great, I also swear by the serum in the range. Vitamin C and glycolic as a combo does brilliant things for my skin; smoothing, reducing pore sizes, reducing inflammation and minimising breakouts. If you’re after skin that looks bright, firm and clear this is a very good option.