This post was reviewed and updated by Sarah Otto, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Otto Skin Goods on May 8, 2026.
Cleansers are an important step in your skincare routine. Throughout the day, your complexion is continually covered with debris like bacteria, pollutants, viruses, dirt, sweat and dead skin cells. Cleansers work hard to remove these impurities, leaving your skin refreshed and clean.
We’ve spent some time figuring out which cleansers are worth buying, when to use them, and which ingredients to look for. Consider this your guide to navigating the mysterious world of cleansers!
Keep your face wash and cleansers simple.
Has anyone ever told you to splurge on cleansers? Don’t listen to them. Your cleanser should be simple and inexpensive. Why? Because cleansers are a “rinse-off product”, and therefore you don’t need a lot of pricey active ingredients, save those for your leave-on products like a serum. Bottom line: this should be your least complicated product—less than $30 with a short list of ingredients.
A gentle gel works for most skin types.
In the past, we’ve often seen experts recommending a double-cleanse, cleansing milk, or a balm for dry, sensitive skin types. Instead, we feel that a mild cleansing gel works best for everyone. It foams just enough to remove makeup without over-drying the skin, and it doesn’t clog pores like heavier cream-based cleansers.
Skip the harsh acids in your daily cleanser.
Don’t get us wrong; glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids work wonders on an occasional basis. But daily use of these acids in a cleanser will strip your skin of its natural oils, dehydrating your complexion over time. Instead, opt for fruit enzymes—a great alternative to look for in a cleanser. These gentle, yet effective enzymes dissolve away dirt and oil without being too harsh or irritating like the others. The result? A clearer, brighter, more even skin tone. Some of our favorites are: mango, papaya, passionfruit and pineapple.
Use a cleanser only once a day.
If you cleanse and remove makeup at night, there’s no need to cleanse again in the morning. Instead, gently rinse your face with warm water and swipe on a plumping serum with hyaluronic acid.
Here’s the caveat: If you exercise in the morning or afternoon, a second cleanse can be necessary to prevent clogged pores from sweat. Just try to reduce cleansing to once or twice a day, tops.
Ceramides are great hydrating ingredients to look for in a cleanser.
Ceramides are great to look for in a cleanser because they are used to replenish the natural lipids lost from exposure to harsh environmental factors, natural aging or drying products. To put it simply, they help your skin retain moisture. More moisture = less wrinkles. To prevent dryness and potential lipid loss, look for a cleanser that adds lipids back into your skin. A mild cleansing gel with ceramides can efficiently cleanse your skin, keeping it balanced and hydrated.
Note: Ceramides are NOT expensive, so they shouldn’t increase the price point of your cleanser.
Avoid harsh lathering agents.
Avoid lathering agents such as cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium lauryl sulfate, as they’ve been shown to cause allergic reactions and irritation. Instead, opt for milder alternatives such as decyl glucoside and coco glucoside (you can find these on the product’s ingredient list). These less irritating lathering agents won’t strip your skin or cause dehydration, so it’s kind of a skincare no-brainer, in our opinion.
Shop The Good Day Face Cleanser
What’s inside:
Our Ceramide Complex helps protect your skin barrier from environmental stressors, while softening and soothing
Real superberries like Goji Berries, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Raspberries slow aging skin by fighting free radicals, promoting cell turnover, and increasing collagen production
Using only gentle, plant-based lathering agents, this cocamidopropyl betaine-free cleanser is less allergenic and irritating and perfect for sensitive skin
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my face?
Once a day is ideal for most people: cleansing at night to remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants is sufficient. In the morning, a warm water rinse is all you need. The exception is if you exercise, in which case a second cleanse after sweating is fine.
Do I need to spend a lot on a cleanser?
Nope. Since cleansers are rinsed off, pricey active ingredients are wasted in them. Save those for leave-on products like serums. A great cleanser should cost less than $30 and have a short, simple ingredient list.
What type of cleanser works best for my skin type?
A mild gel cleanser works well for most skin types. It removes makeup and impurities without over-drying the skin or clogging pores the way heavier cream-based cleansers can.
Are acids like glycolic or salicylic acid okay in a daily cleanser?
Not really. While these acids can be beneficial occasionally, daily use in a cleanser can strip your skin's natural oils over time. Look for fruit enzymes (like mango, papaya, or pineapple) as a gentler alternative that still brightens and clarifies.
What ingredients should I look for in a cleanser?
Ceramides are a great one. They help replenish moisture and support your skin's barrier without raising the price of the product. Gentle, plant-based lathering agents like decyl glucoside and coco glucoside are also worth seeking out.
What ingredients should I avoid?
Avoid harsh lathering agents like sodium lauryl sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine, which can cause irritation and allergic reactions, as well as daily-use acids that can dehydrate the skin over time.
Can I use a cleanser to remove makeup?
Yes! A good gentle gel cleanser should be effective at removing makeup without stripping the skin. No separate makeup remover or double-cleanse routine is necessary.
