I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types.

I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types.

      When it comes to skincare products, few are as gratifying to use as a foaming cleanser. As an esthetician, it ranks among my favorite products for clients; there's an undeniable pleasure in a rich, thick lather and the assurance that all makeup, sweat, oil, and impurities are being washed away, revealing a clean, balanced complexion. The skin feels rejuvenated and is primed for the rest of your skincare regimen. However, not all foaming cleansers are equally effective, and there's a reason they have garnered a somewhat negative reputation in the past. Many older formulations were excessively cleansing, resulting in skin that felt tight, stripped, and overly clean after use. Thankfully, modern foaming cleansers are designed to avoid these undesirable effects. Beyond the basic functions of removing makeup and cleansing, the most effective foaming cleansers also help to soften, soothe, and hydrate the skin, with some even addressing redness and dry patches, depending on your specific skin concerns. From budget-friendly drugstore options to high-end selections, check out our curated list of the best foaming cleansers.

      ### The Best Foaming Cleansers:

      1. **Best Overall: Tatcha The Rice Wash**

       **Best for:** Normal to dry skin. This creamy, pH-balanced cleanser contains rice powder that gently exfoliates and hydrates the skin while cleaning. It's enjoyable to use and feels luxurious, leaving the skin soft, plump, and clean without any stripping effect.

       **Pros:** Gentle exfoliation, soft and hydrated skin, subtle fragrance.

       **Cons:** Expensive, may not be suitable for very oily skin.

      2. **Best for Oily Skin: Medik8 Clarifying Foam**

       **Best for:** Oily and acne-prone skin. This lightweight foaming cleanser, formulated with salicylic and lactic acids, deeply cleanses pores and targets breakouts. While effective for congested and acne-prone skin, it may dry out sensitive or dry skin types.

       **Pros:** Contains salicylic acid for acne, cleans without over-drying.

       **Cons:** Possible drying for sensitive or dry skin, some may experience a tingling sensation.

      3. **Best for Dry Skin: Curél Foaming Facial Wash**

       **Best for:** Sensitive and dry skin. This Japanese drugstore favorite provides a gentle foam cleanser that hydrates without irritation or tightness, being fragrance-free.

       **Pros:** Fragrance-free, gentle on sensitive skin, maintains moisture barrier.

       **Cons:** May not effectively remove heavy makeup.

      4. **Best Luxury Cleanser: Augustinus Bader The Foaming Cleanser**

       **Best for:** Normal to dry and mature skin. This luxurious cream-to-foam cleanser features the TFC8® complex (a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides) that nourishes while purifying, leaving skin refreshed and smooth.

       **Pros:** Hydrating with TFC8® technology, plump and clean skin, suitable for mature skin.

       **Cons:** High price, may not effectively remove heavy makeup.

      5. **Best Affordable Cleanser: The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser**

       **Best for:** Oily, combination, and sensitive skin. This affordable option is suitable for all skin types and respects the skin barrier, leaving it clean without tightness.

       **Pros:** Non-stripping, suitable for sensitive and oily skin, budget-friendly.

       **Cons:** May leave tightness for dry skin, thin consistency can be messy.

      6. **Best for Sensitive Skin: Skinceuticals Soothing Cleanser**

       **Best for:** Sensitive, dry, and post-procedure skin. This foaming cleanser features botanical extracts that soothe and calm reactive skin while effectively cleansing.

       **Pros:** Calming effects, gentle foaming action.

       **Cons:** Not specified.

      7. **Best for Redness-Prone Skin: Ilia Beauty The Cleanse Soft Foaming Cleanser**

       **Best for:** Normal to sensitive skin. This gentle foam cleanser contains aloe and allantoin to cleanse without stripping while reducing redness and inflammation.

       **Pros:** Non-stripping, calming ingredients, suitable for daily use.

       **Cons:** May not remove heavy makeup.

      8. **Best for Congested Skin: Cerave Foaming Cleanser**

       **Best for:** Normal to oily and acne-prone skin. This gel-to-foam cleanser is great for those who prefer a deep clean but isn't suitable for sensitive skin or compromised barriers.

       **Pros:** Non-comedogenic, widely available, affordable.

       **Cons:** Can be drying for dry skin, some users may feel tightness after use.

      9. **Best for Combination Skin: Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Foam Cleanser**

       **Best for:**

I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types. I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types.

Other articles

The 30 Pieces That Will Shape Fashion in Summer 2025 The 30 Pieces That Will Shape Fashion in Summer 2025 Must capture them all. I’m unwilling to spend more than $20 on mascara, so I consulted a makeup artist for their top drugstore recommendations. I’m unwilling to spend more than $20 on mascara, so I consulted a makeup artist for their top drugstore recommendations. The top drugstore mascaras compete with their luxury versions. Click here to discover the 11 finest options, as recommended by makeup artists and a beauty editor. Amal Clooney Recently Donned the '90s Dress Style That You're Sure to Spot at Weddings This Summer. Amal Clooney Recently Donned the '90s Dress Style That You're Sure to Spot at Weddings This Summer. Amal Clooney was recently seen in a stylish '90s-inspired dress that's set to take over the dance floors at weddings in 2025. You can shop for it here. Believe It or Not, These Are the It-Girl Shorts Trend for Summer 2025 Believe It or Not, These Are the It-Girl Shorts Trend for Summer 2025 The most significant shorts trend of 2025 is ultra-casual and relaxed. Fashion enthusiasts have been sporting this style constantly. Find the top pairs for shopping here. An In-Depth Look: Gracie Lawrence's Tony Awards Outfit Steals the Show An In-Depth Look: Gracie Lawrence's Tony Awards Outfit Steals the Show In this unique photo diary, up-and-coming stage star Gracie Lawrence gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of her red carpet appearance at the Tony Awards. Grand opening of the premium women's club RICH & HAPPY WOMEN'S CLUB

On June 4, the Nevsky Melodies Karaoke Club hosted the long-awaited opening of the RICH & HAPPY WOMEN'S CLUB, which was created for successful and inspiring women seeking self-improvement and new acquaintances. The founders of the club are Olga Denega, Anastasia Sadrieva, Alexey Mostavshchikov and Natalie Bogatskaya, who welcomed the guests with warm words and expressed hope for creating a unique space for communication and…

I'm an esthetician— contrary to common belief, these overlooked cleansers are effective for all skin types.

View all my favorites.