Best Hydrating Facial Cleansers

Updated December 2021
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Paula's Choice Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
Paula's Choice
Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
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Bottom Line

A cleanser that moisturizes well and is suitable for all skin types.

Pros

Light soapy scent won’t bother people sensitive to smells. Great for multiple skin types, including combination skin. Creamy texture is pleasant to cleanse with. Washes away clean and hydrates the skin well.

Cons

May not remove all of your make-up.

Best Bang for the Buck
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
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Bottom Line

A good value for a gel-type cleanser that hydrates well.

Pros

Moisturizes the skin nicely. Treats the face gently and leaves it soft. Those with sensitive skin report no breakouts with this cleanser. No scent, so comfortable for smell-sensitive customers.

Cons

Doesn’t do a great job of removing make-up.

Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Image Skincare
Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser
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Bottom Line

A hydrating cleanser that’s good for dry skin with a light, pleasant scent.

Pros

Cleanses well. Gentle for most and doesn’t leave the face feeling dry. Customers report citrus smell is pleasant. Leaves the skin feeling smooth. Most report that it does a good job of removing make-up.

Cons

May be too hydrating for those with oily skin. Squeezing the cleanser out can take some work.

Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Hada Labo Tokyo
Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
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Bottom Line

An effective make-up removing cleanser that’s suitable for normal to oily skin.

Pros

Lathers, which may give some a feeling of better cleaning action. Gentle on sensitive skin. Creamy texture feels nice on the face. Lasts a long time. Gives a good cleanse. Effective at removing make-up.

Cons

Some customers feel it’s not hydrating enough for those with dry skin.

Clean & Clear Morning Burst Oil-Free Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Clean & Clear
Morning Burst Oil-Free Hydrating Facial Cleanser
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Bottom Line

A budget hydrating cleanser for those with normal to oily skin.

Pros

Most customers find the scent of this cleanser pleasant. Good cleaning action and leaves the skin feeling moisturized and smooth. Lathers up, which some customers prefer. Economical as it’s well priced and lasts a long time.

Cons

May not leave those with dry skin feeling sufficiently moisturized.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
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60
Consumers
Consulted
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Hours
Researched
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Hydrating facial cleansers are created to provide a deep down wash that unclogs your pores without stripping your face of its natural oils. This lofty combination of goals requires a unique balance of ingredients and product engineering. Moisturizing ingredients including ceramides and hyaluronic acids are often infused into creamy textures that won’t scratch your skin and instead gently glide between layers to release buildup. Strong enough to remove makeup, however additional products may be needed for a deep cleanse. Some brands focus purely on results whereas others create an experience based on the type of lather to the product’s smell. An effective option for those with normal to dry skin.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser
Ktchn Apothecary
Hydrating Face Wash + Makeup Remover
Aveeno
Ultra-Calming Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser
La Roche-Posay
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Neutrogena
Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Our Top Picks
Paula's Choice
Best of the Best
Paula's Choice
Resist Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
Bottom Line
A cleanser that moisturizes well and is suitable for all skin types.
Shop Now
CeraVe
Best Bang for the Buck
CeraVe
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Bottom Line
A good value for a gel-type cleanser that hydrates well.
Shop Now
Image Skincare
Top Pick
Image Skincare
Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Bottom Line
A hydrating cleanser that’s good for dry skin with a light, pleasant scent.
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Hada Labo Tokyo
Top Pick
Hada Labo Tokyo
Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Bottom Line
An effective make-up removing cleanser that’s suitable for normal to oily skin.
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Clean & Clear
Top Pick
Clean & Clear
Morning Burst Oil-Free Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Bottom Line
A budget hydrating cleanser for those with normal to oily skin.
Shop Now