Best Facial Cleansing Gels

Maintains Moisture Balance

This special purifying skincare gel removes impurities without changing your skin’s moisture balance.

It’s best for normal, oily, and combination skin types and targets dull and oily patches plus the pores. It contains no sulfates or parabens. It’s cruelty-free and compatible with vegan lifestyles.

Those with sensitive or dry skin found it too harsh to use. Others disliked the scent.

Best Bang for the Buck

Mario Badescu

Enzyme Cleansing Gel

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Sephora

Fruit-based

A popular daily face wash with alpha hydroxy acids from papaya and grapefruit.

Gentle non-foaming cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin. Light exfoliation that leaves skin feeling smooth. Grapefruit brightens skin, while papaya breaks down dull skin.

Acne Solutions Cleansing Gel

Doesn’t remove makeup very well.

Clinique

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Sephora

Prevents Breakouts

This medicated gel helps treat and prevent breakouts.

Powerful cleanser that gives results close to those of prescription remedies. Prevents blackheads and breakouts. Unclogs pores to leave skin feeling fresh. Works especially well in conjunction with a Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush or a Clarisonic.

Contains alcohol, which was too drying for some.

Peter Thomas Roth

Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel

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Sephora

Extra-strength

Revitalizing and brightening gel with glycolic acid.

Powerful cleanser that sloughs off old skin, grime, and makeup. Oil-free, anti-wrinkle technology. Leaves skin feeling soft. Promotes regeneration and a youthful complexion.

Can dry out the skin.

Fresh

Soy Face Cleanser

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Sephora

Gentle Cleanser

One of Fresh's more affordable products that leaves skin clean and soft.

Effectively cleans away makeup, oil, and dirt without drying skin. Includes amino acids to improve skin's elasticity. Cucumber extract soothes skin and gives a gentle scent. Gel cleanser is great for sensitive skin.