Feel free to navigate through our list of the finest gel cleansers for all types of skin that would leave your skin looking fresh and oil-free.

Benefits Of Using A Gel Cleanser On Your Face

Apart from these benefits, gel cleansers help in sebum control and gentle exfoliation to brighten your skin tone while keeping it soft and smooth. Let us check out the 14 best gel cleansers available right now.

14 Best Gel Cleansers Available Right Now

1. Best Hydrating:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel

The quick-foaming Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel is formulated with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture while leaving the skin refreshed and clean. This lightweight gel is easy to use and creates a soft lather that cleanses dirt, grime, and acne-causing bacteria without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. In addition, it effectively clears away all makeup residue to keep your pores unclogged. This daily cleanser can be used morning and night to keep the skin supple and hydrated. For more information about the product, click this video. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid Pros

Lightweight Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Soap-free Oil-free Paraben-free

Cons

Strong fragrance

2. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser 

The micro-exfoliating La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser is formulated with 2% salicylic acid to minimize surface oil that is the cause of acne breakouts, pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. The presence of lipo hydroxy acid in this facial cleanser offers precise cell-by-cell exfoliation of dirt and grime from areas prone to oil accumulation. This AM/PM non-comedogenic cleanser can combat acne breakouts for a smooth and even skin tone. Check this video to learn more about the product. Key Ingredients: Lipo hydroxy acid and Salicylic acid Pros

Fights acne Dermatologist-tested Fragrance-free Allergy-tested Oil-free Paraben-free Non-comedogenic

Cons

May dry out the skin

3. Best Lightweight:Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

The calming Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is made of naturally foaming Quillaja saponaria that gently clears away dirt and toxins from your skin to leave it silky smooth. It is also enriched with balm mint and lavender extracts to soothe the irritation and inflammation caused due to acne. This lightweight cleanser has a refreshing lather that does not harm your skin’s natural moisture barrier and has no drying effects. It is gentle enough for everyday use to purify the skin and improve skin health. Key Ingredients: Quillaja Saponaria, Balm mint, and Lavender Pros

Soothes the skin Soap-free Lightweight Gluten-free Paraben-free Cruelty-free Vegan

Cons

May cause redness

4. Best For Skin Brightening:Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel

The non-foaming Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel is packed with papaya and grapefruit extracts. These fruit extracts contain exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids that prevent the build up of surface impurities. It effectively removes dirt, makeup, and excess oil to rejuvenate and revitalize the complexion. This oil-free formula can be used twice daily to keep your skin smooth and bright while combating acne breakouts and blackheads. Key Ingredients: Papaya and Grapefruit extracts Pros

Oil-free Non-drying Brightens the skin

Cons

Strong fragrance

5. Best Non-Dryingr:Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser

The gentle Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser is infused with yuca root to remove impurities from the skin without drying it out. This morning-evening skin care treatment is a blend of soothing botanicals like chamomile and calendula to calm and irritation and inflammation. It refreshes the skin while opening and cleansing the pores to minimize acne breakouts, blackheads, and pimples. Its lightweight gel formula is suitable for all skin types. Key Ingredient: Yuca root, Chamomile, and Calendula Pros

Dermatologist-tested Hypoallergenic Gentle formula Non-drying Paraben-free Phthalate-free SLS-free Dye-free Cruelty-free

Cons

Strong fragrance

6. Best For Sensitive Skin:Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel

The hypoallergenic Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel is enriched with Avène thermal spring water that offers soothing and anti-irritating properties. This multi-tasking cleanser can be used on the face and body to eliminate impurities without stripping away your skin’s natural oils and moisture. It is infused with zinc gluconate and patented monolaurin to deliver anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulatory benefits. Its ingredients combat acne breakouts while delivering a purifying and refreshing cleansing experience. Key Ingredient: Avène thermal spring water, Zinc gluconate, and Monolaurin Pros

Controls oil production Fights inflammation Does not cause irritation Combats acne Paraben-free Soap-free Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Alcohol-free

Cons None

7. Best For Oily Skin:Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel

The Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel deeply cleanses clogged pores while removing dirt, makeup, and excess oil from your skin. It is enriched with aloe vera to offer antioxidant and soothing properties to brighten your complexion, revealing healthy and younger-looking skin. Oat amino acids are naturally derived water-binding agents that retain moisture while softening and conditioning your skin. Key Ingredients: Oat amino acids and Aloe vera Pros

Brightens the skin Gentle formula Fights the signs of aging

Cons

Contains parabens

8. Best Vegan:Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

The non-stripping Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is enriched with makeup-dissolving emollients and gentle coconut-based surfactants that are rich in fatty acids that create a rich lather to cleanse the skin deeply. It is enriched with glycerin to boost hydration levels that may be depleted during cleansing. Cantaloupe extract and virgin marula oil are high in antioxidants and omega fatty acids to nourish and soothe your skin. This purifying cleanser has a pH of 6.1 to maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier without leaving any residue. Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Cantaloupe extract, and Virgin marula oil Pros

No residue Balances the skin’s pH SLS-free Fragrance-free Essential oil-free Cruelty-free Gluten-free Vegan Silicone-free Alcohol-free Dye-free

Cons None

9. Best Anti-Aging:Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel

The unique exfoliating and cleansing action of the Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel helps combat signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It is formulated with glycolic and salicylic acids to chemically exfoliate your skin, cleanse clogged pores, reduce oil, and dissolve makeup. White oak bark extract is included in this anti-aging formula to brighten and clarify your skin to give it a revitalized and youthful appearance. Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, and White oak bark extract Pros

Fights the signs of aging Exfoliates the skin Just a little product required per use

Cons None

10. Best Fragrance-Free:L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Cleansing Gel

The non-drying formula of the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Cleansing Gel is fortified with 3.5% pure glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and aloe extract to gently dissolve surface impurities or dead skin cells. This daily-use cleansing gel minimizes enlarged pores and gives your skin a smoother and brighter look while preparing it for serum application. It has a gently foaming action and is further enriched with menthol for a refreshed and clean feeling. Key Ingredient: Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Aloe extract, and Menthol Pros

Non-drying Fragrance-free Paraben-free Allergy-tested Mineral oil-free Dye-free Dermatologist-tested

Cons

Strong menthol fragrance

11. Best For Even Skin Tone:RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser

The invigorating RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser offers instant action that dissolves daily impurities to reveal a brighter complexion with a radiant glow. This clinically tested formula is enriched with glycolic acid and vitamin C to exfoliate skin-dulling impurities and reveal an even skin tone. This citrus-scented cleansing gel smoothens rough patches, reduces discoloration, and maintains the natural skin moisture balance. It combats the signs of aging by tightening your skin and giving it a youthful appearance. Key Ingredients: Vitamin C and Glycolic acid Pros

Fights the signs of aging Clinically tested Non-comedogenic Paraben-free Sulfate-free Dermatologist-tested

Cons

Not suitable for sensitive skin

12. Best Oil-Free:Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser

The rejuvenating Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser is formulated with a 4.7 free acid value of glycolic acid to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and thoroughly cleanse the skin of makeup and impurities. This non-comedogenic cleanser unclogs blocked pores and minimizes blackheads to leave the skin feeling smooth and soft. It is enriched with a blend of moisturizing and conditioning agents that protect your skin from irritation while strengthening its moisture barrier. It visibly reduces signs of premature aging by smoothening away fine lines and wrinkles. Key Ingredient: Glycolic acid Pros

Fights the signs of aging Oil-free Fragrance-free Non-comedogenic

Cons

Leaves a residue

13. Best Nourishing Formula:Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel

The botanical amino acids in the Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel remove impurities, dirt, and debris while balancing your skin’s moisture barrier without stripping away its natural oils. This gentle sulfate-free cleanser contains nourishing ingredients like a green tree, jojoba, and rosemary that combat free radical damage and soothe the skin irritation caused by acne or inflammation. The inclusion of hydrangea leaf in the cleanser purifies the skin and minimizes the appearance of open pores. Key Ingredients: Green tree, Jojoba, Rosemary, and Hydrangea leaf Pros

Unclogs pores Non-drying Antibacterial properties Reduces inflammation Hydrates the skin Sulfate-free Gluten-free Cruelty-free Vegan Preservative-free Color-free Artificial fragrance-free

Cons

Does not lather well

14. Best Non-Comedogenic:Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser

The Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser is made from powerful botanical extracts, including willow bark, date fruit, lavender, and marshmallow root that blend together to effectively cleanse your skin of harmful bacteria, dead skin cells, excess oil, and impurities. This refreshing cleanser is enriched with menthol and orange fruit extract to soothe irritated skin without stripping away its natural oils or drying it out. Key Ingredients: Willow bark, Date fruit, Lavender, Marshmallow root, Menthol, and Orange fruit Pros

Natural ingredients Removes excess oils Exfoliates the skin Antibacterial properties Paraben-free Non-comedogenic

Cons None Now, let us understand how you can choose the best gel cleanser for your skin’s needs.

How To Choose The Best Gel Cleanser

Before you choose your gel cleanser, it is important to keep some factors in mind:

Look for gentle and soothing ingredients. Choose cleansers that have natural and organic ingredients and ones that are sulfate-free. Exfoliating cleansers deeply cleanse the skin of dead skin cells and impurities. Steer clear of harmful chemicals and toxins.

Now, let’s talk about how to use a gel cleanser to get the results.

How To Use A Gel Cleanser To Maximize Its Effectiveness

To maximize the effectiveness of gel cleansers, it is essential to follow certain steps in your cleansing routine. A gel cleanser offers a refreshing cleansing solution for all your skin care concerns. With this product in your beauty arsenal, you are all set to face the dirt and grime that the world may throw at you. So, step out with the confidence of knowing that you have a product that will get rid of everyday pollutants, makeup, and excess oil in seconds. Go ahead and choose one from our list of the best gel cleansers for all skin types that will clear your skin of all impurities.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. She likes to learn more about the latest trends in the world of skin care. She researched the ingredients used to formulate the best gel cleansers for women and went through hundreds of user reviews on trusted online platforms to prepare this list. These cleansers help clear excess oil and unclog the pores. Gel cleanser vs. foam cleanser – which is better? Gel cleansers have a gel-like consistency, whereas a foam cleanser has an airy and soapy texture. A foaming face wash may remove dirt, impurities, and makeup effectively but can be harsh on the skin. Gel cleansers maintain cleanse the skin gently. Are gel cleansers good? Gel cleansers are definitely good for the skin as they cause relatively no irritation as compared to foaming face washes. They are especially good for unclogging pores and removing acne-causing bacteria from the skin surface. They may even offer exfoliating and anti-inflammatory benefits. Are gel cleansers good for dry skin? Gel cleansers offer high levels of hydration, making them good for dry skin. They are formulated to cleanse the skin of impurities without stripping away natural oils. Can I use a cleansing gel every day? Yes, you can use a cleansing gel every day. It is essential to wash your face, especially at the end of the day, to get rid of makeup residue and daily impurities. If you have combination or oily skin, it is recommended to wash your face twice daily. Those with dry skin may just need to wash it at night. What is a gel cleanser? Gel cleansers are water-based cleansers that have a gel-like texture and are intended for deep cleansing, unclogging pores, and removing dirt and excess oils. Is gel cleanser a face wash? Yes, gel cleansers are water-based face washes. Do you use water with gel cleanser? Yes, water activates gel cleansers, so begin by dampening the product in your palms with some water.

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