Cleansing is one of the simplest (and, we’d argue, most important) steps in your skincare routine. But in order to give your skin what it needs to look and feel its best, you have to pick the right formula—after all, not all cleansers serve the same purpose. There are two main types of cleansers: water-based cleansers and oil-based cleansers. Both will help remove dirt and grime, but they otherwise offer distinct benefits. The advantages of water-based facial cleansers, in particular, are vast—there are formulas available for every skin type and concern. Here, we’ll introduce you to 17 of our favorite water-based face cleansers, from exfoliating options to gentle formulas designed specifically for stressed skin. Plus, we’ll share a few key facts about water-based cleansers worth knowing before you shop. Find it all ahead.What Is a Water-Based Cleanser? A water-based cleanser is a cleanser that features water—rather than oil—as its main ingredient. The water acts as a solvent of sorts, diluting the other ingredients (like botanical extracts or acids) to help create a balanced formula. To identify whether a product is water-based, take a look at the ingredients. If the first ingredient listed is water (or aqua), then it’s water-based—even if the formula contains some oils. This type of cleanser can suit a range of skin types. Often, they’re recommended for oily and acne-prone skin, as they can help remove excess oil without clogging your pores. Those with combination skin types can benefit from water-based cleansers, too. Nourishing oil and cream cleansers are often recommended for those with dry and sensitive skin, but water-based formulas shouldn’t be completely ruled out. What will work for your skin largely depends on the specific cleanser you use and its benefits. Hydrating cleansers, for example, can be great for all skin types. Exfoliating options, meanwhile, are well-suited for those with dull or uneven skin. Ultimately, the best water-based cleanser for you will be one that accounts for your skin’s specific needs.17 Water-Based Cleansers We LoveGarnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Purifying With Salicylic Acid Micellar water is a type of water-based face cleanser that removes dirt and debris, as well as makeup—no rubbing (or rinsing) needed. This gentle formula acts like a magnet to capture impurities and helps minimize the appearance of pores and mattify skin all day long. To use it, soak a cotton pad with the micellar water and hold it over your eyes. Count to ten, then gently wipe the pad over your eye to remove your makeup. Then, wipe it over your face until your skin is completely clean. You can use your micellar water as your main facial cleanser, as part of your double cleanse routine, or even to fix makeup mistakes without having to start from scratch.CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water with Ceramides For Dry Skin This ultra-gentle cleanser removes makeup, hydrates, and cleanses the skin without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide and offers an effective cleanse without the need for water or rinsing. The soothing formula is even accepted by the National Eczema Association—so those with sensitive or dry skin can use it without worrying about overdrying their skin.Vichy Pureté Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel If your home has hard water (and installing a water softener isn’t in the cards), this cleanser can help reduce some of the damaging effects it has on the skin. The rich gel formula lathers up to help remove dirt, makeup, and even pollution while counteracting the drying effects of hard water. It features the French brand’s famous Vichy Volcanic Water as well as niacinamide and glycerin. Use it morning and night for brighter, healthier-looking skin from the very first use.Thayers pH Balancing Daily Cleanser with Aloe Vera This water-based cleanser is comprised of 96% natural-origin ingredients, including aloe vera, sodium hyaluronate (also known as hyaluronic acid) and, of course, water. The jelly-like formula transforms into a rich lather that lifts away dirt, oil, and other impurities without stripping your skin. It also helps balance the skin’s pH levels and strengthens the moisture barrier—making it a great pick for all skin types, including sensitive skin.Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser If you love water-based facial cleansers but want the nourishing feel of a richer, oil-based face wash, try this beloved cleanser from Kiehl’s. The gentle formula contains avocado oil and squalane (a botanical lipid made from olives). It dissolves dirt, excess oil, and other impurities while helping to balance the skin’s protective barrier for an effective cleanse that won’t leave your skin feeling stripped.SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser With Glycolic Acid Address dullness and unevenness from the very first step in your routine with this water-based face wash. The glycolic acid-infused cleanser removes surface dirt and impurities while gently exfoliating the skin to help refine skin tone and texture. While it is mildly exfoliating, the hydrating formula is gentle enough for twice-daily use—just remember to follow your cleanse with plenty of SPF during the daylight hours.La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gentle Facial Cleanser It’s not just any old water from the tap that features in this gentle face cleanser. Instead, it’s prebiotic thermal water that’s rich in natural minerals and antioxidants. The creamy formula gently removes dirt, oil, and other impurities and helps the skin retain essential moisture, making it a great pick for those with dry or sensitive skin.La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Acne Face Wash La Roche-Posay also offers a water-based cleanser formulated for acne-prone skin. It helps smooth skin texture and clear acne breakouts. Instead of using harsh scrub particles to exfoliate, chemical exfoliants gently remove impurities. You’ll find 2% salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid in the formula, alongside glycerin, which can help offset the drying effects associated with some acne treatments.Lancôme Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water Waterproof mascara and long-wearing lipsticks can both be tricky to remove—without the right cleanser, that is. And that’s where this water-based makeup remover-cleanser hybrid comes into play. It’s designed for both eye and face makeup removal and makes easy work out of dissolving stubborn makeup.Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser This rich gel cleanser contains a farmer’s market-worthy blend of ingredients, including vitamin-rich spinach, kale, and green tea. It provides an effective cleanse and helps remove makeup and prevent buildup in your pores without drying or stripping the skin. Plus, it boasts a fresh, herbaceous scent that’s downright enjoyable.IT Cosmetics Confidence In a Cleanser We love multi-tasking products, and this creamy, soap-free cleanser seriously delivers. It provides the cleansing power of a face wash with the hydration of a serum, delivering both immediate and long-lasting hydration. The ceramide-packed formula also helps support the skin barrier, and it’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.SkinBetter Science Cleansing Gel Finding a cleanser gentle enough to use after a skincare treatment like a chemical peel or microdermabrasion can be challenging. Thankfully, this cleanser is designed specifically for that purpose. It contains a blend of mild, sulfate-free surfactants and provides a thorough cleanse while remaining gentle enough for even compromised skin.Aēsop Amazing Face Cleanser Combat excessive oiliness and humidity-induced shine with this refreshing cleanser from Aēsop. The gel cleanser produces a mild foam that leaves your skin feeling balanced and deeply clean. While we love the way the cleanser feels on the skin, we’re equally impressed with its fragrance: fresh and citrusy, thanks to a blend of mandarin rind and floral ylang-ylang.Bubble Fresh Start Gel Cleanser Wake up your complexion (and put it to bed) each day with this gentle water-based cleanser formulated with spearmint extract and caffeine. According to the brand, it washes away pore-clogging dirt and debris without leaving your skin feeling dry or irritated. The brand also says it leaves the skin feeling clean, fresh, and balanced, making it perfect for those with acne-prone skin.Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser Korean beauty brands are well-known for their sheet masks and serums, but their cleansers deserve some love, too. We’re particularly fond of this gel cleanser from Beauty of Joseon, which, according to the brand, contains 24% plum water and naturally occurring acids to help exfoliate the skin while delivering tons of moisture.Peach & Lily Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser This calming cleanser is another K-beauty favorite. Per Peach & Lily, the lightweight water-based gel uses dual-cleansing agents to draw out visible impurities without stripping the skin. The brand highlights its soothing formula with camelia, chamomile, and cucumber, which leaves the skin looking hydrated and healthy.Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser Baby-soft skin is within reach with this jelly cleanser. Per the brand, it contains a blend of nourishing ingredients, including rose water, allantoin, and pro-vitamin B5. They also note that the non-comedogenic, fragrance-free formula is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily to remove dirt, debris, and makeup—even around the delicate eye area.When Should You Use a Water-Based Cleanser? You can use most water-based cleansers twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. Cleansing in the morning helps prepare your skin for your morning skincare routine and any makeup you may wear, while an evening cleanse helps remove all of the dirt, oil, and makeup that accumulates on your skin throughout the day. You can also use a water-based cleanser for double cleansing. If this is your preferred cleansing method, you’ll simply wash once with an oil cleanser, then follow it with your water-based face wash of choice. Of course, this is just a general guideline, and how to use a water-based cleanser depends on the specific product you’re working with. For a more accurate read on how often you can (or should) use any given cleanser, take a close look at the directions printed on the package or consult your dermatologist. Next Up: This Is How (and When) You Should Be Applying Toner
