Every skincare routine starts with facial cleansing. It's an important step that awakens your skin and removes impurities to refresh your skin cells. And when it comes to face cleansing, the best gel cleansers do the task without irritating the skin. 

Unlike regular face washes, gel cleansers or water-based cleansers are mild and they absorb deep into the skin for better cleansing. They effectively eliminate traces of grime, dirt, debris, and makeup residue. They maintain skin texture and prevent pore clogging, leading to acne and breakouts. Besides, they wash off excess oil without stripping the natural moisture of the dermis. 

Some gel cleansers are meant to exfoliate the skin while reducing breakouts, whereas others increase moisture and hydration and keep your skin plump and smooth. 

Drawing from our experience, we have enlisted some of the best gel face washes for different skin types that promise a soothing cleansing experience. Before exploring the products, let's check out some benefits of using gel cleansers. 

Gel cleansers offer numerous benefits, such as; 

1. Effective cleansing- Gel cleansers are non-stripping formulas. They maintain the natural skin barrier and remove excess sebum without stripping essential skin oils. These formulas absorb thoroughly and work within deep to show positive results. 
2. Acne removal- Some gel face washes have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help combat acne-causing pathogens and prevent breakouts. Moreover, they are mild on the skin and don’t provoke allergic reactions. 
3. Hydrating and moisturizing- Besides cleansing, gel face cleansers also hydrate and moisturize the skin to enhance its overall health. They add the required plumpness and suppleness to keep the skin soft and bright. 

• 1
  Best for Oily Skin

  KORRES Pomegranate Pore Refining Cleansing Gel

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Nothing accelerates the process of balancing your oily skin's pH levels as well as a hydrating cleansing gel like KORRES. The plant-based formula soothes the skin, calms the epidermis, and restores your skin's barrier. Suitable for daily use, this cleanser exudes an aromatic pomegranate fragrance that instantly puts you in a good mood. Made with organic ingredients that are harvested locally, the cleanser guarantees a Greek glow that leaves your skin happy. 

2

Best Overall

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel

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The Neutrogena gel-based cleanser targets the root cause of acne which is clogged pores. The non-comedogenic formula prevents pore clogging while removing acne-causing, harmful bacteria. Infused with hyaluronic acid, the gentle formula improves skin hydration levels and locks moisture to keep your skin soft and supple (1). With every application, your skin will feel fresh and smooth. It creates a silky lather that spreads easily on the skin and lifts away dirt, oil, grease, and makeup residue without stripping natural skin moisture. 

3

Editor's Pick

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

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Revamp your skin every morning with this COSRX gel facial wash. The formula is a balanced concoction of active ingredients like tea tree oil, BHA (beta hydroxy acid), etc., that feels mild on the skin. Tea tree oil soothes inflammation, while BHA provides gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells (2), (3). It balances the natural skin pH and washes off troubling irritants. Suitable for all skin types, the magical cleanser removes all sorts of impurities, from dirt to grease, and strengthens the skin's natural barrier.

4

Most Non-comedogenic

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

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With its unique ingredient blend, the La Roche-Posay facial wash gel purges away dead skin cells, pollutants, dirt, grease, and other nasty impurities. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, the medicated formula strips excess oil and clears existing breakouts (4). It reduces surface oil by 47% and fights acne and blackheads. Other ingredients such as lipo hydroxy acid improve skin cell renewal and glycerin prevents water loss. This best face cleansing gel is perfect for oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin and prevents future breakouts.

5

Best Hypoallergenic

Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Cleansing Gel

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Say ciao to blemishes and move confidently with flawless skin. The Eau Thermale Avene gel cleanser for the face is a multipurpose formula you can use on your complete body. This deep cleanser is mild yet effective and discards all impurities in just one go. It minimizes excess oil production and cleanses pores without irritating the skin. You'd love how well this face cleansing gel goes on your skin and leaves it smooth and clear. The unique added ingredient, comedoclastin (a potent plant extract), fades blemishes effortlessly.

6

Best pH Balancer

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

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Doll your skin with a refreshing formula that invigorates your senses. The mint-scented facial cleanser gel is a holy grail for acne-prone and sensitive skin. This gel is enriched with Quillaja saponaria or soapbark tree extracts that gently cleanse the skin and eliminate irritants (5). The other star component, lavender, soothes irritated skin caused due to acne (6). It creates a refreshing foam lather that feels light on the surface and does its job without hampering the skin’s protective barrier. 

7

Most Refreshing

Honest Beauty Gentle Gel Cleanser

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This best gel face wash by Honest Beauty lives up to its name. It stays honest with your skin and amplifies your beauty. Crafted with the goodness of chamomile and calendula extracts, the concoction calms and refreshes skin with every wash. You can use it as your AM face cleanser after waking up or a PM face wash after reaching home. Wash away dirt and impurities without being harsh on your skin. The gentle face cleansing gel is a skincare staple and improves skin health.

8

Best for Combination Skin Type

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel

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Dull skin wants specially formulated skincare products that add an instant boost of radiance. The Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel features the strength of grapefruit and papaya which are known for their glowing effects. This best cleanser for combination skin also suits other skin types and removes excess oil and impurities. It brightens up dull faces and leaves the skin refreshed. This purifying cleanser wash exfoliates the skin and washes off dead skin with no irritation.

9

Most Anti-aging

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel

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Bring back your youthfulness with this Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel. Made with advanced anti-wrinkle technology, the gel-based face cleanser purifies skin while reducing the appearance of premature aging signs. Be it fine lines, wrinkles, or clogged pores, the double cleansing gel targets all your skincare woes. The active ingredients, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid, reduce swelling and redness and shrink pores to relieve breakouts (4), (7). Based on our first-hand experience, a small amount goes a long way and offers the desired results. 

10

Obagi Nu-Derm Foaming Gel

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Your skin suffers through a lot of stress all over the day. Hence, it deserves special care. The Obagi Nu-Derm foaming cleanser deeply cleanses pores and discards oil and impurities in just one wash. This gel cleanser for sensitive skin instantly transforms its appearance and provides a brighter complexion. The non-irritating formula reveals your actual beauty and offers healthy skin. It also suits normal, dry, and oily skin and evens skin tone. Infused with natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, oat amino acid, chamomile extract, etc., the gel-based facial cleanser soothes irritated skin and fights dullness. 

11

Best Moisturizing

Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

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The Drunk Elephant cleanser is an innovative mild surfactant blend that dissolves and removes skincare product residues. Your skin may get layered with makeup, sunscreen, or oil residue, but this best jelly cleanser gently strips the layer while maintaining your skin’s protective barrier. It balances skin pH of 6.1 without discomfort. Enriched with glycerin, a skin-friendly humectant, the facial wash gel replenishes moisture and hydration lost during cleansing (8). It also contains cantaloupe fruit extract which protects the skin from damage. 

12

Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée

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After using this Naturium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée, you won't look further for any other effective face cleansing gel. It boasts the strength of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant. What's special about this cleanser is that it targets dark spots and fades their appearance with continuous use. Perfect for morning and nighttime use, the hydrating gel cleanser balances pH levels and smoothens skin. The purifying cleanser removes dull skin, dirt, makeup, and pollutants. The formula preps your skin to withstand damage. 

13

Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser

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Infused with 4.7% pure glycolic acid, the Glytone gel cleanser for combination skin gently exfoliates and kicks off surface debris. The active ingredient addresses Keratosis Pilaris, a skin condition characterized by small and rough acne bumps (9). Moreover, it blurs fine lines, photodamage, and wrinkles to restore a youthful appearance. This best cleansing gel doesn't stop here. It helps increase hydration levels and improves overall skin texture and tone. After putting it to the test, we found that it enhances the result of skin treatment methods such as the application of chemical peels. 

14

BOSCIA Purifying Cleansing Gel

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Available in a cute green bottle, the BOSCIA Purifying Cleansing Gel is all set to give you your dream skin. The best gel face cleanser is formulated with luxurious botanicals, such as hydrangea and jojoba leaf. Hydrangea leaf refines the pore appearance and gently purifies the skin. Jojoba leaf works as an antioxidant and defends the skin from oxidative damage. The botanical amino acids condition cells and discard surface debris, oil, and grease. Unlike other cleansers, this best facial gel cleanser won't make your skin dry and flaky. 

 

15

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Cleansing Gel

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For that showstopping skin that never loses glow, Dr. Dennis Gross's gel needs to be in your cleansing routine. A cleansing gel for the face that tones and exfoliates the skin using powerful beta and alpha hydroxy acids works as an effective formula. It's suitable for all skin types and is safe for use around the eyes. Its deep cleansing action forms a rich, luxe lather to ensure a soft and cushiony feel. Use it regularly twice a day for optimum results.

16

AVEDA Gel Cleanser

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Aveda gel is an ideal example of where science meets nature. This best gel cleanser for oily skin is made with pure flower and plant essence to let your skin feel light and refreshed. Lavender and vitamin E help normalize skin and add a subtle glow to result in a radiant complexion. The plant-based cleanser foams quickly and wipes dead skin cells, excess oil, and makeup residue with no signs of irritation or discomfort. This best gentle skin cleanser never leaves your face dry and fades acne appearance

Let's jump to our user guide below which will assist you throughout your buying journey of the best gel cleansers. 

You can consider the given points before choosing the best face wash gels; 

Ingredients 

Don’t forget to look for the ingredient list while picking a face gel cleanser. Choose a formula infused with organic and natural ingredients that feel gentle while being effective. For instance, hyaluronic acid improves skin elasticity and hydration. Mint calms discomfort and redness, salicylic acid reduces breakouts and soothes irritated skin. Glycolic acid fights premature aging signs and treats inflammation, while vitamin C offers a brighter complexion and rejuvenates cells. 

Skin type 

There are various gel cleansers available on the market depending on skin type. Those with oily skin may try non-comedogenic and oil-free cleansers as they don’t clog pores and prevent breakouts. Hypoallergenic options are ideal for sensitive skin. Gel cleansers for sensitive skin don’t trigger allergic reactions and feel mild. Hydrating and moisturizing cleansers align well with dry skin. Gel cleansers for dry skin are infused with essential ingredients that add the required moisture and prevent water loss. 

Sensitivity 

It’s better to go with natural and gentle formulas to keep irritation at bay. Avoid ingredients you are allergic to, and select cleansers that don’t cause irritation, redness, and inflammation. Those sensitive to fragrance can switch to fragrance-free options. 

Now that you have learned how to choose a facial gel cleanser, let’s jump to our next segment to understand the right way of using it. 

 

Follow the given steps to get the most from your gel cleanser. 

1. Wash your face with normal or lukewarm water. Avoid using too warm water as this widens pores and damages skin cells.  
2. Take a small quantity of the suitable gel cleanser and rub it between the fingers. 
3. Gently massage your face with the cleanser in circular motions. 
4. Begin with massaging at the center and move to the sides. Cleanse your T-zone thoroughly as maximum oil and dirt accumulate in this region. 
5. Rinse your face with cold or normal water to shrink pores. You can increase the effectiveness of a gel cleanser by following up with a facial toner or micellar water as they protect skin from damage.  

Conclusion 

Gel cleansers are refreshing formulas that help tackle all your skincare woes. Whether it's acne, blemishes, pore-clogging, or dryness, these blends target all and leave your skin clean and smooth. The best gel cleansers are designed with natural and organic components, including plant extracts, vitamins, and gentle acids, to result in flawless skin. The products given above combat imperfections and bless you with dream skin. While on a shopping spree, look for a few determiners, such as ingredients, sensitivity, and skin type, to filter the options and stash the right product in your cart.