Step one of every routine — find a professional cleanser matched to your skin type, from gentle creams to clarifying gels.
Torn between a cream, a gel and a balm? Our Academy guide to the best facial cleansers in the UK compares the formats side by side and shows which suits oily, dry, combination or easily irritated skin. If you also want to know where cleansing sits alongside everything else you apply, skincare routine fundamentals sets out the running order for morning and evening.
![AlumierMD SensiCalm Cleanser, 177ml]()
![AlumierMD SensiCalm Cleanser, 177ml]()
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![AlumierMD Purifying Gel Cleanser, pH-Balanced Cleanser, 177ml / 15ml]()
![AlumierMD Purifying Gel Cleanser, pH-Balanced Cleanser, 177ml / 15ml]()
AlumierMD
AlumierMD Purifying Gel Cleanser | pH-Balanced Cleanser | 177ml / 15ml
£38.00Unit price /Unavailable -
![AlumierMD Clarifying Cleanser 177ml — Twin Pack (2 x 177ml)]()
AlumierMD
AlumierMD Clarifying Cleanser | Exfoliating Gel Cleanser | 177ml
£38.00Unit price /Unavailable -
![iS Clinical Cleansing Complex, Gel Cleanser, 60ml/180ml]()
iS Clinical
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex | Gel Cleanser | 60ml/180ml
£25.00Unit price /Unavailable -
Obagi
Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Foaming Cleanser | Salicylic Acid Cleanser | 118ml
£50.00Unit price /Unavailable -
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![Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse, Exfoliating Cleanser, 150ml]()
Medik8
Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse | Exfoliating Cleanser | 150ml
£25.00Unit price /Unavailable -
![Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil, Oil Cleanser, 140ml]()
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![AlumierMD Gentle Foaming Cleanser 145ml — Twin Pack (2 x 145ml)]()
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SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser | Cream Cleanser | 190ml
£47.00Unit price /Unavailable -
![Medik8 Gentle Cleanse™, Ultra-Gentle Cleanser, 150ml]()
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![Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser, Redness Relief, 150ml]()
![Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser, Redness Relief, 150ml]()
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SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser | Exfoliating Gel | 150ml
£47.00Unit price /Unavailable -
![Medik8 Clarifying Foam, AHA/BHA Foaming Cleanser, 150ml]()
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![Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense, AHA/BHA Cleanser, 150ml]()
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![iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser, Treatment Cleanser, 120g]()
![iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser, Treatment Cleanser, 120g]()
iS Clinical
iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser | Treatment Cleanser | 120g
£48.00Unit price /Unavailable
Frequently asked questions
Which cleanser should I start with?
Which cleanser should I start with?
Match the cleanser to your skin: AlumierMD HydraBoost cream cleanser for dry skin, Purifying Gel Cleanser for normal to combination, and SensiCalm for redness-prone skin that reacts easily. Blemish-prone skin should reach for AlumierMD Clarifying Cleanser or Obagi CLENZIderm M.D. Foaming Cleanser, both built around salicylic acid.
Should I double cleanse at night?
Should I double cleanse at night?
Double cleanse if you wear SPF, make-up or spend the day in a city. Start with Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil to lift oil-based grime, then follow with a water-based cleanser like iS Clinical Cleansing Complex to clear what is left. In the morning, one gentle cleanse is enough.
Do I need an exfoliating cleanser?
Do I need an exfoliating cleanser?
An exfoliating cleanser earns its place if your skin looks dull or rough. Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse uses mandelic and lactic acids to smooth the surface, while NeoStrata Restore PHA Facial Cleanser refines texture gently enough for daily use. Because they rinse straight off, they are a low-commitment way to introduce acids.
Which cleanser is gentlest for reactive skin?
Which cleanser is gentlest for reactive skin?
AlumierMD SensiCalm and Obagi Nu-Derm Gentle Cleanser both clean without harsh surfactants that leave skin tight, so they suit redness-prone and post-treatment skin. SensiCalm also comes in a 15ml travel size for testing or trips. Cleanse with lukewarm water and press dry rather than rubbing.
What if I want one cleanser that does everything?
What if I want one cleanser that does everything?
iS Clinical Cleansing Complex is the closest to a do-it-all — it removes make-up, suits most skin types and works as the second step in a double cleanse. Pair it with SkinCeuticals Simply Clean if your skin runs oily and you want a fresher, lower-residue finish. As an authorised UK stockist we carry the full AlumierMD and iS Clinical cleanser line.
Not sure which product is right for you?
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