Top 12 Best Cleansing Foams in 2021

If there’s one step in your daily skincare routine that you can’t go without, it’s cleaning your face with cleansing foams. Given the huge importance cleansing foams have on our skin, brands across the world are competing to develop formulas to win your heart. Considering the range of options available, navigating your way through to find the best cleanser for your skin is no easy task. Don’t worry, because today we are going to offer you a helping hand to find your cleansing foam soulmate.
Selecting the right cleansing foam for your skin can make all the difference. There are so many cleansers available in the market, from foaming cleansers to oils, milks and balms. A rule of thumb is to always choose your cleansing foam based on the type of skin you have.
Oily Skin: “Oil Free” is the magic term. Choose an oil-control formula cleansing foam that helps to regulate oil production without leaving the skin too dry. A formula that balances pH will also slow the growth of bacteria and help prevent breakouts.
Dry Skin: If your skin is often itchy, flaky or generally tight then finding a hydrating face wash especially with glycerin or essential oils is key.
Sensitive Skin: Lookout for soothing ingredients such as aloe-vera, willow bark, and witch hazel in their cleansers. Avoid cleansers that are mixed with alcohol, colouring, fragrance, paraben and harsh chemicals.
Combined Skin: A formula that balances a through clean with a focus on hydration. Ideally, the cleansing foam should help clear away the skin’s oil without stripping the skin or leaving it with that horrible tight feeling.
Normal Skin: Your options are vast but we recommend cleansers with a range of added perks such as anti-aging or toning properties.
To get the most out of your cleansing foams, learn to cleanse the clever way. First, cleanse twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. Secondly, “double cleanse” by using a cleansing foam to remove the makeup and dirt on the surface, then do it again the second time for further deep cleansing. Dermatologists also recommend double cleansing to help avoid skin damage and reduce toxins found in the pollution and dirt that blocks pores. A tip when cleansing your face is to massage the foam into your face in small circles to stimulate blood flow and aid detoxification.
With all that in mind, it’s time to find the right cleansing foam and upgrade the first vital step in your skincare routine.
Let’s take a look at some of the best cleansers on the market!
Smooth E Babyface Foam
An oldie but a goodie. Many of us would have come across this product before especially during teenage years. Teens with acne problems have gone crazy for this cleanser. Smooth E has gained its reputation for a reason.
It is formulated with pure natural vitamin E and is best known to help reduce wrinkles, fight against free radicals, and maintain healthy skin cells. Also, it has a natural acid and base pH balance that helps to reduce irritation.
Don’t worry about the cleanser causing acne because it is formulated with a non-iconic foam with no bubbles and therefore will not leave residue behind.
Plus, the formula contains selected mild cleansing agents and natural extracts of rose oil that effectively cleanse your skin and at the same time maintain its natural moisture content.
Some cleansers come and go, but we think this will always have a place on our bathroom shelf.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
1/2/4/6 oz | Optimum Moisturizer Complex, Nature Vitamin E, Cucumber and Borage Seed Oil | Bubble-Free | All Skin Types |
Garnier Skin Naturals Pure Active Anti-acne White Acne & Oil Clearing Foam
Simple, affordable and a favourite for many. Here’s a cleansing foam that has been specially formulated to tackle acne problems. It guarantees to reduce acne inflammation by up to 90% and also help to deal with blackheads and clogged acne.
The key ingredients in the foam such as salicylic acid also helps to exfoliate dead skin cells that help make your skin clearer by just washing your face. Not to mention, it gives a feeling of cooling and relaxation while washing your face.
The foam contains antioxidants and blueberry extracts that helps to reduce wrinkles from acne. This cleansing foam is the perfect solution for those who are looking for a solution to oily skin without leaving the skin feeling parched immediately after washing.
Ingredients such as glycerin in the cleanser will help to add the moisture your skin needs.
A true star product!
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
100 ml | Glycerin, Herbal Clear, Blueberry extract, salicylic acid | Washes clean skin, Reduce Acne, Exfoliate skin cells | Oily Skin |
Preme Nobu Natural Face Foam
Talk about value for money, this cleansing foam is ahead of the game. The naturally balanced cleansing foam will leave your skin feeling so smooth, both during application and afterward.
Thanks to the natural ingredients such as spinach and tea tree oil that helps to relieve inflammation and irritation from acne. Enriched with natural extracts from Hops and sage, the cleanser helps to maintain the balance of natural oils beneath the skin without the use of perfume.
It also has antibacterial properties. The highlight of this product is that it is a micro-bubble that gently cleanses the face and removes dirt and sebum residue in the pores deeply. Feel relaxed while washing your face with the mild herbal scent.
Once you’ve tried it, you may never look back.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
30/50/100g | Chlorophyllin, Tea Tree Oil, Hop Extract, Sage Extract, Ceramide | Deep cleaning without causing the skin to be too dry or too tight. Reduce the cause of acne, both inflammatory acne, and comedones | Normal Skin, Oily Skin and Acne prone Skin |
Hands up who enjoys using cleansing foams with a flowery fragrance? Same, we do too! That’s why it’s not surprising that Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is on our list.
Enriched with soy proteins, rosewater, cucumber extract, borage seed oil, mallow flower extract and sunflower seed oil, this cleansing foam is the perfect pick-me-up in your morning routine. Soy is rich in proteins especially amino acids that helps to maintain your skin’s elasticity and smoothness.
Designed with a pH balanced formula that is suitable for all skin types especially sensitive and easily irritated skin. Plus, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser helps to rebalance moisture levels and calm irritation without making your skin too dry.
This hydrating creamy gel turns into a milk when it meets with water and lathers without stripping the skin. It is formulated without parabens, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.
This is a great all-rounder cleanser with a price that is difficult to beat.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
50/150/200ml | Soy, Rose Water, Cucumber, Borage Seed Oil | Calming irritation, rejuvenating the skin, rebalancing moisture levels | Combination Skin, Sensitive Skin |
It’s whipping cream time! The whipping cream texture of this cleansing foam makes it infinitely more interesting to use. When it comes to skincare products, Japan is definitely ahead of the game and this foam has been the number one selling cleansing foam for 9 consecutive years in Japan.
The whipped cream texture helps to reduce friction with the surface. A blend of natural extracts such as white cocoon and double hyaluronic acid helps provide moisture to the skin. Beyond that, this cleanser has a light floral fragrance which makes you feel relaxed immediately after washing your face.
A perfect cleanser for people with oily skin as it is infused with an oil-controlling formula that is extra gentle to the skin. Not only does Senka’s perfect whip perform well in removing excess oil, but it also provides the skin with moisture.
An all-time favorite for all types of skin especially oily skin.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
120g | White Cocoon, Double Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin | Cleansing the skin and removing excess oil | All Skin Types |
This innovative cleanser is the perfect option for cleansing, brightening and removing any pore-clogging impurities on your skin. It’s brimming with beneficial ingredients such as Glycerin that will leave your skin looking glowy – in the best way!
The cleanser contains the power of Deep Clean Technology that removes 99% of deep dirt and Whitening Complex 5X that results in a naturally radiant and clean skin with aura. It cleans gently and comes with a super light, smooth and fine texture.
Plus, it contains a mulberry extract that not only sounds delicious but will boost your skin’s health with every wash. It costs under 200 THB and works magic for all skin types; what more could you ask for?
Unlike many skincare products that claim to leave your skin looking brighter, this one really does.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
200 ml | Glycerin 33% and Whitening Complex 5X | Skin brightening with Whitening Complex 5X | Normal Skin Type |
A top choice for people with combination skin and acne-prone skin. This cleansing foam contains a melting pot of skin-loving ingredients: tea tree oil, vitamin E, evening primrose oil, and Vitamin C-PMG.
It comes with a scientifically researched formula that also contains pine leaf extracts to help reduce the accumulation of bacteria, fungi, and nourishes the skin.
It protects the skin from wrinkles and also contains evening primrose oil that helps to maintain moisture and prevents skin dryness.
Plus, it includes Vitamin C-PMG that reduces pigmentation and balances skin tone, leaving your skin looking and feeling softer and clearer.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
136 gr | Tea Tree Oil, Vitamin E, Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin C-PMG | Deep clean, anti-aging and reduces wrinkles | Combination Skin and Acne Prone Skin |
A go-to cleansing foam to heal acne problems. This innovative formula blends essential nutrients for acne care and penetrates deep into the skin layers. It utilizes Ac.Net that helps to reduce the accumulation of bacteria and reduces clogged pores.
Plus, it’s infused with AMISOFT ECS 22W and plant-derived fatty acids that cleanse the skin thoroughly and gently. To top it off, it is mixed with mud from the dead sea and seaweed extracts that are both packed with vitamins for the skin.
You can wash your face without having to worry as this cleansing foam is free of alcohol, paraben, and fragrance.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
175 ml | Ac.Net™, SalSphere™ Severe Acne Relief, SalSphere™ AquaSkin, AMISOFT® ECS-22W, Plant Derived Fatty Acid, Dead Sea Mud and Sodium HyaluronateG | Eliminate excess oil, dirt residue and cosmetic stains to protect your skin from bacteria that may contribute to acne. | All skin types especially recommend sensitive and acne prone skin. |
Acne Aid Liquid Cleanser
If you’re prone to blackheads and acne, you may want to try this cleanser. A trusted brand that is commonly found in hospitals and drug stores.
No matter the type of acne, whether it’s acne vulgaris, comedones, inflamed acne, Acne Aid Liquid Cleanser promises to fight it all. It comes with a balanced blend of and effective ingredients to help cleanse the skin gently.
It works wonders on sensitive skin without anything harsh or abrasive to the skin such as SLS that is a substance that causes dryness and tightness. It removes impurities well and contains a mixture of moisturizers that will not leave your skin feeling dry.
A key for anyone with sensitive skin as it comes with a highly effective formula with a healthy skin pH and is not mixed with perfume or coloring.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
50/100/ 500/900 ml | Glycerin, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sulfated Olive Oil, Glycol Distearate, Mineral Oil, Fragrance | Helps to reduce symptoms of acne – acne vulgaris, clogged acne, deep cleaning without causing dry skin | Sensitive skin and Oily Skin. |
Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Cleanser
Don’t let the price scare you, although it is slightly higher than other cleansers, it does wonders to your skin. This gentle formula effectively and gently washes away dirt and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier.
Designed with primary herbal ingredients such as Frankincense that has antibacterial properties and Ginger Root Extract that removes dirt and reduces irritation. The facial foam also absorbs oil and deeply cleans pores without leaving it too dry.
It is definitely a recommended product for preventing inflammatory acne, blackheads as well as whiteheads. The herbal ingredients also give you a refreshing and cool wash immediately after.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
150 ml | Frankincense, Ginger Root Extract | Reduces inflammation, blackheads, whiteheads whilst strengthening skin’s natural barrier | Oily Skin |
InnisFree – Bija Trouble Facial Foam
This Korean cleansing foam is the perfect answer to people with mixed-skinned and oily skin who are looking for a solution for acne and inflammation.
Infused with Bija Oil from Torrey seed that focuses on removing dirt, smoke and pollution without damaging the skin’s natural barrier. The camellia extracts help to maintain the balance of the skin’s moisture while the green tea extracts reduce irritation.
Plus, the Japanese orange extract is the key ingredient to treating blackheads and acne. Users often praise this product for its non-foaming texture that is easy to wash and does not leave any residue behind. A quick note that the product is heavily scented and may be overpowering for some people.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
150 ml | Bija oil, Japanese orange extract, orchid extract, green tea extract, camellia extract, cactus extract, rose extract, cocoa bean extract | The soft and foamy texture. Effectively removes dirt and helps to fight against acne | Acne-prone skin and sensitive skin |
Glossier Milk Jelly Cleanser
Not only does it come in a pretty packaging that is ready to be added to your Instagram stories, but it does magic to your skin and is definitely worth the hype.
Our top choice without question goes to Glossier Milk Jelly Cleanser that is made for people with sensitive skin. It is not mixed with alcohol or perfume and has a pH level that mimics the skin. Just as the name suggests, it comes out like jelly and turns into a milky consistency as you smear it on your face.
For a product with no harsh chemicals, it does incredibly well at cleaning your makeup without leaving residue behind. It turns to remove makeup into a luxury experience and is also mixed with vitamin B5 that keeps the skin healthy and moisturized. You can thank us later.
Size | Key Ingredients | What Makes it Special? | Skin Type |
177 ml | Poloxamer, Rose Water, Comfrey Root Extract, Aquaxyl and Pro-Vitamin B | Can be used as a cleanser to massage the skin or as a makeup removing to remove makeup traces or sunscreen | Oily and Combined Skin |