Best cleansers for a radiant complexion (2025)

Finding the right cleanser for your skin is the first step to achieving a fresh and radiant complexion, no matter what your skin type. Whether it's the start of your morning routine or the last thing you do at night, a good face wash is key for removing impurities, makeup and excess oil that can build up and clog pores. Your skin will then be beautifully cleansed for the next steps in your skincare routine such as serum and anti-ageing creams.

When it comes to finding a cleanser for mature skin, a mild and hydrating cleanser that won't dry it out is a good place to start. As we age, the skin texture changes – as well as a loss of elasticity and firmness, the skin tends to get drier as it produces less oil. That's why creamy cleansers that soothe and soften are ideal for mature skin, particularly if it's sensitive.

Balms and oils are also nourishing for dry or irritated mature skin, plus they're very effective at breaking down makeup.

With so many products on the market, there's a lot to consider when investing in the right skincare that suits you and it might be helpful to seek expert advice to ensure you find the right match.

To help narrow down the options, we've explained the three main type of cleansers and their benefits plus, curated an edit of the best cleansers for mature skin below from high street wonders to investment miracles.

What are the three types of cleanser?

Micellar water

Tiny drops of cleansing oil mixed into water - this is a great option for sensitive skin that needs a gentle cleanse. Micellar water can be great for removing makeup but isn't recommended as your only face wash as it won't cleanse your skin completely. If you like to double cleanse then this would make a great first step.

Oil cleansers

These can be great for mature skin as they help boost moisture. However, if you are prone to blocked pores and breakouts, they are best avoided.

Foaming cleansers

Not generally recommended for maturer skin as these can dry out complexions quite a lot. However, if you want something that lathers up well, this is a great option with some purse-friendly options on the market.

Gel cleansers

These work well on more mature skin as they can be nourishing enough for drier skin while staying lightweight. They're good for both morning and evening cleaners, too.

Cream and milk cleansers

Great for nourishing dry and dehydrated skin as well as being simple and gentle. Ideal for changing skin that's particularly sensitive.

Elemis' Pro Collagen Balm is loved for being both nourishing and hydrating. It's described as a "3 in 1" product as it transforms from balm to oil to milk on application. Ingredients include a brown algae which helps to retain moisture and improve the look of skin elasticity and a blend of nine essential oils which offer a beautiful scent.

A cloud-like cream that transforms to a milk to dissolve grime. Hyaluronic acid and a skin-barrier boosting complex leave skin soft post-wash. If your skin feels delicate and needs comfort at every step, this is just the ticket.

Designed for dry skin, Elizabeth Arden's cream cleanser helps to maintain moisture by preserving essential lipids that are prone to damage through age. Suited to every day use, it can be wiped away with a cotton pad or washed off with water.

For affordable and effective skincare, Cetaphil's range is a great place to look. This foaming cleanser is particularly brilliant for removing makeup. It also aims to tackle issues that impact mature skin such as dryness, irritation and a weakened skin barrier. A reliable option if you're looking for a cleanser that doesn't strip or dry out the skin.

Simple's Age Resisting Facial Wash is free from harsh chemicals, it's infused with skin-boosting ingredients like pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E, chamomile and green tea extracts, and it's under a fiver. What's not to like?

This rich cleansing milk is packed with hydrating ingredients such as rice germ oil, but as well as tackling dry skin, it also helps to strengthen the skin barrier. Designed to be washed off with water, a little goes a long way.

This balm-to-oil formula feels lightweight on the skin, but it's brilliant at removing every last bit of makeup at the same time. It's also rich in linoleic acid – a natural emollient that helps to soften and nourish the skin.

Murad's Renewing Cleanser is a great multi-tasker. It works to remove dead skin cells while adding moisture and firmness to the skin. It has a creamy formula that leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed.

This clever cleanser from US brand Paula's Choice removes impurities while strengthening the skin's barrier. Among the key ingredients are green tea and camomile flower extracts, which are said to have antioxidant and skin-soothing properties. It can be used morning and evening with water.

Designed to plump and restore mature skin, this balm from Formula's skincare range uses a trio of oils at the core of its formula. Avocado and evening primrose oil are included to promote skin resilience, while blackcurrant seed oil works to boost radiance.

The milky texture and fresh scent of this cleanser from French brand Caudalie are a winning combination. Suitable for all skin types, this hydrating formula can be applied morning and evening with a cotton pad on the face and eyes.

This cleanser is a boosting blend of hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides to help protect against dryness and nourish the skin barrier function – perfect for mature skin. It's also lightweight and totally refreshing.

A product with five star reviews, this will become a must-have in your bathroom cabinet. It's has a unique exfoliating AHA/BHA complex for effective cleansing of all skin types, particularly those trying to visibly improve signs of ageing, dullness and uneven texture.