Best Facial Cleansing Gels of 2026

"After using this cleanser for a week, I already notice my skin feels so much smoother, clean, and incredibly hydrated. It doesn't dry out my face at all, and I love how moisturizing and gentle it is. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a great facial wash."

"I've been using the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Facial Cleanser for some time now, and it has truly become an essential part of my daily routine. What I appreciate most is that it removes dirt, oil, and makeup gently without leaving my skin tight or dry. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula with hyaluronic acid leaves my skin soft, refreshed, and never irritated. It's perfect for both morning and night!"

"As someone with combination skin, I’ve relied on this gentle cleanser for over a year. It effectively cleans while keeping my skin moisturized, never causing dryness. The bottle lasts a while and is affordable, though I did have one pump stop working early on."

"After a month of using this cleanser, I’m honestly impressed by how thoroughly it cleanses without stripping my skin. The gel’s lightweight texture lathers well and feels calming—thanks to the rosewater and pineapple extract. My face always feels hydrated and refreshed, with no tightness or residue, and it’s never irritated my sensitive skin. The packaging is practical and easy to use, too. I’d recommend this to anyone needing a gentle, hydrating daily wash."

"It’s tough for me to find a cleanser that doesn’t dry out or break out my skin, but this one is a winner! My face feels soft and moisturized every time. It doesn’t foam too much, but just enough to leave me feeling clean. The bottle is generously sized, and I only need a bit each time. I love that it’s affordable, effective, and cute on my shelf."

"I’ve tried so many cleansers at my age, but this one stands out for being gentle yet effective. My skin is clean and refreshed but never tight or dry. The price is great for how much product you get, and I’d honestly choose it over luxury brands now. Absolutely love it!"

"I've tried lots of face washes, and honestly, this is the best one, especially for oily POC skin. Even though it's a common drugstore brand, it delivers a clean, residue-free feeling without harsh chemicals. I love how light and watery it feels both in the bottle and on my face, and after rinsing, there's no leftover film or odd scent—just pure freshness. Plus, it's affordable, lasts a long time, and has become my daily go-to cleanser."

"With my very dry, sensitive skin, it's tough to find a gentle cleanser that doesn't make things worse. But the Eucerin Hydrating Cleanser is a game-changer—it's incredibly gentle, fragrance-free, and non-irritating. Every wash leaves my skin soft, clean, and hydrated with zero tightness. It's now a product I rely on every day, especially for hydration and comfort during cleansing."

"After spending ages researching safe products, I found this is one of the few truly fungal-safe face washes out there. Coupled with the matching micellar water, it helped me clear up bumpy, itchy skin. It's gentle, doesn't trigger my skin issues, and is unique in its effective, safe formulation."

"I have cystic acne and tried this cleanser after a recommendation. It really helped clear up my breakouts and left my skin feeling clean, smooth, and not dried out. The gel texture is pleasant, with no strong scent, and I love how it pairs with their moisturizer."

"My skin is oily, acne-prone, and sensitive with some rosacea. My dermatologist suggested this wash, and after a short purging phase, my skin became clearer and never irritated. It's gentle and non-stripping, making it a great fit for oily types. I only wish it didn't have menthol and came in a pump bottle, but those are minor issues."

"The 2% salicylic acid formula clearly targets oily, acne-prone skin. I noticed fewer clogged pores, smoother texture, and reduced breakouts in my T-zone after a few weeks. It gives a clean feel without over-drying. Just remember, if your skin is dry or sensitive, you might want to use it less frequently and always follow up with a moisturizer."

"I've been using this cleanser for over 15 years, and it’s truly the only one that leaves my skin feeling so soft and clean. Even my kids notice how smooth my skin is in the morning. I absolutely love it and would definitely recommend it."

"This facial cleanser is gentle and doesn’t strip my skin, so after washing, my face feels soft instead of tight. I love it and will keep coming back."

"I’ve relied on Obagi skin care for a long time, and this cleanser is no exception—it’s high quality and lasts a long time. When I caught it on sale, it was an even better deal. Great value for the money!"

"I've been so impressed by how gently and thoroughly this cleanser removes impurities while leaving my skin feeling smooth and never dry. The 2% exfoliant has really helped refine my skin texture and brighten my complexion over time. With regular use, I've noticed my skin looks cleaner, more even, and definitely more radiant. It's mild enough for my sensitive skin, and I even use it twice daily—morning and night. It fits perfectly into my routine, especially with other products from the same line."

"For me, this gel cleanser strikes the perfect balance between gentle and effective. The light texture creates a soft lather that cleanses without stripping my skin. Since I started using it, my complexion has become brighter and more even, and the usual dullness in my T zone has faded. What stands out is that there's no stinging or tight feeling after rinsing—just fresh, comfortable skin. Plus, it works well alongside my moisturizers and serums."

"This cleanser has quickly become a staple in my routine because it cleanses without removing moisture and leaves my face feeling fresh and smooth. My skin is noticeably brighter and more even-toned after just a few uses, and the refreshing gel texture rinses off easily. It's perfect for my sensitive skin, providing a clean, radiant feel with zero irritation."

"I've tried tons of face washes, but this one stands out for my oily skin as a guy with POC skin. It's lightweight, leaves absolutely no residue, and truly gives the cleanest feeling without any harsh chemicals. Even though it's not a luxury brand, I reach for this over pricier options. It's my go-to for everyday use and lasts a good while."

"With my very dry and sensitive skin, finding a cleanser that doesn't strip or irritate has always been tough. Since discovering this hydrating cleanser, my face feels clean, soft, and moisturized every time—no tightness at all. I love that it's fragrance-free and non-irritating, and it's now a daily staple for me."

"After a lot of research for truly safe skincare, I found that this cleanser is one of the only genuinely fungal-safe face washes out there. If you struggle with persistent bumps and irritation, this product paired with a simple skincare routine can make a real difference. It's one of a kind for fungal safety."

"I've always struggled with sensitive combination skin and usually found cleansing to be a hassle, but this cleanser feels so luxurious and gentle on my face. I really appreciate that it has no fragrance or harsh exfoliants—my skin stays calm and smooth without any irritation or dryness. For anyone with a damaged skin barrier or sensitivity, this is a fantastic choice."

"I use this cleanser as part of my double cleansing routine after wearing makeup or sunscreen, and just a small amount is enough. The clean ingredients and generous volume make it a great deal for me, especially since I have mature, dry skin. There's no scent, and it always leaves my skin feeling comfortable and clean."

"For me, this cleanser works great—it's light, gentle, and never leaves my skin tight or irritated. I have sensitive skin and this has become my go-to for balancing and daily use. It keeps my skin feeling fresh and comfortable every time."

"I've been using this foaming gel for a few weeks, and it's incredibly gentle and never dries out my sensitive, redness-prone skin. The texture is a clear gel that transforms into a light foam, cleansing thoroughly without stripping or leaving any residue. I especially appreciate that it's unscented, soap-free, non-comedogenic, and pH-balanced, so my skin barrier stays protected. After cleansing, my face feels hydrated, calm, and never tight. This cleanser has become a staple in my routine, and I plan to keep repurchasing it."

"As someone with very sensitive skin, I've struggled to find a cleanser that doesn't leave my face tight or irritated. This Bioderma gel is perfect—it has a silky texture and soft foam that removes makeup easily, even around my eyes, without stinging. My skin feels clean, fresh, and hydrated after every use, and I've already noticed my complexion looking calmer and less red. A small amount goes a long way, and the bottle lasts a while. This is easily one of the best cleansers I've tried for sensitive skin."

"I have moderately oily skin, not particularly sensitive, but I prefer products with minimal risk of irritation. This cleanser removes my daily tinted SPF and makeup with minimal effort and no dryness. There’s no noticeable fragrance and the bottle size is great value for the price—it’s going to last a long time. I don’t experience any irritation or tightness, so I’ll definitely buy it again when I run low."

"I've found Differin Gel to be consistently reliable in keeping my skin clear and preventing breakouts. It's gentle enough even for my sensitive skin and works well in my anti-aging routine. I appreciate that it's a milder alternative to stronger retinoids and that it absorbs quickly without causing irritation or dryness when used as directed. The price for a 90-day supply is very reasonable considering how well it maintains my skin's clarity and smoothness."

"After using Differin Acne Treatment Gel regularly, I've noticed it is one of the most effective solutions for long-term acne management. The formula is lightweight and easy to apply, and the pump is super convenient. What stands out most for me is how gentle it is compared to other retinoids—I had some mild dryness at first, but it went away quickly. With steady use, I've seen fewer breakouts and a much smoother complexion. It fits seamlessly into my skincare routine and never pills under moisturizer. For anyone looking for a gradual yet effective retinoid, this is a great choice."

"As someone with extremely sensitive, combination skin prone to hormonal acne, Differin has been a real game changer. Now that it's available over the counter, it's even better. I follow a moisturizer-Differin-moisturizer method to avoid excessive dryness, and my skin has cleared up, even around my chin where I get the most breakouts. A little goes a long way, and it's unscented and non-oily. My pore size has visibly reduced too. Just a heads up—make sure to use sunscreen, since it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun."