Cleansing your skin might seem like a needless step that you need to get through in order to put on the rest of you skincare, but we would like to argue that it’s actually the most important step. Cleansers help take all of the days impurities – think makeup, sunscreen, pollutants – off from your face, helping it achieve, well, a clean slate. It’s why many experts agree on washing your face twice daily.
A little goes a long way, and by starting off with a fresh and clean base, it makes it easier for the toner, serum, moisturiser, and essence that you’ll layer on after to really sink in to your skin. Here are 10 purifying and affordable options, all under $50.

While this cult favourite is known for being an excellent makeup remover, it also functions very well as a cleanser for sensitive skin. It has a pH level of 5.5, making it compatible with skin’s natural pH level.
This self-foaming cleanser dispenses a rich, creamy foam to gently remove impurities from the skin, without making it feel taut or dry.
The Eau Thermale Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion is a no-rinse gentle cleanser that is suitable for sensitive and reactive skin. Simply dampen a cotton round with the cleanser and gently apply with circular motions to remove impurities. Tissue dry and finish off with the rest of your skincare routine.
Made with 93 per cent ingredients of natural origin, this facial wash is made with organic carrots and Community Trade organic aloe vera from Mexico. Vegan and hydrating, this antioxidant-rich cleanser will leave the skin feeling purified from daily aggressors.
This gentle, yet effective cleansing gel feels lightweight on the skin, but does an amazing job at removing impurities and excess sebum from the skin, without making skin feel dry.
Containing rosewater, which is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, the Natio Rosewater Hydration Gentle Cream-gel Face Cleanser is perfect for calming redness and soothing dryness.
Formulated with PHA and Hyaluronic Acid, the Neutrogena LABS Hydrating Micellar Gel Cleanser boosts hydration and restores moisture, returning the skin to its natural glow. This one’s perfect for those with dry and reactive skin.
Perfect to pack along for your travels, the ORBIS Powder Wash+ transforms into a rich foam with water, helping to reach into the pores to lift away tiny particles of dirt, makeup, and other impurities that may have gotten stuck in there throughout the day.
This clarifying cleanser has a slightly gritty texture which helps in exfoliating away dry flakes sitting on the surface of your skin. While the word “mud” may sound drying on the skin, this cleanser actually contains hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and avocado oil which helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
The Senka Perfect Whip Facial Cleansing Foam is one of the best-selling cleansers in Japan and over the years, has undergone many iterations and improvements to its formula. The latest version contains Shiseido’s Aqua-in-Pool technology which helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier functions to help it maintain moisture. The silk cocoon essence remains this cleanser’s signature ingredient, helping skin to feel hydrated without any tightness or discomfort after cleansing.
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Text: Arissa Ha, Additional reporting: Farisia Thang
This post was first published on October 11, 2019, and updated on June 23, 2020.
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