Ranked by ingredients
Best Cleansers
The 6 highest-scoring of the 6 cleansers we scored, ranked on what is in the bottle rather than what is on it. Every score comes from the product's own ingredient list; no brand pays to be here.
- 1
CeraVe$14.99CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser7 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Phytosphingosine
B85 - 2
Paula's Choice$15.00 · 177 mlPaula's Choice CLEAR Pore Normalizing CleanserAverage evidence 86/100 across 11 matched actives. Loses points on safety: 1 moderate-irritation ingredient: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Actives: Salicylic Acid
C77 - 3
CeraVe$12.99CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser6 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Niacinamide, Phytosphingosine
C74 - 4
Murad$35.99Murad Essential-C CleanserAverage evidence 90/100 across 7 matched actives. Fragrance-free
Actives: Ascorbic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Grapefruit Extract
C74 - 5
Vichy$19.99Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Daily Deep Cleansing GelAverage evidence 87/100 across 7 matched actives. Fragrance-free
Actives: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Zinc PCA
C74 - 6
CeraVe$12.99CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser5 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Phytosphingosine
D68
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cleanser?
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser by CeraVe scores highest of the 6 cleansers Formulate has scored, at 85/100 (grade B). 7 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free.
How are these cleansers ranked?
Each product is scored out of 100 on its formula: how well-researched its actives are, whether the label discloses their concentration, the research behind them, and how complete and well-built the formula is. Safety is checked separately — irritants, fragrance, EU-listed allergens, endocrine concerns and pore-clogging ingredients — and only costs points when it falls below 95. No brand pays to be listed.
Are these cleansers fragrance-free?
6 of the 6 cleansers scored contain no synthetic fragrance. 1 lost points on the safety check.
Best skincare by type
Educational only. Scores rate a product's formula, not how it will suit your skin. Patch-test new products, and see a dermatologist for persistent skin conditions. Some links are affiliate links; they never affect a score.