Thorough cleansing is the cornerstone of a good skincare routine. This stage helps to remove the day’s dirt, oils and grime to keep your complexion clean and healthy — and there are plenty of different cleansers to choose from. At the GHI, we’ve tested a wide range, including micellar waters, eye makeup removers, cleansing oils, cleansing balms, acid toners and face scrubs, to find the must-have cleansers for our bathroom shelf. Read on to find out what our top beauty buys for 2020 are.
Which cleanser is right for me?
Micellar water
These cleansing waters are effective, rinse-free and remove makeup quickly. Originally created in France in the 90s, micellar water soon became a beauty insider secret but, today, all the big brands produce their own versions. It’s gentle on eyes but for particularly tough eye makeup we would recommend using a specialised eye makeup remover.
Eye makeup remover
The skin around the eye is extremely delicate – it’s some of the thinnest on the body – so it can’t be treated in the same way as the rest of your face. Eye makeup removers are specially formulated to remove stubborn makeup without rubbing and dragging skin, which, over time, can cause unwanted sagging and wrinkling. They’re available in water-based or cream formulas, with some formulations designed for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Cleansing oils
If the combination of cold weather and central heating leaves your skin feeling dry and dehydrated, it might be time to switch up your cleansing routine. These oils are a gentle but effective way to remove makeup and dirt without stripping away moisture – put simply, they're a must-have for dry winter skin. Unlike micellar water, these oils do need rinsing off.
Cleansing balms
If you prefer a richer texture, opt for a cleansing balm. These semi-solid oil-based cleansers mix with water to create a slight creamy foam that effectively removes makeup and excess oil without drying out skin, protecting its moisture balance and leaving it soft and moisturised. They can be used with cloths/ flannels and are suitable for all skin types.
Exfoliants
In addition to your daily cleansing routine, consider gently exfoliating your skin two to three times a week with a face scrub or acid toner to slough off dead cells, keep pores clear and skin looking fresh and bright.
Face scrub
Using a face scrub a few times a week encourages smoother, clearer skin and helps other skincare products absorb better by buffing away dead skin cells. Until a few years ago, many contained microbeads – small, plastic exfoliating particles which don't degrade or dissolve in water. These have now been banned in the UK and replaced with alternatives such as oats, sugar and coffee. If you have sensitive skin, apply a lighter pressure when rubbing onto your face, or mix a little bit with your cleanser for a gentler effect.
Acid toner
If you don’t like physical scrubs, acid toners are an alternative way to effectively exfoliate and improve your skin’s smoothness. These contain low levels of ingredients such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid. Although they might sound a little scary, the acids used are commonly found in natural substances such as fruits, sugar cane and even milk. Applied to the face on a cotton pad, they help to remove dead skin cells, even out skin tone and promote collagen production, so you’ll be rewarded with a softer, brighter and more even complexion.
Check out our best picks of these products below...
Micellar water
How we test
We asked our panel of beauty testers to try 32 micellar waters, assessing them for features such as ease of use, convenience and how their skin felt afterwards. We also tested their cleansing powers in our lab against long-wear lipstick, foundation and eyeliner.
The GHI’s top 5 micellar waters
Score: 82/100
This Elemis micellar water is made with English rosewater and chamomile. It claims to refresh and clarify skin and it performed well in our lab tests, easily removing our toughest long-wear lipstick and scoring an average of four out of five in all categories. Even on make-up free days, this product surprised testers by managing to pick up some impurities, leaving skin feeling ultra-clean and fresh.
Full Elemis review
Score: 81/100
This Nuxe micellar water contains rose petals and has been designed with sensitive skin in mind. Testers adored this; nearly 90% said they would continue using it after the test and one woman said she had been converted from her usual cream cleanser. Testers also appreciated the brand’s tip that the product can also be used to clean make-up brushes.
Read full Nuxe review
Score: 76/100
This product works best for those who wear light eye make-up. Soothing cornflower extract and anti-inflammatory witch hazel are the main elements here, for a thorough yet gentle cleanse, especially around the delicate eye area. Testers loved its refreshing feel that left their skin clean and smooth. If your skin is on the oilier side, it might be a good bet: over two-thirds of testers found it moisturising without being greasy.
Score: 76/100
This one gets our vote if you have sensitive skin. It contains alpha-bisabolol, one of the main components in chamomile, so it’s gentle and soothing. It’s designed to gently cleanse without altering the skin’s natural protective barrier. Our testers loved how refreshed their skin felt after using this product, praising the calming formulation. We think that this product would be great as part of a refreshing morning routine to wake up and prep the skin ready for the day.
Score: 75/100
Dry skin types, this is the one for you. This micellar water is designed to rinse away impurities and light make-up, leaving skin smooth, supple and soft. Over 95% of those who tried this product said it did not irritate or cause itching after use. Testers thought it was refreshing and liked its light, subtle fragrance. Some noted that their skin seemed to look more glowing and, true to its claims, light make-up was removed with ease.
Eye makeup remover
How we test
The GHI asked their panel of testers to trial and assess 18 eye makeup removers to find the best ones that easily and gently wipe away makeup. In our beauty lab, we tested their effectiveness against our toughest and most stubborn waterproof mascara, brow pencil and waterproof eyeliner. Here are the ones that came out on top.
The GHI’s top 5 eye make-up removers
Score: 82/100
If you like to use long-wear or waterproof make-up, this is our pick. It’s designed to wipe away even the most stubborn formulations while remaining gentle on sensitive eyes. Testers raved that it left their skin feeling clean and refreshed. The texture is light, smooth and only a little was needed to easily remove make-up without dragging. Overall, over 86% of our testers said they would continue using this cleanser.
Score: 81/100
If you’re going away, or just enjoy the convenience of wipes, these are a great choice. They're 100% pure cotton and scored top marks in our lab test, removing the toughest waterproof mascara and leaving minimal residue. Testers found them super-convenient: we think they’re a perfect hand luggage staple for short trips and overnight stays.
Score: 81/100
This gel-like lotion claims to quickly and easily remove all make-up (including waterproof products) while being gentle. An amazing 97% of testers agreed that skin wasn’t dry after use, instead feeling soft, supple , moisturised and without a greasy residue. It was cooling and refreshing — one tester even described it as “luxurious”.
Score: 80/100
This is a great product if you have sensitive skin. This mild lotion has a pH that's similar to tears to ensure minimal irritation, while anti-inflammatory cornflower helps soften. Testers loved the non-greasy, light and refreshing formula that left eyelashes and eyelids soft and clean. True to the claims, over 90% of testers agreed that their skin didn't feel irritated or dry after use.
Top 5 choice
Institut Esthederm Osmoclean High-Tolerance Waterproof Makeup Remover Eyes and Lips
Now 15% Off
Score: 78/100
This has been formulated especially for sensitive skin and eyes. Testers liked this product and appreciated the lack of fragrance and how easy it was to use. It’s pricey, but removed eye make-up easily and effectively — some of our panel only required one cotton pad to cleanse both eyes.
Cleansing oil
How we test
We tested the performance of each cleansing oil to see how well it removed long-wear foundation, lipstick and mascara. We also asked 331 women to assess the way the oil made their skin feel, the experience of applying it, how easily it removed makeup and if any residue remained. So, which ones outshone the rest?
The GHI’s top 5 cleansing oils
Score: 86/100
Once mixed with water, this lightweight essential oil facial cleanser emulsifies to a cleansing milk. It’s suitable for all skin types, is soap-free, sulphate-free and mineral oil-free. Scoring top marks in the lab, this oil was fantastic at removing make-up and over 91% of our testers agreed. Only a small amount was needed and it easily rinsed off to leave skin feeling fresher, softer and free from make-up and excess residue. Nearly everyone said it didn’t dry out their skin, too. Testers also loved the subtle lavender scent.
Score: 85/100
If you like applying more glam eye make-up, this is a good option. It effortlessly dissolved testers’ long-wear make-up and waterproof mascara and earned four out of five in our lab test. 91% of testers liked the pump dispenser, while 93% agreed that the oil did not dry out their skin and left it feeling clean and silky-soft.
Score: 83/100
Oily skin types, we’d recommend this one for you. It’s lightweight, leaves no greasy residue and you don’t need to use a lot to thoroughly take off make-up. Testers’ skin felt much softer after using this — but a few experienced blurry vision when it accidentally got in their eyes. While this wasn’t uncomfortable and quickly subsided, we'd advise removing contact lenses before.
Score: 82/100
This product easily removes all make-up, including waterproof formulas. It contains avocado oil and anti-ageing ingredients to help firm up your complexion without leaving it greasy. 73% of testers loved how gentle it felt, with some describing a pleasant warming sensation. Some felt that the thin texture made it difficult to control the amount dispensed from the container but, once rinsed off, over 84% said that the skin felt fresh, clean, moisturised without greasiness and make-up free.
Score: 82/100
This lightweight oil transforms into a milky emulsion when mixed with water. Our panel generally enjoyed using this cleanser, with over 90% stating that they didn't require a lot of product, despite its runny consistency. 89% also found that it effortlessly removed most make-up, although eye make-up took a bit more elbow grease. Most testers loved the fresh tangerine fragrance and also liked the pump dispenser.
Cleansing balm
How we test
We tested 24 cleansing balms with 460 testers, who scored every product based on its design, ease of use, instructions and performance. For the lab test, we checked how well each balm cleaned the skin by assessing the amount of residual makeup (foundation, eyeliner and lipstick) that was left after use.
The GHI’s top 5 cleansing balms
Score: 92/100
Testers were impressed with this cleansing balm, which transforms into an oil. It melted into skin, easily removing make-up and impurities and leaving skin smooth and hydrated. Some testers didn’t like the jar packaging, however, and some found it a bit oily initially — so we’d recommend it for dry, stressed or sensitive skin types.
Score: 91/100
This balm-to-oil cleanser is designed to melt into skin to gently remove excess oil, sunscreen, make-up and pollutants. It also comes with a handy double-sided cleansing mitt. Testers liked the combination of the gentle exfoliating mitt paired with the smooth balm. It removed make-up efficiently and left skin soft and smooth. Some testers struggled to squeeze the product out of the tube but, after gently warming it up between hands, it comes out smoothly. We’d say this is best for normal to dry skin.
Score: 89/100
This gel-like balm transforms into a more milky texture when massaged into skin. Unfortunately, we received mixed reviews on the fragrance, which is quite strong (a blend of clove, eucalyptus, hops and chamomile) — and some testers found it a little on the sticky side. That said, one pump was enough to clean the whole face, and skin was left smooth and radiant.
Score: 88/100
This lightweight cleansing balm is designed to dissolve even stubborn make-up and sunscreens. The balm itself is a waxy solid, which quickly transforms into a soft oil upon application. Testers found this product easy to use and it left the skin with a soft feel. It doesn't leave any residue on the skin, but avoid going too close to the hairline, as it can leave it a little greasy. It's suitable for all skin types.
Score: 85/100
This rich butter cleanses and nourishes the skin while removing all types of make-up. It gently melts away waterproof make-up and contains calming camomile extract, so is a great choice for sensitive skin. Testers said their skin felt nourished, soft and clean after use, but would've liked the product to come with a cloth to assist with cleansing. Some didn't like the tin packaging, too.
Face scrubs
How we test
We tested 20 brands with 278 beauty testers who trialled the product at home for two weeks to assess how easy it is to apply, its texture, whether it worked and more.
The GHI’s top 5 face scrubs
Score: 93/100
Our panel said that using this face scrub was like having a facial treatment, as it smoothed and brightened the skin, leaving it looking clearer and healthier. Testers liked its spa-like scent and 93% were left satisfied with the product and would continue to use it. Hungarian moor mud and green microalgae help to restore and revitalise the skin, while copper and fruit extract work to eliminate dead skin cells. It’s also paraben-free.
Score: 92/100
If you’re looking to brighten dull-looking skin, this is the one for you. Designed to gently remove dead skin cells and improve texture, our testers agreed that it left skin clearer and smoother. Here, shea oil helps to nourish the skin and gives it a radiant finish. It’s simple to use and spreads easily across the face, too. Our testing panel said the cream was thick and luxurious with a grainy consistency. They also said it felt like it deeply exfoliated skin without being too harsh.
Score: 91/100
This formula contains glycolic and lactic acids to dissolve dead skin cells, while rice microbeads help manually exfoliate. 94% of testers said skin felt smoother and fresher and 82% saw improvements in texture with continued use. The rice granules are gentle; exfoliating but not abrasive. Overall, most testers said that skin felt softer and looked brighter. It does have a light scent, however, which means it won’t be suitable for sensitive skin.
Score: 91/100
If you have oily skin, you might want to try this scrub — multiple testers said it left their complexion less oily after a few uses. It uses very fine bamboo particles to refine pores and rough, uneven patches to leave skin clear and smooth. Overall, over 80% of testers said that skin looked clearer and brighter after use and praised its gentle, refreshing formula.
Top 5 choice
Freya + Bailey Freya + Bailey Shady! Divine Face Scrub with Coconut and Activated Charcoal
Score: 91/100
This vegan and cruelty-free scrub is designed to be ultra-exfoliating and leave you with a radiant complexion. One of our testers described it as the “gentlest of scrubs”, and many appreciated its fine grain and creamy texture. The panel saw an improvement to their skin, which was brighter, clearer and smoother. Scoring above 85% across most key areas, it contains 98% naturally derived ingredients including coconut oil, activated charcoal and liquorice to hydrate and enhance skin cell renewal.
Acid toners
How we test
We tested nine acid toners with 175 testers, who, over four weeks, assessed skin smoothness before and after usage, as well as assessing the improvement in overall skin radiance.
The GHI’s top 5 acid toners
Score: 83/100
This tonic contains 5% glycolic acid to gently unclog pores and accelerate cell renewal for a brighter, glowing complexion. It also contains aloe vera and ginseng for hydration. This product had testers raving about how clean, smooth and bright their skin was after use. Over 92% said it didn’t dry out their skin or leave it feeling tight, putting the concerns of the most sceptical panel members to rest. It’s suitable for all skin types.
Score: 78/100
Blemish-fighting salicylic acid is the active ingredient in this toner, so it’s a good choice for acne-prone types. It also contains rosemary extract to soothe and calm irritated skin. Testers loved this product’s scent — some even said they would continue using it for the fragrance alone. Some also found it helped reduce pigmentation marks, so it’s worth considering if you have any acne scarring. It performed fairly well in our lab tests, too.
Score: 77/100
Sensitive, blemish-prone skin? Try this toner. Its formula contains plenty of pore-unclogging salicylic acid while remaining gentle, leaving our panel’s skin softer and smoother. In fact, nearly 95% of testers said there was no uncomfortable irritation after use. Some felt that dark spots looked brighter, too. Oily types rated this product — several testers noted a dramatic reduction in shine, even in high summer.
Score: 76/100
Testers thought this salicylic acid toner was gentle; almost 95% said they felt little to no irritation after use. It dried quickly and managed to pick up excess dirt and make-up their cleanser had missed. Some said their skin looked more radiant and felt that pores looked smaller. This was backed up by our lab test, which showed improvements after four weeks. Our tip: keep it in the fridge for a refreshing lift in the summer (or if you suffer from hot flushes!).
Score: 76/100
If you have uneven pigmentation in your skin, you might want to try this toner — many of our panel noticed lightening effects after use. The formula contains glycolic acid and gluconolactone to refine texture, and cooling cucumber and rosemary leaf extracts to soothe. This was the top pick among our testers — over 92% wanted to carry on using it after the test. Skin was left feeling fresh, soft and clean with no dryness or tightness. It’s suitable for most skin types and, thanks to the cucumber, it’s especially good for dehydrated complexions.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
Pauline Hui
A keen cosmetic scientist with a passion for colour cosmetics, skincare and haircare; who loves testing all things new, classic and on trend in the beauty industry!