BEAUty
THE TOP GENTLE CLEANSERS TO BUY NOW
As Vetted by Experts and our own Skincare Obsessed team.
Note: It’s all about the Double Cleanse.
BY DOTSHOP
Photography by VICEN AKINA FOR DOTSHOP
For the Essential First Step: Cleansers That Remove Makeup, SPF and Pollution
1. Surratt Beauty Hinoki Cleansing Oil
Best for:
Melting away waterproof makeup
Why we love it:
A lightweight but potent oil that dissolves even long-wear formulas effortlessly—no scrubbing required. Enriched with Hinoki wood oil from Japan, it purifies without irritation.
Key Ingredients:
Rice bran extract hydrates and soothes. Camellia sinensis leaf extract contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Maple leaf extract and hinoki oil reduce inflammation and improve hydration.
2. Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water
Best for:
A quick, no-rinse cleanse
Why we love it:
This micellar water from Japan is a makeup artist favorite for its ability to break down foundation, mascara, and SPF without leaving residue. Amazing for sensitive eyes, it’s a makeup remover and gentle cleanser in one. Bonus: it’s perfect for lazy nights.
Key Ingredients:
White Birch Sap, Lactic Acid, Rosemary Leaf Extract
3. Monastery Rose Cleansing Oil
Best for:
A nourishing, barrier-supportive cleanse
Why we love it:
This silky, botanical-based oil not only removes makeup but soothes and strengthens with rose and hazelnut oils, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin. Formulated to cleanse, nourish and moisturize the skin.
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Almond Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Rosa Bourbonia (Rose) Oil
Editor’s note:
This cleanser made with 100 petals of Rose Bourbonia from the island of Reunion, yes really! An intoxicating and indulgent fragrance that feels like nature directly on the skin. Monastery founder, Athena Athena Hewett is a master esthetician with 20 years of study and training and she knows skin inside-out. Monastery was born out of Athena's frustrations as she saw firsthand that many skincare products were causing or worsening the skin conditions her clients were trying to heal. The cleanser was her first product, and it is a best seller for a reason.
Surratt Beauty
Hinoki Cleansing Oil
$90
Monastery
Rose Cleansing Oil
$48
Koh Gen Do
Cleansing Water Cloths 3-Pack
$62
Surratt Beauty
Hinoki Cleansing Oil
$90
Monastery
Rose Cleansing Oil
$48
Koh Gen Do
Cleansing Water Cloths 3-Pack
$62
For the Second Step: Cleansers That Truly Cleanse Without Stripping
4. Cosmedix Benefit Clean Gentle Cleanser
Best for:
All skin types, especially sensitive.
Why we love it:
This derm-approved, ultra-gentle foam removes leftover debris without disrupting the microbiome. Think: effective cleansing without tightness. Perfect for everyday use.
Key Ingredients:
Grapefruit Oil and Australian Sandalwood
Editor’s note:
We were first introduced to this cleanser from skincare expert, Melanie Grant and we haven’t looked back! It’s lightweight, but extremely effective at achieving a thorough cleanse, without compromising the skin barrier. An essential to every cabinet.
5. Skin Design London Face Bath Cleanser
Best for:
Deep cleaning while supporting the skin barrier
Why we love it:
More than just a cleanser, this formula is packed with reparative ingredients that help the skin stay resilient—even during seasonal transitions. The unique balm texture quickly turns into a rich oil leaving the skin clean and hydrated. Great for reducing congestion and preventing breakouts.
Key Ingredients:
Hibiscus Flower Extract, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Organic Camellia Oil
Editor’s note:
This amazing cleanser was born into existence by A-list facialist Fatma Shaheen, founder of Skin Design London. Fatma deeply understands skin and how to maximize your routine for the best possible results. Her products are equally effective and luxurious, making the minor moments ritualistic and indulgent.
6. Macrene Actives High Performance Cleanser
Best for:
Science-backed cleansing with anti-aging benefits
Why we love it:
Created by the renowned dermatologist Dr. Macrene Alexiades, this cleanser gently exfoliates and hydrates while removing impurities—ideal for those who want their cleanser to do more. This cleanser formula uses plant surfactants which help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. An extremely effective cleanser that delivers on it’s promises, oh an it’s all organic, too.
Key Ingredients:
Coconut- Oil derived, Green Tea, Pomegranate, Olive Leaf Extracts
COSMEDIX
Benefit Clean Gentle Cleanser
$43
Skin Design London
Face Bath Cleanser
$105
MACRENE actives
High Performance Cleanser
$95
COSMEDIX
Benefit Clean Gentle Cleanser
$43
Skin Design London
Face Bath Cleanser
$105
MACRENE actives
High Performance Cleanser
$95
For When Your Skin Needs Extra Comfort
7. Votary Super Seed Cleansing Oil
Best for:
Stressed-out, reactive skin
Why we love it:
Fragrance-free and packed with nutrient-rich seed oils, this oil cleanser calms irritation while delivering a deep clean. Ultra-nourishing, it calms and hydrates. A great one to turn too when your skin is maxed out, or if your skin requires a very gentle cleanser.
Key Ingredients:
Chia seed oil, Vitamin E-rich raspberry seed oil (intensely hydrating due to its fatty acid content), Broccoli seed oil (high in skin-soothing fatty acids Omega 6 and 9).
Editor’s note:
“I was first introduced to this cleanser from skincare expert, Melanie Grant and we haven’t looked back! It’s lightweight, but extremely effective at achieving a thorough cleanse, without compromising the skin barrier. An essential.” Lisa Ruffle, DOTSHOP.
8. Votary Super Sensitive Cleansing Cream
Best for:
Compromised or ultra-sensitive skin
Why we love it:
A luxuriously creamy formula that never leaves skin feeling dry or tight. Perfect for those with eczema-prone or easily irritated complexions. Amazing post-treatments, this is the cleanser for the most sensitive skin out there.
Key Ingredients:
Formulated with VOTARY’s unique blend of 21 Super Seed Oils to nourish and soothe. Enhanced with oat extract plus a proven calming complex to support and condition sensitive skin. Free from fragrance allergens, essential oils and sulphates.
9. Royal Fern Phytoactive Cleansing Balm
Best for:
An antioxidant-rich cleanse
Why we love it:
This balm from skin expert, Founder and Dermatologist Dr. Timm Golueke is a beautiful product and a favorite cleanser of ours. The balm melts into a silky milk, removing impurities while flooding the skin with anti-inflammatory botanicals. It’s a facial in a bottle.
Key Ingredients:
Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Cucumber Extract
Editor’s note:
DOTSHOP's VP Beauty, Carly Narva says "You really cannot go wrong with anything Royal Fern in my book. Dr. Timm's formulas are consistent, not overly complicated and do exactly what they are supposed to. This particular product very rarely leaves my routine and is one that I can always count on to achieve a fresh, purity-free foundation for the rest of my skincare routine."
Votary
Cleansing Oil
$80
Votary
Super Sensitive Cleansing Cream
$80
Royal Fern Skincare
Phytoactive Cleansing Balm
$85
Votary
Cleansing Oil
$80
Votary
Super Sensitive Cleansing Cream
$80
Royal Fern Skincare
Phytoactive Cleansing Balm
$85
Monastery
Rose Cleansing Oil
$48
Koh Gen Do
foaming facial wash
$84
Koh Gen Do
Cleansing Water Cloths 3-Pack
$62
Votary
Cleansing Oil
$80
MACRENE actives
High Performance Cleanser
$95
Skin Design London
Face Bath Cleanser
$105
Royal Fern Skincare
Phytoactive Cleansing Balm
$85
Monastery
Rose Cleansing Oil
$48