Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine, but the key is finding a product that works effectively while keeping your skin’s moisture barrier intact. No matter your skin type—and whether you struggle with acne, sensitivity, or dehydration—there are countless benefits to switching to a gentle cleanser. For one, it’ll remove makeup and everything else you’ve accumulated on your skin throughout the day, while leaving its acid mantle and pH unscathed. Often unscented and soap-free, gentle cleanser formulas also help limit irritation and can even provide your skin with additional hydration (the more, the better!) Here, seven gentle cleansers to start your skincare routine off right.

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Hydrating Cleanser, CeraVe

7 Gentle Face Cleansers for Healthy, Happy Skin

This non-foaming cleanser is famous for a reason: it’s easy to massage onto your skin and gently cleanses while providing hydration benefits (thank you, ceramides and hyaluronic acid!) It comes in a practical pump bottle and is even available in a value size for devoted users.

$21

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Confidence in a Cleanser Hydrating Cleansing Serum, IT Cosmetics

7 Gentle Face Cleansers for Healthy, Happy Skin

Creamy and effective, this cleanser hydrates the skin like no other, while removing makeup and getting rid of dirt and debris. Its magic ingredients are peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and colloidal oatmeal which all help to soften, moisturize, and calm your skin while cleansing.

$37

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Oat Cleansing Balm, The Inkey List

7 Gentle Face Cleansers for Healthy, Happy Skin

This oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal-infused cleansing balm is all about removing makeup and soothing the skin while respecting its moisture barrier. Use it on its own or as the first step of your double cleansing ritual—your call.

$13

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Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, Drunk Elephant

7 Gentle Face Cleansers for Healthy, Happy Skin

This clear gel glides effortlessly onto the skin and lathers into a foam that cleanses without any harshness or irritation. The cleanser is formulated with cantaloupe extract which provides an antioxidant effect, and glycerine which gives your skin the hydration it craves. The result: a soft, clean canvas!

$42

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Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser, Aveeno

7 Gentle Face Cleansers for Healthy, Happy Skin

A veritable skincare gem: this über-gentle cleanser, which is part of Aveeno’s Calm + Restore line, is designed to support the skin’s natural moisture barrier and calm redness. If you struggle with dryness and sensitivity, this product is made for you.

$14

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Super Amino Gel Cleanser, Summer Fridays

7 Gentle Face Cleansers for Healthy, Happy Skin

Boasting no fewer than 11 amino acids to help protect and replenish your skin’s suppleness, this cleanser also contains atomized seawater and vitamin E, among other ingredients, for a hydrating and calming effect.

$46

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Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Cleanser, Biossance

7 Gentle Face Cleansers for Healthy, Happy Skin

Suited to all skin types, this lightweight gel cleanser formulated with amino acids, aloe vera and moringa is gentle on the skin while getting rid of any dirt and pollutants accumulated throughout your busy day. Let its soft foam cleanse, quench and soothe your face.

$34

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Although the items featured in this round up were selected by our editors based on product effectiveness, we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

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