The best facial cleansers for ageing skin, at a glance
The best facial cleansers for ageing skin aren’t just about getting rid of dirt. They’re the first defence against dehydration, dullness, and fine lines. That’s because as you get older, your skin naturally becomes drier and more prone to irritation. Caring for mature skin starts at the sink: a great facial cleanser can set the stage for every other step in your skin care routine.
A higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean better results. “What truly matters is how the product supports skin health, barrier function, and overall efficacy,” says Ariel Ostad, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon.
To find the best formulas, we spoke with dermatologists and enlisted Glamour editors and testers with ageing skin concerns. Each cleanser had to remove makeup and impurities effectively without drying or disrupting the skin barrier. Our best overall pick, La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Purifying Foam Facial Cleanser, is a dermatologist fave. It impressed both editors and pros for its gentle yet thorough cleanse that left skin soft, hydrated, and balanced. Keep scrolling for the best cleansers for ageing skin, tested and dermatologist-approved.
How We Test & Why You Can Trust Us:
We spoke with dermatologists for their top recommendations and then tapped Glamour’s network of testers – each with unique ageing skin concerns – to try them for several weeks.
Testers evaluated the texture, lather, hydration, and how their skin looked and felt after using the product. Our roster of dermatologists ensured that each product addressed a different aging skin concern, such as dryness, sensitivity, dullness, and fine lines. Ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin earned high marks for maintaining barrier health. The best facial cleaners lathered and cleansed our skin well, provided a boost of moisture, and subtly plumped our faces to minimise fine lines with consistent use.
Meet the experts:
| Shereen Teymour | A board-certified dermatologist at Day Dermatology & Aesthetics in New York City. |
| Ariel Ostad, MD | A board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in New York City. |
| Lucia Miranda, LE, CME | A medical aesthetician at Shafer Clinic in New York City. |
Ahead, our full edit of the best facial cleansers for ageing skin…
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser
This dermatologist-beloved cleanser checks all the boxes for those with ageing skin. “This is one of the most balanced and dermatologist-trusted cleansers on the market,” says Dr. Ostad. “It contains ceramides and niacinamide, both crucial for maintaining the skin’s barrier and reducing irritation,” he adds. We also love how this gel to foaming cleanser removes oil and makeup without stripping sensitive skin.
Testing notes: “Whenever my skin is giving me trouble, I always go back to this cleanser, which was recommended to me by my dermatologist a few years ago. It’s extremely gentle, doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped or overly dry, and makes my skin look more radiant, fresh, and less dull. I also noticed a difference in the fine lines around my chin and nose after using this for a few weeks straight. They’re less noticeable, and the area looks more firm, plump, and less red,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best Cleansing Balm: ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm
For the uninitiated, the magic of Elemis’ original cleansing balm comes from Padina Pavonica: an antioxidant-rich algae found along the Mediterranean coastline. The new cherry edition – which follows in the footsteps of a lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus-scented original, as well as a rose iteration – still features this key ingredient. Along with the additions of warm almond and vanilla, plus the brand’s signature blend of plant oils including starflower and elderberry.
Testing notes: “While other cleansers can have your skin crying out for moisture immediately after use, what I love about the Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm is how soft and nourished it left my skin feeling. Oh, and did I mention the incredible sweet cherry scent? A little goes a long way, so I also appreciate that I'll be getting good use out of it before I need to worry about restocking. Overall, this is a delightfully indulgent cleanser which I can quickly see becoming part of my regular rotation,” says Glamour's Senior Audience Development Manager Lian Brooks.
Best Gel Cleanser: Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse
Testing notes: “Confession: I usually steer clear of gel cleansers. In the past, they’ve left my skin feeling tight, dry and just…stripped. But Surface Radiance Cleanse completely changed my mind. It’s a refreshing, citrus-scented gel that transforms into a soft foam and gives your skin that squeaky-clean feeling - but without the squeak (if you know what I mean).
"It’s formulated with AHAs and BHAs (like mandelic, lactic and salicylic acid) to gently exfoliate and decongest, making it a brilliant choice for oily or breakout-prone skin. I use it as my second cleanse in the evening – especially after a day on the tube or when I’ve been wearing heavier makeup.” - Shani Cohen, Glamour's beauty commerce writer.
Best for Resurfacing: Exuviance Deep Clean AHA Cleanser
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Mature skin often needs help sloughing away dull surface cells while protecting the barrier. Exuviance’s skin cleanser does both: glycolic acid gently exfoliates, while gluconolactone balances pH and smooths texture. You can expect your skin to feel fresh and look incredibly radiant.
Testing notes: “This cleanser has earned a coveted spot in my skin care routine. I love the gel-like consistency because it makes me feel like I am truly giving my skin a deep cleanse, especially after a long day of stress and reapplying sunscreen religiously. Though it contains glycolic acid, a pretty potent alpha-hydroxy acid, this one is gentle enough on my skin that I use it in my nighttime skin care routine, which includes retinol. I truly love how my skin feels afterwards. And a huge bonus for me, at least, is that it minimises the look of my pores,” says Glamour contributor Taryn Brooke.
Best for Dry Skin: True Botanicals Renew Nourishing Cleanser
This antioxidant-rich formula leaves dry skin hydrated and soft, thanks to a blend of botanical oils. We gave this cleanser extra points for being eco-friendly, which makes us feel better as we lather and rinse.
Testing notes: “With the colder months approaching, I start to switch my skin care out for products formulated with gentler ingredients, such as those found in this True Botanicals cleanser. I’ve always loved the brand, and I’ve been using this cleanser almost every morning to soothe my skin after my nightly retinol use,” says Brooke.
Best Hydrating: Retrouvé Luminous Cleansing Elixir
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This luxurious cleansing balm hydrates and nourishes the skin. It dissolves dirt without drying. And it’s humectant-rich, which means it helps to lock in the moisture that our ageing skin so desperately craves.
Testing notes: “I like to use this hydrating cleanser during my morning skin care routine because it doesn’t fully remove heavier makeup and sunscreen, but I still want to make sure I am getting all the hydrating benefits for my skin. If I’ve used my prescription retinol the night before, sometimes my skin will feel a little extra sensitive in the morning, so I will use this one to help make it more supple. After lathering the cleanser, I love to leave it to soak into my skin for about a minute as a quick moisture mask in the morning, tissue it off, and continue with the rest of my skin care. I’m definitely going to be using it more often as it gets colder out,” says Brooke.
Best for Uneven Tone and Texture: Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash
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Neostrata’s formula contains a higher concentration of glycolic acid to smooth texture and brighten tone. After using it just once, it immediately brightened our skin tone. “This glycolic-based cleanser can help with dullness and rough texture. However, it should be introduced gradually, as overuse can lead to irritation. It’s a strong option for those already tolerating alpha hydroxy acids,” adds Dr. Ostad.
Best Affordable: Cetaphil Nourishing Oil to Foam Cleanser
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This classic drugstore pick remains a derm go-to for its effectiveness and affordability. This cleanser is truly a dream for those with sensitive skin—it’s fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic. It starts out silky and then transforms into a foam, deeply cleansing whatever makeup, sunscreen, and other impurities our face endured over the course of our day. “This is an excellent dual-phase cleanser that effectively removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin. It’s well formulated, gentle, and maintains hydration—ideal for all skin types,” says Dr. Ostad.
Testing notes: “Cetaphil Nourishing Oil to Foam Cleanser gives you a cosy feeling—the lather is creamy and soothing, so the experience is comforting. Not to mention, it cleanses remnants of makeup with no problem so that you can use it as part of a double-cleanse routine. You can also adjust the suds by adding more water for a soapy wash. And afterward, my face feels really soft. I love oil cleansers, but their price point is usually prohibitive. Cetaphil’s oil cleanser is much better for my wallet, plus my skin loves it,” says Twine.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
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A derm favorite for a reason, Vanicream’s gentle formula cleanses without disrupting the barrier—making it ideal for reactive skin. “Vanicream is free of fragrance, parabens, and sulfates, making it ideal for eczema-prone or highly sensitive skin. It’s an example of a simple formula that works because it respects the skin barrier,” says Dr. Ostad. It left our face incredibly soft and refreshed, without clogging our pores.
Testing notes: “One pump creates a rich, foamy lather that rinses away cleanly with no residue. The container is sturdy and the pump is easy to use—even when you’re reaching with wet hands or eyes closed at the sink. After cleansing, my face feels truly clean with a fresh, healthy glow, though I do need to apply moisturiser immediately afterward or my skin feels a bit tight. I’d recommend this cleanser for sensitive skin. It has no detectable scent and causes absolutely no irritation—no redness or eye discomfort—even with consistent twice-daily use,” says Glamour tester Helen Bonzulak.
The article originally featured on Glamour US.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to cleanse ageing skin?
As your skin ages, it changes, becoming more fragile, dry, and prone to irritation. “Collagen and elastin production slow down, lipid levels decline, and the skin’s ability to retain water diminishes,” explains Shereen Teymour, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “When it comes to cleansing, less is more.” She recommends gentle, pH-balanced cleansers and lukewarm water to preserve the skin barrier. Avoid harsh foaming or sulfate-based cleansers, as they can disrupt the fine lines. “Instead, I often recommend cream or gel-based cleansers formulated with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, or niacinamide,” she adds. If you like an active ingredient in your cleanser, be sure to limit your use to a few times a week, as they may be too harsh for sensitive skin.
How you wash your face is as important as what products you’re using. Dr. Teymour suggests patting (not rubbing) with a towel to prevent micro-irritation. And if you wear makeup and sunscreen daily (the latter being a non-negotiable for everyone), she recommends a two-step cleanse: first, a mild oil or micellar-based cleanser to dissolve buildup, “followed by a gentle, hydrating cleanser to ensure the skin is thoroughly clean without feeling stripped.”
Your cleansing routine should yield “clean but comfortable skin that is primed to absorb serums and moisturisers effectively. Mature skin thrives when cleansing is treated as a supportive step in a restorative routine, not an assault on the barrier,” says Dr. Teymour.
Tips for making mature or ageing skin look flawless
Cellular turnover slows with age, weakening the barrier, so your skin can’t bounce back from irritation as quickly as it once did. “Mature skin does best with gentle cleansing, deep hydration, and actives in balanced, well-formulated concentrations,” explains Dr. Teymour. Lucia Miranda, LE, CME, a medical aesthetician at Shafer Clinic in New York City, says that the number one thing that will keep aging skin looking flawless is sunscreen and a retinoid. “A retinoid gives your skin a little extra boost,” she says. “It’s never too late to start.” Retinoids are especially great for ageing skin because they help to firm skin over time, improve skin texture, which helps to minimise fine lines, and help fade dark spots for a more even complexion. For sensitive skin, she suggests bakuchiol as a gentler alternative. Miranda also suggests incorporating a peptide-based serum or moisturiser to keep dry, ageing skin hydrated.
What ingredients should mature skin avoid?
Dr. Teymour recommends staying away from cleansers that contain harsh surfactants, specifically sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and strong foaming agents. “These can strip the skin’s natural lipids and leave it feeling tight or flaky,” she says.
Avoid denatured or drying alcohols, like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which can dehydrate already dry, mature skin. If you see either of these appear near the top of the ingredient list on your product, avoid it. And be wary of fragranced products and those that contain essential oils, especially citrus, lavender, and peppermint oils, as they can cause irritation or dermatitis in thinner, mature skin.
Also, she cautions about using strong exfoliating acids and high-dose actives. “Overusing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or multiple retinoids at once can lead to inflammation and barrier damage,” says Dr. Teymour. Instead, choose one active to focus on at a time. For example, an AHA in the morning twice a week and retinol a few nights per week, buffered with a soothing moisturizer. More is not better.
