Though there are many types of cleansers to choose from—creams, oils, milks, waters, etc.—many people prefer gels. "Gel cleansers are popular because they can effectively cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture," says Fort Wayne, IN dermatologist Dana Spearman, MD. "I often recommend them for my oily or acne-prone patients to help treat and prevent pimples while still protecting the skin from excess dryness." But, gels aren't just reserved for those prone to excess oil and breakouts. When formulated correctly, gel cleansers can be a great option for dry skin, sensitive skin and mature skin, too. In fact, three dermatologists we interviewed recommended the same product for dry skin (scroll down to see which one).
"A good cleanser sets the tone for your entire skin-care routine," says New York dermatologist Julie Russak, MD. "It should support your skin barrier, respect its pH, and prep the skin to actually absorb the actives you’re about to apply." Below, see the best gel cleanser for every skin type, according to top derms.
Featured Experts
- Anna Chacon, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Julie Russak, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
- Marina Peredo, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
- Dana Spearman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, IN
- Marisa Garshick, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York
The Best Gel Cleanser for Every Skin Type
1 / 8
"This is my favorite over-the-counter gel cleanser for people with oily and acne-prone skin. It contains 2-percent salicylic acid and lipo-hydroxy acid, which help unclog pores and reduce acne." —Dr. Marina Peredo
BUY ON AMAZON - $17
BUY ON ULTA BEAUTY - $19
2 / 8
"For more mature skin, I love this cleanser from DefenAge. It’s incredibly gentle, doesn’t strip the skin, and it’s infused with barrier-supportive and regenerative ingredients that align perfectly with our clinical approach. It’s ideal for patients over 40, post-procedure skin, or anyone focused on long-term skin health." —Dr. Julie Russak
BUY NOW - $46
3 / 8
"This cleanser contains hyaluronic acid to leave the skin clean and hydrated. It is lightweight and noncomedogenic without parabens, which can be irritating. It's free of soap, too, which can strip the skin. I also love that it does not have much of a scent, so for those who are sensitive, it is well-tolerated." —Dr. Dara Spearman
"This is my favorite over-the-counter gel cleansers for normal to dry skin. I especially like it for patients with dry and sensitive skin. It is unscented and formulated with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate while also removing impurities." —Dr. Marina Peredo
"I recommend this one for dry skin types. It hydrates while cleansing, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed without any residue." —Dr. Anna Chacon
BUY ON AMAZON - $15.50
BUY ON ULTA BEAUTY - $16
4 / 8
"This cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin because it gently cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural barrier, thanks to its hypoallergenic formula enriched with soothing ingredients like allantoin and D-panthenol." —Dr. Marisa Garshick
BUY ON AMAZON - $22
BUY ON WALGREENS - $22
5 / 8
"This is my go-to for my acne-prone skin. It contains glycolic and LHA (capryloyl salicylic acid), resulting in improved texture and tone. It does not strip my skin, but leaves it feeling clean by removing excess oils and makeup. I can use it even when I'm using a retinol, which is a combination that can sometimes be too irritating for more mature skin types." —Dr. Dana Spearman
BUY ON SKINCEUTICALS - $45
BUY ON DERMSTORE - $45
6 / 8
"This is one of my go-to options for normal to oily skin. It's a gel that has a foaming action that cleanses deeply without disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier." —Dr. Anna Chacon
BUY ON AMAZON - $18
BUY ON ULTA BEAUTY - $18
7 / 8
"This cleanser is beautiful. It uses papain, a natural enzyme from papaya, to gently dissolve dead skin cells and protein buildup without irritation. It’s an elegant way to exfoliate without disrupting the barrier, and it helps brighten and decongest the skin with minimal effort." —Dr. Julie Russak
BUY ON AMAZON - $45
BUY ON DERMSTORE - $45
8 / 8
"This nonirritating gel cleanser gently dissolves makeup, oil and impurities to cleanse and purify pores while improving the skin barrier and skin texture. It also contains antioxidants for restorative benefits, bakuchiol to target discoloration and salicylic acid to gently exfoliate." —Dr. Dana Spearman
BUY ON AMAZON - $48
BUY ON DERMSTORE - $48
