10 Best Foam Cleansers UK 2024 | CeraVe, Paula's Choice and More
Finding a good daily cleanser is vital for ensuring clean and healthy skin. Foam cleansers are popular thanks to their gentle stripping power, which is perfect for removing make-up and clearing pores. Although they are best suited for oily and acne-prone skin, there are foam cleansers that target a number of concerns, such as dry skin and signs of ageing making use of super ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Ceramides.
From Japan and Korea's cult-favourite cleansers to foaming face washes packed with active ingredients, this guide will help you find your perfect match. So keep reading for the 10 best foam cleansers in the UK on Amazon and Boots!
Quick List - Top Foam Cleansers
The Face Shop
K-Beauty Cleanser That Brightens Skin With the Power of Rice Water
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How to Choose a Foaming Cleanser in the UK
- Look for Key Active Ingredients Like Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid for Exfoliation
- Avoid Cleansers That Contain Alcohol if You Have Dry or Sensitive Skin
- Seek Out Cleansers Which Are Vegan And Cruelty-Free
Look for Key Active Ingredients Like Niacinamide to Fade Dark Spots and Salicylic Acid for Exfoliation
Although all foam cleansers will help to effectively remove make-up and deep clean your pores for clearer skin, some cleansers contain active ingredients that address other skincare concerns. These include treating blemishes and blackheads and reducing visible signs of ageing.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This is an ingredient known as a humectant that helps skin retain water. It's great for keeping skin looking and feeling hydrated, as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It's also great for those with acne-prone skin as it can reduce redness and the appearance of blemishes.
- Niacinamide: This is a type of vitamin B3 that has a number of amazing benefits. It can help to repair skin by minimising enlarged pores, calming inflammation and fading hyperpigmentation. In addition to this, it can strengthen your skin's barrier by protecting it from harmful irritants.
- Salicylic Acid: This belongs to a group of ingredients known as salicylates. A type of chemical exfoliant, it has the power to gently slough away dead skin cells, preventing blackheads and whiteheads from forming.
- Green Tea: This is a key ingredient used in many popular skincare brands in Asia. Green tea is an antioxidant that soothes and protects the skin. This also helps to reduce the signs of ageing and control sebum production.
- Ceramides: These are fatty acids found naturally occurring within our skin. They help to reinforce the skin's protective barrier, allowing it to better seal in moisture and prevent damage from environmental aggressors.
To help keep cysts and blackheads under control, here are the 10 best face washes for acne!
Avoid Cleansers That Contain Alcohol if You Have Dry or Sensitive Skin
It has long been debated whether alcohol is needed in skincare products. Yet, it's fair to say that it does have a number of benefits, including the ability to reduce breakouts, control grease and help other ingredients absorb faster into your skin.
That said, alcohol can dry out your skin. This means that for those with already dry, damaged or sensitive skin, it may be best to stay away from cleansers which contain a high percentage of alcohol.
Additionally, if you are prone to eczema or skin allergies, it's advised to look for other alternatives as alcohol has the potential to cause irritation.
For deep cleansing without alcohol, check out the 10 best exfoliators for dry skin!
For More Ethical Skincare, Choose A Cleanser Which Is Vegan And Cruelty-Free
Many skincare products including cleansers do utilise ingredients derived from animals. Yet, in recent years many brands have made an active effort to create more vegan-friendly products as well as stop animal testing. The easiest way to check if a product is vegan and cruelty-free is to look out for the certified vegan society logo.
Another way to check is to look at the ingredient list itself. If your cleanser includes ingredients such as cetyl alcohol, keratin, and gelatin, then it is not vegan since these are derived from animals.
Most product descriptions will also highlight if the product is vegan. In general, vegan products are better for the environment so if are someone who cares about sustainability, you should consider purchasing these types of products instead.
The Best Foam Cleansers in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Senka Perfect Whip | | A Simple Yet Effective Cleanser From Popular Japanese Brand | |
2 | CeraVe Foaming Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin | | A Fan-Favourite Cleanser With Essential Ceramides | |
3 | Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Foaming Cleanser | | Fight Breakouts and Reduce Signs of Ageing | |
4 | The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam | | K-Beauty Cleanser That Brightens Skin With the Power of Rice Water | |
5 | Lancôme Mousse Éclat Clarifying Foaming Face Cleanser | | Luxury Foam Cleanser With Papaya Extract | |
6 | Dear Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser | | Lightweight and Vegan-Friendly Foaming Cleanser | |
7 | The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser | | Salicylic Acid Cleanser for Treating Acne-Prone Skin | |
8 | Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Foaming Wash Facial Cleanser | | Alcohol-Free Foam Cleanser Ideal for All Skin Types | |
9 | Avène Mattifying Cleansing Foam for Sensitive Skin | | Rebalance Your Skin With Avène Thermal Spring Water | |
10 | La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel | | A Gentle Cleanser Designed to Reduce Blemishes |
A Simple Yet Effective Cleanser From Popular Japanese Brand
There is a reason that this foam cleanser is the most popular one in Japan- It's simple, affordable and effective! In a matter of sixty seconds, your skin will feel refreshed and free of any make-up residue.
What makes this product stand out is its rich, creamy texture and light scent which make for an enjoyable skincare experience. On top of all of that, it's suitable for all skin types!
A Fan-Favourite Cleanser With Essential Ceramides
Social media has gone crazy for this cleanser, with many claiming it improved their skin in just a matter of weeks! Harnessing the power of three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, this cleanser will help to soothe irritation and lock in moisture.
It removes make-up, excess oils and other impurities, whilst helping to maintain your skin's natural protective barrier and restoring its natural pH level. Immediately after using this, you'll notice a cleaner and brighter complexion.
Paula's ChoiceResist Anti-Aging Foaming Cleanser
Fight Breakouts and Reduce Signs of Ageing
Looking for a cleanser to address a number of skincare concerns? Paula's Choice Resist Foaming Cleanser may be just the thing you need. This face wash fights breakouts, reduces blackheads, and prevents visible signs of ageing via the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid, Lecithin and Bisabolol.
Best suited for those with combination or oily skin, this foaming cleanser will leave you feeling refreshed and rehydrated. On top of all this, it's free of both natural and synthetic fragrances so it is unlikely to irritate even sensitive skin.
K-Beauty Cleanser That Brightens Skin With the Power of Rice Water
This creamy cleanser is made with rice water, moringa oil and soapwort which all work together to brighten and soften your skin. Rice water in particular, is rich in minerals and has antioxidant properties. So if you want to achieve 'glass skin', this is your best bet.
Although it contains alcohol, it efficiently removes impurities and excess make-up without causing irritation. That said, it's recommended to use this cleanser as the second step in a double cleansing routine.
LancômeMousse Éclat Clarifying Foaming Face Cleanser
Luxury Foam Cleanser With Papaya Extract
Using this cleanser twice a day will make your skin look radiant. Recommended for those with normal or combination skin types, it gently exfoliates skin to smooth and soften your complexion.
It has an air-like consistency and slight scent as a result of the papaya extract. Once rinsed off, your skin will look calmer and feel like silk. A true luxury experience!
Lightweight and Vegan-Friendly Foaming Cleanser
Ideal for those looking for cruelty-free and vegan skincare, this cleanser from K-Beauty brand Dear Klairs has a number of benefits. Containing a wide range of amazing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramide 3 and olive oil, it nourishes skin and helps clear blackheads.
Although you don't get as much product for the price compared to some of the other cleansers on this list, its a safe option for those switching cleansers. It's also a great choice for sensitive skin due to the gentle formula and low pH.
Salicylic Acid Cleanser for Treating Acne-Prone Skin
Controlling the appearance blemishes and blackheads can be a tiring job, but with this cleanser from The Inkey List, you won't have to worry! Its non-drying formula includes salicylic acid and zinc compound, which work together to stop breakouts from occurring.
This is a great daily cleanser and will truly benefit those with acne-prone skin, even though it's just as suitable for all skin types. With regular use, you'll be left with a smooth, clear and even complexion.
Hada LaboGokujyun Hyaluronic Foaming Wash Facial Cleanser
Alcohol-Free Foam Cleanser Ideal for All Skin Types
Another popular product from Japan is this facial cleanser from Hada Labo. Its instant foaming effect makes it easy to massage in, and since it's super gentle, it won't strip your skin of moisture.
Free from alcohol, oil, colorant and fragrance, this is the perfect cleanser for those who are careful about what they put onto their skin. If you are new to the Asian skincare world, this is a great product to start with!
Rebalance Your Skin With Avène Thermal Spring Water
What makes this cleanser different from the rest is a unique ingredient; Avène thermal spring water. Suitable for a range of skin types, including sensitive skin, the lightweight formula will leave you with a matte, healthy-looking finish.
Gentle and alcohol-free, it's safe to use on and around your eyes for removing oils and makeup. The only downside is that it does contain fragrance which, in some, may cause irritation.
A Gentle Cleanser Designed to Reduce Blemishes
Another great option for those with oily and acne-prone skin, this facial cleanser removes dirt and sebum to reduce shine without disrupting your skin's natural barrier. Better yet, it can also be used as a body wash!
The best thing about this product is that it's free from parabens and preservatives! La Roche-Posay recommend using this alongside their exfoliating lotion and moisturising as part of an effective 3-step routine.
Written and researched by Jane Pipkin
Top 5 Foam Cleansers
No. 1: Senka｜Perfect Whip
No. 2: CeraVe｜Foaming Cleanser for Normal to Oily Skin
No. 3: Paula's Choice｜Resist Anti-Aging Foaming Cleanser
No. 4: The Face Shop ｜Rice Water Bright Cleansing Foam
No. 5: Lancôme｜Mousse Éclat Clarifying Foaming Face Cleanser
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.