Best Facial Cleanser: NZ Buying Guide

Whether you're battling breakouts with oily skin, soothing dryness, or balancing combination skin, each type of cleanser tackles a specific problem. Depending on your skin type, here’s what we recommend:

Sensitive skin needs a gentle touch. You want a cleanser that's mild, soothing, and free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula which calm the skin.

Top pick: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser – this cleanser uses soothing thermal water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3 that cleanse without irritation.

If you struggle with oily skin, you want a cleanser that can cut through grease without drying you out. Gel-based or foaming cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are great for keeping oil at bay. Surprisingly, oil cleansers and balms are great too. They balance your skin's natural oils, effectively removing makeup and impurities without stripping your skin. This can help regulate oil production over time. 

Top Pick: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash – it’s got salicylic acid to keep your pores clear and excess oil in check, leaving your skin feeling fresh.

Acne-prone skin needs something that targets breakouts without being too harsh. Look for cleansers with salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or tea tree oil to help fight pimples and keep your skin clear.

Top pick: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser – this one combines benzoyl peroxide with ceramides to fight acne and protect your skin barrier.

Combination skin can be tricky. You’ll need a cleanser that balances both oily and dry areas. Often a gel-based cleanser with hydrating and oil-controlling ingredients works best.

Top pick: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water – this no-rinse cleanser effectively removes makeup and cleanses, perfect for the mixed needs of combination skin.

If your skin craves moisture, you need a hydrating cleanser that won't strip away natural oils. Cream or oil-based cleansers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides are ideal.

Top pick: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – this classic, non-foaming formula gently hydrates and cleanses without drying out your skin.

Whether you're after deep-cleaning power, gentle hydration, or a bit of both, let's dive into the crème de la crème of facial cleanser brands. 

The CeraVe cleanser is a crowd favourite for a reason. It cleanses without that tight, dry feeling and people rave about how soft and smooth their skin feels after using it. Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it’s super hydrating and perfect for normal to dry skin. 

Shop CeraVe cleansers.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is also a cult classic. It’s soap-free, maintains your skin’s natural pH balance, and is gentle enough for daily use. People love it because it’s so mild yet effective, leaving skin clean without irritation. It’s also very reasonably priced. 

Browse all Cetaphil cleansers. 

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is a dream for sensitive skin. It’s packed with ceramides and niacinamide, which soothes and strengthens the skin barrier. This brand is a favourite for those with easily irritated skin.

See all La Roche-Posay cleansers.

If you’re looking for a rich, foamy cleanser that can remove makeup and impurities while delivering deep hydration, Lancôme Crème Mousse Comfort is ideal. And of course, it’s infused with their signature rose extract, giving it a pampering touch that users adore.

Shop Lancôme cleansers.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a minimalist's dream. Thanks to the hydrating power of squalene, it melts away makeup and impurities without stripping your skin. Suitable for all skin types, it’s especially loved by those with dry or sensitive skin.

See The Ordinary’s range of cleansers.

Neutrogena cleansers are a lifesaver for oily and acne-prone skin. They’re packed with salicylic acid to help clear breakouts and keep future ones at bay. People who use the Neutrogena cleansers love how they tackle excess oil and leave skin feeling fresh and clean.

Shop Neutrogena cleansers. 

Enriched with soothing Avène Thermal Spring Water, these cleansers will keep your skin clear and calm. The Avène Cleanance Gel is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, this soap-free gel cleanser gently removes impurities and excess oil. 

Browse Avène’s range of cleansers.

Natural and sulphate-free, this cleanser is great for all skin types. It balances oil production while gently removing dirt and makeup, thanks to its blend of chamomile, aloe vera, green tea, and witch hazel. Users love its gentle yet effective formula.

Find a new Sukin facial cleanser.

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap: Part of Clinique’s iconic 3-Step System, this liquid soap comes in formulas for every skin type. It cleans thoroughly without stripping moisture, making it a staple in many skincare routines.

Shop Clinique cleansers.

Dermalogica does a soap-free, foaming gel that works for all skin types. It removes impurities without disturbing your skin’s natural moisture balance. The calming balm mint and lavender extracts are a bonus, and users love how refreshed their skin feels.

See the Dermalogica cleanser range.

From battling breakouts to soothing dry patches, there's the perfect cleanser out there for everyone. Dive into the world of cleansers on Trade Me, try out a few, and find the one that leaves you glowing. Happy cleansing, and here's to your best skin yet.