A cleanser is like a soft, mild treatment for the skin. Put onto the skin to be wiped or rinsed off, they remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin without stripping the skin. As a non-foaming product, they aim to moisturize and soothe skin. They often have a rich texture that can come in thick, creamy balms or gels that focus on sustaining hydration levels and calming inflammation.

Facial cleanser's concentration on keeping skin hydrating makes it an ideal candidate for dry skin. The Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser comes to mind when describing a quintessential cleanser for dry skin. Created with five different conditioners, this cleanser's hydrating ingredients keeps even the driest, flakiest skin moisturized and smooth. Its pH-balanced formula and creamy, gel finish nourishes and soothes the skin for a soft, clean finish.

Thanks to their gentle formulations, cleansers also work best for sensitive skin. With no fragrance, sulfates, or parabens, the La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser was made with sensitive skin in mind. Formulated with the brand's own thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramides, it removes dirt and impurities without compromising your sensitive skin.