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The 9 Best Foam Cleansers to Hydrate and Refresh Skin

Clean, but never tight.

A collage of the best foam cleansers on a gray background

Byrdie / Kevin Liang

Foam cleansers have gotten somewhat of a bad reputation—they're often shunned as over-drying and stripping. We're here to bust that myth: Not all foam cleansers leave the skin dry and tight. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rina Weimann, M.D., foaming cleansers aren't as harsh as we think. “Not all foaming cleansers are drying, and many over-the-counter options help remove impurities while also hydrating the skin,” she explains.

Plus, foams tend to penetrate the pores more deeply and can help remove oil, debris, and dirt better than gels or other formulas. For this reason, they’re often thought of as options for those with acne-prone or oily skin, but in actuality, foams can work for all skin types, providing that satisfying sensation of lathering up without stripping the skin.

We conducted hours of research on the best foam cleansers, evaluating them on their hydrating ingredients, whether or not each has a nice lather, and how skin feels after use. Our team then combined these results with our research of fan favorites and picks recommended by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Weimann and Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., to create this list. 

What We Like
  • Gentle, yet effective

  • A little goes a long way

  • Nourishing ingredients

What to Consider
  • Can easily deposit too much

Active Ingredients: Purslane, aloe vera, panthenol | Size: 5.07 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We're big fans of this formula in German aesthetics doctor Dr. Barabra Sturm's eponymous line. The nourishing elixir contains purslane (an antioxidant to reduce signs of aging), soothing aloe vera, and antioxidant vitamin E—all in a super luscious foam that rinses off nicely. In our experience, one pump takes off even a full face of makeup, so you can count on one bottle lasting you a while. There's no denying that it is on the pricier side, but when you consider its efficacy, high-quality ingredients, and the fact that it's part of a luxury skincare line, it's well worth the splurge.

What We Like
  • Gentle yet effective

  • Comes in 100% recycled bottle

  • Super hydrating ingredients

What to Consider
  • Contains fragrance

Active Ingredients: Sage, chamomile, grape extract | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A perennial favorite among Byrdie editors, this sudsy option contains ingredients such as hydrating glycerin, soothing chamomile extract, purifying sage water, and antioxidant-rich grape water for a fresh, clean face sans soap or sulfates. Also nice: It's rich in hyaluronic acid, which keeps skin hydrated and buoyant, effectively preventing that uncomfortable tight feeling some cleansers provide. Keep in mind that the formula does contain a fragrance, so if you have skin that's highly reactive to fragrances in cosmetics, you might want to skip this one or check with your doctor before trying it out.

What We Like
  • Least expensive on this list

  • Very gentle

  • Great for removing makeup

What to Consider
  • Comes out of the bottle quickly

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, bromelain | Size: 13.52 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

In order to understand how this formula differs from the rest, you have to understand what exactly micellar water is and what it does. According to Dr. Garshick, micellar waters rely on micelles, which are small molecules that come together to gently lift makeup, oil, and dirt from the surface of the skin, making it a very effective cleansing ingredient. This cleanser from Garnier combines the benefits of micellar water with the sensorial benefits of a foaming wash to deliver a powerful cleanse at a very wallet-friendly price. Be aware that the formula can come out of the bottle quickly, so be gentle when dispensing the product—or else you run the risk of making a mess and losing some of the precious liquid in the process.

What We Like
  • Has anti-inflammatory properties

  • Big bottle

  • Developed by dermatologists and skin experts

What to Consider
  • Contains fragrance

Active Ingredients: Sodium cocoyl glycinate | Size: 7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A favorite of Dr. Weimann's, this foaming facial cleanser contains fine bubbles that can penetrate skin pores, making it a helpful option for acne-prone skin types that need a little more help clearing gunk out of their pores. “It features bromelain (an enzyme from pineapple), which has helpful anti-inflammatory properties, making this ideal for those with red, irritated, or acne-prone skin,” she says. Effective at removing makeup and excess oil without disturbing the skin barrier, this cleanser also makes our list of best face washes. Another plus: It contains a blend of enzymes and amino acids that help exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, revealing a brand new layer of skin. But, it does contain fragrance, which can be a deal breaker if you have sensitivity to fragrances in cosmetics.

What We Like
  • Contains hydrating ingredients

  • Comes in multiple sizes

  • Protects skin barrier

What to Consider
  • Not paraben-free

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides | Size: 8, 12, 16 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

While milky and creamy cleansers are often recommended for those with sensitive skin, Dr. Weimann says this foam cleanser—which is gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin types—is a good exception to the rule. Credit the use of hydrating, skin-supporting ingredients in this formula, which collectively provide moisture to dry or irritated skin, she explains. In this formula, you'll find three essential ceramides (naturally occurring lipids that protect the skin's barrier), hyaluronic acid (an ingredient that retains skin moisture), and niacinamide (a calming, soothing ingredient). The only downside to this product is that it contains parabens, which are preservatives often used in skincare products to prevent bacteria or fungus from growing in the formula, increasing the shelf life. There is a decades-long debate about the ingredient, as some research suggests it can potentially disrupt the endocrine system (meaning they can interfere with hormone production). However, according to EU and FDA regulations, parabens in their current form are officially considered safe to use, since cosmetic products only use a very small concentration of these ingredients in their formulas.

What We Like
  • Brightens skin and helps keep pores clear

  • Affordable compared to the rest of the market

  • Contains calming oat extract to keep inflammation at bay

What to Consider
  • Salicylic acid in the formula can interact with other skincare ingredients

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, soy extracts | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

While foaming formulas are good face washes for oily skin in general, this one is an especially efficient option, since it contains salicylic acid to help keep pores clear of clogging oil. The salicylic acid, along with soybean protein, also helps exfoliate dead skin cells that contribute to overall dullness, says Dr. Weimann of another one of her favorites. "It’s a great option for anyone who wants an overall brighter complexion," she adds. While salicylic acid is a great ingredient for anyone looking to combat oil, it doesn't always play well with other skincare ingredients.

What We Like
  • Works on face and body

  • National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance

  • Dermatologist-tested

What to Consider
  • Not a replacement for makeup remover

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, niacinamide, thermal spring water | Size: 13.52 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Need further proof that a foaming cleanser can be gentle? This one is so mild that it touts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Dr. Weimann lauds it for containing hydrating ingredients such as shea butter and thermal spring water, which both help reduce inflammation and hydrate dry, irritated skin. Perhaps best of all, it works equally well on both the face and body. Just keep in mind that you should double-cleanse if you're trying to remove makeup. While this cleanser does a great job of clearing away oil and debris, you'll want to lean on a proper makeup remover to get rid of waterproof mascara and long-wear foundation.

What We Like
  • Cream-to-foam composition

  • Skin-loving ingredients

  • Help replenish skin barrier

What to Consider
  • Heavily fragranced

Active Ingredients: Glycerin, rose and lotus flower extracts | Size: 13.52 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Foaming cream cleansers can be a great option for combination skin types, offering the best of both worlds. This one in particular hits just the right balance because of how nice and clean it leaves our skin feeling, without ever veering into stripping territory. We love that it contains a few ingredients that replenish the skin barrier, too: glycerin (a type of ingredient that helps attract and retain moisture), camellia oil (a natural oil that helps moisturize the skin), and ceramides (those naturally occurring lipids we spoke about earlier).

What We Like
  • Super hydrating

  • Contains prebiotics and probiotics

  • Feels like a gentle lotion on the skin

What to Consider
  • Some say it can cause breakouts

Active Ingredients: Greek yogurt, amaranth seed extract, sea water | Size: 5.07 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Think you can’t use a foaming cleanser if you have dry skin? Think again. This one is a cream-to-foam, soap-free formula that contains a heaping dose of moisturizing Greek yogurt. Why yogurt? Aside from being a protein-rich snack, yogurt is a good source of skin-nourishing prebiotics and probiotics (and we've also been told it's like Neosporin for the skin!). It is rather rich—which makes sense, given we're talking about yogurt here—it lathers beautifully and rinses easily. The result: Clean skin without dryness, irritation, or that annoying tight feeling. Some say this formula caused breakouts after the first few uses; while we can't say we experienced that ourselves, it's something to be aware of if you're prone to acne.

What to Look for in a Gentle Foam Cleanser

  • Skin type and concerns: As with all skincare ingredients, it's important to look for a product based on your skin type and concerns. The formula that will serve you best is one that complements your skin type—whether that's oily, dry, combination, mature, or sensitive—and addresses concerns like anti-aging and acne.
  • Ingredients: Soothing ingredients increase the chances that the cleanser will keep your skin happy. Ingredients such as aloe vera and ceramides can provide moisture and reduce irritation. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., tells Byrdie that "aloe vera is a great bonus to use in conjunction with your other calming products."
  • A soap-free formula: Suggesting cleansers that specifically don't have soap might sound a little counterintuitive, but soap can irritate sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, it may be beneficial to opt for soap-free foam cleansers.
FAQ
  • Is foaming cleanser good for sensitive skin?

    If you have sensitive skin, you'll want a more gentle foaming cleanser. (Many foam cleansers are not gentle, so that is an important distinction.) You can look specifically for products that note they're safe for sensitive skin on the label or avoid cleansers with ingredients that you know may irritate your skin.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites. She recently discovered that there are great foam cleansers available that will work for her easily irritated skin; she uses many of the ones featured on this list as part of her daily routine. Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie. She covers all things beauty and fashion related, but her favorite topic is skincare. She leans on foam cleansers daily to remove the day's dirt, grime, and oil from her acne-prone skin. She's tried tons of foam cleansers over the years and included a few of her favorites on this list.

We chatted with industry experts to get the skinny on foam cleansers:

  • Dr. Rina Weimann, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
  • Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
  • Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough foam cleansers from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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  2. Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A. The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: a systematic review. Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.

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  5. Berkers T, Visscher D, Gooris GS, Bouwstra JA. Topically applied ceramides interact with the stratum corneum lipid matrix in compromised ex vivo skin. Pharm Res. 2018;35(3):48.

  6. Costa JR, Campos MS, Lima RF, Gomes LS, Marques MR, Taboga SR, Biancardi MF, Brito PVA, Santos FCA. Endocrine-disrupting effects of methylparaben on the adult gerbil prostate. Environ Toxicol. 2017 Jun;32(6):1801-1812. doi: 10.1002/tox.22403. Epub 2017 Feb 9. PMID: 28181406.

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