We’ve all got our own cleanser ride-or-die. Whether it’s one that’s been specifically formulated for our skin type, a makeup-melting oil cleanser or even a supermarket steal, the chances are we’ve formed an unbreakable bond with our beloved face wash. However, before you become too closed-off to the idea of switching things up, we’d like to draw your attention to one (often forgotten) formula: the foam cleanser.
Generally speaking, foaming cleansers often receive a bad rap for being overly drying or stripping the skin of any natural oils. However, newer formulations have taken a gentle approach, melting away excess oil and simultaneously hydrating the skin. The hardest part? Finding the foaming cleanser that’s right for you. As always, we’ve scoured the internet, (so you didn’t have to) and found nine of the best foaming cleansers on the market.
2024’s Top 3 Best Foaming Cleanser
- Leitin Gel Cleanser, $47, Leitin
- Alya Skin Foaming Micellar Cleanser, $19.95, Oz Hair and Beauty
- Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, $100.10, Adore Beauty
Best Foaming Cleansers
Leitin Gel Cleanser
From $47 at Leitin
If gentle is what you’re after then you’ve come to the right place. With a lightweight, pH-balanced formula, this luxurious foaming cleanser is all about being oh-so-gentle to your skin. Designed to work for all skin types, the sudsy cleanser has been jam-packed with hydrating, skin nourishing natural ingredients. Dry skin? We don’t know her.
Key features:
- Formulated with 10 per cent humectant
- Infused with calming aloe vera
- Made from 91 per cent naturally derived ingredients
Available at:
- $47 from Leitin
Alya Skin Foaming Micellar Cleanser
From $19.95 at Oz Hair and Beauty
We say: Alya Skin’s cleanser uses watermelon seed oil, witch hazel and micelles to remove impurities and fast track the healing process of any lingering pimples. Oh, it’s even made in Australia!
You say: “The product smells lovely and really does a good job of cleansing the skin. My skin felt clean, soft and super smooth, Lovely for night time use, as it is a makeup remover. Excellent value, plant based and smells and feels beautiful, as well as very effective makeup removal.” – han20
Want to know more? Read more Alya Skin Foaming Micellar Cleanser reviews here…
Key features:
- Infused with rejuvenating watermelon seed
- Formulated with micellar cleansing technology
- Assists in removing acne-causing bacteria
Available at:
- $19.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty
- $11.99 (usually $19.99) from Priceline
- $18.95 (usually $19.99) from Healthy Life
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
From $100.10 at Adore Beauty
We say: For a cleanser that’s been formulated without soap, Dermalogica’s foaming cleanser does include the moisture-rich ingredient, soap bark. The lightweight gel has been infused with lavender and balm mint which harness a bounty of detoxifying properties (and just smells insanely good).
Key features:
- Soap-free
- Infused with calming balm mint
- Cosmeceutical-grade cleanser
Available at:
- $100.10 from Adore Beauty
- $112 from Dermalogica
- $95.20 (usually $112) from Catwalk
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
From $23.99 at Adore Beauty
We say: This cult-favourite has earned a near-perfect bh star rating and we can understand why. The dermatologist-tested cleanser has been infused with hyaluronic acid and a patented technology to deliver maximum hydration without breaking the bank.
You say: “I have tried most foam cleaners and this one is the best by far across all price ranges. With an easy to use pump bottle it foams instantly when mixed with water and leaves my skin feeling super clean without the dryness that other cleaners give. After use your skin looks fresh and glowing like never before.” – Fibi
Want to hear more? Read CeraVe Foaming Cleanser reviews here…
Key features:
- Enriched with three essential ceramides
- Niacinamide and hyaluronic rich formula
- Developed with dermatologists
Available at:
- $23.99 from Adore Beauty
- $23.99 from Priceline
- $17.99 (usually $23.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Paula’s Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser
From $38 at Paula’s Choice
We say: As the inspiring Regina George once said, “My pores are huge.” And you know what we’ve come to realise? All she needed was some positive feedback from her pals and also a bottle of the Paula’s Choice Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser. The pearlescent cream is widely renowned for its benefits in aiding the visible reduction of our pores and keeping our skin looking glowy, firm and radiant.
Key features:
- Works to reduce appearance of pores
- Replenishes skin hydration levels
- Pearlescent cream-to-foam formula
Available at:
- $28.50 (usually $38) from Paula’s Choice
Jeuneora OhMyDays!
From $55 at Jeuneora
We say: This invigorating mint-scented mousse will cleanse away impurities and leave your skin feeling refreshed. Plus, thanks to the addition of caviar lime extract (a natural AHA), you’ll be buffing away any build up of dead skin while you’re at it.
Key features:
- Packaging made of 20 per cent PCR
- Caviar Lime Extract works as a natural source of AHAs
- Fresh minty scent
Available at:
- $55 from Jeuneora
Cetaphil Anti-Bacterial Cleansing Bar
From $10.99 at Healthy Life
We say: We don’t mean to alarm you but this is the exact cleanser that Kate Beckinsale uses. The celebrity-approved drugstore cleanser is both eco-conscious and effective in keeping any complexion clean as a whistle.
You say: “This is so nice to clean my skin as it is soap free and does not dry my skin out at all. I have very dry sensitive skin so it is nice to find a cleansing bar that leaves my skin lovely and clean and not irritated at all.” – JuJu47
Want to know more? Read Cetaphil Anti-Bacterial Cleansing Bar reviews here…
Key features:
- Provides antibacterial benefits
- Designed for sensitive skin
- Won’t clog pores
Available at:
- $8.79 ($10.99) from Healthy Life
- $11.49 from Priceline
- $8.99 from Catch
Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Rich Foaming Gel
From $36.99 at Adore Beauty
We say: If you’re looking for a cleanser that’s gentle enough for the entire family, it’s time to meet the Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Rich Foaming Gel. The fragrance-free foam works as a wash for your face and body, leaving you soft and smooth from head to toe.
You say: “The product is a blue gel, and lathers slightly. What I love is that it doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. Instead my skin feels clean and soft. I’ve been using this for a few months and I still have plenty left.” – Miss Lola
Want to know more? Read Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Rich Foaming Gel reviews here…
Key features:
- Can be used on face and body
- Suitable for very dry skin
- Infused with purifying zinc and copper
Available at:
- $36.99 from Adore Beauty
- $29.64 (usually $36.99) from Amazon Australia
- $36.99 from Priceline
Go-To Properly Clean
From $33 at Go-To Skin Care
We say: Properly Clean is Go-To’s best seller with over 3000 five-star reviews and we can understand why! The foam texture has been formulated with glycerin to maintain hydration and gentle amounts of willow bark extract to softly exfoliate.
Key features:
- Designed to be refillable
- Willow bark extract helps to shed dead skin
- Sulphate and paraben-free
Available at:
- $33 from Go-To Skin Care
- $33 from MECCA
Neutrogena Deep Clean® Foaming Cleanser
From $19.99 at Priceline
We say: The recently reformulated Neutrogena Deep Clean® Foaming Cleanser works to remove up to 99 percent of impurities, leaving skin cleansed and nourished. Plus, thanks to the pH-balanced formulation, your skin is safe from any disruption to its natural moisture balance.
You say: “The foam cleanses my skin perfectly and does not excessively dry out my skin. Since then, this change to my skin care has worked wonders, my clean has cleared up and it’s been 3 years since I had a bad breakout.” – eunicek97
Want to know more? Read Neutrogena Deep Clean® Foaming Cleanser reviews here…
Key features:
- Designed for all skin types
- Ultra-gentle formula
- Housed in a 100 per cent recyclable tube
Available at:
- $9.99 (usually $19.99) from Priceline
- $10 (usually $20) from Amazon Australia
- $10 (usually $31) from Woolworths
E45 Face Foaming Cleanser
From $12.95 at Chemist Direct
We say: Dermatologically backed, E45’s Foaming Cleanser is specifically designed for sensitive and dry skin, while still deeply cleansing away build-up. It’s enriched with antioxidants (such as vitamin E) that soothe irritation and protect against free radicals, all while betaine works to preserve and protect your skin’s natural barrier layer (and moisture).
Want to read more? Read E45 Face Foaming Cleanser Reviews here…
Key features:
- Maintains skin barrier
- Enriched with protective antioxidants
- Dermatologically-tested
Available at:
- $12.95 from Chemist Direct
- $11.49 (usually $14.49) from Catch
- $10.39 (usually $14.49) from Chemist Warehouse
Swisse Manuka Honey Daily Glow Foaming Cleanser
From $22.54 at Amazon Australia
We say: Formulated with radiance-boosting vitamin C and papaya extract, this gentle cleanser foams up to wash away the day without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Manuka honey works to give your skin a soft moisture boost for dewy, glowing skin.
You say: “This cleanser feels lovely on the skin, it claims to brighten the skin and I think it works. I feel very fresh after using it in the morning and my skin feels lovely and soft. You don’t need to use too much of it as it foams up nicely. It comes in a handy pump bottle so it is easy to apply.” – RINNY
Want to read more? Read Swisse Manuka Honey Daily Glow Foaming Cleanser Reviews here…
Key features:
- Formulated with stable vitamin C and papaya enzymes
- Enriched with skin-loving manuka honey
- Leaves behind glowing, radiant skin
Available at:
- $20.59 (usually $22.54) from Amazon Australia
- $9.95 from Chemist Direct
Nutrimetics Restore PRO Foaming Cleanser
From $30 at Nutrimetics
We say: This gentle cleanser is part of Nutrimetics’ Restore PRO range, which works in conjunction with the other products included in it (so best to nab the entire line-up). Why is this range so amazing? It’s known for its wrinkle-reducing capabilities. Yup, kangaroo paw extract and goji stem cell technology are your skin-rejuvenating saviours. Not only are you gently washing away the day with this foaming cleanser, but you’re washing away the years too!
Want to know more? Read Nutrimetics Restore PRO Foaming Cleanser Reviews here
Key features:
- Prebiotic formula
- Designed with vegan goji stem cell technology
- Enriched with kangaroo paw flower extract
Available at:
- $30 from Nutrimetics
Azclear Action Foaming Wash
From $17.49 at Healthy Life
We say: Blemish-prone skin-sufferers rejoice. Despite foaming cleansers being dubbed as ‘stripping’, adding the right one to your routine could actually help your over-enthusiastic oil glands. Now we’re not saying dry skin will solve any problems (because it definitely won’t), but fear not: this gentle cleanser is actually enriched with skin-nourishing glycerine to ensure your skin stays soft, supple and supported throughout the oil-busting process.
Want to read more? Read Azclear Action Foaming Wash Reviews here…
Key features:
- Fragrance-free
- Helps control blemishes
- Formulated to be hydrating
Available at:
- $14.65 (usually $17.49) from Healthy Life
- $17.49 from Priceline
- $14.50 from Pharmacy Online
Is foaming cleanser better for your face?
We know, foaming cleansers have gotten a bad rap over the years. We blame it on the OG formulas being a little bit too good at their cleansing jobs. But these days, the fun foamy formulas work wonders at lathering up, buffing away all the nasties (makeup and excess oils) and leaving your skin with a wonderfully hydrated feeling. It might be a personal choice (and feel free to form your own opinions) but we’re big fans of the benefits foaming cleansers give to your skin.
Main Image Credit: @gotoskincare
What type of cleanser do you use? Will you try out one of these foaming cleansers!?
I sed Dermatologica cleanser. Beautiful.
The Dermalogica would be my pick, their products are good quality
Must admit I have never used Dermalogica maybe time to give them a try.
Love an awesome foaming cleanser and i have now found a few that i love and use on rotation. These look good too
I like the CeraVe oil to foam cleanser
The Special Cleansing Gel is my all time fave cleanser, nothing comes close to it!
the cerave cleanser I was actually supposed to recieve in a trial team but mine got lost in the mail, never arrived =( ah well!! it was sorted out so all good =)
I have always found foaming cleansers to be quite stripping, so I generally avoid them
I haven’t used any of these.
It would be lovely if we didn’t have to scroll so far down before we respond to any of the articles.
I heartily agree, @Trish!
They all sound nice but I do prefer a creamy or oil type cleanser as I have dry skin.
Good timing bh. I have the Lacura foaming cleanser which I only use when I am using a long-wear Foundation but I believe it does dry my skin out so I am looking for another type. I do like Bioderma products so I might try that one.
I use and love one foaming cleanser atm, but it has been discontinued
I love the Bioderma gel. Doesn’t dry my skin out.
The CeraVe foaming cleanser is good
I generally go for gel cleansers but that being said I’m currently using a cream cleanser and it’s keeping my skin nice and hydrated during winter.
Wouldn’t mind trying the Bioderma foaming cleanser
I haven’t used a foaming cleanser for a while, I do like the foaming action so I might check some of these out next time I need to replenish my stocks.
Not a fan of foam cleansers i find them strange
I like foaming cleansers, but mostly but creams nowadays.
the micelles cleansers are soo good
Would like to try Cerave and Go-To cleansers.
I must try Go-To, I am thinking of just buying a whole kit. Looks amazing.
The Swisse sounds lovely as does the Bioderma and Neutragena