2024's Top 5 Best Cleansers

Our research team has meticulously evaluated the Canada’s top 5 cleansers based on their potency and effectiveness, focusing on their ingredients, production methods, pricing, and technology. Cleansers are an essential component of any skincare routine, removing impurities, dirt, germs, and makeup that can cause skin irritation.

A good skincare regimen is crucial in maintaining healthy skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and protecting it from harmful stressors, with the cleansing being the most critical step. Most routines involve a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, and some people may incorporate toners, serums, and exfoliators.

With an overwhelming variety of cleansers in the market, our guide highlights the best affordable options currently available in Canada, simplifying your search for the perfect cleanser.

Vitamin C serums are a game-changer in skincare, lauded for their potent antioxidant benefits and ability to brighten the complexion. As the quest for youthful, radiant skin grows, the right Vitamin C serum becomes indispensable. From a myriad of choices in the market, which ones genuinely rise to the top in Canada? Our research team has meticulously sifted through numerous contenders, considering not just efficacy but also ethical practices, quality, and overall value. We’re proud to present our meticulously curated list of the top 5 Vitamin C serums, especially suited for the Canadian skincare enthusiast. A note of caution: Vitamin C can be fickle and degrade swiftly, so we've spotlighted only those with impeccable formulation and storage. Trust in our expertise, and soon you'll be revelling in a noticeably brighter and rejuvenated complexion.

A good skincare regimen is crucial in maintaining healthy skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and protecting it from harmful stressors, with the cleansing being the most critical step. Most routines involve a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, and some people may incorporate toners, serums, and exfoliators.

With an overwhelming variety of cleansers in the market, our guide highlights the best affordable options currently available in Canada, simplifying your search for the perfect cleanser.

What does a Cleanser do?

A cleanser is a fundamental component of an effective skincare regimen, responsible for removing dirt, oil, impurities, and makeup residue from the skin’s surface. By thoroughly cleansing the skin, it helps unclog pores, prevent breakouts, and promote a clear complexion.

Additionally, a cleanser prepares the skin for other skincare products, allowing them to penetrate more effectively. Regular use of a high-quality cleanser maintains a healthy, balanced skin barrier, resulting in a youthful glow and overall skin health.

Incorporating a cleanser into your daily routine is a crucial step towards achieving and maintaining radiant, healthy-looking skin.

Best cleanser: At a glance

Best overall cleanser: Habitual Skin Brightening Gel Cleanser 100ml
Best splurge: Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser 237ml
Best for breakout-prone skin: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 118ml

The Good - What to Look For

Look for potent active ingredients, high potency, pure ingredients, and clinically advanced formulations for guaranteed results.

The Bad - What to Avoid

Avoid low potency, unnecessary ingredients (filler ingredients), animal testing, fragrances (can be toxic for your skin), and excessive cost – skincare doesn’t need to be expensive and usually means paying for fancy packaging & marketing. Check for effectiveness and key ingredients rather than marketing, packaging, or proprietary ingredients.

Save on our favorite cleanser

Right now at Habitual Skin, you can save up to 10% on best sellers and up to 35% off bundles. This includes the Brightening Cleanser 100ml from our roundup – a gentle cleanser made from 97% naturally derived ingredients that removes impurities, unclogs pores, and maintains the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Use code JUNE24 at checkout to bring the price down to just $38.70.

Habitual Skin | Was $43 | Now $38.70

The Guide - How We Evaluated the Top 5

Our team has extensively tried to carefully choose the skin care products listed below based on quality, efficacy, user feedback, and value.

TOP 5 CLEANSERS IN 2024

Habitual Skin #1

Habitual Skin Brightening Gel Cleanser 100ml

Overall Rating (4.9)

 4.9/5

The Habitual Skin Brightening Cleanser is a gentle and highly effective gel-based solution that can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is formulated with a blend of glycolic acid and 97% naturally derived ingredients, which provide an exceptional brightening, exfoliating, and refreshing effect, leaving the skin looking youthful and radiant. Our team of testers with dull skin has reported significant improvements, demonstrating the formula’s ability to speed up the natural cell turnover process gently.

The key to the success of this cleanser is the simple and natural ingredients list that includes glycolic acid, phytic acid, neroli floral water, and pumpkin enzymes. These ingredients are highly effective in removing impurities, unclogging pores, and maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The formula is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, making it an ideal option for people who follow specific lifestyles and care about animal welfare.

Habitual Skin offers significant discounts for bulk purchases and free shipping to Canada on orders over $60, along with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, demonstrating their confidence in their product. These features make the Habitual Skin Brightening Cleanser an excellent option for anyone seeking a high-quality, effective, and gentle cleanser for a brighter and more radiant complexion.

The Desirables

Powerful yet gentle gel-based cleanser, made with 97% naturally derived ingredients.
Brightens, exfoliates, and refreshes tired skin after a few weeks of use.
Developed with top-recommended dermatologic ingredients.
Clinically tested cruelty-free and vegan formula developed by chemists meeting the highest standards.
Free of soap, sulfate, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrances, and harmful chemicals.
Made in the UK.
Free Canada shipping on orders over $60 with a 90-day money-back guarantee

The Undesirables

The Final Word

The Habitual Skin Brightening Gel Cleanser is a superior product in the market, thanks to its use of naturally derived ingredients. It delivers optimal results through its highly potent yet gentle formulation. Unlike other brands, which may contain filler or abrasive ingredients that strip the skin of its natural moisture, Habitual Skin’s formula ensures a deep clean and removal of impurities, promoting clear, healthy, and radiant skin.

Habitual Skin offers free shipping on orders over $60 and a 90-day money-back guarantee, reflecting their confidence in the product’s efficacy. These features make Habitual Skin’s Brightening Gel Cleanser a highly recommended option for anyone seeking a high-quality, trustworthy cleanser.

Why Habitual Skin Is Our #1 Pick

Habitual Skin’s Brightening Cleanser is a top-market product due to its high-quality ingredients, brand reputation, customer service, and experience. This clinically tested, carefully formulated cleanser is gentle, avoiding dryness and irritation, and suitable for all skin types, gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly, accommodating various lifestyles.

The brand also frequently offers special deals and promotions, making it a great option for those looking for a high-quality and effective cleanser.

Dr. Dennis Gross #2

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel

Overall Rating (4.5)

 4.5/5

The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel effectively cleanses the skin using Alpha Hydroxy Acids without stripping it of vital oils allowing the skin to stay hydrated and balanced. Our testers experienced clean and nourished skin, reduced pore size, and a reduction in fine lines after a few weeks of use of twice-daily use.

However, despite the promise that this prevents breakouts, a few of our testers experienced this even after giving the skin time to adjust to the product. At $52 for a 225ml bottle, we believe it’s worth the try on the basis that only a small amount is required for a thorough and effective cleanse. We recommend patch testing and slowly introducing the product to prevent breakouts and harsh reactions.

The Desirables

Soap and sulfate free
Dermatologically founded and tested
Pleasant foaming application
Cruelty-free
Stocked by many retailers globally
Does not leave the skin feeling dry and stripped

The Undesirables

Paula’s Choice #3

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Overall Rating (4.3)

 4.3/5

The Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant from Paula’s Choice has been a top-rated and extensively reviewed cleansing product for the past 22 years, and it remains the brand’s best-selling item. With the active ingredient of Salicylic Acid (BHA), this product is highly effective for those with acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.

However, we recommend that those with sensitive skin introduce it gradually and use it sparingly since it can lead to skin irritation, according to feedback from our testers. This cleanser is better suited for those with oily or combination skin, and it is a leave-on exfoliant that can help to brighten, hydrate, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and improve the skin barrier within four weeks, making it a must-try.

The Desirables

The Undesirables

Youth To The People #4

Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser

Overall Rating (4.0)

 4/5

Youth to the People is a vegan, cruelty-free, and FSC-verified brand that uses natural superfoods in its products. The Superfood Cleanser comes in a 59ml or 237ml bottle, ranging from $19 to $52.50. We were disappointed to find that the application dropper only comes with the 237ml size which means when trying the 59ml bottles, our testers had to either very carefully pour a few drops onto their palm or unhygienically flip the bottle in their palm to access the gel-like cleanser.

Our testers with oily and combination skin types saw better results in comparison to our testers with dry skin who have experienced irritation, but most have experienced reduced congestion. We would recommend this product if you pride yourself on sustainability and have oily to combination skin.

The Desirables

The Undesirables

Kiehl’s #5

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser 150ml

Overall Rating (3.9)

 3.9/5

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is a gentle facial cleanser that is suitable for all skin types. It effectively removes dirt and debris from the skin without depriving it of essential moisture. Besides dissolving excess oil and dirt, this cleanser is pH-balanced, which aids in maintaining the skin’s natural balance and protective barrier. It has been dermatologist-tested and is made with Squalane, Avocado Oil, and Glycerin, which are all beneficial for the skin.

However, despite being marketed as suitable for all skin types, our testers with dry skin found that this cleanser exacerbated their dryness, resulting in breakouts and irritation. Some testers also reported that they found the chemical scent of the product unpleasant to use.

The Desirables

The Undesirables

Honorable Mentions

While we have a clear winner among our top 5, we have included the following 5 products, to round off our top 10 after researching, testing, and evaluating a multitude of options.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel

IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser Skin-Transforming Hydrating Cleansing Serum

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Tatcha The Rice Wash Soft Cream Cleanser

The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser

Final Thoughts

Cleansers are an essential component of any effective skincare routine, providing a range of benefits such as removing dirt and impurities, preventing premature aging, improving skin texture, and more. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. That’s why we conducted a rigorous evaluation of multiple cleanser brands using a 10-point ranking system that considered factors such as scientific research, packaging, marketing, and customer feedback. Our analysis led us to conclude that Habitual Skin’s Brightening Cleanser is the best-performing product currently available. This gentle yet effective cleanser not only removes dirt and impurities but also contains ingredients that can brighten the complexion and leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Citations

The science behind skin care: Cleansers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29231284/