The best facial cleansers for ageing skin, at a glance
The best facial cleansers for ageing skin aren’t just about getting rid of dirt. They’re the first defence against dehydration, dullness, and fine lines. That’s because as you get older, your skin naturally becomes drier and more prone to irritation. Caring for mature skin starts at the sink: a great facial cleanser can set the stage for every other step in your skin care routine.
A higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean better results. “What truly matters is how the product supports skin health, barrier function, and overall efficacy,” says Ariel Ostad, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon.
To find the best formulas, we spoke with dermatologists and enlisted Glamour editors and testers with ageing skin concerns. Each cleanser had to remove makeup and impurities effectively without drying or disrupting the skin barrier. Our best overall pick, La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Purifying Foam Facial Cleanser, is a dermatologist fave. It impressed both editors and pros for its gentle yet thorough cleanse that left skin soft, hydrated, and balanced. Keep scrolling for the best cleansers for ageing skin, tested and dermatologist-approved.
SKIP TO:
How We Test & Why You Can Trust Us:
We spoke with dermatologists for their top recommendations and then tapped Glamour’s network of testers – each with unique ageing skin concerns – to try them for several weeks.
Testers evaluated the texture, lather, hydration, and how their skin looked and felt after using the product. Our roster of dermatologists ensured that each product addressed a different aging skin concern, such as dryness, sensitivity, dullness, and fine lines. Ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and glycerin earned high marks for maintaining barrier health. The best facial cleaners lathered and cleansed our skin well, provided a boost of moisture, and subtly plumped our faces to minimise fine lines with consistent use.
Meet the experts:
Ahead, our full edit of the best facial cleansers for ageing skin…
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser
This dermatologist-beloved cleanser checks all the boxes for those with ageing skin. “This is one of the most balanced and dermatologist-trusted cleansers on the market,” says Dr. Ostad. “It contains ceramides and niacinamide, both crucial for maintaining the skin’s barrier and reducing irritation,” he adds. We also love how this gel to foaming cleanser removes oil and makeup without stripping sensitive skin.
Testing notes: “Whenever my skin is giving me trouble, I always go back to this cleanser, which was recommended to me by my dermatologist a few years ago. It’s extremely gentle, doesn’t leave skin feeling stripped or overly dry, and makes my skin look more radiant, fresh, and less dull. I also noticed a difference in the fine lines around my chin and nose after using this for a few weeks straight. They’re less noticeable, and the area looks more firm, plump, and less red,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best Cleansing Balm: ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm
For the uninitiated, the magic of Elemis’ original cleansing balm comes from Padina Pavonica: an antioxidant-rich algae found along the Mediterranean coastline. The new cherry edition – which follows in the footsteps of a lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus-scented original, as well as a rose iteration – still features this key ingredient. Along with the additions of warm almond and vanilla, plus the brand’s signature blend of plant oils including starflower and elderberry.
Testing notes: “While other cleansers can have your skin crying out for moisture immediately after use, what I love about the Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm is how soft and nourished it left my skin feeling. Oh, and did I mention the incredible sweet cherry scent? A little goes a long way, so I also appreciate that I’ll be getting good use out of it before I need to worry about restocking. Overall, this is a delightfully indulgent cleanser which I can quickly see becoming part of my regular rotation,” says Glamour’s Senior Audience Development Manager Lian Brooks.
Best Gel Cleanser: Medik8 Surface Radiance Cleanse
Testing notes: “Confession: I usually steer clear of gel cleansers. In the past, they’ve left my skin feeling tight, dry and just…stripped. But Surface Radiance Cleanse completely changed my mind. It’s a refreshing, citrus-scented gel that transforms into a soft foam and gives your skin that squeaky-clean feeling – but without the squeak (if you know what I mean).
“It’s formulated with AHAs and BHAs (like mandelic, lactic and salicylic acid) to gently exfoliate and decongest, making it a brilliant choice for oily or breakout-prone skin. I use it as my second cleanse in the evening – especially after a day on the tube or when I’ve been wearing heavier makeup.” – Shani Cohen, Glamour’s beauty commerce writer.
Best for Resurfacing: Exuviance Deep Clean AHA Cleanser
Original video from Taryn Brooke testing Exuviance Deep Clean AHA Cleanser
Mature skin often needs help sloughing away dull surface cells while protecting the barrier. Exuviance’s skin cleanser does both: glycolic acid gently exfoliates, while gluconolactone balances pH and smooths texture. You can expect your skin to feel fresh and look incredibly radiant.
Follow