Foaming cleansers are popular for their deep cleansing properties. They provide a thorough cleanse that's essential for maintaining healthy skin. They can efficiently remove dirt, pollutants, and makeup accumulated throughout the day, leaving your face refreshed and clean.
If you're looking for a foaming cleanser that meets these criteria, you've come to the right place! Our comprehensive buying guide, featuring insights from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan, will guide you through the selection process.
Quick List - Top Foaming Cleansers
CeraVe
A Foaming Cleanser That Cleanses and Controls Oil Without Disrupting the Skin's Natural Barrier
Clinique
A Non-drying Cleanser That Effectively Removes Long-Wearing Makeup and Even Sunscreen
Round Lab
An Award-Winning Foam Cleanser That Purifies the Skin and Maintains Its Moisture Balance
Graduated Dermatology Residency from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan is a Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society. She is the co-founder of Pandapatan Dermatology Clinic in Marawi City. She is also a part-time faculty of Xavier University-JPRSM in Cagayan de Oro. She is passionate about skin health and skincare, and dreams of world peace.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
According to studies, foaming cleansers tend to be the optimal choice when it comes to efficient deep cleansing and removing excess sebum. There are also a number of these cleansing foams with ingredients that serve as a gentle exfoliator that penetrates your pores and gets rid of dead skin cells.
If it’s the deep cleansing benefits that you want from your cleanser, foaming cleansers do this best because they can fully remove the oil that lies on the surface of your skin. Foaming cleansers are also ideal for people who wear heavy makeup and those exposed to severe pollutants because they can remove even several layers of dirt and very hard-to-wash-off makeup.
Foaming cleansers were best for those with oily skin or combination skin (oily T-zone and normal/dry cheeks), but it is actually alright for even dry skin and sensitive skin to use foaming cleansers. This is because of the advent of milder surfactants available in the market now, which can avoid drying the skin and avoid sensitizing sensitive skin. Of course, for extremely sensitive skin, a skin 'patch' test would be ideal to do before using foaming cleansers.
When choosing a foam cleanser, it's vital to make sure that the one you're getting will not compromise your skin. To ensure this, you must consider different factors, such as your skin type and the foam cleanser's formulation. Learn more about these below.
When it comes to skincare, there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all, as each person has different skin. However, this fact should not worry you a lot because there is surely a foaming cleanser for every skin type. Always take your skin type into account to avoid purchasing a product that can do more harm than good to your skin.
Foaming cleansers have previously been viewed as a bad choice for those with dry and sensitive skin because most cleansing foams have Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or SLS that can strip off the skin’s natural oil, which can cause more dryness and irritations. Fortunately, the tides have changed, and a lot of foaming cleansers nowadays are SLS-free.
Instead of incorporating SLS, they use a milder agent, usually derived from coconut oil. If you want a less drying option, even if your skin does not violently react to SLS, opt for foaming cleansers with a lower percentage of SLS. Meanwhile, for dry skin, a denser cleansing foam with infused ingredients like aloe vera extracts, PHAs (lactic acid, gluconolactone, lactobionic acid), and witch hazel can work wonders for your skin.
If you have dry, sensitive skin, opt for cleansers that use less-drying ingredients such as sodium Laureth (not lauryl) sulfate and betaine (cocoamidopropyl betaine). These are milder surfactants that will not leave your skin feeling irritated and dry. If you have extremely sensitive skin, you may opt for non-foaming cleansers.
For those with skin leaning more on the oilier side, it is always ideal to opt for a foaming cleanser with oil-control and pore-penetrating capabilities. Products that are highly infused with charcoal are deemed effective and suited for oily types, too, as they effectively draw dirt from your skin.
What you want to avoid is the type of cleanser that leaves your face with a greasy sensation post-cleansing. Foaming cleansers that possess gentle foaming action and are packed with ingredients like salicylic acid, citric acid, tea tree oil, and volcanic scoria or ash will do the trick for you because they have the ability to wash away and absorb excess sebum.
For those who have oily skin or combination skin, foaming cleansers will help dissolve oil on your face, plus it will also dissolve all the makeup and sunscreen you may have worn. It is okay to have extra ingredients that may help unclog pores. The best would be those foaming cleansers that have 2% salicylic acid. Charcoals, tannins, and volcanic scoria are also acceptable options, as long as you are not sensitive to these.
The higher the pH level of a product means, the more alkaline it has. Our skin's normal pH level is 5.5, and several foaming cleansers have a pH level as high as 6, making it more alkaline than the skin. This occurrence usually results in drying as it strips off oils in your skin, leaving you with that nasty tight feeling after cleansing.
It would always be ideal to go for gentle foaming cleansers that have a balanced pH level. Low pH level products will benefit those who have dry complexions because they will not take away a lot of your face moisture. On the other hand, products with higher pH levels are usually made to combat other skin woes like acne.
The cleanser's pH can actually affect your skin a lot, and this is why it's important to know the pH of your cleanser. Skin's pH ranges from 5.0 to 5.5. High pH cleansers have been known to perturb the skin barrier. If you feel that your cleanser's pH matters and if you do not know the pH of your cleanser, you may research from the internet, check out their official website, or if still not indicated, you may send them an email of inquiry.
A skincare routine can indeed be extra easy and enjoyable to commit to when your senses are overwhelmed with refreshing and good-smelling scents. There are several foaming cleansers that derive their fragrance from natural extracts and oils like aloe vera extract, tea tree extract, green tea, almond oil, rose oil, and lavender oil.
However, when opting for scented foaming cleansers, it is always better to ensure that it is not made of synthetic fragrance. For those who have very sensitive skin, you can stay on the safe route by opting for fragrance-free foam cleansers. These can still perform their task to wash off pollutants on your skin minus the fragrance that may appear as irritants for some.
Fragrance in a cleanser can be an issue for some. If you have resilient/resistant skin, there is no need to worry about fragrance ingredients. If however, you have sensitive skin, both synthetic fragrances and natural fragrances may cause irritation or allergic reactions. In this case, fragrance-free foaming cleansers will have to be your better option.
Selecting a safe and gentle foaming cleanser is one thing, but it’s not a bad idea to get more of your money’s worth too! Several foaming cleansers nowadays do not just do their job of stripping off dirt and pollutants on the skin but also provide other skin benefits. To get hydration, look for ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
A handful of foaming cleansers are infused with substances like aloe vera and tea tree extracts that perform acne treatment and blemish removals. This will be a good pick for people who want to cleanse and score that spotless skin at the same time. Additionally, there are also cleansing foams that help you achieve bright glowing skin through the aid of their skin-boosting niacinamide, vitamin E, and vitamin B5 content.
Since foaming cleansers, no matter how mild, can still possibly dry your skin, it is definitely a good idea to choose one that contains moisturizing ingredients. Moisturizing humectants and emollients are good ones to watch out for when looking for a foaming cleanser. Humectants include glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Emollients include squalane, lanolin, soybean, and grapeseed oils.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for | Notable Ingredients | Other Features | Net Weight | |||||
1 | CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser | ![]() | A Foaming Cleanser That Cleanses and Controls Oil Without Disrupting the Skin's Natural Barrier | Normal to Oily Skin | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide | Non-comedogenic, Fragrance-free | 237 ml | |
2 | Clinique All About Clean™ Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser | ![]() | A Non-drying Cleanser That Effectively Removes Long-Wearing Makeup and Even Sunscreen | Combination, Oily Skin | Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid | Fragrance-free, Oil-free, SLS-free | 150 ml | |
3 | Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser | ![]() | A Mild and Non-Irritating Option for Those With Sensitive Skin | Dry to Normal, Sensitive skin | Glycerin, Vitamin Complex E, B5 | Oil-free, Fragrance-free, Paraben-free, Non-Comedogenic | 236 ml | |
4 | Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser | ![]() | An Award-Winning Foam Cleanser That Purifies the Skin and Maintains Its Moisture Balance | All Skin Types | Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyarulonic Acid, Ceramide NP | Slightly acidic (pH 5.0 - 6.0), Unscented | 150 ml | |
5 | COSRX Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser | ![]() | Unclog Your Pores With This Foaming Cleanser | All Skin Types | Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil. Willow Bark, Saccharomyces Ferment | Specified | 150 ml | |
6 | La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel | ![]() | A Soap-Free Purifying Cleanser to Remove Oil and Excess Sebum | Oily Skin | Zinc Pidolate, Thermal Spring Water, Caprylyl Glycol | Soap-free, Non-Comedogenic, Paraben-free | 200 ml | |
7 | Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser Water Gel | ![]() | Lightweight and Hypoallergenic Cleanser for Plump and Supple Skin | Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily Skin | Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid | Non-Comedogenic | 145 ml | |
8 | SENKA Perfect Whip Moist Cleansing Foam | ![]() | Produces a Cloud-Like Lather That Targets Deep-Seated Impurities | All Skin Types | White Cocoon Essence, Double Hyaluronic Acid | Oil-free, Paraben-free | 50 ml | |
9 | Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser | ![]() | Gently Combat Acne and Excess Sebum With This Cleanser | Acne-prone and Sensitive Skin | Ledebouriella Sesamoids Extract, White Willow Extract, Salicylic Acid, Tiger Lily | Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free | 120 ml | |
10 | Neutrogena Deep Clean Acne Foaming Cleanser | ![]() | Precision Cleanser That Fights Acne and Refreshes Skin with Every Wash | Acne-Prone Skin | Salicylic Acid + IPMP, Amino Micellar | Non-comedogenic, Skin pH friendly | 100 ml |
The best cleanser is one that is gentle and does not disrupt your skin's barrier, like this foam cleanser by CeraVe. It effectively removes oil, dirt, and makeup without causing dryness or tightness in the skin. With 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, the cleanser restores the skin's natural protective barrier while maintaining balanced moisture levels.
This cleanser is also fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. Many users love this product due to its mild and clean formulation. Several reviewers also noted that after continuous use, they had noticed a reduction in their usual oily skin condition.
Best for | Normal to Oily Skin |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide |
Other Features | Non-comedogenic, Fragrance-free |
Net Weight | 237 ml |
Best for | Combination, Oily Skin |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid |
Other Features | Fragrance-free, Oil-free, SLS-free |
Net Weight | 150 ml |
Best for | Dry to Normal, Sensitive skin |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Vitamin Complex E, B5 |
Other Features | Oil-free, Fragrance-free, Paraben-free, Non-Comedogenic |
Net Weight | 236 ml |
Best for | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyarulonic Acid, Ceramide NP |
Other Features | Slightly acidic (pH 5.0 - 6.0), Unscented |
Net Weight | 150 ml |
If you’re looking for a cleanser that clears your pores without drying out your skin, COSRX’s cleanser is for you! It contains 0.5% salicylic acid—effective enough to target blemishes while gentle enough to preserve your skin’s natural moisture. The added tea tree oil helps calm and purify, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
Additionally, its creamy foam texture removes impurities, leaving pores clean, unclogged, and smooth. With its natural BHA component, your skin appears fresh and glowy. Reviewers love its lightweight feel and how it leaves skin feeling clean, soft, and balanced—not tight or dry—making it ideal for daily use.
Best for | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil. Willow Bark, Saccharomyces Ferment |
Other Features | Specified |
Net Weight | 150 ml |
Formulated for oily and blemished skin, this gel-to-foam cleanser from La Roche Posay is designed to effectively remove dirt, grime, and excess sebum while keeping the skin free from irritation. It has zinc pidolate, which helps regulate oil production, and thermal spring water, which acts as an anti-irritant and skin reliever.
In addition, its formula is soap-free with a pH of 5.5 to maintain the skin's physiological balance. Although some users have noticed some fragrance in the product, several said it is still gentle on the skin. It is also indicated that this product is safe even for sensitive skin.
Best for | Oily Skin |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Zinc Pidolate, Thermal Spring Water, Caprylyl Glycol |
Other Features | Soap-free, Non-Comedogenic, Paraben-free |
Net Weight | 200 ml |
Suitable for people with dry and sensitive skin, this gel-to-foam cleanser is formulated with Neutrogena's patented Barriercare technology to gently lift away makeup, oil, and dirt without disturbing the skin's moisture barrier. This innovation helps maintain the right balance of your skin's fats and lipids to protect its plumpness.
Its key ingredients, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, can also help boost your skin's hydration and lock moisture in. This will leave your skin more supple and glowing. Moreover, it is non-comedogenic, so you won't have to worry about clogged pores and acne breakouts. It is hypoallergenic and contains no added parabens or sulfates, too!
Best for | Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily Skin |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid |
Other Features | Non-Comedogenic |
Net Weight | 145 ml |
Best for | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | White Cocoon Essence, Double Hyaluronic Acid |
Other Features | Oil-free, Paraben-free |
Net Weight | 50 ml |
If you're looking for a cleanser to add to your skincare routine to combat acne, Pyunkang Yul Acne Facial Cleanser is a great pick. Designed to cater to acne-prone and sensitive skin, it has ingredients like white willow extract and salicylic acid to cleanse and exfoliate without stripping the skin.
It also has Tiger Lily as an agent to prevent bacteria that cause irritations and inflammation on the face. On top of that, it stops new acne from occurring because it is infused with anti-bacterial properties. However, some reviewers mentioned that this foam cleanser lathers less than other cleansers.
Best for | Acne-prone and Sensitive Skin |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Ledebouriella Sesamoids Extract, White Willow Extract, Salicylic Acid, Tiger Lily |
Other Features | Paraben-free, Sulfate-free, Alcohol-free |
Net Weight | 120 ml |
Transform your skincare routine with Neutrogena's Deep Clean Acne Foaming Cleanser, a breakthrough solution for clear, healthy skin. This cutting-edge formula not only removes excess oil and dead skin cells but also targets acne with precision.
Infused with 0.5% salicylic acid and Amino Micellar Technology, it tackles breakouts while hydrating your skin with soothing botanicals. What truly sets it apart is the powerful MicroClear® technology and antibacterial ingredients that dive deep into your pores, eradicating 99% of dirt and bacteria. The result? Refreshed skin that stays clear and resilient against future breakouts.
Best for | Acne-Prone Skin |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Salicylic Acid + IPMP, Amino Micellar |
Other Features | Non-comedogenic, Skin pH friendly |
Net Weight | 100 ml |
Here are some of Dr. Aznaida's answers to some of the most asked questions on the web!
Yes, you can use foaming cleansers daily. Twice a day is alright if you have resilient skin. For those with sensitive skin, it is best used once at night only, and use a non-foaming cleanser in the morning.
The surfactants in these foaming cleansers have the natural ability to form bubbles. But it is not the foam per se that removes the dirt and grime. For example, oil cleansers, micellar waters, and milky cleansers do not foam, yet they too can effectively remove sunscreen, makeup, dirt, and grime.
Foaming cleansers are good for any skin type as long as your skin can tolerate them. Nowadays, there are new foaming cleansers formulated for sensitive skin and even those with dry skin too. So the question is not what skin type can use foaming cleansers, but rather, what ingredients were used, what pH, and what additional advantageous ingredients are present in that foaming cleanser.
Don't forget to always do a patch test prior to using new products on your face. Use the cleanser on your neck and inner arms, let it stay there for a minute while massaging on the skin, then rinse off. Do this for 3 consecutive days. If no untoward reactions occur, you may use them on your face. If in doubt, consult a Board-Certified Dermatologist near you. Here is a simple guide in choosing a foaming cleanser:
A skincare routine does not end with foam cleansers. If you want to ensure that you'll get radiant and clean skin, stick with a proper washing routine and equip your vanity with these other skincare products! Your skin will definitely thank you in no time!
Author: R. Victoriano
Reviewed By: Dermatologist Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: CeraVe|Foaming Facial Cleanser
No. 2: Clinique|All About Clean™ Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
No. 3: Cetaphil|Gentle Foaming Cleanser
No. 4: Round Lab|1025 Dokdo Cleanser
No. 5: COSRX |Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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