CLEANSER - CREAM
For many women, a good old cleansing cream is still the very best way to remove make-up. Our mothers had the choice of – well, Pond’s Cold Cream or… Pond’s Cold Cream, but today – as these winners prove – there are fabulous creamy choices. So – these aren’t just ‘good old cleansing creams’ – they’re great NEW discoveries, all of them new winners for 2023, all brilliantly make-up melting, and all offering the skin-nurturing power of a cream formula – but in several cases, good for oilier skins, too.
How you remove these is a matter of personal preference, meanwhile. Ours is always to swish with muslin cloth soaked in warm-to-hot water (or a fluffy flannel), always being sure to reach the nooks and crannies around the nose and cleft of chin.
GOLD AWARD This is Silk Silk Cream Cleanser
We delightedly featured this cleanser as a ‘Beauty Bible Loves’ on our website in 2022 – but that’s not enough to earn it a Beauty Bible Award; our testers have to love it, too. From a Cotswold brand which made its name creating silk pillowcases and accessories, it features genuine silk in the oil-rich blend, alongside rice bran oil, mango seed butter, vitamin B5 and chicory root extract. As the founder, Sonal Keay, told us: ‘Silk has long been used in Japanese and Korean skin rituals and is only now getting the attention it deserves in the West. Silk is a rare ingredient, one of nature’s true multi-taskers. It hydrates, supports barrier strength and relieves environmental stress on the skin. Everything a silk cocoon does, our skin does, too!’
£42 for 100ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘The best cleanser I have ever used, for three reasons: it's moisturising, exfoliating and cleans very well, with the consistency of a rich cream and not only cleans well, but is nourishing too’ • ‘Comes with its own silk cloth which seems to exfoliate my skin really well, and removes stubborn mascara’ • ‘The silk cloth is a luxurious touch that makes you feel like you're in a spa. Smells great too; beautifully scented but not overwhelmingly so, to me it smells of orange blossom (more than the rose, jasmine and neroli it mentions) and I adore it’ • ‘My mum said my skin looked clear and bright after using this cleanser and I have noticed a difference myself too ‘ • ‘I’m often quite lazy taking make up off reaching for the face wipes for ease but now I’m converted. It washes off easily leaving face feeling clean, soft and glowing. Love it’ • ‘Skin felt super-soft after, just like silk!’ • ‘Makes your products work harder as it leaves you with the perfect base, cleansed but not stripped leaving your moisture levels improved’ • ‘I used the silk cloth that came with it and wiped off the cleanser. I wasn't expecting a silky cloth to feel as rough as it did, but it was great for exfoliation and once my face had been thoroughly cleansed, I was really happy with the results when looking in the mirror. My face looked smooth, bright and had a lovely dewy complexion to it.’
£42 for 100ml - click to buy
SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Skin Me Purify + Prep Clarifying Cleanser
So, here’s the thing, with Skin+Me: to get your hands on this cleanser, you need to fill in a questionnaire via their online portal and sign up to a monthly skincare prescription which will ship to you every four weeks. You can cancel or restart, anytime – but it does slightly set this winner apart from other, readily available winners. (And it means we can’t give you an exact price, either, as it needs to be part of your Skin+Me ‘programme’.) Particularly targeting clogged pores, this boasts a ‘cream-to-foam’ texture, designed to cleanse without stripping the skin’s barrier. The foaming agent is a non-irritating, biodegradable Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, balanced by moisture-binding glycerine.
Find out more here
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘A lovely cleanser. First impression when squeezing from tube: just another creamy cleanser. Second impression on applying to skin: WOW, this is different! Third impression: this is AMAZING; I didn't think a cleanser could be improved! Fourth impression after drying skin: my skin feels clean, fresh and silky smooth as though I've already applied my moisturiser. I can't speak highly enough of this product, it's a game-changer’ • ‘I had not heard of this product before I started testing but have seen adverts now. This is the first product I have personally bought whilst testing! Skin was soft, smooth and hydrated. Felt clean. yes, that my skin looked pampered, clean’ • ‘I was sceptical about using this product but in just a week I started noticing how well my skin was looking’ • ‘I’d definitely buy again; I've already signed up to their subscription as I've really noticed a difference how well my skin has been behaving. It was easy to remove the cleanser with a muslin cloth and there were no traces of make up on my pillow after use. It removed all of my make-up including eyeliner without any issues, didn't sting or leave any residue after rinsing’ • ‘I added water after massaging the cream into my face to make it more creamy and it removed all of my makeup and left no traces. I'd seen this being marketed and was interested to try it; it's a no-frills tube with a cream cleanser. I liked the fact that it was unscented – though it possibly was a bit joyless because of that.’
Find out more here
SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Carol Joy London Cleansing Cream and Gentle Touch Cloth
Founder Carol Joy Hatton’s skincare journey has seen her search the globe for age-defying ingredients, which notably include collagen, via a pioneering German technology. The range is available via spas and clinics around the world, cornerstone of specially-devised treatments, too, but can also be found online. With hyaluronic acid to plump and boost hydration, this rich, creamy cleanser also features gently exfoliating antioxidant raspberry fruit acid, along with shea butter and gold millet oil. (It does also feature synthetics on the ingredient list.) The chic, sleek black tube makes for easy travelling (though not small enough for hand baggage).
£45 for 100ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘Removes my eye make up without stinging; it’s easy to remove the cleanser and the cloth is so soft and lush. Does not leave any traces on my pillow’ • ‘My husband has said to me that my skin feels really soft after using the product’ • ‘100% YES, I would buy this again –LOVELY, LOVELY cleanser! I am so glad I got to try this as I have never heard of the brand before, so it is not something I would otherwise buy. It is such a treat to use, and the accompanying cloth complements the formula to the maximum’ • ‘My husband and I have this ritual of giving facials to each other 2-3 times a week and he loves it as much as I do. It glides easily over his beard and is very easy to remove with the cloth, which, believe me, is no mean feat! I never use separate eye make-up remover, too lazy’ • ‘Really easy to use, as the creamy texture made the cream glide, and it felt very nourishing. It removed all traces of make-up, and the cloth did a great job of also sweeping away last traces of the cream’ • ‘Sumptuous, joyous, gorgeous, any other adjectives ending in “ous” you can think of. I love a cream cleanser and this was the one; I absolutely loved the little fluffy cloth that it came with; I think maybe the fibres pick everything up to a higher level than your average muslin that I would normally use. Who knows? But I am a convert on that type now as well’ • ‘Would definitely buy again: a luxurious cleanser that works, felt like a spa treatment.’
£45 for 100ml - click to buy
SILVER (JOINT) AWARD Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
This was a winner in our very first book, and we’ve lost count of the number of times it’s appeared since then – and here it is, back for another gong! The famously skin-calming and soothing, ultra-creamy formulation is infused with Cleanse & Polish’s signature blend of eucalyptus, chamomile and rosemary. Formulated to remove grime, pollutants and even stubborn make-up, we often remark how much we like the fact that this is available in a travel size option, so you can check it out before trading up to a pump or tube. Liz Earle was one of the first to introduce a muslin cloth to remove make-up (actually, Eve Lom pioneered it), and it’s still the most effective way to remove the cleanser, we’ve always found. (Be sure to keep your muslin – or preferably, a rotation of muslins – scrupulously clean, though.)
£18.50 for 100ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘Spa-like cleanser in a bottle! It really does feel like a luxury product and it leaves your skin feeling pampered and cared-for, a must-have for your skincare routine’ • ‘Would I buy it again? YES! I have fallen in love with it; this is the perfect cleanser, gentle yet really does remove the daily grime and make-up incredibly well and without leaving any residue. The wet, warm cloth feels like such a treat for the skin and also acts as a gentle exfoliator too. My skin is left soft, refreshed and smooth!’ • ‘I love it in all ways and would highly recommend it to everyone! This cleanser so effective and need only small amount on the skin. After the cleansing procedure, skin looks so refreshed and – well, like new. Really impressed with the result; my husband gave me loads of compliments after my skin changed in a good way’ • ‘Freshen and refresh your skin with this cleanser! It is fantastic! A rich nourishing cleanser and make up remover, perfect for a drier skin type. I used the muslin cloths in warm water for best make up removing results, but no stinging, very gentle, no rubbing needed’ • ‘Make-up came off well with this effective, gentle cleanser. When used with water and the cloth it provides gentle exfoliation, leaving skin feeling clean, soft and supple. And I really enjoyed the nice, fresh, spa-like scent.’
£18.50 for 100ml - click to buy
SILVER (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL S’ABLE Labs Qasil Cleanser
Stellar stuff: S’ABLE Labs is the skincare brand founded by actor Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina, who are pictured all smooched-up in the ‘About’ section of their website. As they put it, ‘We’ve developed our products to have maximum effect on our skin with minimal impact on the planet; consciously made with responsible and traceable ingredients, and sustainably packaged.’ This cream-textured cleanser has an exfoliating action (we could equally have put this in the Facial Exfoliator Awards section); a key ingredient is Qasil, a native to Somaliland, which provides a fine, exfoliating powder found in the product, together with aloe vera, vitamin E, gently foaming oat amino acids, shea butter and squalane; it needs water to ‘activate’ and to swish away. Ideal for male skins, too. (NB The small grains make it unsuitable for removal of eye make-up.)
£28 for 150ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘100% I loved this. A lot of people admired how fresh my skin is and how clear it’s become (I don’t have bad skin but I did feel that this product helped clear my skin of grime and impurities, which left a radiance behind’ • ‘Very easy to use and non-fussy with a great performance on heavy make-up, while also looking after my skin’ • ‘A soft, hydrating formula which is gentle on your skin, leaving it clean and soft after use. It removes dirt effectively and you don’t need a lot of the product so a little goes a long way – good value for money as you don’t need massive amounts. It cleans well and leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated; I would recommend it to anyone’ • ‘Has a very earthy smell which is quite grounding and feels “organic”; it left my face feeling fresh, really clean, not at all tight and beautifully and gently exfoliated, softer and smoother’ • ‘A super skin-friendly, luxurious-feeling, nourishing and hydrating cleanser the likes of which I can probably say I've never used before. It glides onto skin with its creamy and emollient texture, providing quick coverage and cleansing, exfoliating without irritation even for sensitive skin types, leaving skin feeling soft, plumped, comfortable and thoroughly cleansed. It's like liquid chocolate in its thick emulsion, inviting scent and gentle feel on skin – almost good enough to eat.’
£28 for 150ml - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD Mary Kay Naturally Purifying Cleanser
Readily available from Mary Kay’s own website, as well as their nationwide network of beauty consultants, this cream cleanser actually part of the first natural range from Mary Kay. In this case, the winner is an impressively 99.49% natural origin cleanser, processed to COSMOS standards and free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, dyes, SLS/SLES, etc. They suggest applying via a cotton pad on damp skin, but also turbo-charging the skin-brightening action by adding some of the Mary Kay Naturally Exfoliating Powder. Our testers trialled it solo, however, making the following positive comments.
£24.50 for 127g - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘My skin has looked clearer since using the cleanser, and I have regularly received compliments on it – which is remarkable, as I have always suffered with my skin (mostly spots and redness). Friends have often said my skin looks a lot clearer, recently; not 100% sure if it is a combination of this and some of the other products I have been testing, but pretty certain the cleanser has helped to create a clearer and fresher complexion that is less red!’ • ‘Skin instantly feels refreshed and super clean, not greasy. A good cleanser for acne-prone and those that suffer with rosacea’ • ‘I love the tube dispenser on this cleanser, good texture that made light work of make-up. Left my skin super clean but not at all dry or tight. My skin looks noticeably glow-y’ • ‘Perfect second cleanse, to get rid of all traces of make-up, leaving skin feeling soft and hydrated’ • ‘The cleanser rinsed off easily and there were no traces of make-up after I followed the instructions and used cotton pads to apply. I then rinsed with water, which was necessary for my skin to feel really clean and soft’ • ‘I have told my skin looked fresh, since using this. I think it’s a good cleanser for sensitive skin. I always say natural ingredients are the powerhouse of any skincare, and this cleanser works very, very well. It has a nice creamy texture and my skin feels so soft and clean after I use it; it’s not only great to take your make-up off, but also to refresh your skin. I also really like it because it doesn`t make my skin dry at all, unlike some. I 100% would buy it again.’
£24.50 for 127g - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD PIXI Rose Cream Cleanser
We go back such a LONG way with PIXI, and are delighted to see them feature in the 2023 Awards. What began as a make-up brand founded by two Swedish sisters in the 1990s has grown into a global company, with many acclaimed skincare products now to be found in the line-up. Suitable for all skintypes, PIXI Rose Cream Cleanser offers the soothing power of chamomile and aloe vera along with the condition, nurturing gentleness of avocado and rose – which also delivers the scent that our testers so enjoyed. A coin-sized amount should be dispensed from the flip-top tube and massaged into a damp face; they recommend.
£18 for 135ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘it's a BIG “YES” from me, for this. When I saw it was rose-fragranced, I was a bit worried as I find rose can either be really nice or like an old lady smell, but this was mixed with chamomile, and the subtle fragrance was lovely’ • ‘My face felt lovely and clean and refreshed after using, with no tightness; it had sometimes felt tight and a bit sore, but as soon as I applied this, it instantly soothed and comforted’ • ‘I have a lot of products and there are not many I would buy again, so for me to say I would repeat-purchase is high praise’ • ‘Great and well-priced cleanser; I love it have recommended it to friends and family!’ • ‘I found it to be really effective at cleaning the pores on my nose without feeling like my skin was stripped of moisture, like a lot of cleansers do. It smells divine, too, as a bonus!’ • ‘Smells lush! My skin loved this cleanser and felt so soft and smooth after using it; I love trying different cleansers but this one is like extraordinary, working like gentle exfoliator to draw out impurities and buff the skin. Using it the pores are clearer and their appearance is reduced. It has hydrating and firming properties and also soothes itchiness and inflammation. The one tube lasts ages because one tiny bit of the cleanser goes a long way’ • ‘A really gentle, effective cleanser that if used with a cloth removes all make-up leaving skin soft and moisturised, with a really gentle, beautiful scent of rose’ • Husband commented my skin was soft.’
£18 for 135ml - click to buy