I Never Skip a Morning Cleanse—These Are the Gentle Cleansers I Swear By

If you spend any time on skincare TikTok, you’ve probably seen the growing trend for skipping a morning cleanse. The idea is that washing your face with a cleanser first thing can be too harsh, especially if you already cleansed the night before. While it sounds appealing—one less step, more time saved—the truth is that your skin still benefits, and needs, a morning cleanse. Overnight, sweat, oil, dust and residue from your evening products build up on the skin. Not removing them can leave your complexion congested, prevent your morning products from properly absorbing and may impact the way that makeup applies to and lasts on your skin.

That doesn’t mean you need a foaming cleanser or anything aggressive as soon as you wake up. In fact, over-cleansing with the wrong face wash is what leads to the dryness and irritation people worry about. The solution isn’t to ditch the cleanse altogether but to choose the right type of cleanser—this is where cream cleansers shine. They’re designed to be gentle, hydrating and non-stripping, removing surface buildup without disrupting the skin barrier. Instead of leaving your skin tight or squeaky, a cream cleanser leaves it soft, balanced, comfortable, and ready for the rest of your routine.

If you’re concerned about over-cleansing or you’ve been tempted to try the “no cleanse” approach, think of a cream cleanser as the perfect middle ground. It allows you to reap the benefits of a fresh morning cleanse—clear skin and better product absorption, without the downsides. As we head into autumn and winter, when skin is already more prone to dryness and sensitivity, this switch becomes even more important. A cream cleanser is the easiest way to support your skin’s health while keeping up with the essentials of a daily skincare routine.

Who needs to use a cream cleanser?

Cream cleansers are particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin types. Unlike foaming or gel cleansers, which often contain stronger surfactants that can strip natural oils and damage the skin barrier, cream cleansers use gentler cleansing agents paired with hydrating ingredients. This means they clean effectively while also helping to maintain the skin’s barrier function. For those prone to tightness, flakiness or irritation, this balance is key: the skin feels refreshed but not stripped. Sensitive skin types, in particular, benefit from their low-foam formulas, which minimise friction and reduce the likelihood of barrier damage or irritation.

With that said, cream cleansers are by no means limited to one skin type. Even if your skin is combination or normal, they can be a smart seasonal choice, especially during colder months when external aggressors like wind and central heating can lead to dryness. They’re also a great option for anyone using active ingredients such as retinoids or exfoliating acids, which already put the skin barrier under stress. In short, cream cleansers work for anyone who wants to prioritise comfort and hydration in their cleansing routine.

How do you use cream cleansers?

Start with dry or slightly damp skin and massage a small amount of cleanser over your face, using gentle circular motions to lift away dirt, SPF, makeup and everyday buildup. Rinse with warm water or remove with a soft, damp cloth to ensure effective removal—if makeup was worn, you may need to repeat the process.

It's worth noting that while cream cleansers excel at cleansing the skin without stripping it, they’re not always sufficient for removing heavy or long-wear makeup, especially stubborn, waterproof mascara formulas. This is because they lack the high concentration of surfactants or oils found in dedicated makeup removers and cleansing balms, which effectively break down makeup. For this reason, I prefer cream cleansers as a morning cleanse—when you don't need the deep cleansing capabilities of a gel or oil cleanser.

The Best Cream Cleansers

1. Best Overall Cream Cleanser: Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser
2. Best Cream Cleanser for Dry Skin: Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser
3. Best Cream Cleanser for Oily Skin: Eve Lom Foaming Cream Cleanser
4. Best Cream Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: The Cream Cleanser Fragrance Free
5. Best Cream Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin: The Inkey List Hydrating Cream to Milk Cleanser

1. Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser

2. Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser

3. Eve Lom Foaming Cream Cleanser

4. Skin Rocks The Cream Cleanser Fragrance Free

5. The Inkey List Hydrating Cream to Milk Cleanser

6. Fenty Skin Total Cleans'r Remove-It-All Cleanser

7. Skin + Me Cream Cleanser

8. Soho Skin Cream Cleanser

9. The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser

10. iS Clinical Cream Cleanser

11. Reome Three Suns Balm Cleanser

How We Tested

To identify the best cream cleansers for morning use, we evaluated each product based on a combination of formulation, texture, performance and skin compatibility. All cleansers were tested on dry, normal and sensitive skin types to assess how they remove overnight oil, sweat, and residue without stripping the skin. We also looked at how they felt immediately after use, considering whether they left the skin soft, hydrated, or tight.

We also considered important factors such as ease of application, rinse-off experience, scent, and packaging. Where relevant, we noted limitations, such as their effectiveness at removing heavy makeup, to give a full picture of their performance. Cleansers were ranked not just for their cleansing ability, but also for how well they support the skin barrier and maintain hydration—key priorities for morning routines.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years—spanning skincare, makeup, hair and nails—and work closely with trusted experts including dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.