Is anyone else’s skin taking these winter temperatures way too personally? My recently normal-to-dry (but not-so-long-ago combination) complexion feels tighter than usual and is constantly craving moisture. Dry January—but make it about your skin? Since I firmly believe every great skincare routine starts with proper cleansing, now feels like the perfect time to share my recent favorite face cleansers to use during colder months.
When and How to Cleanse?
Let me just say it: the idea that you don’t need to wash your face in the morning doesn’t sit well with me. I know my skin. I know what I slather on it before bed. And I know that a morning cleanse is essential. Many creamy overnight masks still leave a slight residue by morning. If I only splashed water on my face and jumped into my routine, pilling of product would be unavoidable.
Also, if you’re into double cleansing, the cleansers in this roundup are ideal for step two.
What to Expect From a Cleanser?
Let’s get real—if someone claims their cleanser lifts and firms their skin, they’re either delusional or conveniently leaving out that they’re being paid to say that. A cleanser has one job: to clean. Any extra claims are very peripheral, but let’s focus on the basics.
Since a cleanser is a rinse-off step, it doesn’t stay on your skin long enough to work miracles. However, over time and with consistent use, certain ingredients—like enzymes, Vitamin C, niacinamide, or salicylic acid—can help enhance your overall routine. Now that we’ve set the expectations accordingly, let’s get into my picks of favorite winter-approved cleansers.
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser
I can’t believe I waited this long to try the Goat Milk Cleanser, considering my love affair with the ExfoliKate Foaming Cleanser has been going on for years. This creamy, low-lather formula feels incredibly nourishing and leaves my skin soft and moisturized. With goat milk protein and honey extract, it soothes and hydrates the skin while removing all impurities including my tinted sunscreen. I love mixing this one with a dash or two of a powder exfoliant for a weekly glow up. The scent—a rich, milky aroma—may not be for everyone but I find it comforting.
$45 (120ml) at katesomerville.com or sephora.com
Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser
This recent launch from Drunk Elephant is one of my favorite discoveries this winter. Such a winner. Thick, creamy, and just foamy enough, it delivers a thorough yet gentle cleanse. Packed with marula oil and colloidal oatmeal (1%), it’s perfect for reactive or sensitive skin. On days I struggle with unexpected redness, it feels very comforting and calms visible inflammation. The subtle scent—reminiscent of a cozy bowl of oatmeal—is a delightful bonus during these frosty mornings.
$36 (150ml) at drunkelephant.com or ulta.com
Indie Lee CoQ-10 Cream Cleanser
Luxuriously creamy and non-foaming, this cleanser feels like a whisper of cashmere on my winter-weary skin. Powered by jojoba oil, CoQ-10, and soothing extracts like papaya and cucumber, it hydrates while gently cleansing. It works great on damp skin and I highly recommend you take a minute or two massaging it into your face to stimulate lymphatic drainage–it really helps with my morning puffiness. Heads up: its unscented-yet-slightly-synthetic aroma might not appeal to everyone, but I find it subtle and inoffensive.
$38 (125ml) at indielee.com or thedetoxmarket.com
Alastin Gentle Cleanser
Alastin doesn’t get the hype it deserves! This opaque gel cleanser foams lightly and leaves my skin perfectly clean without stripping it. With soothing oat kernel extract, bisabolol, and pro-vitamin B5, it’s a skin-barrier-friendly dream. Despite containing a hint of lavender and orange essential oils, it smells nearly fragrance-free to me. Definitely not to be missed and I plan on treating myself to a travel-size soon.
African Botanics Baobab Cleanser
This African Botanics masterpiece is a year-round favorite so its spot in the winter roundup is by default. The silky, creamy gel texture feels like a hybrid between a cleansing balm and a foaming wash. Enriched with anti-inflammatory botanicals like baobab, kigelia fruit, and marula oil, it calms and balances my skin while gently detoxifying with bentonite clay. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to using this cleanser (and always pack it when I travel). Bonus: the aroma—a blend of jasmine, anise, and sandalwood—is divine.
$70 (100ml) at credobeauty.com or africanbotanics.com
Clarins Soothing Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Did you know Clarins is Europe’s most popular prestige skincare brand? Makes sense to me! Their Soothing Gentle Foaming Cleanser, formulated for dry skin, delivers a rich lather that cleanses without stripping. Shea butter, moringa seed, and gentian root extracts keep skin hydrated and happy. The scent—a clean floral—is very Clarins and feels oh-so European. Be careful while squeezing the product out as the tube easily over dispenses.
$31 (120ml) at clarinsusa.com or ulta.com
ATOPALM Moisturizing Cleansing Foam
If you love a good self-foaming cleanser, this is for you. With a low pH and no added fragrance, it’s perfect for sensitive or redness-prone skin. Affordable and effective, this is a no-frills pick for the budget-conscious skincare enthusiast. (And if you’re new to ATOPALM, check out my earlier post on their moisturizer—seriously, it’s a hidden gem!)
