Switch to these non foaming cleansers to strengthen your skin barrier

Ria Bhatia
Nov 19, 2025, 11:01 AM

What is a non foaming cleanser?

They feature gel-, milk- or cream-based formulations that are gentle on the skin. Unlike soapy face washes, they don’t foam up, rather lather just enough to deep-cleanse the skin.

Foaming versus non foaming cleansers

Non foaming cleansers' molecules attract to water and bind to oil, producing bubbles while lifting away dirt and sebum. Non-foaming cleansers avoid strong surfactants; instead, they depend on emollients to cleanse.

Oat Extract 6% Gentle Cleanser, Minimalist: Best non foaming cleanser for sensitive skin

This jelly-textured formula thrives on the calming and soothing properties of oat, Bisabolol, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate.

Cream Cleanser, Aminu: The best creamy non-foaming cleanser for dry skin

The formula zaps away dirt and impurities and calms inflammation, without leaving the skin taut and stretchy.

Twice As Nice Cleanser, Lesscare: Best non foaming cleanser to remove make-up

While the gel comprises glycerin and niacinamide to soothe the skin, the cream cleanser contains rice water, tamanu oil, turmeric, and Gotu kola.

Skin Balancing Oil Reducing Cleanser, Paula’s Choice: The best non foaming cleanser for oily skin

With sunflower oil, aloe vera, and naturally-derived surfactants from coconuts, it mattifies shine, regulates oil, and deeply cleanses the pores.

Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser, Rodial: The best exfoliating non foaming cleanser

This vitamin C-enriched cleanser will deep-cleanse and mildly exfoliate the epidermis, to reveal soft, smooth, and glowing skin.

Replenishing Cream Cleanser, Simple Skincare: The best drugstore non-foaming cleanser

This non-foaming cleanser is loaded with ceramides; 11 per cent of ceramide boosters are fused with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol.

Facial Cleanser Hydrating, CeraVe: Best non-foaming cleanser for daily use

This hydrating non-foaming cleanser, with three essential ceramides, gently cleanses the skin without stripping off natural oils.