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Cleansers were once a product that served to promptly remove makeup before being washed away down the drain. They were the afterthought of your skincare line-up – what you used didn’t really matter that much. Times have changed. Now, cleansers are not just your routine’s precursor, but a main event. They’re loaded with enzymes and acids and emollients – they can zap acne or be left on as a mini-mask for extra hydration. They’ve grown; adapted – shown serums and treatments everywhere that they too demand some serious facial real estate. Level up your cleansing game with a few of our favourites below.

Loaded with prebiotics to nourish the skin’s microbiome, this milky gel-to-oil will dissolve makeup and calm redness. It’s also loaded with emollients to hydrate and nourish dry skin. Massage it in for a full minute for all the benefits.

MURAD Prebiotic 4-in-1 MultiCleanser, $63. SHOP NOW

Buttery and thick, this balm will hydrate and nourish thanks to marula, baobab, and kalahari oils. It also comes with a bamboo booster powder for mild exfoliation. Massage it in to dry skin nightly to remove makeup (including waterproof formulas), and use the booster once a week for a baby-soft complexion.

Drunk Elephant Slaai Cleanser, $52. SHOP NOW

If you have acne woes, the salicylic and glycol acid in this will help to decongest and reduce the severity of blemishes. Pineapple and papaya enzymes will also gently brighten.

Kate Sommerville Exfolikate Cleanser, $58. SHOP NOW

Calcium, moor mud, and magnesium are ace for deep cleansing and drawing out impurities, while sweet almond oil will leave the skin soft and lush. Wear it while you shower and the steam will help to soften the pores, aiding the decongesting power of the moor mud. Also, it smells heavenly.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm, $103. SHOP NOW