10 Of The Best Pharmacy Cleansers For Under $25

In case you weren’t aware, it’s possible to clear out the gunk from your pores without clearing out your pockets at the same time. In fact, it’s not only possible, it’s preferable.

No matter what your budget might look like, with all the drugstore gems on the market, there’s rarely an occasion where it’s essential to purchase a spenny cleanser. After all, all we really need from our cleanser is something that’s going to clean our skin properly without stripping it of moisture. Simple, really. 

So if you’re looking to cut costs and your beauty regimen is the first to undergo an audit, we recommend opting for a cost-effective cleanser. It’ll also free up a little extra cash to spend on serums, hair appointments and treatments that mightn’t be available for less.

Below, we’ve put together our edit of the 10 best cleansers under $25, as reviewed by beautyheaven members.

2024’s Top 3 Pharmacy Cleansers 

1. Cetaphil Pro Acne Prone Foam Wash, $19.99, Priceline
2. Sukin Naturals Signature Cream Cleanser, $15, Priceline
3. Biore Hydrate & Glow Gentle Cleanser, $17.99, Chemist Warehouse

The best budget cleanser for acne-prone skin

Cetaphil Pro Acne Prone Foam Wash

From $19.99 at Priceline

We say: Cetaphil’s oil-controlling wash has been formulated with a zinc complex to absorb excess sebum without drying out the skin, making it the perfect product for anyone experiencing acne flare-ups. 

You say: “The product itself is a light foam, I didn’t notice too much of a scent especially nothing overpowering or enough to cause irritation. The foam glides on easily and works into the skin to cleanse deeply, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and clean.” – Dee_H96

Want to know more? Read Cetaphil Pro Acne Prone Foam Wash reviews here…

Key features:

• Non-comedogenic
• Zinc complex to remove excess oil
• pH balanced formula

Available at:

• $19.99 from Priceline
• $16.99 (usually $19.99) from Chemist Warehouse

The best budget cleanser for dry skin

Sukin Naturals Signature Cream Cleanser

From $15 at Priceline

We say: Thanks to the inclusion of rosehip, avocado and wheat germ, this natural cleanser will effectively remove makeup and inject a much-needed hit of hydration. Sukin’s cleanser is suitable for all skin types, but this cooling cream works especially well on dry and sensitive skin types. 

You say: “It’s very gentle and I love how it calms my skin down and leaves it feeling so moisturised.” – Miss19

Want to know more? Read Sukin Naturals Signature Cream Cleanser reviews here…

Key features:

• Free from nasties
• Infused with nourishing aloe vera 
• Rosehip and avocado oils

Available at:

• $9 (usually $15) from Priceline
• $12.99 (usually $14.95) from Chemist Warehouse

Bioré Hydrate & Glow Gentle Cleanser

From $11.99 at Chemist Warehouse

We say: We all remember the coconut water phase right? Drinking the nourishing liquid was seriously all the rage. But what didn’t occur to us (until now) was the hard-hitting skin care benefits that come from the hydrating liquid. Not only does this gentle cleanser infuse hydrating coconut water into the formula, it also includes nourishing microbiome protecting prebiotics for a balanced (and cruelty-free) cleanse. 

Want to read more? Read Bioré Hydrate & Glow Gentle Cleanser Reviews here…

Key features:

• Contains nourishing coconut water
• SLS/SLES and sulphate-free 
• Formulated with microbiome-protecting prebiotics 

Available at:

• $6.50 (usually $11.99) from Chemist Warehouse

The best budget cleanser for oily skin

CeraVe Foaming Cleanser

From $17.99 at Priceline

We say: As every oily complexion requires, this ceramide-packed cleanser works to absorb excess oil without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. Through a considered formulation that was built by derms, this cleanser packs the skin full of hydration via three essential ceramides and a potent dose of hyaluronic acid.

You say: “This product will literally make all of your dreams come true. It makes your skin glow and look and feel radiant. It makes me the most confident person and works so well with my combination skin.” – Cleo03

Want to know more? Read the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser reviews here…

Key features:

• Works to gently remove excess oil
• Won’t disrupt protective barrier
• Formulated with three essential ceramides

Available at:

• $17.99 from Priceline
• $15.99 (usually $17.99) from Chemist Warehouse

The best budget cleanser for sensitive skin

Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser

From $16.99 at Priceline

We say: What it removes in dirt and sebum, this sensitive-friendly cleanser restores in moisture. After rigorous testing alongside dermatologists, Neutrogena has restored our faith in a rich cleanser that won’t trigger even the most irritable of complexions.

You say: “I love that it never leaves my skin feeling dry or squeaky clean. I love the pump packaging on this cleanser which makes it super easy to use.” Renee.T

Want to know more? Read Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser reviews here…

Key features:

• Formulated with BarrierCare^™ technology
• Works to strengthen moisture barrier 
• Dermatologically developed formula 

Available at:

• $16.99 from Priceline
• $11.39 (usually $16.50) from Chemist Warehouse

Dermaveen Foaming Facial Cleanser

From $12.99 at Priceline

We say: If the thought of using anything aside from your trusty tried and tested cleanser is ringing alarm bells in your head, we need you to know there are options on the market worth sampling. For example, turning to the oh-so-nourishing DermaVeen cleanser is bound to be a good call. The inclusions of nourishing colloidal oatmeal (soothing and cleansing) and aloe vera (antioxidant properties) mean that your skin is wrapped in a comforting hug all while excess oil, makeup and impurities are washed away. 

Want to read more? Read Dermaveen Foaming Facial Cleanser Reviews here…

Key features:

• Aussie-made
• Hypoallergenic formula
• Formulated with natural colloidal oatmeal 

Available at:

• $9.74 (usually $12.99) from Priceline
• $7.99 (usually $13.99) from Chemist Warehouse

The best budget cleanser for the shower

Simple Kind to Skin Vital Vitamin Foaming Cleanser

From $14.50 at Priceline

We say: Normally, you wouldn’t catch us dead entertaining the idea of washing your face in a scorching hot shower. However, we’re all human and we understand that sometimes convenience gets the best of us. So if we’re going to break the rules, why not break them with a gentle and hydrating product that’s been formulated specifically to care for a sensitive and breakout-prone face? Okay, fine!

Want to read more? Read Simple Kind to Skin Vital Vitamin Foaming Cleanser Reviews here…

Key features:

• Refreshing lightweight foam cleanser
• No artificial perfumes or colours
• Infused with skin-loving vitamins

Available at:

• $10.15 (usually $14.50) from Priceline
• $12.99 (usually $14.50) from Chemist Warehouse

The best budget cleanser for on-the-go

Swisspers® Earth Kind 3in1 Cleanser Infused Pads – Argan Oil & Vitamin E

From $5.99 at Chemist Warehouse

We say: Being anywhere but your own home isn’t an excuse to forego your skin care routine. Particularly not since Swisspers has released its argan oil-infused cleansing pads. Upon activation with water, each dual-sided pad will work to remove waterproof makeup, thoroughly cleanse, and, to finish, hydrate and soothe.

You say: “Swisspers cleanser infused pads have become and absolute must in my makeup bag when traveling. They have a slight scent and are extremely soothing on my skin. Removes my makeup in seconds without having to rub.” – Zoe Hogarth

Want to know more? Read Swisspers® Earth Kind 3in1 Cleanser Infused Pads – Argan Oil & Vitamin E reviews here…

Key features:

• Dual-sided pads
• Just add water all in one cleansing 
• Perfect for travel 

Available at:

• $5.99 from Chemist Warehouse

The best budget cleanser for combination skin

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser

From $18.30 at Priceline

We say: Just like combination skin, this cleanser has a finger in every pie. Though it leaves the tube as a cooling gel, upon contact with the skin this formulation transforms into a makeup-melting, lightweight oil leaving a confused complexion perfectly balanced, soft and clean.

Key features:

• Ultra-gentle nourishing formula
• Friendly to all skin types
• Free from harsh alcohols and soaps

Available at:

• $18.30 from Priceline

Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm

From $24.99 at Priceline

We say: With a unique oil-to-milk formula, this cleansing balm makes cleansing a literal dream. So, no matter if your skin is feeling oiler or drier day in and day out, the seriously slippery (think nourishing oils) balm works to slip off any makeup or build up that’s left lurking on your skin. The 100 per cent natural formula even works wonders for those with sensitive skin as it works to cleanse without stripping away your skin’s microbiome. 

Want to read more? Read Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm Reviews here…

Key features:

• Can be used as a moisturising mask 
• Microbiome-friendly formula
• Balm-to milk-consistency 

Available at:

• $24.99 from Priceline

Main image credit: @christinanadin

Have you tried any of these? What’s your favourite budget cleanser?