As we age, our skin tells a different story—one marked by reduced elasticity, increased dryness, and a more delicate texture that often demands extra care. The products that once left your skin fresh and smooth may now feel too harsh, too stripping, or simply ineffective. That’s why finding the right cleanser for ageing skin becomes so important.
A good cleanser does more than remove makeup and impurities—it also helps set the tone for your entire skincare routine. So, today, we’ve curated a list of the best cleansers for mature skin, focusing on gentle formulas that keep your skin nourished, balanced, and glowing.
How to Pick a Good Cleanser for Mature Skin
Let’s start by understanding what exactly makes a good facial cleanser for mature skin.
As your skin evolves, so should your approach to cleansing. A quality cleanser should support your skin’s natural functions rather than disrupt them, especially when it has become more prone to dryness, sensitivity, and fine lines. So, here’s what to keep in mind:
-
Moisture retention: Look for cleansers containing natural oils and humectants to maintain moisture balance. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, jojoba oil, and fatty acids are great choices.
-
Gentle formulations: Go for products free from harsh sulphates and alcohols that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it even more reactive.
-
pH matters: Your facial cleanser should support the skin’s natural pH to protect its barrier function. The closer a product is to your skin’s natural pH, the less chance you’ll walk away with redness, dryness, or flakiness.
-
Less is often better: Fragrances, dyes, and overly complex formulas can often irritate skin, so try to avoid them.
-
Anti-inflammatory ingredients & antioxidants: Don’t forget to look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, calendula, vitamin C, and green tea extract. These help soothe irritated skin, protect against environmental damage, and support skin renewal.
Now that you know what to look for in a cleanser, it’s time to find one that ticks all the right boxes!
Are you searching for the best cleanser for ageing skin with large pores? Or maybe you’re dealing with breakouts and trying to find the best face wash for mature, oily skin? Either way, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of our top picks:
1. DS Laboratories - CBD CLEANSER
DS Laboratories’ CBD Cleanser is a daily gel that deeply cleanses while keeping your skin’s natural moisture intact. Packed with Broad Spectrum CBD, it helps fight the visible signs of ageing by neutralising free radicals and calming inflammation. Soap-free, alcohol-free, and paraben-free, it supports your skin’s barrier function.
Key Ingredients:
-
Broad-Spectrum Cannabidiol (CBD)
-
Hyaluronic Acid COMPLEX
-
Ceramide
-
Niacinamide
2. Matis Authentik Balm Remover
Rich without being heavy, this luxurious makeup remover feels like a soft reset. It blends camellia and macadamia oils, both known for their nourishing properties. Its balm-like texture melts into an oil when massaged in, then transforms into a milky emulsion with water, making it easy to rinse.
Key Ingredients:
-
Camelia Oil
-
Macadamia oil
-
Caprylic derived from coconut oil
3. Skoon Gel-to-Milk Cleanser
If you’re searching for the best face wash for mature, sensitive skin, look no further! This cleanser transforms from a gel into a milky texture upon contact with water, providing a gentle and hydrating cleanse. It’s an excellent cleanser for sensitive skin, leaving it soft and grease-free.
Key Ingredients:
-
Marula Seed Oil with vitamin E
-
Safflower Seed Oil with omega-6
-
Sweet Almond Oil
-
Sunflower Seed Oil
4. Vitaderm Gentle Cream Cleanser
Looking for the best cream cleansers for mature skin? Vitaderm’s aromatic cleanser effectively dissolves makeup and impurities while maintaining the skin’s delicate moisture balance. Its velvety texture is specially formulated to hydrate and refresh your skin. It’s ideal for all skin types, including ultra-sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients:
-
Lavender
-
Chamomile
-
Rosewood Extract
-
Geranium Leaf Extract
5. Hannon Gentle Facial Wash
Aloe and chamomile do their job—calming your skin and leaving you with a relaxed, fresh complexion. With a light texture and subtle scent, it never leaves your face feeling stripped or over-cleansed. Perfect for those mornings when you don’t want to overthink things, this non-irritating formula quickly removes impurities, giving you a simple, refreshing cleanse.
Key Ingredients:
-
Aloe Vera
-
Green Tea Extract
-
Coconut Oil
-
Panthenol
6. DS Laboratories Purifying Cleanser
As we age, oil production typically decreases due to lower estrogen levels, but some people may still experience oily skin in later years. If your skin needs extra help—congested, oily and with clogged pores—this one is a great choice. The Purifying Cleanser is a daily-use gel that gently eliminates impurities and excess sebum, thanks to its enzymatic exfoliation. Free from soap, alcohol, essential oils, and parabens, this formula supports your skin’s barrier and protects against damage, leaving your skin clear and balanced.
Key Ingredients:
-
Full Spectrum Hemp Extract
-
Hyaluronic Acid COMPLEX
-
Ceramide
-
Niacinamide
7. Matis The Milk
THE MILK is an exceptional makeup remover with caviar and Damask rose that offers an unparalleled sensory experience. Packed with essential nutrients, including minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids, it delivers remarkable cosmetic benefits. It shields the skin’s structure from degradation, making it more supple, elastic, and flexible.
Key Ingredients:
-
Caviar extract, rich in Omega-3
-
Sunflower Seed Wax
-
Avocado Oil
-
Shea Butter
-
Bentonite clay
-
Tocopherol with Vitamin E
If you want similar benefits but prefer foam cleansers, check out Matis Authentik-Foam—one of the best foaming face washes for mature skin. Its gentle plant-based formula combines purple orchid, known for its anti-ageing properties, with cranberry, which is rich in antioxidants, to offer nourishing and cleansing care for your skin.
8. Reuzel Clean & Fresh Solid Face Wash
A sulphate-free facial cleansing stick designed for men’s skincare. Caffeine and calendula extract give this one a refreshing feel—ideal after a warm day or post-gym. It doesn’t tug at the skin and doesn’t leave any tightness. It’s travel-friendly and works just as well as your typical liquid cleanser.
Key Ingredients:
-
Shea Butter
-
Caffeine
-
Calendula Flower Extract
-
Apricot Kernel Oil
-
Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin E
Final Thoughts
Cleansing isn’t where all your skin magic happens, but it is the first important step. While there are no miracle products, a good cleanser can help mature skin feel more comfortable, look more even, and stay better hydrated.
It’s important to remember that skincare is a journey, and what works for one person might not work for another. So, try a few different options, see what feels best for your skin, and stick with what makes your skin feel good.
Good skincare is all about creating a routine you can stick to—trust the process, stay consistent, and watch your skin glow!
Shop the Best Cleansers for Mature Skin at Everything Hair
At Everything Hair, we make premium haircare and skincare simple. From everyday cleansers to salon-favourite treatments, we stock trusted products that deliver real results. As South Africa’s leading online retailer, we bring you an extensive range of top brands, ensuring you have access to the best in beauty and wellness.
Ready to upgrade your routine? Browse our latest products and enjoy expert-approved beauty at your fingertips!
And don’t forget to check out our blog for expert tips, skincare advice, and the latest product recommendations to keep your beauty routine fresh and on track!
