Theres no better feeling than a hot flannel on the face after a long day, so using a hot cloth cleanser alongside it is a no-brainer. Applied and rubbed onto the skin, and removed with a muslin cloth (ideal for sensitive skin) or a terry cloth flannel (for other skin types), you can guarantee that every single trace of makeup, SPF, debris, pollution and oil clogging those pores to be GONE. Magic? No - its the genius of the best cleanser on the market - the hot cloth cleanser.
Defined by skincare blogger Pure Beauty, a hot cloth cleanser is a face wash (often oil-based) that is deep cleansing and unclogging, often used in a nighttime skincare routine. After scrubbing the skin with the cleanser, you follow up with a cloth made from a non-abrasive material and has been steeped in hot water to remove the cleanser from your face. You can often rub the cloth into your facial muscles, doubling up as a relaxing massage before bed. There is no risk of irritation (making it an ideal cleanser for sensitive skin) due to the nourishing and soothing ingredients of the cleanser, and the softness of the muslin cloth. You can always personalise the temperature of the water, and the time spent massaging, to accommodate your skin delicacy.
The best hot cloth cleansers, at a glance: Editors Choice: Liz Earle Cleanse Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £28 on LookFantastic
Best Liz Earle budget alternative: Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser, £7 on Amazon
Best brightening hot cloth cleanser: Facetheory Hot Cloth Cleanser Set, £17 on Facetheory
The cloth maintains heat efficiently when run under warm water, helping to deep cleanse and open pores more effectively. Bonuses include the loose fibres of the cotton enable an intensively nourishing treatment, allowing the sensorial aromas of your hot cloth cleanser to be deeply inhaled through abdominal breathing. Everyone should feel this zen during their nighttime routine. Users of the technique find their skin to be extremely balanced and calm after the process, making it ideal for all skin types, even for use as a cleanser for oily skin.
From fan favourites such as Liz Earle, to surprise standouts from Superdrug, weve got the guide to the best hot cloth cleansers to shop online in the UK. Most of our options below come with a muslin cloth included, so you can start the process right away. However, if youre in need of a facecloth, check out our cleansing flannel review here. Furthermore, keep reading to find our step-by-step guide on how to use this type of cleanser, as well as FAQs and burning questions about this technique.
SHOP: The best hot cloth cleanser for that deep cleanse your skin is craving 1. Liz Earle Cleanse Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser 200ml
Editors Choice
lookfantasticPrice:28www.lookfantastic.com
View offer Description
The OG, the hot cloth cleanser to end all hot cloth cleansers - its the Liz Earle Cleanse
... read morePros ConsRatingsSpecificationsProsGently exfoliates to help lift dead skin cells and pore-clogging impuritiesResponsibly-sourced Cocoa butter softens the skinRosemary, chamomile and eucalyptus tones soothe and purifySuitable for vegetariansConsCotton cloth is not included (pack of two sold here for £5)2. Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser 200ml
Best Liz Earle budget alternative
amazonRrp: £6.50View offer Description
TikTok is always on the lookout for a cheaper alternative to a cult classic, and boy - theyve
... read morePros ConsRatingsSpecificationsProsBudget-friendlyEucalyptus oil and cocoa butter sootheChamomile, rosemary and white tea extracts tone and even skin tone Suitable for vegansConsCan't use to remove eye makeupScent is muted in comparison to Liz Earle3. Facetheory Hot Cloth Cleanser Set 170ml
Best brightening hot cloth cleanser
facetheoryPrice:17 (was £20)www.facetheory.com
View offer Description
Facetheory has combined its iconic clarifying cleanser with its 100% Organic Muslin Face Cloth to
... read morePros ConsRatingsSpecificationsProsRemoves pore-blocking debris while being kinder to your skin than soapGlycerin protects skin's moisture balanceVegan, free of parabens, silicones, PEGs, SLS, SLES, and mineral oilsConsDo not use if under the age of 18 or if pregnant4. Cleanse Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser with Natural Neroli 100ml
Best hot cloth cleanser to tackle blemishes
liz earlePrice:18www.lizearle.com
View offer Description
Liz Earle is back - and better than ever. The Cleanse Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser with Natural
... read morePros ConsRatingsSpecificationsProsSuitable for all skin types, including sensitiveBlemish-free, healthy-looking skin in just 7 daysSustainably sourced cocoa butter to softenCruelty-freeConsCotton cloth is not included (pack of two sold here for £5)5. Superdrug Naturally Radiant Hot Cloth Face Cleanser 150ml
Best affordable hot cloth cleansers
superdrugPrice:4.49 (was £8.99)www.superdrug.com
View offer Description
Sometimes, you dont want to spend your whole pay slip on a beauty product, and that is totally
... read morePros ConsRatingsSpecificationsProsCocoa butter melts into the skin and cleanses away makeup and impuritiesKiwi Fruit extract is a rich source of Vitamin C, brightening skinMulberry Fruit extract reduces discolouration and evens skin toneSuitable for vegetarians and vegansConsStrong fragranceDoes not suit very oil skin types6. No7 Cleansing Hot Cloth Cleanser 200ml
Best anti-ageing hot cloth cleanser
bootsPrice:11.65www.boots.com
View offer Description
The No7 Cleansing Hot Cloth Cleanser promises radiant-looking skin within one week, formulated
... read morePros ConsRatingsSpecificationsProsCreamy formula removes makeup and dirtGently exfoliates away dead skin cells leaving skin radiantRed ginseng fights signs of ageingConsMuslin cloth provided is smallPump prone to breaking7. MS Pure Cleanse Hot Cloth Cleanser
Best natural, vegan hot cloth cleanser
ocadoPrice:12www.ocado.com
View offer Description
Whilst youre shopping for your fruits and veg, you might as well chuck this in your basket for an
... read morePros ConsRatingsSpecificationsProsRich in natural oils, deeply polishes and conditions95% naturally derivedSuitable for vegans, cruelty-freeConsMuslin cloth provided is smallWon't remove eye makeup8. Sanctuary Spa Hot Cloth Cleanser 125ml
Best hydrating, moisturising hot cloth cleanser
amazonRrp: £8.50View offer Description
Some of us with thirsty skin want a [cleanser for dry
... read morePros ConsRatingsSpecificationsProsMoisturising coconut oil, and soothing and softening beeswax100% natural fragrance from chamomile and grapefruit essential oilsDermatologically tested, microbead free, paraben free and against animal testingConsStrong fragrance, not suited to very sensitive skin How to use a hot cloth cleanser Here is our most effective method for using a hot cloth cleanser - with tips and tricks to make it the most nourishing experience for your skin.
Place your muslin cloth in hot water, wring it out and lay it over the face to open the pores. It should be comfortably warm, not painful. This should be a nice, relaxing experience.
Gently massage the cleanser over the face and neck using circular motions. Experts recommend one should cleanse, in general, for around a minute, but if you get hand cramps, 30 seconds will do.
Polish off the cleanser using the warm cloth, being careful around the delicate eye area. Dont drag the cloth over the eyes, as this can pull and damage the sensitive thin skin around the eyes. Gently dab instead.
Rinse your cloth in cold water, and place over your face for 30 seconds to close pores.
Finish by splashing your face with cool water. This makes sure the pores are officially closed for business. You are now ready to apply any serums or moisturisers you wish. Make sure not to dry your face before you apply these - a damp face will mean your products can seep into the skin.
Should you wash your face with hot or cold water? Always start your skincare process by rinsing the face with warm water. This opens the pores and allows for any cleansing products to penetrate beneath the surface and lift impurities and dirt. Once your cleansing process is done, whether this by via hot cloth cleansing, or otherwise (for example, foaming cleansers), use cold water to end the process - closing those pores. This means theyll absorb less debris than they would do so open. As stated above, never dry your face before applying serums and the like. A damp face is needed for the products to soak into the skins surface. Make sure to use a hydrating cleanser if you have sensitive skin, and use lukewarm water to ward off any reactions.
Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer Online, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her dupe queen, as theres not a product in the world she cant find a cheaper alternative for.
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