There's 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 - it's 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:
Editor's Choice: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £30 on LookFantastic
Best Liz Earle budget alternative: Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser, £6.50 on Amazon
Best brightening hot cloth cleanser: Facetheory Hot Cloth Cleanser Set, £13 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, we've 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 you're 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
Editor's Choice
lookfantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
The OG, the hot cloth cleanser to end all hot cloth cleansers - it's the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish. This multi-award-winning formula removes daily grime, environmental pollutants and makeup with its rich, indulgent cream texture. Want to test it out first? Buy the Liz Earle Starter Kit here for only £8, and try a 30ml tube.
Our review by Closer writer Ruby Barry: "I truly feel like a self-care queen every time I use my Cleanse & Polish. I love using it in the bath, where the steam has already opened my pores, and using the creamy formula (which smells lush) unclogs so much debris it's kind of gross (in a satisfying way). The muslin cloth Liz Earle sells is ultra soft for my sensitive skin and I always finish with a gleaming, squeaky clean face, ready for my nighttime products. My pores are noticeably smaller, and my skin feels bouncy and nourished."
Pros
- Gently exfoliates to help lift dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities
- Responsibly-sourced Cocoa butter softens the skin
- Rosemary, chamomile and eucalyptus tones soothe and purify
- Suitable for vegetarians
Cons
- Cotton cloth is not included (pack of two sold here for £5)
| How to use | Massage onto dry skin over your face and neck, finishing over your eye area. Rinse the pure cotton cloth (sold separately) in hand-hot water and wring it out before gently polishing off the cream. Finish by splashing your face with cool water. |
Best Liz Earle budget alternative
amazonTikTok is always on the lookout for a cheaper alternative to a cult classic, and boy - they've found a good one. Aldi's own beauty line, Lacura, has a hot cloth Cleanser which is currently only available in-store, or on Amazon. Grab it while you can, and enjoy a Liz Earle alternative which soothes with chamomile and white tea whilst removing makeup and daily grime.
Customer review: "This removes all my make-up at night - the warm water cloth is very soothing - a lot cheaper than other brands. The cloths wash well."
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Eucalyptus oil and cocoa butter soothe
- Chamomile, rosemary and white tea extracts tone and even skin tone
- Suitable for vegans
Cons
- Can't use to remove eye makeup
- Scent is muted in comparison to Liz Earle
| How to use | Apply a small amount to dry skin and gently massage into your face and neck in circular motions. Rinse your muslin cloth in hand-hot water and wring out any excess water, then place the cloth over your face to open pores before gently polishing off the cleanser. Finish by splashing your face with cool water to close pores and pat your face dry with a towel. Let the muslin cloth dry naturally after each use. |
Best brightening hot cloth cleanser
facetheorywww.facetheory.com
Facetheory has combined its iconic clarifying cleanser with its 100% Organic Muslin Face Cloth to create the Hot Cloth Cleanser Set. The stabilised vitamin C neutralises free radicals and shields against future environmental damage, exfoliating away dead skin cells and brightening the skin. Glowy skin only.
Customer review: "I have sensitive dry/dehydrated skin. This works great and leaves my skin feeling clean and NOT stripped. Some face cleansers make my face tight and dry after washing and this does not do that thankfully. I also had some texture I was struggling with around my mouth and jawline and this has helped clear that up. Also, surprisingly the cloth does seem to make a difference when washing. Would definitely recommend this duo!"
Pros
- Removes pore-blocking debris while being kinder to your skin than soap
- Glycerin protects the skin's moisture balance
- Vegan, free of parabens, silicones, PEGs, SLS, SLES, and mineral oils
Cons
- Do not use if under the age of 18 or if pregnant
| How to use | Splash your face with lukewarm water. Apply a pea-sized amount to the skin and massage in. Leave for a minute, then rinse off using the muslin cloth. |
Best affordable hot cloth cleansers
superdrugwww.superdrug.com
Sometimes, you don't want to spend your whole pay slip on a beauty product, and that is totally understandable. Affordable dupes for the win. Another dupe for the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Is Superdrug's own brand. The Naturally Radiant Hot Cloth Face Cleanser shares the cocoa butter properties with Liz Earle, whilst having its own ingredients spin: with Kiwi Fruit and Mulberry extracts to help revive skin's radiance and even out skin tone.
Customer review: "This really is a great find and fantastic value too. The creamy face cleanser seems to moisturise your face (and neck) straight away. The muslin cloth, helpfully, included in each box, when moistened with warm water, makes an excellent, gentle exfoliator. I have used this cleanser, daily, for quite some time and wouldn't change it for anything else."
Pros
- Cocoa butter melts into the skin and cleanses away makeup and impurities
- Kiwi Fruit extract is a rich source of Vitamin C, brightening skin
- Mulberry Fruit extract reduces discolouration and evens skin tone
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- Does not suit very oil skin types
| How to use | Gently massage into a wet face and neck in a circular motion. Rinse the muslin cloth in hand – hot water and wring out before polishing off the cleanser, taking care around the delicate eye area. Give your face a splash of cool water and pat dry with a towel to finish off. Rinse cloth after every use and allow to dry naturally. |
Best anti-ageing hot cloth cleanser
bootswww.boots.com
The No7 Cleansing Hot Cloth Cleanser promises radiant-looking skin within one week, formulated with No7’s Tri-Vit Complex and Red Ginseng to help protect your skin's natural, healthy balance. What's so special about Red Ginseng, you ask? A recent powerhouse in Korean skincare, Red Ginseng helps to boost collagen production, whilst reducing puffiness and signs of ageing.
Customer review: "Have used this cleanser for years. I’m in my late 50s and this suits my dry skin perfectly and removes makeup easily without after to use 2 different products."
Pros
- Creamy formula removes makeup and dirt
- Gently exfoliates away dead skin cells leaving skin radiant
- Red ginseng fights signs of ageing
Cons
- Muslin cloth provided is small
- Pump prone to breaking
| How to use | Dispense 1-2 pumps onto dry fingertips. Close your eyes and massage over dry skin in upward circular motions. Run the muslin cloth under comfortably hot water, wring out the excess water, and place the cloth over your face to open pores. After a few moments, use the cloth to lightly polish off the cleanser from skin in circular motions. To finish, splash cool water over skin to close pores and then pat dry. |
Best hydrating, moisturising hot cloth cleanser
amazonSome of us with thirsty skin want a cleanser for dry skin that'll guarantee exfoliation, without damaging our vital skin barrier. We here at Closer love Sanctuary Spa (everything they make smells amazing, without a doubt) and the rich, creamy Hot Cloth Cleanser gently buffs away the day’s dirt, dead skin cells and impurities to transform the skin.
Customer review: "I love this product. My old beautician used to use this product on my face whenever I had a facial. It makes my skin feel so smooth and very refreshed. I ordered two. I will be buying more soon."
Pros
- Moisturising coconut oil, and soothing and softening beeswax
- 100% natural fragrance from chamomile and grapefruit essential oils
- Dermatologically tested, microbead free, paraben free and against animal testing
Cons
- Strong fragrance, not suited to very sensitive skin
| How to use | Place the cloth in hot water, wring it out & lay it over the face to open the pores. Gently massage the creamy cleanser over the face & neck using circular motions. Polish off the cleanser using the warm cloth provided, being careful around the delicate eye area. Rinse cloth in cold water, & place over face for 30 seconds to close pores. Finish by splashing your face with cool water. Pat dry gently & apply Illuminating Moisture Lotion. |
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.
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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.
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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.
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Polish off the cleanser using the warm cloth, being careful around the delicate eye area. Don't drag the cloth over the eyes, as this can pull and damage the sensitive thin skin around the eyes. Gently dab instead.
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Rinse your cloth in cold water, and place over your face for 30 seconds to close pores.
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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 they'll 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 skin's 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 there's not a product in the world she can't find a cheaper alternative for.