In 2001, Destiny’s Child famously sang, “I don’t think you ready for this jelly.” Well, in 2018, we are definitely ready for jelly, especially if it comes in the form of a facial cleanser. Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams probably didn’t have skin care in mind when they were penning “Bootylicious,” but jelly cleansers are becoming more and more popular and we’re here for it.
“Bouncy” is a word that has been popping up lately to describe everything from innovative cushion compacts to serums. Of course, you can’t get anymore bouncy than jelly cleansers, which are similar to cleansing balms but lighter and more jiggly. Some actually do come in jelly mold shapes (see Boscia) but the majority of jelly cleansers come in easy-to-apply tubes or even jars.
Jelly cleansers are ideal for removing dirt, oil and makeup thanks to their “melting” formulas, and they don’t dry out skin. Most are suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. They are often applied to dry skin, then water is added at the end, turning the jelly into a milky texture that rinses away.
Are you ready for some jelly? Click through the gallery above to see the best jelly cleansers to try now.
[ Next: 13 Best Cleansing Oils for ALL Skin Types ]
8 Jelly Cleansers That Are Fun to Use and Deliver Results
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Boscia
Charcoal Jelly Ball Cleanser, $20 at Boscia
Facial cleansers aren't often described as being fun to use, but this one truly is. It's a jelly textured ball that's applied directly to skin. The squiggly sphere produces a rich lather that will help remove dirt, oil and impurities. It gets its distinct black color from activated black bamboo charcoal that purifies pores. After using the cleanser, put it back on the included plastic base to let it dry out.
Image: Facebook
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Drunk Elephant
Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, $34 at Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant has become a fan favorite thanks to its innovative products that deliver results. This jelly cleanser is likely to become a top pick because it removes oil, makeup and grime without irritating skin. The gentle formula has a pH of 5.9 so it won't strip skin. Plus, cantaloupe extract helps hydrate and soothe. The cleanser is also free of gluten, fragrance, essential oils and SLS.
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GLAMGLOW
GALACTICLEANSE Hydrating Jelly Balm Cleanser, $36 at Ricky's NYC
Glitter fans will love this jelly cleanser because it looks like a shimmering night sky thanks to the meteorites in the formula. Apply the galaxy-inspired product to dry skin, massaging it in circular motions. Add water and the cleanser will magically transform into a white milk that washes away without leaving behind any residue...or meteorite dust.
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Glossier
Milky Jelly Cleanser, $18 at Glossier
Milk with jelly? It actually works. The nourishing gel cleanser is formulated with five conditioners and is pH-balanced, making it suitable for everyday use for all skin types. Unlike some medicinal face washes, this one smells like a bouquet of roses since a quarter of the water content has actually been replaced by rosewater.
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Origins
Original Skin Cleansing Makeup Removing Jelly With Willowherb, $23 at Sephora
Say goodbye to stubborn makeup with this jelly cleanser. Origins claims that we can actually watch eye makeup and foundation melt away when using the product. Apply it to dry skin, wait a few minutes, then wipe off the product with a pad. It works double duty because it's suitable for a.m. cleanses, too.
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Nooni
Deep-Cleanse Snowflake Jelly Cleansing Oil, $23 at Ulta
Scoop out a bit of the jelly formula, then apply it to dry skin. On contact, it transforms into an oil that dissolves makeup, grime and grease. That's not all. The multitasker exfoliates and brightens thanks to coconut oil and citric acid.
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NUDE Skincare
Perfect Cleanse Omega Cleansing Jelly, $37.97 at Amazon
NUDE Skincare's cleansing jelly is like a multivitamin for the face thanks to its omega-rich formula. Combined with nourishing oils, the product hydrates while busting through caked-on makeup. It checks all of the boxes.
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J.One
Jelly Cleanser, $18 at Glow Recipe
This cleanser doesn't just have a jelly texture, there is actually jelly in it. The K-beauty pick contains royal jelly plus propolis and honey extracts. The low pH formula melts makeup while soothing and brightening skin. It activates with water, turning into a frothy foam that washes away clean.
