A facial cleanser removes impurities from your skin so it stays fresh. Discover the best facial cleanser for your skin type. One that is gentle facial wash can cleanse without stripping the moisture you need for healthy-looking, hydrated skin.
Facial cleansers play an important role in your skincare routine. Face washes are designed to remove impurities, germs, dirt, and makeup that can irritate the skin.
Here’s the tough part: when skin is cleansed too frequently, in contact with water, or subject to harsh soaps, your skin’s natural moisture is stripped—leaving it vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
While some cleansers for dry skin contain harsh detergents to get squeaky clean, the best type of facial cleanser is a gentle cleanser, which removes impurities, yet avoids stripping your skin of the natural oils that keep it hydrated and healthy-looking.
The most important thing is to find and use the right facial cleanser for your skin type.
To choose the right products for your skin you need to know the type of skin you have. If you’re unsure, see if your skin falls into any of these common categories here.
Choosing a Facial Cleanser for Your Skin Type
There are quite a few options out there on the market, so we’re going to go straight in with your main choices …
Gel Cleanser
Suitable for: normal, combination, or oily skin that is prone to redness.
Go for a gel cleanser if you like a lightweight option that hydrates the skin. A quality gel cleanser will easily remove traces of makeup and leave your skin feeling fresh.
Light Foaming Cleanser
Suitable for: Combination or oily skin that can be sensitive to breakouts.
If you want to thoroughly cleanse your skin, without the product feeling too heavy, then try a light foaming cleanser. Choose one that is free from added fragrance and is gentle on your skin.
Oil-Based Cleanser
Suitable for: all skin types.
An oil-based cleanser is ideal if you need to remove heavy makeup. This type of cleanser will also leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Micellar/ Water-Based Makeup Remover
Suitable for: all skin types.
Use micellar water on a cotton pad to remove surface traces of makeup and dirt. Follow up with a second cleanse using a richer cleanser to ensure there is no makeup left on your skin.
Cleansing Balm
Suitable for: normal, very dry, and sensitive skin.
This type of cleanser will deeply nourish your skin leaving it feeling soft and moisturised. Apply to your skin in circular motions and remove gently with a soft, wet washcloth. Do NOT use this if you have oily or acne prone skin.
Cream and Lotions Cleanser
Suitable for: normal, dry, and sensitive skin.
If you like your skin to feel moisturised while you are cleaning it, then this is the cleanser for you. The silky texture removes most traces of makeup, but you may need to double cleanse if you wear waterproof makeup products.
Face Wipes
Suitable for: all skins types (most face wipes will be formulated for certain skin types, so always check the packet)
They are not great for the environment but are a great way to wipe away makeup and dirt if you don’t have the time for a full skincare routine. They shouldn’t replace your regular cleansing routine as they don’t always get the job done properly.
