How do you pick the correct cleanser for your gorgeous face? Read on!
We’ve already established in a previous blog that you should cleanse your skin for 60 seconds and double cleanse, but what type of cleanser should you use? That depends on your skin type, skin condition, and preference. Let’s break down the different cleansers, shall we?
Types of Cleanser
Foaming Cleanser
Foaming cleansers create a sudsy lather and are the most popular type of cleanser. Foaming cleansers can be harsh on dry or sensitive skin, since they are traditionally for oily skin. There are some foaming cleansers formulated with oils, hydrators and emollients, making them more moisturizing. Cleansers in foaming pump bottles will have the most foam and are the most drying.
Recommended for: (Depending on ingredients and product formulation) Normal, combination, oily, acne prone or teens
Favorites: PCA Skin Facial Wash*, Circadia Lipid Replacing Cleansing Gel, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser*, Murad Essential C Cleanser*, Murad Renewing Cleansing Cream*, Philosophy Purity Made Simple*, Farmacy Clean Bee Ultra Gentle Cleanser*, Fresh Soy Face Cleanser*, Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser, First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser*, Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Foaming Cleanser
(Items marked in bold are professional, first choice recommendations.)
Pro Tip: All cleansers marked with an asterisk are creamy or low foaming cleansers that may work better for dry or sensitive skin types.
Cream / Milk Cleanser
Cream and milk cleansers are calming, soothing cleansers that have the consistency of a facial cream or lotion. Cream and milk cleansers will remove dirt, oil and makeup while hydrating your skin. Apply cleanser with your hands and use your fingertips to work the cleanser it in to your skin to help breakdown makeup and impurities. When you’re finished cleansing (for 60 seconds) you can rinse your skin or remove it with a cleansing cloth. Some cleansing creams and milks don’t require water, but I always find it best to rinse.
Pro tip: Pair this cleanser with a gentle, low foam cleanser at night. I love the moisturizing properties of a cream/milk cleanser, but they can leave dirt and makeup behind.
Recommended for: Dry, mature or sensitive skin types like rosacea.
Favorites: PCA Skin Creamy Cleanser, Circadia Amandola Milk Cleanser, Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cleanser, Suki Skincare Moisture Rich Cleansing Lotion, Milk Makeup Vegan Milk Cleanser
Cleansing Balms
These are often a gentle, nourishing blend of plant oils, essential oils and herbs that remove makeup easily as the oils ‘melt’ what’s on the surface. They come in a gel balm consistency and turn in to an oil or milk cleanser on your skin. This is a new kid on the cleansing block and is becoming my new favorite way to remove makeup.
Recommended for: All skin types, makeup wearers, especially my full face gals. This is an excellent option for your first cleanse in your double cleanse.
Favorites: IT Cosmetics Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, Farmacy Green Cleanse Cleansing Balm
Cleansing Oils
Oil based cleansers operate on an “oil attracts oil” situation and are fantastic for removing all dirt and oil from your pores. Just like a cleansing balm, I recommend oil cleansing to remove makeup or as your first cleanse. Follow up with a foaming cleanser appropriate for your skin type.
Pro Tip: Apply the oil to a dry face and use your fingertips to work in to your skin. Add lukewarm to warn water to transform the oil cleanser to a milk cleanser.
Recommended for: All skin types, double cleanse, makeup wearers
Favorites: PCA Skin Cleansing Oil, Circadia Vitamin Veil Cleanser, Bioelements Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil, Dermalogica PreCleanse, Josie Maran Cleansing Oil, Biossance Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
Micellar Water
Micellar water is mashup of traditional cleansers and toners. They are a simple, effective method of removing make-up and dirt gently without the need to wash off. Micellar water is a great alternative to facial cleansing wipes or to use after a workout, but I have reservations about using this as your sole cleanser.
Recommended for: Sensitive, dry skin.
Favorites: Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water, Philosophy Purity Made Simple Micellar Water, Belief Cleansing Herb Water, Dior Hydra Life Micellar Water
Facial Cleansing Wipes
Facial cleansing wipes are popular, but they are not my fav. These convenient little wipes are often full of alcohol, synthetic ingredients and fragrances. These ingredients can irritate the skin. If you use them (stop), definitely cleanse after them. Using a cleansing balm or cleansing oil is a better option to remove makeup.
Recommended for: I don’t recommend them. Micellar water, a cleansing balm or cleansing oil are better options for makeup removal. For a quick cleanse after a workout, use micellar water.
My top picks will always be professional products, and if you know me, you know PCA Skin and Circadia are my jam! I love them so much; I use them in studio for backbar and retail! However, I understand that some people want options they can get in Sephora or Ulta. Keep in mind we weep in our rooms every time you choose to shop at Ulta or Sephora instead of with us. (Guilt? What guilt?)
I hope this blog post helped you understand the difference in cleansers out there, when to use them, and why. I’d love to hear about your favorite cleanser - maybe I’ll try it!
Until next time…