While there’s much more hype surrounding results-driven skincare formulas like serums or moisturizers, a cleanser is the foundation of any skincare routine regardless of skin type. It’s the catalyst for creating a clean canvas that makes it easier for all the other products in your lineup to work more efficiently, thus providing you with a healthier-looking complexion that addresses any challenges or concerns.
As if these weren’t reasons enough to wash up, surprisingly enough, an astonishing 48 percent of Americans only use tepid water to wash their face — we say an effective cleanser for your skin type and lifestyle is a better choice. Here’s how to choose the right formula for you.
Face Wash VS. Facial Cleanser
Face wash and face cleanser are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. It’s important to understand the characteristics of each to choose the correct formula for your skin type and lifestyle. But you don’t have to choose one over the other. You may find that both fit into your routine at different times of the day — or year. Even daily activities can make a difference.
Also, it’s important to point out that there can also be gel face washes for dry skin and cream cleansers for oily skin. The following list is merely a general guideline. If you ever have any questions about what type of face wash or facial cleanser to use, seek the advice of a skincare professional such as an esthetician or dermatologist.
Face Wash
- Deep cleanses
- Best suited for oily to combination skin types
- Typically a gel or foam consistency
- Gentler than soap, but typically foams
- Not ultra-moisturizing
- Requires rinsing
- Best used in the morning to control oil production
- Best for those who workout regularly or sweat profusely or for men with facial hair.
Facial Cleanser
- Removes dirt, makeup, and excessive oils
- Best suited for dry and sensitive skin types
- Gentler than a face wash
- Non-foaming — can be a cream, balm, or oil consistency
- More on the hydrating side
- Rinsing may or may not be required
- Ideal for those who live in an area with harsh weather conditions or travel regularly
How to Choose a Facial Cleanser
Don’t choose a facial cleanser (or wash) based on marketing hype alone. Consider your skin type to help prevent issues like clogged pores, breakouts, sensitivity, or dryness.
Your Skin Type
- Dry: Dry skin can be characterized by rough texture, flakiness, itchiness, redness, irritation, and pronounced fine lines and wrinkles. It can often feel tight — especially after cleansing — so a gentle cream, oil, or balm hydrating facial cleanser is ideal. Ingredients like ceramides and glycerin can provide comfort and hydration.
PST Pick: GERnetic Glyco Cleansing Milk w/ Hydrating Effect
This smooth, refreshing facial cleanser is rich in milk glycoproteins. It delicately yet completely eliminates all traces of makeup. Its rich composition enhances its cleansing action, bringing comfort and softness, leaving your skin clear, smooth, and clean without feeling tight.
- Sensitive: Those with sensitive skin should avoid cleansers with a complex ingredient list and fragrance. As with dry-skinned individuals, a non-foaming formula that doesn’t require a lot of rubbing is ideal.
PST Pick: MBK Classic Ultra-Gentle Cleansing Milk
Infused with nourishing milk proteins, moisturizers, and softeners, the comforting ultra-gentle cleansing milk is outstandingly suited for dry and sensitive skin types and is gentle enough to even remove eye makeup. It leaves the skin feeling clean, silky-soft and soothed.
- Oily, Acne-Prone, Combination: These skin types can benefit from a foaming liquid or gel exfoliating face wash that’s formulated with antiseptic ingredients to help unclog pores, control oil, and treat and prevent blemishes. However, oil-based cleansers are not off the table regarding facial cleansers for oily skin. Contrary to what you may think, they actually help balance sebum production. When you go overboard with cleansers and products to treat oily or acneic skin, you’re causing your skin to produce even more oil to compensate for the loss, so don’t overdo it — including cleansing.
PST Picks:
GERnetic Nettoyant Gommant Marin Exfoliating & Cleansing Gel
This cleansing and exfoliating gel enables perfect make-up removal and deep pore cleansing while desquamating dead skin cells. The skin becomes extremely soft, clear, and soft to the touch.
MBK Classic Purifying Cleansing Milk
Remember how we mentioned earlier that creamy cleansers could sometimes be suitable for oil and acneic skin types, too? Well, as proof positive, this is one of those products!
The unique creamy texture of the purifying cleansing milk is outstandingly suited to eliminate impurities in oily and acne-prone skin types and is gentle enough to even remove eye makeup while providing the skin with moisture and stability.
- Normal to All: Normal skin types can go in almost any direction but will likely have to adapt their cleansing routine with age. So, while something like micellar water (a French-born favorite that relies on micelles to attract impurities without stripping the skin) might work in your 20s and 30s, you may need to use something richer as you age.
PST Pick: MBK Aqua Pure Foamy Cleansing Cream
This foaming cleansing cream removes makeup and eliminates impurities. The result is a perfectly clean face that is soft, radiant, and refreshed.
- Mature: A cleansing balm or oil is an excellent choice because it doesn’t strip the skin of remaining vital oils and leaves behind a protective layer of moisture. If the skin isn’t overly dry or sensitized, it’s not a bad idea to incorporate a wrinkle-fighting face wash with glycolic acid a few times a week. These formulas boast keratolytic (exfoliating), antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory qualities.
PST Pick: MBK Classic Ultra-Gentle Cleansing Milk
Infused with nourishing milk proteins, moisturizers, and softeners, the comforting ultra-gentle cleansing milk is outstandingly suited for dry and sensitive skin types and is gentle enough to even remove eye makeup. It leaves the skin feeling clean, silky-soft and soothed.
How do you know if a cleanser is right for you? It’s really quite simple. You’re not having an adverse reaction. Along with increased sensitivity, this also includes breakouts or excessive oiliness or dryness. Remember that you may have to change your cleanser along with the seasons, climate (even if that means temporary time away on a vacation), and of course, age. Check out ProStylingTool's ever-growing collection of facial cleansers to ensure you’re always starting your skincare routine off on the right track.