Tira Loves
8 skin tints that are just as good as foundation
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Let’s get one thing straight: a good cleanser does way more than just take the day off your face. It sets the tone for your entire skincare routine—sweeping away dirt, pollution and leftover SPF, while creating a clean (but never stripped) canvas for the rest of your products to actually work. But with so many options out there—gels, oils, foams, pads, even bubbling formulas—it’s easy to get lost in the suds.
The trick? Knowing what your skin really needs. Whether you're dealing with blackheads, sensitivity, excess oil or just wanting something that won’t mess with your moisture barrier, there’s a formula out there for you. From cult favourites and derm-approved classics to new-gen Korean picks, we’ve rounded up the best face cleansers worth adding to your shelf—no matter your skin type.
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If you’re looking for an everyday scrub that is gentle yet effective, this Dermalogica pick will be your skin’s BFF. Leaving you with instant gratification, the face scrub comes packed with salicylic acid, papain enzymes, rice bran extract, white tea, liquorice and colloidal oatmeal that soothe, smoothe and exfoliate the skin. The skin-loving ingredients also offer a bright and radiant finish.
How to use: After cleansing, dispense a half-teaspoon of the powder into wet hands, create a creamy paste and massage onto the face in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly. Use 2–3 times per week, adjusting frequency based on skin sensitivity.
A powder exfoliant that activates with water to smooth dull, congested skin without irritation. Rice enzymes and salicylic acid unclog pores while white tea and oatmeal calm things down. Great for sensitive skin that still needs a regular exfoliation fix. The fine texture makes it feel gentle yet effective, especially if you're not into gritty scrubs. How to use: Mix with water after cleansing, massage gently and rinse. Use 2–3 times a week.
A straightforward, no-frills-attached exfoliant, this skincare product gets to work from the get-go. The salicylic acid helps clear clogged pores, retexturise the skin, reduce blemishes and pigmentation and, over time, get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Its weightless texture allows for quick absorption and makes for the perfect addition to any skincare routine looking to achieve clearer skin.
How to use: Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin after cleansing and before moisturising. Start with once daily in the evening and adjust frequency based on skin tolerance.
Prolonged exposure to sun and sweat can lead to clogged pores, blackheads and skin that appears dull. Looking to hit the reset button? Say hello to exfoliation nation with The Ordinary’s pore-cleansing solution. Salicylic acid vacuums away dead skin cells and other buildup on the skin to reveal brighter, blemish-free skin.
This lightweight treatment cuts through congestion and blackheads without stressing your skin. It’s a good pick if your skin is sensitive but still needs a deep clean now and then. Over time, it helps improve skin texture and clarity, especially around the nose and chin. How to use: Apply to clean, dry skin in the evening. Start with once daily and scale back if needed.
Formulated with BHAs like salicylic acid and niacinamide, this multi-action exfoliator does everything from tackling blackheads acne to reducing the appearance of pores and controlling sebum production. Bonus: it does all this while being super gentle on the skin. It has a non-comedogenic formula that works with all skin types.
How to use: After cleansing, apply a few drops to your face using fingertips or a cotton pad, avoiding the eye area. Use once daily in the evening, followed by moisturiser.
A gentle leave-on exfoliant that helps with oiliness, blackheads and uneven tone. With niacinamide and a barrier-friendly formula, it’s great for sensitive skin that doesn’t get along with harsh treatments. It sinks in quickly and layers well under lightweight moisturisers and serums. How to use: Apply after cleansing, avoiding the eye area. Follow with a light moisturiser.
This skincare product takes its name seriously. Formulated with 16 tea ingredients and naturally derived BHA, it gently exfoliates, deep cleanses, unclogs pores, controls sebum production and strengthens the skin barrier, while simultaneously keeping the skin hydrated and moisturised. Its star ingredient, the willow bark water, essentially helps remove blackheads and whiteheads.
How to use: Apply a small amount on dry skin, focusing on areas with blackheads. Allow it to bubble for 3–5 minutes, then gently massage and rinse with lukewarm water. Use once daily in the evening.
This one’s fun to use—apply it to dry skin and watch it bubble up. Packed with tea extracts and BHA, it clears pores, controls oil and keeps skin balanced without feeling harsh. It’s ideal for oily, acne-prone skin that still needs a gentle touch. How to use: Apply to dry skin, let it bubble, massage gently and rinse. Use once daily, preferably in the evening.
This gentle cleanser is infused with salicylic acid to reduce sebum production and remove dead skin cells. Acting as a dual action exfoliant, the ingredient helps the cleanser go deeper into your pores, hydrating your skin while boosting cell turnover. Consider it your true morning pick-me-up.
This exfoliating face wash tackles breakouts without stripping your skin. With salicylic acid, LHA and skin soothers like panthenol and allantoin, it keeps things clear and calm. The low-pH formula is gentle enough for daily use and leaves skin feeling clean, not tight. How to use: Use once or twice daily on damp skin. Massage gently and rinse well.
A classic gentle cleanser that just works. It removes dirt and impurities without causing flare-ups, and the glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol combo helps maintain hydration. Suitable for all skin types but especially useful if your skin gets reactive or irritated easily. How to use: Massage into damp skin, then rinse or wipe off.
A brightening cleanser that also deep cleans. Rice water, moringa oil and soapwort lift away impurities while softening skin, leaving it clean with a hint of glow. It lathers into a creamy foam that feels luxurious without being harsh. How to use: Lather with water, massage onto face and rinse.
Gentle enough for daily use, this gel cleanser keeps your skin barrier happy. With a low pH, tea tree oil and a touch of BHA, it balances oil without causing irritation. A solid option if your skin is oily but tends to get sensitive or red with most active products. How to use: Use morning or night on damp skin. Massage and rinse thoroughly.
This gel cleanser is gentle, effective and packed with traditional Korean ingredients like plum water and mung bean. It refreshes skin without stripping it, making it perfect for daily use. The slightly herbal scent and silky texture add a subtle sensorial touch to your routine. How to use: Lather onto wet skin, massage and rinse.
A cleanser and exfoliator in one, this gentle creamy formula does more than just clean. Infused with citric acid and microbeads, it helps lift dead skin cells while working to even out tone and fade dark spots over time. The result? Smooth, hydrated skin that feels fresh—not stripped.
This foaming cream brightens and exfoliates with microbeads and citric acid. It also hydrates, thanks to glyceryl oleate, making it suitable for sensitive skin dealing with dullness or pigmentation. It’s creamy, non-drying and helps prep skin for the rest of your routine. How to use: Use on damp skin, lather and rinse. Use once daily or as needed.
Made with Jeju green tea and amino acids, this rich foaming cleanser helps balance oil and moisture. It’s gentle enough for daily use and keeps skin feeling soft, not tight. A great pick if you want a refreshing but calming cleanse. How to use: Lather with water, massage onto damp skin and rinse.
A soft, pH-balanced foam cleanser designed for very sensitive skin. Panthenol and madecassoside help calm irritation while supporting your skin’s barrier. The airy texture makes it feel light on the skin, but it still leaves you feeling clean and fresh. How to use: Pump into palm, lather, massage gently and rinse.
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