Facial cleansers are essential to a daily skincare routine. They help remove dirt, oil, and other impurities that accumulate on the skin throughout the day. By breaking down and washing away dirt and oil, they leave your skin feeling cleansed and refreshed. The right formulations help unclog pores, prevent acne, and prepare your skin for the remaining steps of your skincare routine. And, like most other skincare products, cleansers are also formulated in different ways to complement different skin types. Ahead, we’re looking at popular types of cleansers and what sets them apart from each other.
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1. Foam-based cleansers
The main character in skincare ASMR videos – a foam cleanser creates a rich lather when mixed with water. Compared to other types of cleansers, foam cleansers are often preferred by people with oily or combination skin because they tend to be lighter, less greasy and capable of removing excess oil from the skin more effectively. Additionally, because foam cleansers create a thick lather, they can provide a deeper and more thorough removal of impurities.
USP: Foam cleansers are often formulated with active ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil to help manage acne-prone skin.
FYI: Dry skin types can find foam cleansers too drying, stripping the skin of essential moisture which dry skin already lacks.
2. Gel-based cleansers
Formulated with a combination of water and a gelling agent such as carbomer or xanthan gum, gel-based cleansers have a distinctive texture. They are often lightweight and non-greasy, making them ideal for people with oily or combination skin. They tend to be super gentle, making them suitable for those with sensitive skin.
USP: Gel cleansers are often used as the second step in a double cleansing routine after using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and other impurities. They can be used on their own or in combination with other skincare products to help improve the overall health of the skin.
FYI: Gel cleaners do not disturb the skin's natural moisture barrier. This can prevent dryness and irritation, which can be common effects of using other types of cleansers.
3. Cream cleansers
With a creamy, lotion-like texture, these are formulated with emollients and moisturisers, such as plant oils or fatty acids, to help soothe and hydrate the skin, especially if it’s dry.
A boon for sensitive skin, they cleanse the skin without making it feel tight or stripped, making them more moisturising and less drying than other cleansers.
USP: One of the major benefits of cream cleansers is that they can help maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier that is essential for healthy, hydrated skin. They can also help calm and soothe irritated skin that arises from conditions such as eczema or rosacea.
FYI: Cream cleansers can also double up as quick clarifying masks. Just make sure to wipe the product off with a damp cloth or rinse with warm water.
4. Oil-based cleansers
Believe it or not, cleansing oils are excellent at dissolving and removing makeup, dirt, and impurities from the skin. They attract and break down the natural oils and debris on the skin's surface, allowing them to be easily rinsed. Excellent for dry or sensitive skin, they are typically gentler and less stripping than other cleansers.
USP: One of the major benefits of oil cleansers is that they can help balance the skin's natural oils, making them a good choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
FYI: When used as the first step of a double cleanse, oil cleansers effectively remove waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and other hard-to-remove products.
5. Powder cleansers
They come in a dry, powdered form and are activated with water to create a lather. They are typically made with gentle exfoliating agents such as rice bran, oatmeal, or enzymes, which help to remove dead skin cells and impurities from the skin's surface. Powder cleansers are versatile, as they can be customised to suit various skin types and concerns.
USP: One of the benefits of powder cleansers is that they are gentle on the skin even with a mild exfoliating action, making them suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. They are also travel-friendly – being lightweight and compact in a powder form.
FYI: Powder cleansers can also be combined with other liquids such as honey, yoghurt, or toner for a more intensive treatment.
6. Micellar cleansing water
Micellar water uses tiny micelles (tiny oil molecules) to attract and remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin's surface. They are typically water-based and do not require further rinsing with water. Micellar cleansers are popular for their convenience and ease of use. They are ideal for those who want to cleanse their skin without water or a separate cleanser.
USP: One of the major benefits is that they can be used as a pre-cleanse step to remove makeup and other impurities before using a traditional cleanser.
FYI: While micellar cleansers are effective at removing most makeup, they may be less effective at removing heavy, waterproof makeup.
