If you’re looking to develop a skincare routine, you might have learned that the first, most crucial step is choosing a facial cleanser. The face has more sensitive skin than the rest of your body, so investing in a face-specific cleanser will prevent irritation and keep you looking and feeling your best.
But how should you choose between the seemingly endless types of cleansers on the market, and what ingredients should you look for?
Good news—your quest to up your skincare game ends here. This guide contains everything you need to know about facial cleansers, from their purpose and benefits to which type is right for your skin.
WHAT IS A FACIAL CLEANSER?
Facial cleanser is a skincare product used to clean the skin and remove excess dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup, as well as dead skin cells. Using a face cleanser should be an essential part of your daily skincare regimen. Ideally, a cleanser will unclog your pores and exfoliate your skin, without stripping the skin barrier completely.
The type of cleanser you should choose depends on your skin type (and common skin concerns) as well as personal preference. Just be sure you choose a dedicated face cleanser, rather than washing your skin with regular body soap. You might also decide to use a cleansing wipe, washcloth, cotton pad, or face scrubber to apply the product, but clean hands work well, too!
TYPES OF CLEANSERS
Facial cleansers (just like faces) come in all shapes, sizes, and types. Each offers unique benefits depending on your skin type—some are gentle while others are deeply exfoliating to target impurities or designed to act as a makeup remover. Some of the most popular cleanser types include gel, cream, foam, and oil.
GEL CLEANSERS
Gel cleansers are meant for deep-cleaning the skin but often come in gentle cleanser formulas suitable for sensitive skin. They’re water-based, meaning they’re hydrating and have a slippery texture (almost like jelly).
Gel cleanser typically lacks oil, making it an ideal option for those with already oily skin or acne-prone skin, but may contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin (for extra hydration and nourishment). It’s also an ideal option for part two of double-cleansing—simply use it after your oil cleanser to remove any excess oil.
CREAM CLEANSERS
Cream cleansers are also water-based but often contain an oil (like argan oil) or another moisturizing agent (like shea butter). Their texture is, of course, creamy (yet lightweight), making them an appropriate choice for dry skin or combination skin.
Cream cleansers can be slightly acidic, and are meant to leave skin feeling fresh, soft, and hydrated without feeling greasy. Some are non-foaming (extra gentle), while some are cream-to-foam (for extra exfoliation).
FOAM CLEANSERS
Foaming cleansers are also designed for a deep clean, and true to their name, will foam when rubbed on the skin (or immediately when pumped out, depending on the container). Some foaming cleanser formulas can be harsh on the skin, so make sure to check out the ingredients.
Foam cleansers are also water-based, meaning they’re ideal for oily or acne-prone skin and are built to unclog pores.
OIL CLEANSERS
The primary ingredient is typically oil, which will dissolve dirt and residue when applied to dry skin. Since oil cleansers leave a light layer of moisture behind, they’re a solid choice for people with dry or combination skin.
Oil cleansers can also be used to remove waterproof makeup products. Cleansing balms are an oil-based favorite for this. For best results, double cleanse with a water-based cleanser to remove excess oil.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN FACIAL CLEANSERS
When it comes to skin cleanser formulas, there are certain ingredients you should look out for in order to best serve your skin’s needs. Some key ingredients include:
SALICYLIC ACID
This reduces and prevents acne breakouts and is often found in cream cleansers or gel cleansers.
VITMAIN C
This can brighten and even your complexion, and keep the skin barrier protected from UV damage and refreshed.
ALOE
This post-sunburn favorite will soothe your skin, especially when irritated.
WHITE OR GREEN TEA EXTRACT
An anti-inflammatory, this contains antioxidants to protect skin from harmful free radicals.
CALENDULA EXTRACT
Naturally protect your skin from blue light (aka too much screen time).
GOTU KOLA
Hydrating and calming, this agent is derived from the plant Indian pennywort (also used as an herbal supplement in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda).
ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAs)
This exfoliating agent helps remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture.
Be sure to research the ingredients in your face wash in order to best treat any recurring issues with your skin and keep your face hydrated and nourished.
HOW TO USE FACIAL CLEANSERS PROPERLY
The most crucial part of any skincare routine is ensuring you’re using your skincare products properly. When it comes to cleansers, try to master your application technique and stay consistent with your regimen.
PROPER APPLICATION
First, dampen your face and neck with lukewarm water. Then, use your fingertips or a face scrubber to gently massage a pea-sized amount of the cleanser into your skin. Resist the
temptation to scrub, as this can leave your skin irritated. Finally, rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a soft towel.
FREQUENCY OF USE
Wash your face every night before bed and, depending on your skin type and concerns, when you wake up in the morning, as well. If you have dry or normal skin, a nighttime cleanse is typically enough, but oily skin types can benefit from twice-daily routines or even the double cleansing method.
Washing your face at night removes any dirt, oil makeup, and SPF left on your skin from the day, and washing your face in the morning removes any dust, sweat, excess natural oil, and debris that might have accumulated on your face overnight.
BENEFITS OF USING FACIAL CLEANSERS
Using a facial cleanser twice a day is well worth the time and offers many benefits. These can include:
- Less acne
- More hydrated skin
- Smoother, more youthful skin
- Unclogged pores
- A brighter, more even complexion
- Reduced appearance of blemishes and impurities
- A better foundation for toners, serums, treatments, and moisturizers
Regular cleansing (with the right cleanser) is a surefire way to keep your skin feeling and looking its best.
FIND YOUR DAILY CLEANSER WITH SEVEN:THIRTY
The journey to finding your skin’s ideal daily cleanser doesn’t have to be a long one. Seven:Thirty’s GENTLE gel cleanser and BALANCE cream cleanser are crafted with high-quality, naturally nourishing ingredients to keep your skin supple and hydrated.
Find the one that works for you and start your skincare routine off on the right foot, every time.
Sources:
Evergreen Beauty College. Clean and Essential Beauty Products. https://www.evergreenbeauty.edu/blog/clean-and-essential-beauty-products/
New York Institute of Beauty. The Science of Skincare: Understanding Ingredients and Their Benefits. https://www.nyib.edu/the-science-of-skincare-understanding-ingredients-and-their-benefits/
Mount Sinai. Gotu kola. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/gotu-kola
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Face Washing 101. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/face-washing-101#:~:text=Use%20a%20gentle%2C%20non%2Dabrasive,dry%20with%20a%20soft%20towel.
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture. 3 Essentials for Skincare Beginners. https://www.tricociuniversity.edu/programs/esthetics/3-essentials-for-skincare-beginners/