What is the purpose of a cleanser?

A cleanser removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities from the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.

How often should I use a cleanser?

Use a cleanser twice daily—once in the morning and once at night.

What type of cleanser is best for my skin type?

Gel cleansers work well for oily skin, cream cleansers are ideal for dry skin, and gentle or hydrating cleansers are suitable for sensitive skin.

Doctor’s Note: Your Easy + Essential Guide to Cleansers

As dermatologists, we know that proper cleansing is essential for maintaining healthy skin. The ideal cleanser would remove all dirt, sweat, oil, makeup, etc and does not disturb the skin at all. It's hard to find a cleanser that meets this criteria! We will try our best to help you find the perfect cleanser for your unique skin!

What Are Face Cleansers?

Face cleansers remove dirt, oil, makeup, sweat, and other impurities from the skin. Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine, as it keeps pores clear and prepares the skin for other products like serums, toners, and moisturizers. But knowing how to use a cleanser correctly is just as important as choosing the right one.

Cleansing removes impurities and prepares your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. Without proper cleansing, dirt and oil build up, leading to clogged pores, irritation, and breakouts. If you’re unsure how to tell if your cleanser is too weak, look for signs like leftover oil or makeup on your skin, feeling greasy soon after cleansing, or frequent breakouts despite regular cleansing.

Types of Face Cleansers

Facial cleansers are available in various forms to suit different skin types and preferences. Here is a brief overview:

Micellar Water

Best for: All skin types
Other Info: Ideal for quick cleanse. Removes light makeup. Rinsing is recommended.

Gel

Best for: Oily or acne-prone
Other Info: Often contains ingredients like salicylic acid to target acne. Can be drying.

Foam

Best for: Oily or combo
Other Info: Can sometimes be too harsh for dry or sensitive skin.

Cream

Best for: Dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
Other Info: Often has hydrating ingredients to maintain skin moisture. Removes light to moderate makeup.

Oil

Best for: Dry, combo, or normal skin. Oily if double-cleansing.
Other Info: Perfect as the first step in a double cleanse to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. Can use on own for dry or normal skin.

Balm

Best for: Dry, combo, or normal skin. Oily if double-cleansing.
Other Info: Perfect as the first step in a double cleanse to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil. Can use on own for dry or normal skin.

How to Choose the Right Cleanser

Oily Skin

Look for gel-based or foaming cleansers. They remove excess oil effectively and often contain salicylic acid to keep pores clear. If you’re wondering, is oil cleanser good for oily skin?—yes, it can be! Oil-based cleansers dissolve sebum without stripping the skin, making them suitable for oily skin types.

Normal Skin

A mild, everyday cleanser works well. The goal here is to maintain a clean and healthy complexion.

Dry Skin

Cream cleansers are ideal. They provide hydration while removing dirt without stripping natural moisture.

Sensitive Skin

Look for cleansers labeled as "gentle" or "calming," often containing soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe. These are best for maintaining a balanced skin barrier.

How to Incorporate Cleansing into Your Skincare Routine

A basic skincare routine should always start with cleansing:

Morning Routine

Cleanse your skin with a mild cleanser to remove overnight sweat and oil.
Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Night Routine

Start with a makeup remover or oil cleanser to break down sunscreen and makeup.
Follow with a regular cleanser to remove remaining impurities.
Apply toner, treatment serum (like retinol or AHAs), and finish with a moisturizer.

How to Tell What Skin Type You Have?

To find your skin type, wash your face with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and wait 30 minutes without applying products. If your skin feels oily, you likely have oily skin; if tight or flaky, it’s dry skin. If the T-zone is oily but cheeks are dry, it’s combination skin. If it feels balanced, you have normal skin. Whether you are sensitive or acne-prone is based on your skin’s history, not this test.

Best Cleanser for Normal Skin

Normal skin is not too oily or too dry, so you need a cleanser that keeps your skin balanced and clean without causing any irritation. In this section, we’ll share some top picks for cleansers that are perfect for normal skin, helping you keep your face fresh and healthy.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Texture: Clear gel, foams upon contact with water
Ceramides: Restore skin barrier
Niacinamide: Calms skin
Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to oily skin, acne-prone skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser

Texture: Gel, foams with water
Ceramides: Rebuilds skin barrier
Niacinamide: Soothes and reduces redness
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to oily, sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Texture: Creamy lotion
Ceramides: Restores skin barrier
Niacinamide: Calms irritation
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to dry, sensitive skin

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Texture: Creamy, lotion-like
Glycerin: Hydrates
Panthenol: Soothes skin
Niacinamide: Reduces redness
Best For: Dry, sensitive skin

Best Cleanser for Oily Skin

Have oily skin? You need a cleanser that helps control excess oil without drying out your skin. In this section, we’ll cover the best cleansers for oily skin that help reduce shine and keep your skin feeling clean and refreshed.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleanser

Texture: Clear gel, foams with water
Zinc PCA: Reduces oil and clears pores
Salicylic Acid: Gently exfoliates, unclogs pores
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Oily, acne-prone skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser

Texture: Gel, foams with water
Ceramides: Rebuilds skin barrier
Niacinamide: Soothes and reduces redness
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to oily, sensitive skin

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Texture: Clear gel, foams upon contact with water
Ceramides: Restore skin barrier
Niacinamide: Calms skin
Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to oily skin, acne-prone skin

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

Texture: Non-foaming gel
Glycerin: Hydrates
Niacinamide: Reduces redness
Panthenol: Soothes skin
Best For: Normal to oily skin

Best Cleanser for Dry Skin

Have dry skin? You need a cleanser that hydrates and soothes while gently removing dirt and impurities. In this section, we’ll highlight the best cleansers for dry skin that help keep your skin soft and moisturized.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Texture: Smooth, lotion-like
Ceramides: Restore skin barrier
Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates skin
Glycerin: Attracts moisture
Best For: Normal to dry, sensitive skin

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Texture: Creamy, lotion-like
Glycerin: Hydrates
Panthenol: Soothes skin
Niacinamide: Calms irritation
Best For: Dry, sensitive skin

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Texture: Rich, creamy
Glycerin: Hydrates
Pro-Vitamin B5: Soothes and moisturizes
Polyglycerin: Enhances moisture retention
Best For: Dry, sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Texture: Creamy
Ceramides: Restore skin barrier
Niacinamide: Soothes skin
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to dry, sensitive skin

Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

Have sensitive skin? You need a cleanser that is gentle and soothing without irritating it. In this section, we’ll explore the best cleansers for sensitive skin that clean effectively while minimizing redness and discomfort.

EltaMD Foaming Facial Cleanser

Texture: Clear gel that foams upon activation
Bromelain: Gently exfoliates
Amino Acids: Help maintain moisture
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Normal to oily skin, sensitive skin

Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Face Cleanser

Texture: Gel that lathers lightly
Oat Extract: Soothes and calms skin
Glycerin: Hydrates
Panthenol: Moisturizes and softens skin
Best For: Sensitive, dry skin

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Texture: Clear, lightweight gel
Glycerin: Hydrates
Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Gently cleanses without irritation
Free of: Dyes, fragrances, parabens, and sulfates
Best For: Sensitive, reactive skin

Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Facial Cleanser

Texture: Rich, creamy
Glycerin: Hydrates
Pro-Vitamin B5: Soothes and moisturizes
Polyglycerin: Enhances moisture retention
Best For: Dry, sensitive skin

Best Cleanser for Acne

Struggling with facial acne? You need a cleanser that helps fight breakouts while being gentle on your skin. In this section, we’ll highlight the best cleansers for facial acne that help reduce pimples and keep your skin clear.

Differin Daily Deep Facial Cleanser

Texture: Gel-based, foaming
Benzoyl Peroxide (5%): Targets acne bacteria
Glycerin: Hydrates
Panthenol: Soothes skin
Best For: Oily, acne-prone skin

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Texture: Cream-to-foam
Benzoyl Peroxide (4%): Fights acne-causing bacteria
Ceramides: Restore skin barrier
Niacinamide: Calms skin
Best For: Acne-prone, oily skin

PanOxyl Acne Creamy Wash

Texture: Rich, creamy lather
Benzoyl Peroxide (4%): Treats and prevents acne
Glycerin: Hydrates
Sodium Hyaluronate: Retains moisture
Best For: Moderate to severe acne-prone skin

Best Cleanser for Blackheads

Dealing with comedonal acne? You need a cleanser that helps clear clogged pores and prevent blackheads and whiteheads. In this section, we’ll showcase the best cleansers for comedonal acne that help keep your pores clear and your skin smooth.

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser

Texture: Clear gel, lightly foams
Salicylic Acid (2%): Exfoliates and unclogs pores
Niacinamide: Calms and soothes skin
Ceramides: Restore skin barrier
Best For: Oily, acne-prone skin

CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Texture: Clear gel, lightly foams
Salicylic Acid: Gently exfoliates and smooths skin
Ceramides: Restore skin barrier
Vitamin D: Antioxidant, supports skin health
Best For: Rough, bumpy skin, or keratosis pilaris

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

Texture: Clear gel, foaming
Salicylic Acid (2%): Treats and prevents acne
Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA): Exfoliates and refines skin texture
Glycerin: Hydrates
Best For: Oily, acne-prone skin

Common Mistakes in Cleansing

While cleansing may seem straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Using hot water: Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause irritation. Stick to lukewarm water.

Scrubbing too hard: Be gentle while cleansing to avoid damaging the skin’s protective barrier.

Using too much cleanser: A small amount is usually enough. Using more won’t necessarily clean your skin better but could lead to dryness or irritation.

Skipping cleansing in the morning: It’s still important to cleanse in the morning to remove sweat, oil, and bacteria that accumulate overnight.

Over-cleansing: Washing your face more than twice a day can disrupt your skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, or increased oil production.

Cleanser FAQ

How to Tell if a Cleanser is Too Weak:

A cleanser is too weak if your skin still feels oily or dirty after use. Signs include:

Residual makeup or dirt after cleansing.
Oily or sticky feeling on your skin.
Clogged pores or frequent breakouts.

If you notice any of these signs, try a stronger cleanser or consider adding an oil cleanser as a first step.

How Often Should You Oil Cleanse?

Oil cleansing is best done once a day, typically at night. Doing it more frequently may disrupt the skin barrier, causing dryness or irritation.

How to Oil Cleanse?

Oil cleansing dissolves dirt and sebum, making it a good choice for removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen. Here’s how to oil cleanse:

Apply oil directly to dry skin.
Massage gently for 1-2 minutes to break down impurities.
Add a splash of water to emulsify the oil, turning it milky.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Should You Double Cleanse Twice a Day?

Double cleansing should be done only at night to remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt from the day. In the morning, a single cleanse is usually sufficient.

Exfoliation: Before or After Moisturizing?

Many people wonder, do you exfoliate after cleansing or moisturizing? The answer is to exfoliate after cleansing but before moisturizing. Cleansing removes dirt and oil, exfoliation clears away dead skin cells, and moisturizing locks in hydration.

Should You Cleanse Before Steaming?

If you’re using steam as part of your skincare routine, you may ask, should I cleanse my face before steaming? Yes, always cleanse your face before steaming. Cleansing first removes surface impurities, while steaming opens pores for deeper cleansing.

Does Cleanser Expire?

Yes, cleansers do expire. Most have a shelf life of 6-12 months after opening. Check for changes in smell, color, or texture to determine if it’s time to replace your cleanser. Using expired products can lead to irritation or reduced effectiveness.

CeraVe and PanOxyl: Can You Use Them Together?

CeraVe cleansers can be used with PanOxyl, which contains benzoyl peroxide. First, use PanOxyl to target acne-causing bacteria, followed by CeraVe to replenish moisture and soothe the skin.

Is CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser Good?

CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser contains 2% salicylic acid, making it effective for unclogging pores and reducing breakouts. It’s gentle enough for regular use, making it a good choice for oily or acne-prone skin.

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