Best Face Cleansers For All Skin Types: Finding the Perfect Match
It's a fact that everybody needs a cleanser in their skincare routine. Cleansing your face is the first step in any routine, regardless of your skin type. Cleansers help to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin, leaving it clean and refreshed. But with so many different cleansers on the market, it can be challenging to find the perfect match for your skin. In this post, we'll discuss how cleansers work, the concept of double cleansing, and share some of our top picks for every skin type.
Why Cleanse?
Cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine. It helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup that may have accumulated on your skin throughout the day. By thoroughly cleansing your skin, you allow your skin to breathe, optimize your skin's cell turnover rate, and make your skin more receptive to the other products in your skincare regimen. If you skip cleansing, your skin won't be able to absorb moisturizer or other skincare products fully. This could lead to breakouts, dullness, and other skin concerns over time. When you cleanse, you're giving your skin a fresh start, allowing it to absorb the nutrients from your other skincare products better.
How Do Cleansers Work?
Cleansers contain special ingredients called surfactants, which work to break down and wash away dirt, oil, and makeup. These surfactants remove debris without stripping away the natural oils that keep the skin moisturized and protected. Most cleansers utilize a group of surfactants that bond with oil, makeup, and other impurities on your skin. The surfactants then emulsify when you add water and are rinsed away, taking the impurities with it. The right cleanser for you is one that effectively removes impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, it's a sign that your cleanser is too harsh and is damaging your skin's natural barrier.
Double Cleanse Method
The double cleanse method has become increasingly popular in recent years. This method involves using an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other hard-to-break-down products, followed by a water-based cleanser to remove water-soluble dirt and debris. The double cleanse method ensures that every trace of impurity is removed from the skin, leaving it fresh, clean, and ready to absorb the nutrients from the other products in your skincare routine. Double cleansing can be especially helpful if you wear makeup or live in an area with high pollution levels.
Top Cleanser Picks for All Skin Types
Best for Removing Makeup
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover
This gentle, fragrance-free micellar water is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. It effectively removes makeup, including waterproof mascara, without the need for harsh rubbing. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water is infused with cucumber extract to soothe irritated skin and leave it feeling clean, fresh, and moisturized. We always use this as the first step in our double cleanse at But More Importantly, before continuing with one of the cleansers below.
Best for Dry Skin
THEN I MET YOU Living Cleansing Balm
Perfect for dry skin or for those who prefer an oil-based cleanser, this cleansing balm melts away makeup, sunscreen, and grime while nourishing the skin with olive oil, seaberry oil, and grapeseed oil. Its soothing formula is suitable for sensitive skin types and leaves the face feeling soft, hydrated, and clean.
Best for Skin that Needs Soothed
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Oat Facial Cleanser
This hydrating, fragrance-free facial cleanser is suitable for all skin types, particularly dry or sensitive skin. Its mild formula contains oat extracts, which are known for their soothing and nourishing properties. This cleanser gently removes dirt, oil, and makeup, leaving skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser
Formulated for sensitive skin types, this gentle facial cleanser is free from common irritants like fragrances, dyes, harsh sulfates, and parabens. This foaming cleanser effectively removes makeup, dirt, and oil without leaving the skin feeling dry or tight.
Best for Occasional Breakouts
Cerave Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
For those with acne-prone skin, this cleanser is formulated with 4% benzoyl peroxide to help clear acne breakouts and prevent new ones from forming. Its gentle formula also includes hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to maintain the skin's moisture barrier and promote a more even skin tone.
Best for Stubborn Acne
PanOxyl Maximum Strength Antimicrobial Acne Foaming Wash
Containing 10% benzoyl peroxide, this maximum strength acne wash is powerful at combating stubborn acne. While suitable for all skin types, this cleansing wash is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin. It effectively removes excess oil and bacteria, unclogs pores, and reduces inflammation caused by acne.
Best for Athletes
La Roche Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash for Oily Skin
This is an ideal option to keep oily complexions clean and clear. It has been formulated with a gentle foaming formula, enriched with glycerin, which helps to effectively remove dirt, impurities and excess oil without excessively drying the skin. It also contains thermal spring water to soothe, calm and protect your skin from environmental aggressors. This face wash is non-comedogenic, soap-free and hypoallergenic; it is gentle enough for daily use and will not cause irritation. It's also free of parabens and fragrances, making it ideal for those with oily yet sensitive skin.
Finding the perfect cleanser for your skin can be challenging, but it's worth it. Cleansing your skin is a crucial step in your skincare routine and can help to prevent breakouts, dullness, and other skin concerns. Remember to choose a cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. And if you're looking for the ultimate clean, try double cleansing with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser. With these tips and our top picks, you'll be on your way to clean and radiant skin in no time!
But More Importantly is the ultimate destination for finding the best cosmetics around. We take on the task of sifting through a vast array of options to find the most useful and expertly-recommended items that you can buy. Our team has recently scoured the market for everything from winter skin care to sunscreen, niacinamide creams, acids and exfoliants. Our links are regularly updated to ensure that you get the best deals available, so make sure to check back often for new suggestions!
