Cleansing is the foundation of any good skincare routine- it’s the step that sets the stage for everything else. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is best for your skin?
That’s where we come in. At Face Dr, our skincare professionals understand the importance of effective cleansing and how it impacts your skin’s health. In this guide, we’ll walk you through why cleansing matters, how to choose a cleanser tailored to your skin type, and our top recommendations to help you find the perfect match.
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In This Article:
- The Benefits of Facial Cleansing
- How Facial Cleansers Work
- What Happens If You Use the Wrong Cleanser?
- Which Cleanser Is Best For You?
- How Often Should You Wash Your Face?
- Top Cleanser Picks for a Radiant Glow
The Benefits of Facial Cleansing
Cleansing isn’t just about washing away the day—it’s the foundation of healthy skin. The right cleanser does so much more than remove dirt and makeup; it keeps your complexion fresh, balanced, and ready to glow.
First, proper cleansing clears away impurities like dust, excess oil, and makeup residue, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. It’s your skin’s first line of defence against congestion and dullness.
You might wonder, “Is washing my face with just water enough?” While water alone can seem like a simple solution, it’s not enough to remove the oil-based impurities, such as sunscreen and makeup, that can linger on your skin. A proper cleanser is designed to break down these residues, giving you truly clean skin.
Similarly, face wipes and micellar water may seem convenient, but they often don’t cleanse as thoroughly as a good facial cleanser. Micellar water might leave behind residues, while wipes can be too abrasive, leading to irritation. A proper cleanser is more effective at removing dirt, oil, and makeup, ensuring your skin is properly prepped for the rest of your skincare routine.
Beyond that, cleansing is like a mini workout for your skin. When you massage your face while cleansing, you stimulate circulation, which boosts radiance and promotes overall skin health. Plus, the gentle motion of cleansing can help relax facial muscles and melt away stress.
Most importantly, cleansing preps your skin for the rest of your routine. Without a clean canvas, your serums, moisturisers, and treatments won’t absorb as effectively. Think of it as setting the stage for your skincare to work its magic!
How Facial Cleansers Work
No matter the type, almost all cleansers rely on surfactants to do their job. These clever cleansing agents act like tiny magnets that draw in dirt, oil, and makeup, so they can be washed away with water. But if the cleanser is too harsh, it might also remove the natural oils your skin needs, leaving it dry and sensitive.
That’s why cleansers are often described as "balancing" products—the goal is to remove unwanted impurities while preserving the vital elements that keep your skin healthy and resilient. The right cleanser depends on your skin type, and using one that’s too harsh can leave your skin vulnerable to dehydration and environmental stressors.
What Happens If You Use the Wrong Cleanser?
One of the biggest skincare mistakes is over-cleansing. Using a cleanser that’s too harsh can strip away your skin’s protective barrier, leading to irritation, dehydration, and even increased oil production. Let’s see the red flags of cleansing:
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Harsh surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – While SLS creates a satisfying foam, it’s an aggressive surfactant that can strip away essential lipids, leaving your skin dry and more vulnerable to irritation. It’s commonly found in facial cleansers, shampoos, and body washes, but its strong cleansing power can be too much for the skin.
Important: Don’t confuse SLS with Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)—SLES is a much milder surfactant that is generally well tolerated by the skin. - Alcohol-based cleansers – If you see Alcohol (or Alcohol Denat.) listed among the first few ingredients, your cleanser might be too harsh. High concentrations of alcohol can dehydrate the skin and weaken its natural protective barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and irritation. Over time, this can even trigger excess sebum production as the skin tries to compensate for the lost moisture.
- Traditional bar soaps – Bar soaps might seem convenient, but they often have a very high pH (around 10), which can disrupt your skin’s natural, slightly acidic pH (~5). This imbalance makes it easier for Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for breakouts, to thrive. At the same time, a high-pH cleanser can weaken the skin’s defence system by stripping away beneficial bacteria and essential lipids. As a result, the skin becomes more prone to dryness, irritation, and breakouts.
- Dryness and tightness after washing – If your skin feels overly tight, flaky, or sensitive post-cleansing, your cleanser may be too strong. In response, your skin might start producing excess oil, making it appear even shinier.
- Insufficient cleansing can also be a problem – If your cleanser is too gentle or doesn’t remove impurities effectively, excess oil, dirt, and makeup can linger on your skin. This can clog pores, promote bacterial growth, and lead to breakouts.
Your cleanser should leave your skin feeling clean, comfortable, and refreshed—never stripped or greasy. Choosing a gentle, pH-balanced formula without harsh surfactants or drying alcohols will help maintain a healthy skin barrier while effectively cleansing your skin.
Which Cleanser Is Best for You?
Now that we’ve covered what to avoid and what to be cautious about, let’s dive into how you can select the perfect cleanser for your skin.
The Perfect Cleanser for Dry Skin: Dry skin often feels tight, rough or flaky due to a lack of natural oils. To keep it comfortable and hydrated, opt for a gentle, non-foaming, pH-neutral cleanser that will nourish your skin without stripping it of essential moisture. Cleansing balms and creamy, milky or gel-based cleansers are fantastic choices.
Cleanser to Choose for Combination Skin: Combination skin is characterised by an oily T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), while the cheeks tend to be normal or dry. Balancing is key, so in the evening, you can reach for a slightly stronger cleanser to tackle oilier areas, while in the morning, a gentler cleanser will help maintain harmony.
Cleanser for Problematic Skin: Problematic skin is prone to breakouts, blackheads and excess oil production, often requiring targeted ingredients to keep blemishes at bay. A cleanser with Salicylic Acid is a great choice, as this chemical exfoliant works deep within the pores to clear impurities and prevent breakouts.
Foaming Cleanser for Oily Skin: Oily skin tends to produce excess sebum, leading to a shiny appearance and an increased risk of clogged pores. Foaming cleansers can be your best friend in controlling oil, but be careful! While SLS-based cleansers can be too harsh, there are plenty of other foaming agents that are gentle enough for oily skin yet still effective at keeping shine under control.
Pro Tip: Not sure about your skin type? Try this simple test:
Wash your face, then wait for an hour without applying any products. If your skin feels tight, dry, or flaky, it’s dry. If it’s oily in some areas but tight in others, it’s combination skin. If your face feels oily all over, you likely have oily skin. If none of these apply, you probably have normal skin.
How Often Should You Wash Your Face?
Washing your face in the evening is essential to thoroughly cleanse your skin and remove dirt, makeup, and impurities—that’s non-negotiable. In the morning, gentle cleansing is important to remove any leftover serums or moisturisers from the night before, refresh and wake up your skin, and prepare it for your morning routine.
As mentioned earlier, cleansing is a "balancing" act. No matter how gentle your cleanser is, it still has some impact on your skin. So, avoid overdoing it—washing your face more than twice a day is usually unnecessary, except after intense physical activity or in humid summer weather.
Both morning and evening cleansing are important, but should you use the same cleanser for both? While it’s entirely up to personal preference, many people opt for a gentle cleanser in the morning to avoid stripping their skin, while choosing a slightly stronger cleanser in the evening to remove makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. However, you don’t have to use different cleansers—it depends on your skin’s needs and the products you're using.
Pro Tip: Wearing waterproof makeup? Double cleansing is the perfect solution for you! Start with an oil-based cleanser—oil attracts oil, so it effectively breaks down waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. Follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean and balanced.
If you’re unsure about how to approach your skincare routine or which products are best for you, you can always book a consultation with one of our Skin Experts at Face Dr.
Top Cleanser Picks for a Radiant Glow
To help you achieve glowing, radiant skin, we’ve put together a curated list of our top cleanser recommendations. All these products are formulated to gently cleanse, avoid harsh ingredients, and hydrate your skin, leaving it refreshed and glowing naturally. We’ve ensured that no matter your skin type, you’ll find the perfect match for your needs.
1. Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
Available exclusively at Face Dr in the UK, this gentle cleanser uses mild chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother, radiant complexion. It helps maintain hydration, leaving the skin soft and balanced without over-drying. Perfect for daily use and prepping the skin for professional treatments like chemical peels.
Key Features:
- Contains Glycolic Acid for gentle exfoliation and brightening.
- Glycerin hydrates and locks in moisture.
- Enhances the effectiveness of professional treatments.
Best For: Normal to oily skin, early signs of ageing, and anyone looking to restore their skin's natural glow.
The Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser retails for £32.00 exclusively at Face Dr.
2. ZO Skin Health ZO Exfoliating Cleanser
This gentle yet effective cleanser removes dirt, oil, and impurities while promoting a bright, even complexion. It hydrates and supports the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it clean, balanced, and glowing. The mild exfoliation reveals smoother, radiant skin without drying.
Key Features:
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Brightens and evens skin tone with Niacinamide, promoting a radiant complexion.
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Exfoliates and unclogs pores with Salicylic Acid, improving skin texture.
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Hydrates and locks in moisture with Glycerin, ensuring soft and smooth skin.
- Provides antioxidant protection and nourishment with Encapsulated Vitamin E.
Best For: Normal to oily skin types, especially those concerned with acne, excess oil, dullness, and uneven skin tone.
The ZO Skin Health ZO Exfoliating Cleanser retails at Face Dr.
3. Clinical Skin Brightening Face Wash
This cleanser effectively targets pigmentation and brightens the complexion. Formulated with exfoliating acids and plant extracts, it removes impurities and excess oil while promoting an even skin tone. Ideal for combination and oily skin, it exfoliates, soothes, and revitalises, leaving skin radiant and smooth.
Key Features:
- Exfoliates and promotes cell turnover with Glycolic and Salicylic Acids, improving texture and reducing breakouts.
- Brightens and evens skin tone with Vitamin C and Licorice Root Extract.
- Strengthens the skin barrier and hydrates with Ceramides and Hydrolysed Rice Protein.
- Soothes and calms with Green Tea and Lily Extracts.
- Provides antioxidant protection with Vitamin E.
Best For: Combination and oily skin types, especially those dealing with pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
The Clinical Skin Brightening Face Wash retails for £40.00 at Face Dr.
4. Obagi-C Cleansing Gel
This refreshing gel cleanser brightens and balances the skin while tackling hyperpigmentation. Powered by antioxidant-rich Vitamin C, it helps reduce dark spots and promote a radiant, youthful complexion. Infused with soothing plant extracts, it hydrates, calms, and removes impurities, leaving the skin with an even tone and healthy glow.
Key Features:
- Brightens and protects the skin with L-ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), reducing dark spots and fine lines.
- Hydrates and soothes the skin with Aloe Vera and Chamomile Extract.
- Soothes inflammation with Borage and Alfalfa Extracts.
- Enhances moisture retention with Glycerin, promoting soft and smooth skin.
Best For: Normal, dry, and combination skin types, particularly those dealing with pigmentation and signs of ageing.
The Obagi-C Cleansing Gel retails at Face Dr.
4. Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam is a luxurious, antioxidant-rich gel cleanser designed to hydrate, brighten, and protect ageing skin. Infused with soothing plant extracts and the powerful antioxidant Vitamin E, it gently cleanses while nourishing and maintaining the skin’s natural moisture. This cleanser leaves the skin feeling refreshed, smooth, and soft with a semi-dewy finish.
Key Features:
- Hydrates and soothes skin with Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, and Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract.
- Brightens and protects from free radicals with Vitamin E and antioxidants from Chestnut Shell Extract and Cocoa Extract.
- Enhances skin hydration with the Hydra Capture Complex™ (Mulberry Leaf and Mountain Yam Extract).
- Offers antioxidant protection with Citrus Unshiu Peel and Raspberry Fruit Extract.
Best For: Normal, combination, and oily skin types, particularly for those concerned with ageing or dehydration.
The Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Foam retails for £53.95 at https://londonlovesbeauty.com/.
5. Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser
Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser is a nourishing, hydrating cleanser designed specifically for dry skin. Infused with plant extracts and nourishing oils, it soothes and restores, making it a perfect choice for irritated or distressed skin. Its rich blend of ingredients helps balance and hydrate while ensuring that skin feels soft, smooth, and refreshed after every wash.
Key Features:
- Colloidal Oatmeal, rich in antioxidants, helps reduce redness and calm irritated skin.
- Marula Seed Oil, packed with antioxidants and omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, deeply nourishes and protects the skin.
- Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter is a super-rich plant butter that provides intense hydration and replenishes dry skin with fatty acids.
- Rosehip Oil and Evening Primrose Oil work together to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and support repair.
Best For: Dry, irritated skin in need of a gentle cleanse that leaves it feeling hydrated, nourished, and balanced.
The Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser retails for £35.00 at https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/.
In conclusion
These were our top cleanser picks! Achieving a bright, radiant complexion starts with the right skincare routine, and choosing the perfect cleanser is an essential first step. Whether you're looking to tackle dryness, irritation, or uneven tone, the right cleanser can make all the difference.
Book your free video skincare consultation
For personalised advice on achieving your healthiest, most glowing skin, book a consultation with Face Dr today. Our experts are here to guide you through the best skincare solutions tailored to your unique needs.
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