Which cleanser is for me?
The other day I was looking for almond milk. I perused the alternative milk aisle to discover 10 different brands of almond milk, and camel milk…and avocado milk. I realized my look of confusion is the look I see on people’s faces when walking through a skincare aisle. It made me think that to most people, buying face wash is like going to the grocery in the 21st century — what product do you choose?
There can be a million different options from a million different brands, and many of them are packaged to sound the exact same as the product next to it. Many don’t realize there are different types of cleansers, and they are all formulated for different purposes.
When there are so many options, which one is made for you?
Most people don’t know the difference between a cleansing balm, a creamy cleanser, a cleansing milk or a cleansing oil. They just want a non-stripping soap to wash their face..
Follow this list for a basic rule of thumb when scouting the retail cabinets for your next cleanser:
Balm Cleanser: thickest & most moisturizing type of cleanser, balms melt into oil when applied to skin and are usually used during double cleansing.
Cleansing Oil: very similar to balm cleansers but in liquid form, turns milky when emulsified with water and can be used for double cleansing or very dry skin.
Creamy Cleanser: a non-foaming, non drying cleanser meant for dry skin. can also be followed with a gel cleanser when double cleansing for combination skin.
Cleansing Milk: a non-foaming and lighter version of the creamy cleanser. can be followed with a gel or foaming cleanser for the double cleanse method with oily skin.
Gel Cleanser: a foaming cleanser meant for a deeper clean. often great for balancing oil or acne, though some are more drying, so keep that in mind when pairing it with other products.
Foam Cleanser: a thin liquid that comes out of the bottle as foam. usually meant for a deep cleanse and often catered to oily and acneic skin.
Clay Cleanser: a less stripping/active alternative to a foam or gel cleanser. great for oil control, acne or clogged skin.
Powder Cleanser: often seen in asian skincare, powders are activated into a milky cleanser when mixed with water. these are usually made with rice powder and offer a gentle exfoliation that can be used daily.
Cleansing Toilette: great for travel, these are lightweight, biodegradable & single use cloths that activate with water. not the deepest cleanse, but great in a pinch.
Cleansing Bar: great for travel, but typically not recommended for regular usage. bar soaps tend to contain cheaper ingredients that do nothing for the skin, and a lot of waxes that leave behind an undesirable film. the main concern with bar soaps, however, is the bacterial and fungal growth that accrues from it sitting in the bathroom. sometimes i travel with small bar soaps, but i always toss them before returning home.
There are many different types of cleansers, and they all have their own purpose. Consider switching up your routine, especially if you double cleanse, to get a multitude of benefits from your cleansers.
