The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Face Cleanser
What is cleansing?
Cleansing is one of the most fundamental steps in any skincare routine. A well-chosen cleanser can leave your skin feeling fresh, clear, and prepared for the next steps in your regimen. Whether you’re dealing with acne, dryness, or just need to remove makeup, there’s a facial cleanser for every need. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the various types of face cleansers, how to use them, and how to choose the right one for your skin type:
Know about 10 different types of Cleansers:
1. Gel Cleansers
Gel cleansers have a water-based, jelly-like texture that’s typically mild but effective at deep cleansing. They often contain hydrating and nourishing ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.
Best For:
- Oily and acne-prone skin due to their oil-free formula.
- A second cleanse after using an oil cleanser, to remove any leftover residue.
How to Use:
Apply the gel to damp skin and massage in gentle circles, then rinse with warm water.
Some Gel Cleanser Recommended By Beautysphere:
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Gel Cleanser, Gentle Cleansing and Hydration, With Hyaluronic Acid, 50ml
MRP: ₹229
Price: ₹137 (-40% Off)
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Simple Active Skin Barrier Care Smoothing Gel Face Cleanser 150ml
MRP: ₹399
Price: ₹331 (-17% Off)
Buy From Amazon2. Cream Cleansers
Cream cleansers are creamy and form a soft lather when applied. They contain moisturizing oils like jojoba or argan oil, making them more hydrating than gel cleansers.
Best For:
- Dry or combination skin types, as they provide moisture while cleansing.
- Sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea.
How to Use:
Massage the cream into damp skin, working it into a lather. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Some cream Cleanser Recommended By Beautysphere:
The Derma Co Creamy Cleanser for Sensitive Skin | 100 ml
MRP: ₹249
Price: ₹199 (-20% Off)
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simple Active Skin Barrier Care Replenishing Cream Face Cleanser 150Ml For Dry, Sensitive Skin, With 11% Ceramide Boosters, Hyaluronic Acid & Glycerin |For Women & Men
MRP: ₹399
Price: ₹339 (-15% Off)
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Brinton Doux Deep Cleanser, Face Cleansing Cream, 125 ml
MRP: ₹299
Price: ₹224.60 (-15% Off)
Buy From Amazon3. Oil Cleansers
Oil cleansers are formulated with oils (liquid or balm) and work by dissolving dirt, makeup, and oil on your skin. The oil binds to impurities, which are then rinsed away with water.
Best For:
- Dry, combination, or normal skin.
- Those who wear heavy makeup or waterproof makeup, as oils are great at dissolving even stubborn products.
How to Use:
Apply to dry skin and massage gently. Emulsify with water to transform it into a milky texture, then rinse thoroughly.
Some Oil Cleanser Recommended By Beautysphere:
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil 30ml
MRP: ₹699
Price: ₹628 (-10% Off)
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Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, Makeup Blackhead Remover, Oil Cleanser for Face, Korean Skin Care 200ml
MRP: ₹1,720
Price: ₹1,376 (-20% Off)
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DHC Beauty Deep Cleansing Oil (30ml), with Olives, Removes Makeup And Impurities, Cleansing Oil/Makeup Remover for Soft & Glowing Skin
MRP: ₹499
Price: ₹475 (-5% Off)
Buy From Amazon4. Foam Cleansers
Foam cleansers have a light, airy texture that creates a bubbly lather, helping to remove dirt and oil. Modern formulations are less stripping than older versions.
Best For:
- Oily and acne-prone skin, as they are great at removing excess sebum.
- Those who prefer a foamy, refreshing texture.
How to Use:
Apply to damp skin, massaging in circular motions. Rinse with warm water.
Some Foam Cleanser Recommended By Beautysphere:
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Face Wash 100ml | Face Wash for Glowing Skin | Cleanser for Uneven Skin Tone | Korean Skin Care, For Oily skin
MRP: ₹625
Price: ₹565 (-10% Off)
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SebaMed Clear Face Cleansing Foam, 150ml & Sebamed Clear Face Foam, 50ml
MRP: ₹927
Price: ₹811 (-13% Off)
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Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam, Facial Cleanser, for Double Cleansing, BHA, Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Face Wash, Blackhead Remover, Korean Skincare (150ml)
MRP: ₹1,050
Price: ₹840 (-20% Off)
Buy From Amazon5. Clay Cleansers
Clay cleansers contain ingredients like kaolin, bentonite, and green clay that absorb excess oil and toxins, deeply cleansing the pores.
Best For:
- Oily skin types, as clay absorbs excess oil and helps balance the skin.
- Those seeking to minimize pores and purify their complexion.
How to Use:
Massage the cleanser into damp skin and rinse after a minute or so. You can also use this type of cleanser 1–2 times a week for a deep cleanse.
Some clay Cleanser Recommended By Beautysphere:
THANKYOU FARMER Rice Pure Clay Mask To Foam Cleanser - 2 in 1 Rice Face Wash Korean For Skin Whitening | Pore Care | Controls Sebum | Deep Cleansing Korean Skincare Products For All Skin Types - 150ml
MRP: ₹1,999
Price: ₹1,503 (-25% Off)
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L'Oreal Paris Pure Clay Red Face Cleanser with Red Algae Exfoliates and Brightens, 150ml
MRP: ₹1,299
Price: ₹999 (-23% Off)
Buy From Amazon6. Powder Cleansers
Powder cleansers are dry until you add water, at which point they turn into a creamy paste. These are often gentle and can have exfoliating properties due to ingredients like rice bran or clay.
Best For:
- Oily or acne-prone skin.
- Those who want a mild exfoliant along with cleansing.
How to Use:
Sprinkle a small amount of powder into your hands, add a little water, and create a paste. Massage into damp skin and rinse.
Some Powder Cleanser Recommended By Beautysphere:
Brillare Vitamin C Face Wash for Pigmentation & Dark Spots, Coconut & Orange Face Wash for Skin Brightening, 100% Natural Powder Facewash, 30g
MRP: ₹495
Price: ₹249 (-50% Off)
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Clay Co Brightening Azuki Beans & Koji Rice Foaming Face Wash Powder 30g | Face Wash Women | Salicylic Acid Face Wash with Kojic Acid | Clay Mask for Glowing Skin | Japanese Skin Care Products
MRP: ₹799
Price: ₹639 (-20% Off)
Buy From Amazon
Brillare Rose Face Wash, Anti Ageing Skin, Sandalwood & Coconut Face Wash for Hydration, Reduce Wrinkles & Provides Supple Look, 100% Natural Powder Face Wash, 15g
MRP: ₹250
Price: ₹200 (-20% Off)
Buy From Amazon7. Micellar Cleansers
Micellar water uses tiny cleansing molecules (micelles) to attract and remove dirt, oil, and makeup. It’s an effective no-rinse solution.
Best For:
- Sensitive and dry skin types.
- Those looking for a quick, convenient cleanse without the need for water.
How to Use:
Soak a cotton pad with micellar water and gently wipe over your face to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. No need to rinse.
Some Micellar Cleanser Recommended By Beautysphere:
Lakme Micellar Pure Facewash for Deep Pore Cleanse 50g
MRP: ₹149
Price: ₹120 (-19% Off)
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Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water 100 ml | Gently Removes Make-Up & Hydrates | For All Skin Types
MRP: ₹185
Price: ₹176 (-5% Off)
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LAKMÉ Micellar Water: Hydrating & Soothing Face Cleanser | Gentle Makeup Remover, Micellar Cleansing Water 200ml
MRP: ₹450
Price: ₹247 (-45% Off)
Buy From Amazon8. Bar Cleansers
Bar cleansers are solid soaps that foam up when you add water. Many modern formulations are pH balanced and contain moisturizing ingredients.
Best For:
- Dry, combination, or normal skin.
- Travel-friendly, as they're solid and won’t leak.
How to Use:
Wet the bar and your face, rub the bar between your hands to create lather, and then apply to your skin. Rinse with warm water.
Some Bar Cleanser Recommended By Beautysphere:
SebaMed Cleansing Bar, Ph5.5, Gentle, Non Drying, Soap Free, Moisturizing Bath, Vitamins & Amino Acids L Free From Phthalates, Dermatologically & Clinically Tested L Ideal, 100 Gm
MRP: ₹190
Price: ₹179 (-6% Off)
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The Body Shop Almond Milk Cleansing Face and Body Bar, 100 G
MRP: ₹345
Price: ₹293 (-20% Off)
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Cetaphil Cleansing and Moisturising Syndet Bar, Shea Butter,For Face & Body, Sensitive skin, 75g, Pack of 1
MRP: ₹225
Price: ₹182 (-19% Off)
Buy From Amazon9. Balm Cleansers
Balm cleansers are oil-based and typically have a solid-to-oil texture that melts when massaged into the skin. They gently remove makeup, sunscreen, and dirt without leaving residue behind.
Best For:
- Dry, normal, or combination skin.
- Anyone looking for a luxurious, hydrating cleanse that removes heavy makeup.
How to Use:
Massage the balm into dry skin, then add water to emulsify the balm into a milky texture. Rinse with lukewarm water.
Some Balm Cleanser Recommended By Beautysphere:
Deconstruct Soothing Makeup Cleansing Balm|Contains 0.1% Bisabolol&1% Oats Oil|Gentle Makeup Remover|For Normal,Dry,Combination Skin|Removes Excess Oil&Dirt,Detoxifies&Clear Pores|For Men&Women|50G
MRP: ₹349
Price: ₹314 (-10% Off)
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Dot & Key Strawberry Dew Cleansing Balm | For Clean, Smooth & Dewy Skin | Makeup Remover Balm |Non Greasy Makeup Cleanser Face Scrub | Cleanses Dirt, Makeup & Sunscreen | For All Skin Types | 70ml
MRP: ₹499
Price: ₹424 (-15% Off)
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Pilgrim French Red Vine Supermelt Cleansing Balm 50gm | Makeup remover cleansing balm for face | Removes Waterproof Makeup | Deeply Cleanses | Hydrates & Nourishes skin | For All Skin Type |
MRP: ₹445
Price: ₹330 (-26% Off)
Buy From Amazon10. Cleansing Wipes & Pads
Cleansing wipes and pads are pre-soaked with a gentle cleansing solution. They’re convenient for quick cleanses, especially while traveling or after a workout.
Best For:
- Oily or combination skin, for occasional use or as a first cleanse.
- People who need a quick solution for removing makeup on the go.
How to Use:
Simply swipe the pad or wipe across your face to remove makeup, dirt, and oil. Follow up with a traditional cleanser if necessary.
Some Wipes & Pads Cleanser Recommended By Beautysphere:
PERISAFE Essential Face Wipes Individually wrapped Sachet | 4-IN-1 | pH Balanced | Free from Alcohol, Paraben, Silicon |Pack of 30 Wipes
MRP: ₹150
Price: ₹145 (-3% Off)
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Origami Cotton Pads for Face Makeup Removal | Pre Makeup Cleansing | 80 Soft Round Pads - Pack of 2 (160 Pads)
MRP: ₹360
Price: ₹199 (-45% Off)
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Lacto Calamine Daily Cleansing Face Wipes with Aloe Vera, Cucumber and Vitamin E (25 wipes) Pack of 1
MRP: ₹150
Price: ₹69 (-54% Off)
Buy From Amazon
How to Properly Cleanse Your Face:
- Prep Your Face: If you're wearing makeup, use an eye makeup remover to gently dissolve mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow.
- Apply Your Cleanser: For oil-based cleansers, apply to dry skin and massage in circular motions. For water-based cleansers (like gels or creams), apply to damp skin and gently massage.
- Rinse & Pat Dry: Use lukewarm water to rinse away the cleanser. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
The Science Behind Cleansing:
Cleansing removes sebum, dirt, impurities, and product residue from your skin, keeping pores clear. Regular cleansing can promote skin clarity, improve cell turnover, and help active ingredients in your skincare routine work more effectively. The act of massaging your skin during cleansing improves circulation, which helps rejuvenate your complexion.
Double Cleansing:
Double cleansing involves using two cleansers in succession. The first is typically an oil or balm cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a second water-based cleanser (gel, foam, cream) to cleanse deeper into the pores. It’s especially beneficial for those who wear heavy makeup, sunscreen, or live in polluted areas.
Key Ingredients to Look for:
For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Look for exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid or retinol. These help keep pores clear.
For Dry Skin: Seek cleansers with emollients such as squalene, ceramides, or glycerin. These ingredients lock in moisture and protect the skin's barrier.
For Sensitive Skin: Choose cleansers with mild ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or calendula that soothe and hydrate without irritation.
Curious about the right products for different skin Types?
Learn how to care for each skin type with these essentials:
Conclusion
Additionally, always consider the pH balance of the cleanser. A product that respects your skin's natural pH will help maintain its protective barrier, preventing irritation and other skin concerns. Also, opting for natural, gentle ingredients can provide added benefits like hydration, anti-inflammatory effects, and antioxidants, promoting healthier, more radiant skin.Choosing the right cleanser is the first step to achieving healthy, balanced skin. By understanding your skin type and concerns, you can select a cleanser that not only cleans but nourishes and prepares your skin for the rest of your skincare routine. Happy cleansing!
