How To Choose The Right Cleanser for Your Skin

Most decisions in life are difficult enough without having to add finding the right cleanser for your skin type to the pile. With the millions of formulas and ingredients out there, how do you really know which one best suits your skin? And we all know that the proper cleansing routine is the foundation for a flawless complexion. To help you skip over the whole trial-and-error ordeal, we’ve put together an all-inclusive guide to finding “the one” that will keep your complexion clean and happy! 

Dry Skin Cleansers

When it comes to your dry skin, you want to look for a cleansing formula that will help your complexion retain moisture — that’s why a creamy or oil-based wash like Lancôme Crème Douceur (cream-to-oil) orGarnier Skin Care Clean+ Nourishing Cleansing Oil is ideal for your skin type. An added bonus is a cleanser containing the hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid — as it can draw in water to lock in moisture for ultimate relief from dryness. And as much as you love to lather, avoid foaming washes as they can strip your skin of natural moisture and cause irritation.

Oily Skin Cleansers

Get rid of that slick by using a deep cleansing gel or foaming wash like Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash to gently lift away dirt and oil without stripping your skin (which could cause it to kick into overdrive and produce more oil!). A soap-free cleansing foam like The Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash is strong enough to eliminate all traces of makeup and leave skin feeling perfectly fresh, without the tight feeling left behind by harsher cleansers. Another great way to keep oil at bay is by introducing a Clarisonic into your cleansing routine and using it twice a day (or more if you exercise regularly).

Combination Skin Cleansers

So, your skin isn’t dry OR oily — it’s both! If you don’t want to use two different cleansers on separate facial areas (we don’t blame you!) there are gel cleansers that are gentle enough to treat dry skin and efficient enough to buff away impurities and unclog pores. Try an oil-free wash like L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean All Skin Types Foaming Gel Cleanser or Garnier Skin Care Clean+ Purifying Foam Cleanser for a customized cleanse that works to balance skin without over drying!

Sensitive Skin Cleansers

Whether your concern is rosacea or your skin just turns red to the touch, a cleanser with non-irritating ingredients is what your complexion needs. Condition your skin with a non-lathery, cream cleanser containing mild plant oils like sweet almond, jojoba or soothing orange oil like the SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser. To calm sensitive skin, look for a paraben-free, fragrance-free cleanser that contains glycerin (we love Vichy Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 Cleansing Solution), which works to attract just the right amount of moisture to keep skin hydrated and refreshed.

Acne-Prone Skin Cleansers

You want a cleanser that will not only give your skin a deep clean, but also works to help treat the source of your problem — acne. Using a medicated cleanser like La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser with salicylic acid and lipo hydroxy acid will fight the production of excess oil to gently remove dirt and visibly clear acne breakouts. Try using the product twice daily for best results, or several times a week (using a mild cleanser daily) if your skin is sensitive.