What is the difference between a cleanser and a face wash?

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Keeping a healthy glow on your face all begins with your daily cleansing habits. Attacking clogged pores, removing excess oil, and removing makeup residue can be accomplished in multiple ways. Knowing there are differences between how face wash and facial cleansers interact with your body will help keep your skin feeling clean while protecting your skin’s natural oils. Lets break down the differences between a cleanser and face wash.

Facial cleansers will remove dead skin cells and clean pores while providing a more soothing and hydrating experience meant to nourish your skin. Face washes provide a deeper cleanse of your pores while focusing on getting the job done.

Now we can take a deeper look into each product.

What is face cleanser?

Facial cleansers are skincare products that are designed to keep pours clean and can help fight against acne prone skin. The cleanser can be used to remove makeup residue, dead skin cells, oils, dirt’s, and other types of unwanted grime from your skin.

facial cleanser

Selecting the proper facial cleanser will be based on your body’s individual needs and goals. It is important to follow the instructions on your cleanser to avoid issues that could arise from leaving your cleanser on too long.

Gel cleansers

A clear gel like consistency that targets acne prone and oily skin through their deep cleaning and exfoliating properties.

Cream cleansers

A thicker creamier formula that targets dry and sensitive skin by providing the skin with a cleansing moisturizing effect while avoiding stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Foam cleansers

A more lightweight product with a foamy lather aimed at targeting combination skin while effectively removing excess oils.

Clay cleansers

A clay cleansing formula that is designed to quickly transform to a mousse that targets everyday impurities while replicating the benefits of a clay mask.

Micellar water

A non rinse lightweight and soap free formula made up of tiny molecules that removes dirt and makeup residue. Micellar water is a great option for those with acne prone skin and dry or sensitive skin types. Can be used as a stand alone cleanser or the first step of a double cleansing.

What is face wash?

Face washes are water based formulations designed to get sudsy once you gently massage it into your skin. They can deeply clean pores and help combat oil production through the use use of ingredients such as alcohol, citric acid, and salicylic acid.

facial bar soap

Face washes tend to be harsher on the skin and can negatively affect dry or sensitive skin types if over applied.

Bar face wash

Bars of soap designed specifically for washing only your face.

Gel face wash

Water based gel formulas typically made of mild ingredients such as essential oils to promote healthy skin.

Foam face wash

Foaming face wash uses a foamy lather to effectively remove oils and dirt’s while reaching deep into the pores.

Powder face wash

Face washes that come in a powder form that are activated by water. The powder transforms into a soothing cream or foam and contains exfoliating properties targeting a deeper clean.

How to select the right cleanser and face wash

Selecting the correct skincare products for your daily routine will come down to your body’s specific skin type and your skincare goals.

The main factor in determining when you should buy foaming face washes or a cream cleanser comes down to skin type. Different skin types require different approaches in order to maximize your ideal skincare routine.