Facial Cleansers

Both facial cleansers and face washes are formulas created to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin. Typically, cleansers are formulated to be gentle and non-stripping and typically don’t foam up—while face washes are also a type of cleanser that contains foaming agents that help to create a lather, which can help to remove oil and makeup. Some face washes are also formulated to address specific skin concerns, such as acne or dryness.

Many face washes and facial cleansers are specifically formulated to remove makeup. A makeup cleansing balm is a good choice to melt away makeup and leaves the skin feeling clean and smooth. One tip—if you’re wearing lots of makeup on any given day, try a double cleanssing your face. Before bed, apply your cleanser, rinse and then reapply and rinse again for extra cleansing power.

Your face cleanser should always be the first step in your morning and evening skin care routines. A daily cleanser is gentle enough to use in the morning to remove dirt and oil that may have built up overnight. A clean, non-irritating fragrance free skin cleanser formula will leave your skin feeling refreshed and ready for your makeup. Gently cleanse your face before bed to remove makeup and all the dirt of the day. A makeup cleansing balm is a perfect way to end the day. It’s a solid balm cleanser that softens as you massage it into your skin to instantly melt away makeup. Day and night, follow your cleanser with toner and serum and moisturizer.

Start by selecting the best formula for your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, choose a rich, non-irritating gentle face cleanser. If you have acne-prone skin, choose a formula that is an acne face cleanser with salicylic acid.

Next, dispense a dime-to-nickel-sized amount of cleanser into your hands and gently massage the face cleanser into your skin with your fingertips, extending it up into your hairline, onto your jawline and down onto your neck. Massage with upward/circular strokes for about 60 seconds. Be sure to work the face cleanser into the sides of your nose and the top crease of your chin where oil and debris tend to accumulate. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then pat dry with a towel.

For most people, washing their face with their hands is perfectly adequate and gentle enough for daily cleansing. However, using a washcloth can be beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it can help to gently exfoliate and remove buildup. It's important to use a clean washcloth each time to avoid introducing bacteria to the skin and to be gentle when scrubbing to avoid irritation. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what works best for your skin type!  

Face cleanser is an important part of a skincare routine and is suitable for almost any skin type. It is especially beneficial for people with oily or acne-prone skin, as it may help to unclog pores and remove excess oil. However, even people with dry, oily, or combination skin types can benefit from using a face cleanser to help remove dirt, pollutants, and makeup that can accumulate on the skin throughout the day. Ultimately, anyone interested in maintaining a clean-feeling complexion should consider using a face cleanser daily.

Double cleansing your face is a two-step method of cleansing your skin that involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a face cleanser. The first step helps to remove makeup, dirt, and excess oils on the surface of the skin, while the second step cleanses the skin at a deeper level, helping to remove impurities. This method is particularly popular in Korean beauty routines as a way of achieving a deep, thorough cleanse for the skin. Double cleansing can help to leave your skin looking and feeling clean and refreshed.

The e.l.f. Cosmetics Blemish Breakthrough Acne Clarifying Cleanser is a great choice for those with acne-prone or oily skin. This acne face cleanser helps to control shine and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Gentle yet effective, this cleanser is great for daily use.

The best face cleanser for your dry skin from e.l.f. is Holy Hydration! Clean Freak Daily Cleanser is an excellent choice. Its gentle hydrating formula helps to effectively cleanse the skin and leaves skin feeling moisturized and healthy-looking. Formulated with 1% hyaluronic acid complex, this cleanser helps to leave the skin feeling soft and cleaned.

Read more about a hydrating skincare routine for dry skin.