Cleansers are having a moment and I’m pretty sure you can understand why. Let’s face it, fresh skin is in and the need to wash away the daily accumulation of impurities has never been more important, even for routine novices.
All serious skincare addicts will know that cleansers are the building blocks of an efficient routine. But for those who need a little bit more convincing: believe it or not, cleansers actually play an important part in maintaining your skin’s health. They help to improve the overall texture of your face, keep pores clean and they can even boost your skin’s ability to embrace hydration. Have I convinced you yet?
Why should I use a cleanser?
Even if you don’t wear makeup every day, the rise in city pollution; daily skincare layering and the heavy duty veil of your favourite SPF all need removing and cleansers the best way to keep your skin fresh and healthy.
Not cleansing your skin properly can lead to breakouts, dullness and premature ageing, as the foreign particles interfere with your skin’s renewing process, encouraging pores to become clogged and the radiance of your skin to be practically non-existent. I don’t know about you but, for me, there’s no better feeling than washing away the day after an 8-hour shift. Then again, I’m a ‘bed before 10 pm’ kind of girl (only on weekdays) – don’t judge!
What cleanser is right for me?
There are many factors to consider when choosing a suitable face wash or cream cleanser. For some, it has to foam and for others, it has to feel moisturising, but the most common desires when choosing a cleanser are the need for speed and comfort. Basic formulations just don’t cut it anymore.
Should I use a non-rinse or rinse cleanser?
It’s all about routine preference and your skin’s tolerance levels. For example: If your skin tends to feel tight after washing. dry a no-rinse cleanser as harsh water can make your skin feel drier.
A 10-second guide for choosing to right cleanser:
- Blemished or Oily Skin: Use a gel foaming cleanser
- Sensitive Skin: Try a non-rinse cleanser
- Dehydrated/Dry Skin: Opt for a cream, lotion, milk or oil. Depending on your preference you can choose between no rinse and rinse formulas.
#1 The Fresh Foam Wash
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel
Cleanser Texture: Gel-foam
No Rinse / Rinse
Benefits:
✔️ A must-have for oily and/or blemished skin
✔️ Can be used to help clear bacne and blemishes elsewhere on the body
I discovered this wash when using the La Roche-Posay Effaclar 3-Step Anti-Blemish System, and 5 years later, I still make sure I always have one spare in my bathroom. This fresh foaming wash is the best at keeping both oil and blemishes at bay as it uses zinc to purify. Plus, a little bit goes a long way, so If you suffer from bacne or spots anywhere else on your body you can double it up as both a face and body wash too. If you wear heavy makeup, it’s probably best to cleanse your skin with a makeup-removing cleanser first, then use the wash to remove any excess impurities.
#2 The Indulgent Option
Decleor Aroma Cleanse Bi-Phase Caring Cleanser & Makeup Remover
Cleanser Texture: Oil-Water
No Rinse / Rinse (Both, depending on the time of day used)
Benefits:
✔️ It’s a cleanser and makeup remover hybrid
✔️ It’s 99% natural so it’s great for sensitive skin
The new kid on the block, this bi-phase cleanser combines comfort, speed and luxury to indulge your skin in a pure pampering ritual, even if you’ve only got minutes to spare. The point of difference for this cleanser is its natural origin and method of use, so you rinse in the morning and don’t rinse at night to enhance your skin’s glow. The 3 botanical oils (jojoba, sweet almond, and hazelnut) and 3 floral waters (blueberry, peppermint and hamamelis) in this remover don’t just cleanse the skin, they plump, moisturise and add radiance. This cleanser is great for dehydrated, sensitive or mature skin types.
#3 The Multitasking Micellar Water
Cleanser Texture: Water
No Rinse / Rinse
Benefits:
✔️ Great for sensitive skin
✔️ Super fast at removing even waterproof eye makeup
One of these Micellar Waters is sold every 3 seconds around the world and as it’s a cult classic, I can’t miss it out of this edit. Not to be confused with the other red-topped bottles on the market, Bioderma Sensibio H2O is specifically formulated to be way more respectful to the needs of those with sensitive skin. The micelles within this formula are created to resemble the phospholipids of skin cell membranes, so as you cleanse, your skin doesn’t feel dry or irritated, only refreshed and comforted.
#4 The City Girl’s Cleanser
Vichy Purete Thermale Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil
Cleanser Texture: Oil
No Rinse / Rinse
Benefits:
✔️ Ideal for dehydrated skin
✔️ Its antioxidant-packed formula is perfect if you live in a polluted area
I’d recommend the Vichy Purete Thermale Oil for those that need a cleanser that’s fast and hard-working but still feels luxurious too. Ideal for anything that requires heavy duty cleansing, from wearing a full coverage foundation to living in a polluted city, this hard-working cleansing oil uses a combination of camellia oil, a powerful antioxidant and micelle technology to break down stubborn impurities, and even mask-like SPFs that can sometimes clog pores and feel heavy on the skin. If you crave the feeling of instant freshness from a cleanser, this feels and smells absolutely delightful!
#5 The Extra Cautious Cleansing Lotion
Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Cleanser Texture: Creamy Lotion
No Rinse / Rinse
Benefits:
✔️ This high-tolerance formula was made for sensitive skin and flare-ups
✔️ It’s SLS-Free
For those who are cautious about cleansing due to harsh water and skin irritability, Avene’s Extremely Gentle Cleanser is your ideal match. More than a cleanser, it cools, soothes, calms and delicately hydrates your skin. Its formula is pretty innovative, as the main active ingredient parcerine actually reduces skin reactivity whilst you cleanse, so you can put your mind and skin at ease with this one!
The Future Favourite
Klorane Floral Water Make-Up Remover
Cleanser Texture: Water
No Rinse / Rinse
Benefits:
✔️ Its hypoallergenic and organic formula can be used on both the face and eyes, so even contact lens wearers and hayfever suffers can enjoy it
✔️ Its packaging is perfect for anyone who hates wasting product
✔️ Perfect for double cleansers who want a gentle remover
After the huge success of the original Klorane Eye Makeup Remover Lotion, the new Klorane Floral Water Make-Up Remover is set to become a real winner for those who suffer from sensitive skin. Perfect for busy routines, this 3-in-1 cleanser, toner and makeup remover contains cornflower, a gentle decongestant that purifies without drying skin out. Plus, its innovative reverse pump packaging means you’ll never spill or use too much, all you do is place your cotton pad on the top, push down and you have the perfect amount of formula ready to remove makeup and impurities. We’ve launched this skincare must-buy before anyone else, so don’t miss out on a future favourite!
