Not all facial cleansers are created equal. While they all serve the basic function of removing oil, dirt, and impurities, they are also formulated to address various skin types and concerns. If some are better suited for dry or sensitive skin, others are designed for oily or acne-prone skin. 

Whatever your skin type is, knowing and understanding the different forms of cleansers can elevate your cleansing game and overall skincare routine. Here, we take a closer look at the types of cleansers to help you find out which one is best suited for your skin type and unique needs. 

For further reading: Do You Know Your Skin Type?

Gel facial cleansers

Suitable for: normal, oily, and combination skin

These cleansers are lightweight formulas that effectively remove dirt, excess oil, and light makeup without drying out your skin. When used mixed with some water and friction, they generally produce some lather (the extent varies), which helps lift away impurities from the skin and provides a deeper clean. 

Gel cleansers are often formulated with mild ingredients, providing a lighter cleaning experience. Some may also feature ingredients that promote hydrated skin and maintain the skin’s barrier, such as ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. They leave the skin feeling refreshed, smooth, and soft. 

Foaming facial cleansers

Suitable for: normal, oily, combination, and acne-prone

As the name suggests, foaming cleansers produce a foam or different levels of lathers (from mild to full-on). Usually starting as a gel or cream, they then become bubbly when mixed with water and applied to the skin. The foaming particles provide deep cleaning, lifting away dirt, excess oil, and impurities that can lead to breakouts. 

A foaming face wash is ideal for those who want a deep clean feeling or those dealing with pore-congestion. Dr. Sylvia’s LuminousFoam Cleanser 4-in-1 features a well-balanced blend of actives to purify, hydrate, brighten, and help prevent acne. It effectively cleanses and removes dead skin cells to maintain a fresh and smooth texture.

Cream/lotion facial cleanser

Suitable for: normal, dry, and sensitive skin

If gel cleansers feature a lightweight formula, cream- or lotion-based ones have a richer and thicker texture. Depending on a certain product, these cleansers may produce a lather, but they mostly rely on their creamy texture to gently cleanse the skin. They are less drying and don’t strip the oil the skin needs, leaving it feeling softer and hydrated. 

Cream or lotion facial cleansers feature oils and emollients that effectively remove dirt, makeup, and impurities. They also feel soothing and moisturizing on the skin, making them ideal for those with dry, sensitive, or mature skin. These types of cleansers are also great to use in winter or cold climates.

Oil-based cleansers

Suitable for: all skin types, particularly dry, sensitive, and those who wear makeup

Commonly formulated as cleansing or balms, oil-based cleansers feature moisturizing oil as their main ingredients. Unlike other cleansers, they don’t lather but effectively remove dirt, excess oil, and long-wear makeup. They emulsify with water, turning into a milky texture that you can rinse off later.

Oil-based cleansers are commonly used as a part of a double-cleanse routine, a method that uses an oil-based formula as the first, followed by a water-based cleanser. The oil cleanser dissolves oil-soluble impurities (makeup, excess sebum) while the water one removes water-soluble impurities (dirt, sweat). 

Cleansing bars

Suitable for: normal, oily, and combination skin

Despite the name, cleansing bars or bar cleansers are different from traditional soap bars. Newer and quality formulas are non-soap cleansers, but contain skin-friendly ingredients. Available in a solid formula, these bars lather when mixed with water, removing gunk, oil, and impurities from the face.

Cleansing bars cater to almost all skin types without stripping the skin. Many are also formulated with natural or hydrating ingredients to support skin health. Just make sure to choose a cleansing bar that is right for your skin type. Avoid traditional bar soaps (even those with hydrating ingredients), as they can be too harsh for the skin, 

Micellar water

Suitable for: Most skin types

Unlike traditional cleansers, micellar water doesn’t require water or rinsing, as you can pour some of it on a cotton pad and wipe it all over your face. It is gentle and alcohol-free, but can effectively cleanse the skin, lifting away dirt, excess oil, and makeup. These cleansers also typically include hydrating ingredients, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed. 

Micellar waters feature molecules called micelles that act like magnets to lift impurities away from your skin’s surface. They can also be a part of a double cleansing routine where you use them first to remove makeup, followed by a gel, foaming, or cream cleanser afterward. 

Which one should you choose?

The best way to determine the right face cleanser for you is to consider your skin type and the skin conditions you may have. Also, make sure to pair your cleanser with other quality skin care products for healthy and glowing skin. 

Browse through our blog for more skincare tips or visit drsylviaskincare.com to shop for medical-grade skin products. You can also message us via WhatsApp at +65 9780 2079 to schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctors in Singapore at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics.