How to Pick the Right Face Wash & Cleanser

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a fresh, clean face—it’s one of life’s simple pleasures. Think of your face as the canvas where you create all of your stunning makeup looks. That canvas needs to be clean before you paint on it, right? That’s just one reason why it’s so important to choose clean, vegan skincare products.

All products you put on your skin can either support it or bring you down. That’s why it is so essential to carefully curate your makeup bag and only choose products that help your skin live up to its most glowing potential. 

At Kinder Beauty, we understand that it can sometimes seem overwhelming to choose the best products for your skin. That’s why we’re here to help guide you through the process of picking the right face cleanser. 

First, we’ll start with a recap about the importance of face cleansers. Then, we’ll discuss how to pick the right cleanser for you. Finally, we’ll share some of our favorite recommendations for the best of the best facial cleansers. We’re sure you’ll love these conscious companies as much as we do!

What is a face cleanser?

First thing’s first: facial cleanser is not the same thing as face wash. These often have different textures—a face cleanser will usually have a milky or creamy texture, while a face wash will often have a foamy one (with a little lathering). Facial cleanser is designed to hydrate, purify, and soothe the skin. On the contrary, face wash usually just, well, washes your face. 

Face cleanser is tasked with way more responsibilities than plain old face wash—that’s why it’s one of our favorite products. A good skincare routine may even include both a wash and a cleanser, as the double cleanse is a popular skincare strategy.

If you don’t properly clean your face, you’re not giving your skin the care it deserves. This can lead to breakouts or the appearance of larger pores. It’s clear: choosing the right facial cleanser is more important than it might seem at first glance. 

People with any skin type can benefit from incorporating a face cleanser into their daily skincare routine. Whether you have dry skin or oily skin, the perfect facial cleanser is out there for you—it’s just a matter of finding it!

How do I pick the right face cleanser for me?

Think about how you select all of your skincare products. You tailor them directly to your skin type, and your facial cleanser is no different. When you’re selecting a cleanser, the best thing to do is to take the type of skin you have into consideration and go from there. 

You’ll also want to consider whether you want a face cleanser that removes makeup residue, provides hydration, or includes specialty ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycolic acid. 

What are the different skin types?

There are four different skin types: normal, dry, oily, and combination. Sensitive skin and mature skin are sometimes considered two additional types that play a role in looking for fragrance-free or anti-aging formulas, too. 

While you might have an idea of what skin type you have, there are some traits that can help confirm it. 

Normal skin

We’d argue that really, there is no such thing as “normal skin,” but since it’s widely considered a skin type, we’ll entertain it. 

The word “normal” refers to skin that’s well-balanced; it isn’t too oily or too dry. It usually doesn’t experience many breakouts, either. As a result, when you’re choosing a facial cleanser for normal skin, you’re looking for a product that will help maintain that balance. Because normal skin is usually high-tolerance, you’ll find that you can use most cleansers without any negative effects. 

Dry skin

If you have dry skin, you don’t produce as much sebum as normal skin does. It lacks the lipids that are needed to maintain moisture, so sometimes dry skin feels rough and looks dull. When you’re choosing a cleanser, look for a hydrating cleanser that won’t further strip your skin of its natural oils. 

Oily skin

If you have oily skin, your skin produces excess sebum. You’ll usually notice visible pores and a glossy shine to the face, especially in the forehead and chin. Your face cleanser should be designed to help regulate oil production and help balance pH. An oil-free or non-comedogenic product might be your best bet as well. 

You’ll also want a cleanser that will work to purify your pores—since they’re enlarged, they’re at greater risk of being clogged.

Combination skin

As you might have guessed, this skin type applies to you if you actually have several different skin types present on your face—most commonly, dry and oily. Typically this manifests as an oily T-zone and dry cheeks, especially right on top of the cheekbones. If you have combination skin, you should focus on selecting a cleanser that will clear away grime and oil without stripping the skin of all its natural moisture. 

What are some brands that make excellent facial cleansers?

With so many different facial cleansers out there, you might be unsure of where to begin. We suggest these three brands, as they make some of the best face washes that we’ve tried. Trust us: these cleansers will change your life. 

OSEA Malibu

Not only is OSEA Malibu gluten and cruelty-free, it’s also vegan-friendly (which, as you know, is important to us here at Kinder Beauty). 

One of our favorites is their Ocean Cleanser. It’s made specifically for those with normal or combination skin, and features a pH-balanced formula designed to remove impurities on the skin surface, reduce excess oils, and gently exfoliate. The result is a clear, radiant complexion. 

JUARA Skincare

JUARA Skincare’s Rice Facial Cleanser was inspired by the traditional rice water rinse originating in Indonesia. JUARA chose ingredients designed to brighten and soften your skin. 

Their cleanser breaks down residual makeup, dirt, and product build-up, and it’s effective but not aggressive. It’s especially ideal for acne-prone skin and can help make your face smooth and supple. This product was featured in our January subscription box, and it just might be your new favorite face wash. 

Andalou Naturals

Last but not least, we have facial cleansers from Andalou Naturals. This brand has a wide variety of products, including a foaming cleanser, a gel cleanser, and a cream cleanser, so you can select one that suits your particular skin type. 

You’ll find that their facial cleansers are naturally infused with fruit stem cells, and are formulated with ingredients like vitamin C and fruit enzymes to help you bring out the best in your skin—which is a pretty sweet deal, if you ask us.

So, what’s the verdict?

There you have it—your ultimate guide to facial cleansers! We know that you’ll find the perfect product for you, and once you do, hold it close. There’s nothing quite as important in your beauty bag as your facial cleanser. 

And when you’re choosing your cleanser, keep an eye out for clean, vegan products like the ones we send out here at Kinder Beauty. These are better for your skin and better for the environment, so they’re an all-around better choice. 

If you need a bit of inspiration, check out our monthly vegan, cruelty-free beauty box. Once a month, we’ll send you a hand-picked box of clean, cruelty-free, and vegan products that meet our strict quality requirements. 

Sources:

WhatÍs the Difference Between Face Wash and Face Cleanser? | Southern Living  

Beauty How To Pick The Right Cleanser For Your Skin Type by Jacqueline Kilikita | Refinery29 

Skin Types and Care: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive | WebMD