We all know it – cleansing is the first AND most important stage of any skincare routine. After all, if we don’t cleanse away the day’s makeup and grime, how is our beloved moisturiser supposed to penetrate our skin for optimum benefit? And then there is the problem of clogged pores resulting in pesky pimples and acne too!

So we’ve established that cleansing is a necessity, but are we doing it right? While the actual process of cleansing may seem simple, with so many options, choosing the right cleanser for your skin isn’t always as straightforward!

There are foam cleansers, oil cleansers, balm cleansers, cream cleansers, cleansing lotions, and micellar water! And each type of cleanser works slightly differently and is targeted towards specific skin types and concerns! Did you know certain formulations are better for sensitive skin while others are targeted to be real acne fighters? Well, we are here to dish the dirt by breaking down the 6 main cleansing categories. After all, finding the right cleanser for your specific skin’s needs can be a real game changer, I am a testament to that!

Foaming Cleansers

Foaming cleansers create a foamy lather (hence the name), and are ideal for removing oil, layers of makeup, and even hard-to-wash-off product. They are designed to deep clean the skin by getting rid of excess oil and sebum as well as work to effectively unclog pores, helping to keep your skin clean and refreshed. As they foam, they draw out oil and as a result can be a little on the drying side, though some are formulated with oils or emollients to provide a more moisturising experience.

Who are they for?

In general, foaming cleansers are great for mature, oily and acne-prone skin, specifically because of their pore penetrating capabilities. If you want to get rid of acne or excess oil/sebum, you need a cleanser that can go deep in your pores and get rid of the debris without too much effort.

Also perfect for those that love to use a “foaming” type cleanser and like to wash off with water.

Try: Pevonia Micro Retinol Foaming Cleanser. It thoroughly cleanses, brightens and smooths skin with the added benefit of anti-ageing superstars retinol and hyaluronic acid. Perfect for those with advanced signs of ageing, sun damage, uneven skin tone and dark spots. Not recommended however for sensitive skin.

“How much do I love this! I think this has guzumped my present foaming cleanser! Fresh, firming yet doesn’t feel like your skin is too tight.” Leah

Gel Cleansers

Gel cleansers have a very different texture from the light and airy one of a traditional foaming cleanser, instead, they have a thicker, gel consistency which provides a small amount of foam (if any) when mixed with water, and a milder, lighter cleansing experience. However, the milder cleanse doesn’t mean it’s inefficient! Quite the contrary. It simply means it cleans out the skin and pores, however not quite as deeply as a foaming cleanser but as a result does so without leaving the skin feeling stripped.

Who are they for?

They are ideal for normal to combination/oily skin.

Try: Pevonia’s Phyto Gel Cleanser. It’s lightweight gel to foaming formulation which gently but deeply cleanses the skin and regulates excess oiliness without causing dryness that many gel or foaming cleansers can.

“The best cleanser! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! I love the way my skin felt after the first time I used it. I have sensitive acne-prone skin and this cleanser works like a dream!” Dionne

Cream Cleansers

Cream Cleansers are typically gentler on the skin than any other cleansers, are usually thicker and creamy and offer deep moisturising as they contain moisturising ingredients. Skin is cleansed gently without stripping the skin’s natural oils and therefore won’t cause dryness as a result.

Who are they for?

These cleansers are best for those with sensitive or dry skin as they cleanse the skin but leave it feeling calm, comfortable and softened. Also recommended for normal skin types.

Try: Phytomer Doux Visage Velvet Cleansing Cream. This ultra-gentle and hydrating cleansing cream not only gently and effectively removes dirt, oil and makeup without drying skin, but will also soften and brighten your complexion after the very first application.

“Fantastic cleansing cream. I’ve used this for years and I love it. I have sensitive skin and have to be careful of what I use. This works wonderfully and I’ve never had an issue. Cleans gently without stripping face of moisture. Highly recommend.” Kate

Micellar Water

Micellar water is a water-based, non-soap cleanser. When oil and dirt is mixed with a surfactant (cleansing agent), the surfactant molecules arrange themselves into tiny clusters called micelles.

Essentially, it’s oil suspended in a water-like cleanser that helps to remove make-up and dirt more easily than a regular cleanser.

Who are they for?

This type of cleanser is best for sensitive or dry skin.

Try: Vie Collection Micellar Water. It’s a gentle cleanser which purifies, conditions and effectively removes makeup in one easy step. Skin is calm cleansed and revitalized.

“I love that I can clean and moisturize my face in one step, I don’t have to compromise, An efficient cleanser while hydrating my skin.” Millie

 

Cleansing Lotions

Cleansing lotions, like your traditional cleansers are formulated to remove impurities, makeup and pollution from skin, thereby allowing it to breathe. These lotions provide the most effective way to purify the skin and improve its overall health, shine and appearance. You can either use a cleansing lotion alone as your cleaner or as a next step after cleansing skin for a double cleanse and thoroughly clean, refreshed skin.

Who are they for?

All skin types. Anyone who loves to double cleanse.

Try: Phytomer Rose Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion. An all-in-one makeup remover and toner. Quick, effective, pleasant to use. Alcohol-free and infinitely gentle, this lotion removes makeup and tones without leaving an oily film. The skin is left velvety clean.

“This is fantastic, I use it to clean my entire face including removing my mascara. It removes any residual makeup or sweat from my skin & does not irritate my sensitive skin. Love it, can’t lie without this.” Lauren

 

Cleansing Oils

Cleansing Oils are another great way to remove makeup and grime from the skin. They work on an ‘oil attracts oil’ basis, absorbing impurities while nourishing your complexion.

When they are massaged into the skin, the ‘good’ oils in the cleanser work to dissolve any ‘bad’ oils that build up on the skin’s surface. The cleansing oil binds to these impurities, which are then drawn out and washed away with water. Skin is then replenished with clean, nourishing oils that help balance the skin’s natural oils leaving it soft and moisturised.

Cleansing oils are great for removing stubborn or waterproof makeup and suitable for all skin types since they gentle on the skin, are formulated with nourishing ingredients and designed to be rinseable with water so therefore not leave any oily residue.

Try: ELES Transformation Cleansing Oil. It quite literally melts away makeup and impurities without stripping moisture. When combined with water the oil transforms to a milky white formula that feels gentle on the face and helps maintain a balanced, hydrated and smoothed complexion.

“Leaves skin feeling really clean. Takes makeup off easy with just one application. Great product!” Marise

Triple-duty cleansers

And finally there is a new cleanser taking centre stage. Hybrid cleansers which offer the combination of gel, oil and foam!

Try: We love Pevonia’s NEW CleanRefresh Foaming Oil Cleanser. It’s a truly innovative, triple duty oil cleanser with a gel like consistency which features an advanced lipid-rich, alcohol-free, soap-free exclusive formula which transforms into a luscious, foaming cleanser on application (when mixed with water).  It acts like a super magnet entrapping pollutants, impurities and bacteria to leave skin radiantly refreshed, soft and supple after every application.

Who is it for?

This cleansing wonder is suitable for all skin types, but especially great for those suffering from dry skin because of its perfect blend of foaming surfactants, skin-friendly oils and soothing, nourishing ingredients.

“I recently started using this cleanser and now I am a complete convert and will never look back. I LOVE it. I thoroughly enjoy the cleansing experience it brings as well as the amazing results after only a few applications. Beautifully cleansed, clear, smooth and healthy-looking skin every day! Yay!” Jo