With so many types of facial cleansers available on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, but knowing the difference between each type can make it a lot easier to find the right one for you.

Here’s our definitive list to help you find your perfect cleanser.

Types of cleansers

1. Gel cleansers

You may have guessed it already – gel cleansers do, in fact, look and feel like gel. They’re perfect for deep cleansing, gently clearing out congested pores, controlling excess oil and even eliminating pesky acne-causing bacteria. Overall, they’re considered mild yet effective for all skin types, so if you battle oily skin, sensitivity or acne, a gel cleanser may be a great option.

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2. Cream cleansers

If you’re looking for a gentle but effective formula, then cream cleansers are a worthy contender. They tend to be on the thick and creamy side, perfect for dry or sensitive skin types. Unlike harsher cleansers, they won’t strip your skin of its natural oils and some of them can even boost your skin’s hydration levels, cleansing gently while keeping your skin nourished.

3. Foam cleansers

Foam cleansers are ideal for combination skin types. They go from a creamy or gel-like consistency to a refreshing, foamy lather that effectively removes excess oil and make-up. They’re also generally very lightweight with a bubbly texture that penetrates deep into the skin to eliminate impurities, which can be great news for those battling frequent acne breakouts.

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4. Oil cleansers

Oil-based cleansers are a game changer for those struggling with dry, irritated and acne-prone skin. They’re formulated to remove dirt and impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier, working with your skin’s natural oils to restore balance and hydration. Perfect for gently removing make-up, debris and dead skin cells while leaving your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

5. Micellar water cleansers

Micellar waters consist of tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water that effortlessly attract oils, dirt and make-up. These cleansers are gentle and, more often than not, alcohol-free, so they’re safe for even the most sensitive of skin. They’re made up of purified water, hydrating ingredients and low concentrations of mild surfactants that work as a magnet to attract dirt and superficial debris from the skin without leaving it feeling dry or irritated.

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6. Cleansing balms

They’re suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin that needs extra nourishment. As oil-based formulas, balms attract oils, making it easy to eliminate those impurities that are hiding deep within your pores. Plus, they’re gentle, and won’t compromise your skin’s moisture barrier or disrupt its pH.

Should you invest in a good cleanser?

While a cleanser is not going to fix all your skin issues, using the wrong one can mess with your skin. You could end up spending a tonne of money on other skincare products trying to fix the problems caused by a bad cleanser.

If the formula is too harsh, it can leave your skin feeling dry, irritated or even sensitive. On the other hand, if your cleanser is too heavy, it might leave behind some residue that clogs your pores. Make sure you choose a cleanser that’s right for your skin.

“As a general rule, someone with dry skin should look for thicker formulas, maybe with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help lock in moisture,” says Keiko Negishi, aesthetician and skin therapist at Fild Studio in New York.

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For someone with oily skin, it’d be better to aim for more of a gel-like consistency and ingredients like salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin lightly. If in need of anti-ageing properties, Negishi says, “a mild cleanser with glycolic acid will help even out your skin while exfoliating dead skin cells”.

Select one that’s tailored to your unique skin type and it will help you get rid of all the dirt, sweat, sebum, bacteria, dead cells and make-up, but not at the cost of clogged pores or irritated skin.

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