A woman smiling while applying cleanser to her face, with foam visible on her skin, against a blue background.
October 04, 2025

What is a Cleanser? Your Complete Skincare Guide

Home Articles What is a Cleanser? Your Complete Skincare Guide

Key Takeaways 

  • Why Cleansers Matter: Proper cleansing is the most important step in any routine, as it prepares your skin to fully absorb and benefit from every subsequent product. 

  • 5 Types of Cleanser: Learn how oil, foam, cream, micellar water, and gel cleansers each offer unique benefits and are formulated for specific skin types. 

It's easy to get confused about the foundations of skincare. But understanding what a cleanser is and what it does is the first step towards a healthy complexion. This guide will help you sort through the myths and find your perfect match. We're here to make finding the right product simple, so you can build a strong foundation for beautiful skin. 


What is a Cleanser?  

A cleanser is a skincare product that purifies the skin of daily pollutants, makeup, and excess oil. It’s the first step in your routine, preparing the skin for subsequent products. Common ingredients include gentle cleansing agents, like surfactants, and humectants, such as glycerin, to hydrate and soften the skin. 


What Do Cleansers Do?  

Cleansers work through surfactant science. Surfactants are molecules with both oil- and water-attracting properties. When applied, they form tiny spheres called micelles that trap impurities like dirt, pollutants, and excess oil.  

 As you rinse with water, the micelles are easily washed away, clearing your pores and preventing buildup. Modern formulas are designed to be gentle, ensuring they cleanse effectively without stripping or disrupting your skin's vital protective barrier. 


5 Types of Cleansers to Consider 

Cleansers come in many forms, each formulated with a unique texture and purpose to suit different skin types and concerns. Choosing the right one is key to an effective skincare routine. 

Cleanser Type 

Key Use 

Ideal For 

Oil/Balm 

Dissolves makeup and stubborn impurities 

Dry to mature skin 

Foam 

A deep, satisfying cleanse 

Oily to acne-prone skin 

Cream/Lotion 

A gentle cleanse with added hydration 

Dry to sensitive skin 

Micellar Water 

A convenient, no-rinse option 

All skin types 

Gel 

A light, refreshing cleanse 

Normal to combination skin 

 

How Do You Use a Cleanser?  

Using a cleanser properly is key to a healthy complexion. For best results, our skin care team suggests these simple steps: 

  1. Prepare Your Face: Begin by pulling back your hair and washing your hands to ensure they are clean before touching your face. 

  1. Dampen Skin & Apply: Wet your face with lukewarm water, then dispense a small amount of cleanser onto your fingertips. 

  1. Massage Gently: Massage the cleanser into your skin using gentle, circular motions for about 30–60 seconds. Take care to avoid the delicate eye area. 

  1. Rinse & Pat Dry: Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until no residue remains. Finally, gently pat your face dry with a clean, soft towel. 


Is Cleanser and Face Wash the Same?  

No, a cleanser and a face wash are not the same thing. A cleanser is a gentler, hydrating product that’s ideal for dry or sensitive skin. A face wash is a foaming, water-based product that provides a deeper, more intense clean, making it better for oily or acne-prone skin. 


Cleansers vs Toners: What’s the Difference?  

It's easy to get your cleansers and toners confused. But think of them as a dynamic duo! Each has a distinct job that complements the other perfectly. 

  1. Purpose: Cleansers purify the skin by removing dirt and makeup. Toners rebalance and hydrate it. 

  1. Application: You rinse cleansers off your skin. Toners are left on to absorb. 

  1. Form: Cleansers come in various textures, such as gels, creams, and foams, while toners are always a liquid. 


Are all Cleansers Good for Your Skin?  

No, not all cleansers are equally good for your skin. Choosing the right one depends on your skin type and its formulation. 

What to Look For 

  • Gentle Ingredients: Look for mild surfactants and formulas. 

  • Hydrating Components: Find ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to support your skin’s moisture and barrier. 

  • Targeted Formulas: Choose a cleanser designed specifically for your skin type. 

  • Non-Comedogenic: Ensure it’s non-pore-clogging if you are prone to breakouts. 

What to Avoid 

  • Harsh Surfactants: Avoid formulas that leave your skin feeling tight or stripped. 

  • Heavy Fragrances and Dyes: These are common irritants that can cause a reaction. 

  • Drying Alcohols: These can damage and disrupt your skin's protective barrier over time. 


4 Common Cleansing Mistakes to Avoid 

Even the most basic step in a skincare routine has its pitfalls. Here are some common cleansing mistakes to avoid to ensure you’re getting the most out of your routine. 

  1. Using water that is too hot or too cold, as extreme temperatures can irritate and dehydrate your skin. 

  1. Over-cleansing skin can strip away natural oils and the protective barrier. 

  1. Not rinsing thoroughly can leave behind residue that clogs pores. 

  1. Using a cleanser that is too harsh for your skin type can leave it feeling tight and dry. 


How to Choose the Best Cleanser for Your Skin 

To help you find your perfect match, here are some of our recommended cleansers tailored to specific skin concerns. 

For Acne-Prone Skin 

SkinCeuticals® Simply Clean Gel Cleanser is a purifying formula that gently exfoliates, refines pores, and efficiently removes excess oil and impurities, leaving your skin feeling clean and clear. 

For Mature or Dry Skin 

SkinCeuticals® Gentle Cleanser is a creamy, mild formula that cleanses without stripping moisture. It is designed to remove impurities and makeup while softening the skin and supporting its natural barrier. 

For Sensitive Skin 

Universkin™ L'Huile Universal Cleansing Olive Oil is a multi-purpose oil that purifies the skin while providing soothing and hydrating benefits, making it an ideal non-irritating option for even the most sensitive skin types. 

Final Thoughts: Investing in Skincare Foundations 

Think of your cleanser as the true foundation for a glowing complexion. It’s the essential first step that washes away the day and supports your skin’s protective barrier, preparing it to absorb all the products that follow. Explore the curated cleanser collection at Shape Clinic and continue your journey towards a healthy glow. 

Additional Reading

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About the Author

Nicky Lurie is a skin therapist with over 20 years of experience, specialising in medical aesthetics. She supports both our surgical and aesthetic services by delivering customised skincare solutions using medical-grade treatments. Nicky’s expertise ensures clients receive effective, evidence-backed products tailored to their specific needs, from acne to ageing.