Cleansing is no doubt the most important part of any skincare routine and it is pretty easy and straightforward process. However choosing the right cleanser is the hardest part. With the overwhelming number of choices, navigating through different types of cleansers and finding the perfect fit for your skincare routine can be daunting. 

But to avoid potential breakouts, clogging, dehydration, sensitivity and skin conditions, you should put in the time and effort to pick a cleanser that are suitable for your skin type. We know it’s difficult to do so, hence why Beauty Insider decided to list down 11 different types of cleansers to help you choose the best one, according to your skin type. 

How To Pick The Best Cleanser For Yourself?

First and foremost, there is no such thing as one cleanser for all. Different cleansers cater to different skin types and needs. So, the initial step is to find out your skin type and condition before finding the best cleanser.

However, generally, all cleansers must be gentle enough on the skin and cleanse thoroughly without drying the skin. Also, pay attention to the ingredients of the cleanser. If you are allergic to any one of the additives then it is best to avoid those cleanser. Rule of thumb is to avoid cleansers that contains alcohol as they can lead to damage and irritation.

Cleansers are also not supposed to make you feel greasy or tacky. It should wash away all the specks of dirt, bacteria and impurities. Plus, cleaners preferably should be fragrance and paraben-free as these added chemicals can stir unwanted reactions on the skin and cause irritation, breakouts and even skin cancer.

11 Types of Cleansers Explained! 

Here is a quick look at all the types of cleansers, what they do and which types of skin they are suitable for. Some of these options have the added benefit of removing makeup as well. So, here are all 11 types of cleansers explained to help you choose the best one for your skin type.

1. Gel Cleanser

Gel cleansers have a clear, jelly-like consistency and often need rinsing-off. They offer deep cleansing with just one wash and also decongest pores, remove excess oil and clean out acne-causing bacteria! They are very moisturising and packed with hydrating ingredients that leave the skin feeling moist and fresh. Gel cleansers are great makeup removers!

Ideal Skin Types for Gel Cleanser:  Normal skin, oily skin, combination skin and acne-prone skin.

Our Favourite Gel Cleanser: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser and ZarZou Beauty Daily Deep Cleanser

ZarZou Beauty Daily Deep Cleanser

One of the best facial cleansers that are a staple in our routine is ZarZou Beauty Daily Deep Cleanser. It features a powerful concoction of AHAs, BHAs, aloe vera extract and allantoin. These ingredients work in tandem to deeply cleanse the skin from impurities, dirt, and excess sebum without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It gently exfoliates dead skin cells, helping to accelerate cell turnover.

Thanks to the BHAs, this wonder ingredient penetrates deep into the pores and decongests them from stubborn buildup to minimise breakouts. Whereas aloe vera extract and allantoin deliver soothing properties to calm redness and inflammation. Thereby although it’s an exfoliating cleanser, aloe vera extract and allantoin help to counter dryness, making it safe for daily use. Say hi to radiant-looking skin with ZarZou Beauty Daily Deep Cleanser now.

Price: RM39.00

Where to buy: ZarZou Beauty official website

2. Cream Cleanser

Cream cleansers are rich in textures and packed with moisturizing properties. They also do not produce much lather or strip away the skin’s natural oils, hence will not leave your skin dry and dehydrated. They, however, tend to leave a creamy texture that can cause clogging. They are great makeup removers and can also help to control sebum excretions. 

Ideal Skin Types for Cream Cleanser: Dry skin and sensitive skin.

Our Favourite Cream Cleanser: Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cleanser.

3. Foam Cleanser 

Foam cleansers come in either cream or gel form and build up to a foamy consistency when mixed with water. The foam will reach in to clear out pores, remove dirt and also remove makeup. Although it merely depends on the formulation, the main ingredient that causes the foaming effect is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Ideal Skin Types for Foam Cleanser: Oily skin and combination skin. 

Our Favourite Foam Cleanser: Zelens Z Detox Clarifying Foaming Cleanser & Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser

Pyunkang Yul Calming Low pH Foaming Cleanser 150ml

This Calming Moderate Whip Cleanser from Pyunkang Yul features a mild, low pH composition that is akin to that of velvety healthy skin, and the cleanser has been dermatologically evaluated and passes skin irritation tests with a zero-irritation result. The cleanser has a creamy foam texture that provides soft washing without causing discomfort from abrasive aids. With its excellent cleansing capability, it efficiently wipes away different skin contaminants. 

White Willow Bark extract and natural AHA components gradually remove unwanted sebaceous and pore impurities, thereby leaving the skin feeling clean. With 5 Hyaluronic Acids, it attracts hydration up to 1000 times its weight and delivers a deep moisturising sensation by swiftly replenishing moisture after washing.

From 1st Sep – 30th Sep 2022, Enter Promo Code PYUN50OFF for 50% OFF right away !

Price: Starts form RM 43.34

Where to buy: Shopee

4. Cleansing Balm

Cleansing balms have similar properties to cleansing oils but they are more solid, and have a rich and creamy texture that melts into a more oily texture on the skin. They are great for makeup removals because they can pamper the skin with nourishing ingredients. They have no-rinse as well as rinse-off options. 

Ideal Skin Types for Cleansing Balm: Dry skin and normal skin.

Our Favourite Cleansing Balm: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm & Heimish All Clean Balm

Heimish All Clean Balm

Vegan certification. Organic, paraben-free, and allergy-friendly.  Suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin. Heimish All Clean Balm starts off as a firm balm, then evolves into a smooth oil cleanse on the skin before becoming creamy as you rinse. The gentle and delicate texture easily dissolves makeup and debris without removing the skin’s natural oils. Citrus plant oils are used to organically improve and hydrate the skin.

From 1st Sep – 30th Sep 2022, Enter Promo Code HEIMSKBIB for 20% OFF right away !

Price: Starts form RM 29.90

Where to buy: Shopee

5. Clay Cleanser

Clay cleaners contain clay and they’re mattifying and mostly known for their detoxifying benefits similar to clay masks. They can remove dirt and surface particles and draw out excess oil and impurities from your pores. But sometimes absorbing excess oil which may potentially cause acne and clay cleanser cannot remove makeup! 

Ideal Skin Types for Clay Cleanser: Oily skin, acne-prone skin and combination skin.

Our Favourite Clay Cleanser: L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox and Brighten Cleanser.

6. Powder Cleanser 

They come in the form of powders and turn a bit creamy or foamy when they come in contact with water. You get to control the consistency by controlling the amount of water you mix them with.  provide exfoliation properties while you clean. They’re highly concentrated and good for removing makeup as well as deep facial cleansing.

Ideal Skin Type for Powder Cleanser:  Oily skin, combination skin and sensitive skin. 

Our Favourite Powder Cleanser: Clinique Fresh Pressed Renewing Powder Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C.

7. Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar waters are the lightest forms of facial cleanser and they look and have a similar texture to plain water! They are made with micelles, tiny oil molecules that remove dirt.  Micellar water is usually applied with cotton pads and doesn’t need rinsing. They are a multi-use product that removes makeup, cleanses and tones your skin. 

Ideal Skin Types for Micellar Water: Dry skin, oily skin, normal skin and sensitive skin.

Our Favourite Micellar Cleansing Water: Kiehl’s Herbal Infused Micellar Cleansing Water

8. Bar Soap Cleanser

Body soaps contain many harsh ingredients that can affect the skin.  But facial soap bars contain more moisturizing ingredients that nourish the skin and balance the pH levels. So, if you do want to use a soap cleanser, go for the face soaps if not your skin is at the risk of dehydration, sensitivity, and inflammation.

Ideal Skin Types for Bar Soap Cleanser: Oily skin and combination skin. 

Our Favourite Bar Soap Cleanser: Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar

9. No-Rinse Cleanser

No-rinse cleansers come in many forms like foams, creams and lotions and many of them are soap-free. Strong soap formulas can be very harsh and dry the skin. They are great for removing makeup and freshening up the skin quickly. Plus, not only do they make your skin more energised, but they’re also saving some time off from your skincare regime.

Ideal Skin Types for No-Rinse Cleanser: Dry skin, sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. 

Our Favourite No-Rinse Cleanser:  Dior Hydra Life No-Rinse Cleanser.

10. Cleansing Wipes

Cleansing wipes are great for convenience but they are not the best at washing away all impurities. They can remove makeup and are easy to carry on and the best for those odd lazy days but when it comes to cleaning dirt or excess oil, these lack the ability to do so. They are OK for removing makeup, but they definitely need a follow-up facewash! 

Ideal Skin Types for Cleansing Wipes: Oily skin, dry skin and normal skin.

Our Favourite Cleansing Wipes: The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Cleansing Facial Wipes.

11. Cleansing Oil

Cleansing oils are gentle on the skin and super effective in removing makeup. Some of them are even waterproof too! They do not dry the skin and nourish it. But they are not so suitable for deep cleansing instead they act as pre-cleansers. So, after rinsing off your oil cleanser, make sure you use a regular deep-cleansing one.

Ideal Skin Types for Cleansing Oil: Dry skin, normal skin and combination skin.

Our Favourite Cleansing Oil: Belif Cleansing Gel Oil Enriched.

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