YOUR ONE-STOP CLEANSER SHOP - CREAMS, GELS & POWDERS
During those teenage years when I first started experimenting with makeup and different “looks” I have to say that cleansers to clean it all off were the last thing on my mind. Yep, I slept in the stuff no matter how badly it was applied. As a young adult when it came to spending my first paychecks, all I was concerned about with skincare products were those that were going to sit on my skin for long periods such as moisturisers or fancy face masks, rather than those you wash off down the drain like cleansers, so that is what I focused the spending of my hard-earned pounds on. When I finally understood the importance of cleaning the makeup and dirt off my face, I opted for foaming face washes that did the job quickly and cheaply so I could get on with going to bed. That squeaky clean, tight-skinned face feeling, to me, signified a job well done. Tight and dry was fine, right? If you’re going to apply some moisturiser anyway? Few people realise that stripping off essential, protective layers of sebum and microbes with harsh foaming cleansers can be the cause of many unhappy skin issues that no moisturiser is going to fix.
With the myriad cleansers currently on the market, it can be really confusing to know what the right choice is for you — they all make claims of improved skin, so how do you not fall into the trap of using the wrong cleanser? First and foremost, gentler is always better — keeping that protective layer on your skin intact is important for overall skin health but also for protection from pathogenic bacteria and allergens right through to hormonal changes throughout your life. A good rule of thumb is, if you get that tight and dry feeling on your face after washing, your cleanser is simply too harsh and drying. Moisturiser should enhance the effect of your first skincare steps, not fix a problem they’ve caused!
Here is my product edit for three types of cleansers (cream, gel and powder) that I’ve used over the years and would highly recommend. It’s a case of finding what’s right for you, which could be different depending on what your skin is like at different points of the year or of your hormonal cycle. I prefer to steer clear of foaming cleansers in general since these usually contain degreasing agents that dry out the outer layers of your skin. All of the below cleansers work best gently massaged into the skin and rinsed with warm water or gently wiped off with a damp muslin cloth. I’ve got reusable “cotton pads” which I save for makeup removal on the go or working on the delicate eye area. I prefer not to overly pull at my face with wipes, pads and muslin cloths as I find that on a daily basis it can be too harsh on my skin but I do like using them occasionally during the week as a form of gentle exfoliation.
CREAM CLEANSERS
Many people suffer from dry and dehydrated skin without even realising. If your skin is dull and your makeup separates or disappears into your skin really quickly, switch to a cream cleanser. They are the most gentle and hydrating formulas for any skin type and really help to get the skin back into a balanced and glowing state. Top tip with these gentle cleansers, as some of them don’t effectively remove waterproof eye makeup: remove your eye makeup beforehand with a few drops of face oil (I use jojoba) on a damp cotton pad or the corner of a damp muslin.
TWELVE BEAUTY PURIFYING CLEANSING CREAM
This stunning cleanser is basically your fail-safe go-to for anyone with skin issues. Whether your skin is reactive, dry, dehydrated or overly sensitive (even whilst suffering from acne), this cleanser is super gentle and fragrance-free and not only leaves your skin feeling really clean but also gives you a natural glow after just a few uses. Formulator Dr Pedro Catala is a botanist, chemist and has a PhD in green chemistry — he knows his stuff and your skin will thank you.
IRENE FORTE ALMOND CLEANSING MILK
This is gentle cream cleansing and skin luxury in one. The fragrance is really subtle but so lovely and leaves your skin feeling clean and refreshed without drying or tightening at all. It’s great for all skin types but it’s good to know that if you have sensitive skin this will work for you too. The 200ml bottle means it’s going to last you a pretty long time too.
RUDOLPH CARE HYDRATING CLEANSING MILK
Hailing from Denmark, this COSMOS-certified gentle, 2-in-1 cleansing cream works well without or with water. You massage it onto your face and use a muslin or cotton pad to remove makeup and excess dirt. It is very gentle and hydrating and great for those with reactive skin types because it doesn’t contain any fragrance. Natural fragrance is always better than synthetic, but for those with reactive skin, even natural essential oils can cause allergic reactions and can be harsh on the finer skin around your eye area.
ESSE PROBIOTIC SENSITIVE CLEANSER
Yes, our skin needs probiotics too! We have so many microbiome colonies in and on us, and our skin is another area that has a sensitive balance of good and bad bacteria. Esse’s Probiotic Cream Cleanser is formulated with live probiotics to keep the skin microbiome in good order whilst also not stripping down the sebum layer too much and keeping it hydrated and healthy. Great for sensitive skin with a wonderfully gentle scent.
BURT’S BEES SENSITIVE FACIAL CLEANSER
98.9% natural, Burt’s Bees is such a great and affordable range that delivers good feel and results. This cream cleanser is really good for dry and sensitive skin and also a great option for those with congested but dry surface skin. It won’t clog pores, but will keep your skin gently clean and moisturised. There is no added fragrance, but it still smells subtly lovely.
GEL CLEANSERS
Gel cleansers are usually recommended for normal to combination skin types, but can be drying and harsh. These gel cleansers are perfect for those with slightly more oily skin but still have a gentle and moisturising effect that keeps skin both clean and nourished.
I’ve always associated Kjaer Weis with their natural makeup (which comes in gorgeous sustainable packaging) rather than skincare, so I was pleasantly surprised when this cleanser arrived and turned out to be amazing. This is a gel like nothing I’ve tried before. It is very gentle, removes impurities and makeup and really still keeps your skin hydrated and moisturised. It’s great for all skin types and is certified organic and vegan. Best part is that your made-to-last pretty lid is a one-off buy with refill options for your second round.
GARNIER ORGANIC LEMONGRASS GEL WASH
Garnier has gone to great lengths to become a more sustainable and kind-to-the-earth company. They’ve really paved the way for large companies. Their 100% natural, vegan and COSMOS-certified gel cleanser doesn’t only tick the proverbial boxes, it actually is good on your skin. This is such a great cleanser for those with normal to combination/oily skin types because it does feel like a good cleanse without being too drying. It comes in a 100% recycled plastic container that is 100% recyclable (provided you sort the parts properly — refer to Terracycle if ever in doubt). Well thought out plastic packaging is sometimes the most sustainable option.
FRESHLY ROSE QUARTZ FACIAL CLEANSER
This is silky-feel gel cleanser that does not dry or tighten the skin at all, suitable even for drier skin types. It is 99.9% natural with 60% organic ingredients using Ayurvedic plants and Lotus Flower amongst myriad other plant-based elements to help control sebum production and minimise pore size. It leaves skin feeling clean, hydrated and glowing and has an exotic citrus fruit fragrance. Great value for money and their website is one of the most informative and transparent around ingredients, which is super helpful.
POWDER CLEANSERS
Traditionally powder cleansers contain some forms of clay — clays are used to draw out impurities but they don’t add moisture back into the skin — these powder formulations are amazing at achieving both decongesting and moisturising at the same time. Usually sold in smaller bottles than your usual cleansers (after all the liquid part is added by you at the time of use) these are great for travelling (especially for hand luggage if you’re flying) and, you could say even more eco in terms of carbon footprint as they are so much lighter than their pre-blended counterparts.
GUY MORGAN DAGGER ROSE CLEANSING POWDER
I would generally steer clear of powder-based cleansers, because they do so often leave that dried out feeling on one’s skin. What a surprise to try Guy Morgan’s Dagger Rose Cleanser and discover that it delivers the best of both worlds. It feels like a good deep clean and at the same time very nourishing and hydrating. Even with relatively dry skin, you can use this and not feel the parched effect, though I would suggest it as a perfect gentle cleanser for those with more combination and oily skin types. Over-cleansing can be very damaging and make skin issues worse, so this cleanser is perfect for the types who feel they need a good clean without harming their skin. And the gorgeous packaging doesn’t hurt either.
TROPIC CLEAR SKIES CLEANSING POWDER
This is another powder cleanser that surprised me by not feeling overly drying. It is made specifically for those with blemish-prone or oily skin and again, does not overdo the cleansing too intensely. However, I would not recommend this cleanser for those with very dry or sensitive skin as going with the most gentle possible option for your skin type is always the best choice.
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