How to Choose a Face Cleanser

Facial cleansers are undisputedly important. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, makeup, sweat, debris, and dead skin cells from the face and helps to maintain the overall health and appearance of skin. However, there are numerous methods to cleanse the face and countless cleansers to do so. We break down the best cleanser for you, helping to understand how to choose a face cleanser.

What Is A Cleanser?

As we dove into in The Best Japanese Facial Cleansers and Exfoliators, facial cleansers come in many different textures, from balms and creams to oils and lightweight foams. They work—quite literally—at the molecular level, encasing dirt, debris, and other build-up and allowing them to be washed off the skin’s surface. They are the first step in any skincare routine and arguably the most important, too.

Cleansing in Japan

While America might not prioritize cleansing, choosing to focus on complicated serums and moisturizers instead, it’s emphasized as the key to healthy skin in Japan. “Cleansing is key to a clear, radiant complexion,” noted Tatcha’s founder Vicky Tsai in her book Pure Skin. The right cleanser can not only clean the skin but prepare it for the next steps in your skincare routine, making it one of the most vital products you can use.

How To Choose A Cleanser

Without consistent cleansing, skin can get a buildup of debris that can clog pores, leading to potential acne, irritation, dryness, and dullness. But how do you know how to choose a facial cleanser that’s right for you? Consider your skin type, which will help you discover your ideal face wash. (If you’re not quite sure about your skin type, consult this article, which will help you narrow it down.)

Best Cleanser for Dry Skin

While it might seem tempting to limit the amount of cleansing performed on dry skin, that can only exacerbate dryness further. Instead, reach for a gentle cleanser, which can softly cleanse while also nourishing skin and helping to prep for the following skincare steps. If an oil cleanser is preferred, reach for The Camellia Cleansing Oil, which is particularly wonderful for dry skin. It gently melts away impurities, while also leaving behind pure, silky-soft skin. This versatile cleansing oil is ideal for mature and sensitive skin, as well.

For more of a foaming experience, consider The Rice Wash, which has a creamy texture that gently smooths and washes away buildup without stripping skin for a soft, luminous complexion. Combination skin that errs on the side of dryness will love this creamy foam cleanser, too.

These two products can be used in tandem, helping to remove stubborn makeup and debris, in a two-step process called double cleansing or the Kyoto Cleanse.

Best Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

A calming, nourishing cleanser (that still effectively cleanses) is necessary for sensitive skin. We know harsh formulas can strip the barrier’s natural oils, leading to more damage and dryness, so a gentle cleanser is a crucial first step in your skin-healing regime. Consider one of Tatcha’s newest innovations: The Indigo Cleansing Balm. This skin-strengthening formula instantly calms visible irritation, while also supporting and transforming the barrier.

The dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free formula was crafted with weakened, sensitized skin in mind, knowing traditional cleansing can be painful and damaging. The formula includes Japanese indigo to calm visibly irritated skin; lipids and ceramides to replenish the barrier; Japanese lotus root to soothe; and mondo grass root to balance the microbiome. In clinical studies, 100 percent of participants demonstrated an improvement in barrier function after just one week of use.* But unlike harsh cleansers, the Indigo Cleansing Balm also soothes visible irritation and replenishes moisture—strengthening the skin barrier for smooth, visibly calm, and radiant-looking skin.

*Based on bio-instrumentation (TEWL) clinical study on 40 panelists.

Best Cleanser for Oily Skin

Oily skin naturally produces more sebum than other skin types and might enjoy a daily (gentle!) exfoliating cleanser, which helps promote cell turnover and prevent buildup in pores. Consider The Deep Cleanse, whose gel formula both cleanses and exfoliates, carefully lifting dirt and oil to leave skin soft and balanced. The cleanser includes luffa fruit (a natural physical exfoliant beloved by Japanese skincare aficionados for centuries) to help turn over dead skin cells, wild rose (to visibly reduce pores and minimize excess oil), and leopard lily (to soothe skin).

Best Cleanser for Oily and Combination Skin

Those with oily and combination skin often believe they need to over-wash their faces to rid themselves of excessive oil and prevent breakouts—but this skin-stripping step can actually do the opposite, causing the skin to produce even more oil and potentially lead to more breakouts. This is where The Matcha Cleanse steps in to save the day. The daily clarifying gel cleanser decongests pores without stripping skin, while also rebalancing skin’s natural oil production for smoother skin and reduced makeup slip-off. The refreshing watery-foam balances skin pH and addresses the skin’s texture for better makeup wear. The formula includes premium Kyo-matcha (sourced directly from the famed Uji region in Kyoto), powerhouse coix seed (used in herbal medicines for centuries to purify pores), and Japanese mugwort (to support barrier function).