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What does a cleanser actually do?
A cleanser is the foundation of every skincare routine. It removes dirt, makeup, sebum and SPF — and prepares your skin for the next steps. A good cleanser cleanses thoroughly, without throwing your skin barrier out of balance.
Why cleansing is so important
During the day and at night, your skin builds up sebum, sweat, dust particles and leftovers of sunscreen or makeup. If you leave this on, pores can clog and your skin can look dull or unsettled. Cleansing keeps your skin clean, fresh and balanced. It’s best to use a cleanser in the morning and evening. In the morning you remove the sebum and sweat that built up overnight, and in the evening you wash away SPF, makeup and all the dirt of the day.
How does a cleanser work?
Cleansers contain surfactants (surface-active agents) that encapsulate dirt and oil so you can rinse them off with water. The right gentle formula removes impurities and excess sebum while keeping your skin soft and comfortable.
Different types of cleansers
- Cleansing balm or oil: melts away makeup & SPF — ideal as the first step of a double cleanse.
- Gel cleanser: light and refreshing; great for normal to oily skin.
- Cream/milk cleanser: soft and nourishing; perfect for dry or sensitive skin.
- Foam cleanser: airy foam that cleanses deeply; nice when you have more sebum.
- Micellar water: quick and gentle; handy for light makeup or on the go.
How do you choose the right cleanser?
Choosing the right cleanser starts with your daily habits. Do you wear SPF or makeup? Then a double cleanse is ideal: first an oil-based cleanser to remove everything, followed by a mild water-based cleanser to really cleanse the skin. Also look for a pH-friendly and gentle formula, preferably fragrance-free, so you don’t disrupt the skin barrier.
For dry skin
Go for a gentle, hydrating foam cleanser like the Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser
For oily/acne-prone skin
Choose a deep-cleansing foam like the ANUA Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam.
For sensitive skin
Choose a gentle oil cleanser like the PURITO SEOUL From Green Cleansing Oil as a soft first step.
Watch out for these common mistakes
- Cleansing too often — 1–2× a day is enough.
- Using formulas that are too harsh — this disrupts your skin barrier.
- Water that’s too hot — can dry out and irritate.
- Skipping your morning cleanse — your skin produces sebum at night as well.
After cleansing
Your skin should feel fresh and comfortable, not tight. Then apply a toner or essence to support the moisture balance and get your skin ready for serum and cream.
Read more
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to cleanse again after working out?
Cleansing again after working out is a good idea, because sweat and dirt can clog pores; choose a gentle cleanser with a skin-friendly pH and wash your face shortly after your workout.
Can I use a cleansing balm when I have acne?
You can absolutely use a cleansing balm when you have acne, as long as you choose a non-comedogenic balm, rinse it off thoroughly and, when you wear makeup or SPF, follow with a gentle water-based cleanser for a double cleanse.
Does a cleanser shrink my pores?
A cleanser won’t permanently shrink pores, but it does keep them clean so that, with consistent use, they appear smaller.
How long should a cleanser stay on the skin (60-second rule)?
You don’t have to follow the 60-second rule; usually gently massaging your cleanser for 20 to 60 seconds is enough and longer is not always better, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Is a cleanser the same as a face wash?
A cleanser is not the same as a face wash: cleanser is the umbrella term for all kinds of facial cleansers (gel, cream/milk, balm/oil, micellar water), whereas face wash usually refers to a foaming gel you rinse off with water.
Conclusion
The right cleanser lays the foundation for healthy skin: thorough yet gentle, and suited to your skin type and routine. Choose a formula that cleans without stripping, and use a double cleanse when needed. That way you get the most out of all the steps that follow.
With love for skincare,
Little Wonderland
