Cleansers and face washes are both skincare products designed to cleanse the skin, but they have subtle differences in their functioning and ingredients. Here are the main differences between the two: Cleansers :
- Remove dirt, makeup, and excess oils from the skin's surface
- Often considered gentler than face washes
- Come in creamy, milky, gel-like, or even watery textures
- Primarily cleanse, hydrate, and soothe the skin
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin types
Face Washes :
- Remove debris from deeper layers of the skin and cleanse pores
- Often foamy or lather into a foam when applied to damp skin
- Suitable for oily and combination skin types
- Contain synthetic detergents (surfactants) to wash away dirt
Both cleansers and face washes contain surfactants, which are detergents that help emulsify water-insoluble buildup from environmental pollutants, cosmetics, and the natural skin process
. The active components in these products are what matter most for achieving your skin goals, depending on your skin type
. Ingredients or materials used in cleansers and face washes may vary, but some common ingredients include glycerin, humectant/solvent carrier, and emulsifying cleansing agents
. It is essential to choose a product that suits your skin type and skincare goals. If you have dry skin, a face cleanser will better keep your skin barrier moisturized and healthy. For oily or acne-prone skin, a foaming face wash is more suitable
