Not all cleansers are created equal. But is it worth investing in a high quality cleanser or will a drugstore brand do the job?
We've come across those who swear by washing their face with bar soap or a "sensitive skin" cleanser from the drugstore (you know, the one that rhymes with "parfait") but them wonder why their skin is dry or red. We've also met customers who want to invest in serums and treatments, but not in their cleansers.
Skin care can by confusing, but that's why we're here to help!
Here's the truth: Cleansers are a crucial step in your skincare routine. They lay the foundation for the rest of your skin care routine and can impact the effectiveness of other products. Many drugstore cleansers contain filler ingredients, solvents, and foaming agents like alcohols and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can dry and irritate the skin. Contrary to popular belief, your skin shouldn't feel tight and squeaky clean after washing; that sensation indicates a stripping of natural oils and potential barrier disruption.
At ORESTA, all our cleansers are gentle yet effective, catering to various skin types and preferences. But how do you choose?
We've crafted a cleanser guide to help you navigate through the options. There are three main types of cleansers: gel, cream, oil, and exfoliating cleansers.
GEL CLEANSERS
Our favourites
Eminence Stone Crop Gel Wash for all skin types, except very dry skin. It hydrates, heals and evens out skin tone. It can effectively remove light make up and one bottle lasts forever!
Eminence Clear Skin Cleanser for skin prone to breakouts. It purifies, heals and cools oily, acne-prone skin. The perfect cleanser for teens and early 20 year olds who are struggling with acne.
Josh Rosebrook Complete Moisture Cleanser for all skin types. A milky-gel formula that provides great hydration + moisture.
Blissoma Herbal Free Cleanser + Make up remover for oily to balanced skin types. This essential-oil free formulation especially great for sensitive + reactive skin.
OUR FAVOURITE CREAM CLEANSERS
Our favourites
Laurel Effortless Cleanser for balanced to dry skin types. A special combination of nutrient-rich hydrosols and oils that turns creamy after a shake or two, it not only cleanses and softens the skin but also plumps, tones, refines and repairs the skin.
Eminence Calm Skin Cleanser for balanced to dry skin types. It is ideal for sensitive, rosacea skin prone to redness and inflammation.
Kahina Facial Cleanser for oily to balanced skin types. A light milk texture that also has very gentle enzymatic exfoliation. It is hydrating and brightening and works well on acne-prone skin.
OUR FAVOURITE OIL CLEANSERS
Our favourites
Kahina Oil Cleanser for all skin types. A healing and anti-inflammatory formula that is equally efficient at calming and soothing sensitive and acne prone skin as it is at replenishing and brightening dry, sun-damaged skin.
Eminence Stone Crop Cleansing Oil for balanced to dry skin types. A detoxifying, greens rich oil that helps combat pigmentation, dryness, hormonal acne and sensitivity.
LILFOX Amazon After Dark for all skin types. A balm formula, that is also water-soluble (turns milky when water is added), helps balance oil, gently exfoliates and deep cleanses.
Laurel Essential Lipids for balanced to dry skin types. A healing and nourishing combination of oils for the most sensitive and reactive skin. This oil also doubles as a moisturizer, it can minimize ingredient exposure to very compromised skin. It is also great for travel.
A final note on cleansers. If you're looking to simplify your routine, you can skip cleansing in the morning. If you are properly cleansing in the evening which is essential to remove dirt, impurities, makeup etc... of the day, there isn't a need to cleanse in the morning, unless you do a morning workout.
There are some cleansers that have exfoliating properties in them, these cleansers may not be ideal for daily use, as over-exfoliation can compromise the skin barrier and cause sensitivities. The cleansers with gentle exfoliation action that we've listed above are suitable for daily use, however.
Happy cleansing!