How to Choose the Best Facial Cleanser for Your Skin’s Needs

OK, we know that finding a cleanser might *sound* like the easiest thing in the world... but there’s a lot to choose from now!

Everyone’s skin likes different things, but consistently using a product that cleanses the skin as part of your daily routine is always a good idea to help keep it looking and feeling healthy. Knowing what type of face wash or cleanser is right for you is the main thing.
 

Finding your best facial cleanser fit

You’ll know when you find the best face cleanser for you when your skin is purified and refreshed after using it - without any tightness or dryness.

It should also be a product that you like using because the best skincare is enjoyable and effective.

Still not sure where to start? Well, the main thing to keep in mind is your skin type. So, to help you get started, we’ve put together a handy guide to finding the best facial cleanser for your skin's needs.

 

The best cleanser for sensitive skin

All Simple skincare products have been formulated with sensitive skin in mind, so you’re definitely in the right place if you have this skin type!

All of our face washes and cleansers are free from colour, fragrance and harsh chemicals. You could use any of our range, but we’d recommend starting with something like the Kind to Skin™ Purifying Cleansing Lotion.

This creamy formula is the perfect blend of gentle cleansers, vitamins and skin-loving ingredients.

 

The best cleanser for oily skin

People often think that they have to use a harsh cleanser on oily skin to keep it from getting shiny (and from getting breakouts.)

However, this can often lead to the skin’s moisture barrier being damaged and skin overproducing oil as a result.

Simple® cleansers are all formulated to be as effective as they are gentle, which makes them perfect for using on oily skin.

A great way to ensure your skin is purified is by double cleansing with two kind-to-skin formulas.

Double cleansing routines are usually made up of an oil-based cleanser that dissolves impurities on the skin, so that a water-based cleanser can clear away any lingering dirt hiding in your pores.

Made with Grapeseed Oil, our Kind to Skin™ Hydrating Cleansing Oil gently nourishes and moisturises skin as it cleanses.

This means that when you use a water-based cleanser like our Daily Skin Detox™ Purifying Face Wash as your second step. It’s enriched with ingredients like Witch Hazel and Zinc for clearer-looking, shine-free skin.

 

The best cleanser for blemished skin

Blemish-prone skin can often be dehydrated but oily at the same time. Pores can become clogged and breakouts can happen regularly, yet your skin can still feel tight and dry in other areas. A gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip away moisture is the answer!

Our best facial cleanser for blemished skin is the Daily Skin Detox™ Purifying Gel Facial Wash, enriched with 5% Witch Hazel and Zinc. The gel-to-foam formula instantly clears skin and controls shine. It removes dirt and oil, as well as purifying pores for instantly refreshed skin.

The best cleanser for dry skin

There’s sometimes confusion between dehydrated skin and dry skin, as the signs can feel the same. Dehydrated skin is where the skin needs more water, whereas dry skin is low on oil or lipids. When your skin gets dry, the lipid barrier becomes disrupted. This means water can escape. Some signs of dry skin can include:

• Itching
  
• Redness
• Flaking
• Tightness

The best cleanser for dry skin is one that replenishes as it purifies – think cleansing oils or cream cleansers.

Still unsure if you’re dry or dehydrated? A good, moisture-balancing cleanser should help both. Our top pick is the Kind to Skin™ Moisturising Facial Wash. Supercharged with Pro-Vitamin B and E, this blend deeply cleanses, smooths and supports a healthy skin barrier.

 

The best cleanser for combination skin

Combination skin is when some parts of your skin feel dry while others feel oily, making it tricky to find a product that mattifies without feel stripped. Our tip is to try a gentle cleanser to help balance both, so skin feels cleansed but not overly tight. We’d recommend one like our Kind to Skin™ Refreshing Facial Wash, which is 100% soap free and packed with ultra-skin conditioning ingredients. This pH-neutral face leaves skin looking smooth and healthy without being harsh on your drier areas.

 

The best cleanser for dull-looking skin

Cleansing can help restore your skin’s radiance by tackling dirt and pollution, which can keep your glow at bay. Gentle exfoliants can also really help by buffing away dead cells, revealing the fresher-looking skin underneath. Our Smoothing Gel Cleanser contains 5% Lactic Acid, a chemical exfoliant that’s not overly harsh on skin. Plus, hydration powerhouse Hyaluronic Acid to lock in skin-plumping moisture. 

The best cleanser for mature skin

Surprisingly, a cleanser can help maintain our skin’s vitality by keeping it clean, healthy and nourished. Our Regeneration™ Age Resisting Facial Wash contains 3% hydrating actives, Green Tea and Mushroom to deeply cleanse and revitalise skin.

This facial cleanser is excellent for making your skin look and feel revived, especially when followed with the rest of the Regeneration™ skincare range.

The best cleanser for dehydrated skin

Dehydration can easily be relieved with the right products. If you can treat the signs of dehydration, skin sensitivity can decrease, too. It’s a win-win! When picking a cleanser for dehydrated skin, try one with an instant boost of hydration that won’t wash away. This will help rehydrate and combat the rough patches, tightness and fine hydration lines around your eyes and jaw. Try our Water Boost™ Micellar Facial Gel Wash, infused with hydration-powered micelles that draw dirt and impurities away from the skin without drying it out.

The best speedy cleansers for all skin types

Lastly, this might not be specific to a particular skin type, but we think it’s always good to have a quick cleanser on hand for those days when you only have the time and energy for something fast. Our Kind to Skin™ Micellar Water is always our go-to when we’re short on time.

Rinse-free micellar cleansers like this one are powered by clever cleansing bubbles that effortlessly attract dirt, leaving your skin grime-free without stripping away your natural barrier.  They also help to soothe and restore skin with Pro-Vitamin B5, B3 and C.

For something tailored to your skin type that you can use on the go, our biodegradable face wipes range is also super handy.

Ready to lather up?

So, there you have it. We hope that’s helped you narrow down what the best facial cleanser or wash might be for you (and your skin’s needs.)

Did you try one of the washes and cleansers on this list or do you already have a fave from Simple? Let us know over on our social channels.