Cleansing might sound like the most straightforward part of your entire routine, but even seasoned skinthusiasts can fumble the first step. Dig a little deeper into foam levels and surfactant systems, and you’ll quickly realize how much the details matter and why getting them right can set the tone for everything that follows.
Why is it so tricky? The simplest answer is that there’s no such thing as a “correct” way to wash your face; only what works best for you. Maybe your mornings start with an oil slick, or your nights end with cleaning up a full face of long-wear makeup. Or maybe you’ve just been overdoing it in ways that leave your skin feeling tight and temperamental. Whatever your situation, knowing how to use facial cleanser in a way that keeps your skin happy and nourished is key to building a routine that delivers.
Together, let’s break down everything from cleanser types to application techniques to figure out how to get the most from your prep step. This way, you set your actives up for success, keep your barrier bouncy, and make the most of your time at the sink.
Key Takeaways:
- Become BFFs With Your Skin: Understanding your skin’s unique traits and adjusting your cleansing routine accordingly can help you cleanse smarter.
- Pick For Function, Not Hype: The best cleanser is the one that fits your skin type and needs, not the most popular formula on the shelf.
- Tailor Your AM/PM Routine: Customizing your cleansing steps for morning and night helps you make sure you’re meeting your skin’s shifting needs throughout the day.
What Is A Facial Cleanser?
Unfortunately, a facial cleanser isn’t just soap for your face (trust us, we wish it were that easy!). It’s a skincare essential, and nearly all of them are formulated with surfactants: amphiphilic ingredients that attract both oil and water. This dual affinity allows them to wrap up dirt, grime, excess sebum, and pollution particles into tiny oil packets that rinse clean with water.
What Does Facial Cleanser Actually Do?
Facial cleansers are specifically designed to emulsify fat-soluble residue and impurities. According to research from the Indian Journal of Dermatology, effective cleansers help lift everything from stubborn cosmetic products to dead skin cells and microorganisms, all without damaging your skin’s barrier or moisture levels. That last part is key: an ideal cleanser should clean thoroughly without triggering dryness or irritation.
When a product is well-formulated and plays nice with your skin, it does much more than tidy up. It can help prep your skin for actives and other skincare steps, potentially improving their absorption and overall performance. Meanwhile, the wrong one might leave your pores feeling tight or simply underperform.
Ready To Start Cleansing? Keep It Simple
Everyone has to start somewhere. If you’re feeling completely overwhelmed and don’t know where to begin, you can always go with one of our Skincare Recipes! For instance, consider this Foundational Routine as your baseline that you can easily build upon: Use a facial cleanser and moisturizer plus sunscreen in the AM, then close out the day with the same hydrating facial cleanser and moisturizer in the PM.
It might take some trial and error, but pick products that align with your skin’s needs. Take note of how you feel after a few days of consistent use, and adjust based on what you see. A balanced cleanser right for your skin type should leave your face feeling refreshed but not squeaky clean (read: dry and overstripped). Your skin will always give you feedback, and before you know it, you’ll find the perfect cleanser for your skin type!
Pssst… did you know? If you’re starting fresh, you can cover the most important parts of your skincare routine with our facial cleanser starter kit. This bundle includes the chemists’ go-to trio: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser, Aquafix Hydrating Water Gel, and Mr. Reliable Moisturizer. It’s a simple yet balanced lineup for cleansing, hydrating, and supporting your barrier, suitable for all skin types.
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Cleansers: What’s The Difference?
While there’s definitely more than just two types of cleansers out there, the ones that are likely already in your bathroom are water-based and oil-based cleansers. Oil-based cleansers, like balms and cleansing oils, are designed to break down makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum. You’ll know it’s an oil-based formula if water doesn’t show up anywhere in the ingredient list.
On the other hand, water-based cleansers are the more traditional gels, creams, and foams you’re probably familiar with. Fun chemist fact: while they might look simple, these formulas are actually some of the hardest to perfect. It can take many rounds of trials to strike the right balance—strong enough to cleanse, but gentle enough not to disrupt your moisture barrier.
Should You Be Double Cleansing? (Spoiler: Not Always)
If you’re a big fan of skincare TikTok, chances are you’ve stumbled across the term “double cleansing.” But is it a helpful habit or social media hype? In short, this is when both cleanser types team up: oil-based cleanser first to dissolve buildup, then a water-based cleanser to finish the job. It’s a solid strategy for days when you want a deep, thorough clean, but we wouldn’t say it’s a strict requirement. If you don’t wear heavy-duty sunscreen or makeup and your current facial cleanser gets the job done without dryness or congestion, a single cleanse may be plenty.
How Often To Use Facial Cleanser
If you’re wondering when to use facial cleanser, the short answer is that most people benefit from cleansing once or twice a day. However, your skin doesn’t have the same needs at sunrise and sundown. Nighttime cleansing? Non-negotiable. If you’re wearing SPF and makeup or live in an urban area where it’s more common to be exposed to pollutants in the air, your skin will love having a clean slate before bed. This is also a great time to double cleanse if you need it.
In the morning, it’s more flexible. Some skin types thrive with just a splash of water, while others (especially oil-prone or acne-prone skin¹) might benefit from a proper refresh using a gentle facial cleanser for sensitive skin to reduce overnight buildup and prep for actives. That being said, more isn’t always better! Over-cleansing is a fast track to barrier drama, so pay attention to how your skin feels. Tightness or flaking might mean it’s time to scale back.
Application Matters: A Better Way To Wash Your Face
Even the best cleanser can underperform if you’re rushing or aggressively scrubbing. Whether you’re learning how to use a hydrating facial cleanser, balm, or gel, how you apply it can help you get the most out of your product:
- Oil Or Balm Cleansers: These should be applied to dry skin first. Massage gently to get the product all over your face, then wet your hands and continue massaging to emulsify the formula before rinsing. This helps break down makeup, sunscreen, and grime.
- Water-Based Cleansers: If you’re double cleansing, cleansing gels or creams should come second (or be your only step if you’re single cleansing). Use gentle circular motions with your fingers to ensure even cleansing without disrupting your barrier.
More than anything else, take your time and enjoy the process. Many of us are guilty of rushing through this step, but take it from us, it’s better to go slow. With the sheer amount of makeup and sunscreen removal tests we’ve done, we’ve come to the conclusion that massaging for at least 30–60 seconds can make a big difference in terms of how thorough the cleanse is.
Rinse Strategy: Splash, Wipe, Or Cloth?
Rinsing your face seems like the no-brainer part of your cleansing routine, but there’s no shortage of opinions about which option is best. Should you splash like you're in a skincare commercial? Swipe with a damp cloth? Or grab a paper towel and pat? Here's what matters:
Splashing: Simple And Effective
Splashing with lukewarm water is the tried-and-true go-to. It’s quick, low effort, and works for most skin types. Just make sure the water isn’t too hot (which can dry out or irritate skin) or too cold (which may not effectively rinse away residue). Instead of rushing, take your time. Massage for up to a minute to ensure you aren’t leaving any cleanser behind, especially around tricky spots like the nose, jawline, and hairline.
Using A Cloth: Gentle, But Requires Care
Microfiber or baby washcloths can help remove leftover cleanser and gently buff away grime. This can be a nice upgrade for heavier routines, especially if you wear heavy-duty makeup, sunscreen, or use a balm or oil cleanser. The catch is that proper hygiene is key. Wash and rotate your cloths regularly, skip the fabric softener (which can trap residue), and always let them air dry between uses. If your skin is super sensitive or acne-prone, make sure to gently swipe your skin rather than scrub it.
The Combo Strategy: Your Skin, Your Rules
The best rinse strategy? Totally your call. Some days, a simple splash is enough. Other times, your skin might need a little backup from a clean cloth. One good rule of thumb is to check in with how your face feels post-rinse. If you’re still slick, give it another go. Feeling tight? Maybe it’s better to dial it back. Don’t sweat perfection. There’s no gold medal for the world’s cleanest face; just the quiet payoff of skin that feels comfortable and cared for.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot of skincare advice out there, but happy skin doesn’t require a 10-step routine. It starts with cleansing properly, paying attention to how your skin responds, and making small adjustments along the way. Whether you’re a one-and-done minimalist or you’ve got spreadsheets tracking actives, the goal is the same: to find a formula that respects your barrier, your time, and your budget. So, go ahead and experiment to find what clicks.
When you’re ready to go deeper, the blog and pod are here to decode your next skin question, cheer on your progress, and nerd out about ingredients with you. You’ve got this, and your best skin is waiting!
Read also:
- Finding A Gentle Cleanser For Your Face That Doesn't Compromise Its Cleansing Power
- What The Chemists Learned After 100 Days of Double Cleansing
- How To Best Use Cleansers - The Chemists' Double Cleansing Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Use Facial Cleanser
How often should I wash my face?
For most skin types, twice a day (morning and night) is the sweet spot. If your skin runs dry or is sensitive, once daily at night might be plenty. There’s no universal rule, so focus on how your skin feels. Tightness, dryness, or flaking might mean you’re overdoing it. But if you’re waking up oily, a quick AM cleanse could help.
Should I use warm or cold water when cleansing?
Lukewarm water is the move. It helps activate your cleanser without shocking your skin. Cold water can leave behind oils and residue, while hot water may strip the barrier and increase sensitivity. Middle ground = happy skin.
Can over-cleansing damage my skin?
It definitely can. Even the gentlest formulas can cause irritation or barrier damage if you go overboard. Think Goldilocks here: Your routine should be juuust right. If your skin feels dry, tight, or stings after cleansing, it’s time to reassess.
How much cleanser should I use per wash?
Start with a dime-sized amount. That’s usually enough to fully cover your face without overloading your skin. Wearing more makeup or sunscreen? Adjust accordingly. A good formula typically doesn’t need anything but proper technique and patience.
Should I remove makeup before cleansing?
It depends on what you’re wearing. For full-coverage makeup, waterproof SPF, or long-wear products, it’s worth using a dedicated eye makeup remover or an oil-based cleanser first. For lighter days, a solid water-based cleanser might be enough on its own. When in doubt, double cleansing is a safe bet.
How long should I spend washing my face?
Give it a solid 30 to 60 seconds. That’s how long it takes for your cleanser to actually do its job, breaking down sunscreen, makeup, oil, and general life gunk.
Sources:
- Choi, J. M., Lew, V. K., & Kimball, A. B. (2006). A single‐blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of face washing on acne vulgaris. Pediatric dermatology, 23(5), 421-427.
