When selecting a facial cleanser, it is best to ensure the formulation is suited to your specific skin needs and that it contains a powerful surfactant system that will clean without stripping skin of natural oils. Formulated to meet the exacting standards of skincare professionals, SkinCeuticals offers facial cleansers that are suitable for a variety of skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily, sensitive, and post-procedure skin. Combining high-concentration of key ingredients with a problem-solution approach, our face cleanser collection effectively cleanses the skin while addressing specific skin concerns including breakouts, excess oil, and dryness.

For the most customized recommendation on the best facial cleanser for your skin, please visit a SkinCeuticals skincare professional.

Beyond removing dirt, excess oil, makeup, and other impurities, a facial cleanser can provide additional skin benefits. Depending on the face cleanser you choose, the formulation may be able to provide extra soothing, hydration, and/or exfoliation.

There is no difference between a face wash and a facial cleanser. The goal of any face cleanser is to clear the skin of excess oil, dirt, makeup, and other impurities. Regardless of the face wash or facial cleanser you choose, all SkinCeuticals face cleanser options are formulated to effectively clean the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture.

Facial cleanser is the first step in any skincare routine, and its job is to clear the skin of excess oil, dirt, makeup, and impurities—in addition to meeting the needs of specific skin types and addressing specific skin concerns. Toners are a beneficial follow-up for face cleanser, as these specially formulated solutions remove any lingering oil, dirt, and debris. SkinCeuticals also views toner as a meaningful “skin-treatment” step (as opposed to an extension of the cleansing step), since our toners are formulated to improve the appearance of different skin types and address specific concerns such as oily or acne-prone skin, rough texture, and more.

Facial cleanser is essential for all skin types, but this skincare step is particularly important for oily skin. A face cleanser for oily skin can help prevent blemishes by removing excess oil and dead skin cells that can clog the pores. SkinCeuticals Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser and LHA Cleanser are formulated with salicylic acid for an extra level of anti-blemish defense.

A properly formulated facial cleanser is the base to every skincare regimen. Depending on your skin type and lifestyle, face cleanser can be used once or twice daily. If cleansing once a day, it is best to do so in the evening to help remove any dirt, debris, or oil that has accumulated throughout the day. For the most effective cleanse, gently massage a dime-sized amount (or one pump) of facial cleanser onto a wet face and neck using a light circular motion. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. When drying your skin, a light patting motion is recommended to avoid any potential irritation that may result from excessive rubbing.

In some cases, especially if you wear long-wear makeup, a double-cleanse may be necessary to effectively prepare the skin for skincare to follow. To ensure the skin is thoroughly clean, wash with our Gentle Cleanser first to melt away makeup (including waterproof products) and follow with one of our foaming cleansers to create a fresh, clean slate for serums and moisturizers.

A facial cleanser is best used in conjunction with toners. After cleansing and drying the skin, apply a small amount of facial toner to deliver a dose of ingredients that remain on the surface of the skin. Depending on the toner you choose, this offers another opportunity to reap exfoliating, decongesting, and/or soothing benefits while effectively priming the skin for the remainder of your skincare regimen.