Your Guide to Cleansers: How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin

Fatima Ali
May 14
3 min read

When it comes to achieving healthy, glowing skin, the first thing you should look at isn’t a fancy facial tool, retinol serum, or an 8-step skincare routine that TikTok has convinced you to try. It’s your cleanser. Before anything else, the cleanser you’re using sets the tone for everything that follows in your regimen. If it’s not working with your skin, everything else you layer on top is compromised. So let’s dive into the fundamentals—what a cleanser really is, what it’s meant to do, and how to choose the right one for your skin type and needs.

What is a cleanser?

A cleanser is a skincare product designed to remove impurities—think makeup, sunscreen, oil, dirt, sweat, and pollution particles—from the surface of your skin. But it’s more than just a wash. The right cleanser should cleanse effectively without stripping your skin of its natural moisture barrier.

What is the job of a cleanser?

At its core, a cleanser’s job is to create a clean, balanced canvas for the rest of your skincare. That means:

Removing debris and excess oil
Maintaining the skin’s pH
Protecting the skin barrier
Preparing the skin to absorb active ingredients in your serums and moisturisers

The wrong cleanser can leave your skin tight, dry, sensitised, or even oilier than before—yes, over-cleansing can actually increase oil production as your skin tries to compensate.

How to choose the right cleanser for your skin

Choosing the best cleanser for your skin comes down to understanding your skin type and your skin's current condition. Here's how to match your cleanser to your needs:

1. For dry or sensitive skin

Look for cream, milk or balm cleansers. These are typically more hydrating and nourishing, and they gently cleanse without disrupting the lipid barrier. Ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, oat extract and squalane are your best friends.

Avoid foaming cleansers or anything that leaves your skin feeling “squeaky” clean—that’s usually a sign it's too harsh.

2. For oily or acne-prone skin

Opt for gel or foam cleansers with ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide or tea tree oil. These help remove excess oil and unclog pores without overly drying the skin.

Don’t fall into the trap of over-cleansing or using aggressive formulas. Balance is key. You want a cleanser that purifies but also respects your skin’s microbiome.

3. For combination skin

A gentle gel cleanser or a balancing cream cleanser works best here—something that can address oil in the T-zone while still keeping the cheeks calm and hydrated. You can also consider double cleansing in the evenings, starting with a balm or oil to remove SPF and makeup, followed by a gentle gel cleanser.

4. For normal skin

You’ve got more flexibility, but don’t get complacent. A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser with simple, nourishing ingredients will help maintain your skin’s health. Go for something soothing and straightforward—think green tea, chamomile, or aloe-based formulas.

5. For mature skin

Look for creamy, hydrating cleansers rich in antioxidants and barrier-supportive ingredients. As we age, the skin tends to become drier and more fragile, so avoid anything with harsh surfactants or drying alcohols.

Common cleansing mistakes to avoid

Using micellar water as a cleanser: It’s great for a quick swipe, but it doesn’t replace a proper cleanse—especially not at night.
Skipping cleansing in the morning: Overnight, your skin produces oils and sweat and sheds dead skin cells. A light morning cleanse can make all the difference.
Over-exfoliating with cleansing tools or acids: Your skin doesn’t need to be scrubbed raw to be clean.
Using hot water: Always cleanse with lukewarm water. Hot water can damage the skin barrier and lead to irritation.

Final thoughts: Why your cleanser matters more than you think

Your cleanser is the foundation of your skincare routine. If it’s wrong for your skin, it can cause breakouts, dryness, irritation, and even make your other products less effective. But the right cleanser? It supports your skin’s ecosystem, strengthens your barrier, and helps everything else you apply work better.