Facial Cleansers

The best face cleanser is one that is formulated to meet your specific skin needs and 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 a high-concentration of key ingredients with a problem-solution approach, our face washes effectively cleanse the skin while addressing specific skin concerns including breakouts, excess oil, and dryness.

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

Facial cleansers remove dirt, excess oil, makeup, and other impurities. They can also provide additional skin benefits.

There is no difference between a face wash and a face 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 face cleanser you choose, all SkinCeuticals cleansers are formulated to effectively clean the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture.

A face 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 a facial 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.

Yes, cleansers are good for oily skin. A facial 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 routine. Depending on your skin type and lifestyle, a facial 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 the skincare products 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 routine.

Yes, face wash can help remove blackheads. It is not guaranteed that they will be able to fully get rid of blackheads; this depends on the specific product as well the individual's skin.

Yes, in most cases it is recommended to use cleansers everyday - if not twice a day. Please always adhere to the specific product directions.

A gentle, non-stripping cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin, helping remove impurities without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier. SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser exemplifies this approach with a creamy, comforting formula suitable for reactive or post-procedure skin.

For aging skin, a cleanser that enhances radiance and promotes surface exfoliation helps improve the look of dullness, rough texture, and fine lines. We recommend SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, which delivers effective daily resurfacing while maintaining skin clarity and smoothness.