Face wash vs cleanser: what's the difference?

Are face wash and cleanser the same thing?

The terms overlap and are often used interchangeably. A foaming gel can be both a face wash and a cleanser, so the naming dispute is mostly a bathroom filing problem. The practical difference is whether the particular formula needs rinsing, how it cleans and how your skin feels afterwards.1

Which should you choose?

• For most people, start with a gentle cleanser without abrasive particles or alcohol. A fragrance free formula is a sensible starting point.
• For dry or sensitive skin, consider a cream or cleansing lotion. A gentle foaming formula is also an option; foam alone does not determine how irritating a cleanser is.
• For oily skin, a gentle face wash can remove excess oil. For acne, cleansers containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can help, but medicated formulas need more care.
• For makeup removal, consider a cleansing oil or micellar water. Follow the product's removal instructions rather than assuming every cleanser belongs under the tap.

Most cleansers use surfactants, ingredients that loosen oil and dirt so they can wash away. Their type and amount affect dryness and irritation. Ordinary soap can be drying; synthetic detergent bars can be gentler, so a bar shape alone is not the problem. Even the word "gentle" is not regulated, which gives the label rather more freedom than your skin.235

How should you wash your face?

1. 1For a cleanser that needs rinsing, wet your face with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can increase dryness.
2. 2Apply the cleanser with your fingertips and massage gently. Skip scrubbing, brushes and rough washcloths.
3. 3Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water until the cleanser residue is gone.
4. 4Pat dry with a clean, soft towel rather than rubbing.
5. 5Apply moisturizer after washing, particularly if your skin feels dry or itchy.

Generally, wash once in the morning and once at night, plus after heavy sweating. If your skin tends to be dry, once daily can be enough. Cleansing removes dirt, excess oil, makeup and sunscreen; water alone is less effective at removing oily material. Washing more often can remove protective oils and increase dryness rather than improve the result.2346

Do you need both?

Not just because the bottles have different names. Double cleansing means using an oil based cleanser first to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, then a water based cleanser to remove remaining impurities. That sequence can be useful for removal, but owning both names is not a skincare qualification.1

What if cleansing leaves your skin uncomfortable?

Tightness, dryness or irritation are reasons to switch to a gentler formula or reduce washing frequency. Stop using a cleanser that irritates your skin. Be careful combining medicated acne cleansers with acne treatments left on the skin, because the combination can cause excessive dryness and irritation. Seek a dermatologist's advice for persistent symptoms.134

If you already have perioral dermatitis, a condition causing bumps or rash around the mouth, nose or eyes, use a gentle face wash without fragrance or exfoliants. Keep the routine minimal and see a clinician if it is not improving.7