From foams and gels to lotions and micellar waters, there is an array of facial cleansers to choose from – all of which help to remove makeup and impurities. So how do you choose the best face wash for you? Read on to discover the key characteristics of each cleanser and how they benefit different skin types.
The different types of facial cleansers
Foaming cleanser: The best face wash for oily skin
Developed to deeply cleanse and purify the skin, a foaming cleanser creates a foamy lather to help remove oil, makeup and impurities.
While they can be too harsh for dry and sensitive skin, foaming cleansers are particularly beneficial for oily, combination and blemish-prone skin.
Gel cleanser: The best face wash for dry skin
Thicker than a foam but lighter than an oil, gel cleansers are ideal for all skin types. They not only provide a deep clean but are often infused with nourishing ingredients to provide additional exfoliating and hydrating benefits.
Though suitable for all skin types, gel cleansers are particularly kind to dry and sensitive skin.
Cleansing lotion: The best face wash for sensitive skin
Boasting a lightweight, creamy consistency, cleansing lotions are often formulated with moisturizing ingredients to help purify the skin without stripping away essential moisture. They’re suitable for all skin types but benefit dry and sensitive skin the most.
Cleansing exfoliator: The best anti-aging face wash
More potent than a cleanser but gentle enough for daily use, a cleansing exfoliator blends AHAs or gentle exfoliating particles with nourishing and cleansing ingredients to help wash away dirt and impurities, while also supporting skin cell renewal.
Perfect for dull or aging skin where the natural renewal process has slowed, cleansing exfoliators help to brighten and revive the complexion.
Micellar water: The best makeup removing cleanser
Micellar water is infused with micelles (oil–based surfactants) to capture makeup, impurities and pollutants, and help draw them away from the skin’s surface, leaving the complexion feeling clean and refreshed.
Suitable for all skin types, micellar water can be used as the first step of a double cleansing routine, or to remove makeup with a cotton pad.
How to cleanse skin
Skin should be cleansed twice a day. First in the morning to remove both the impurities that have settled onto the skin overnight and the product residue from your evening routine, then at night to wash away the dirt, pollution and makeup from the day.
To cleanse, massage your chosen face wash onto the skin for at least 30 seconds, covering the face, hairline, neck, below the ears, and décolletage. Thoroughly rinse with warm water and pat the skin dry. Follow with a serum and face or night cream.
The best face washes
Shop all No7 facial cleansers on our website.
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