Walk down any skincare aisle and the cleansers alone can be overwhelming — oils, gels, creams, foams, and more. They are not all the same, and the texture you choose changes how your skin feels afterward.
This guide breaks down the main types of face cleanser, how their textures differ, and how to pick the one that suits your skin and routine.
What are the main types of face cleanser?
Face cleansers are usually grouped by their base and texture, and each type removes a slightly different kind of buildup. The most common types are:
- Oil or balm cleanser — an oil-based cleanser that melts away oil-based grime like sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum. It is most often used as a first cleanse in the evening.
- Gel cleanser — a light, water-based cleanser that rinses clean and works well for everyday use, especially on oily or combination skin.
- Cream or lotion cleanser — a richer, softer-feeling cleanser that tends to feel gentle, which many people with dry or sensitive-feeling skin prefer.
- Foam cleanser — a lathering cleanser that can feel thorough, though some foaming formulas can leave skin feeling tight if they are too strong.
- Micellar water — a no-rinse option that lifts away light makeup and dirt, handy for quick or travel routines.
How do cleanser textures differ?
The texture mostly changes how a cleanser feels going on and how skin feels afterward. An oil or balm feels slip-y and cushioned, then rinses into a light milk with water. A gel feels light and fresh. A cream feels soft and lotion-like, and usually rinses off with less of a squeaky finish. A foam feels bubbly and airy. None of these is automatically better — the right feel depends on your skin and what you are trying to remove.
Which cleanser type is right for your skin?
The simplest way to choose is to match the texture to how your skin feels and what you wear during the day.
- Dry or sensitive-feeling skin: a cream cleanser, or a gentle low-pH gel, often feels most comfortable because it cleans without leaving skin tight.
- Oily or combination skin: a light gel cleanser tends to feel fresh and rinses clean without heaviness.
- Makeup or sunscreen wearers: start with an oil or balm cleanser to break down what water-based cleansers struggle to remove.
- Easily irritated skin: look for a simple, fragrance-free formula, and patch test a new cleanser first.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing means using an oil-based cleanser first, then a water-based cleanser second. The Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil melts away makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, and a follow-up like the Gentle Black Facial Cleanser, a low-pH gel, then cleans without leaving skin feeling stripped. It is an evening step rather than a morning one, and it is the reason double cleansing is the first stage in many routines, including our step-by-step glass skin routine.
Klairs cleanser options by texture
If you want to match a Klairs cleanser to a texture, here is a quick map:
- Oil: the Gentle Black Fresh Cleansing Oil, an oil cleanser for a first cleanse.
- Gel: the Gentle Black Facial Cleanser, a low-pH gel designed to clean without stripping.
- Cream or mask: the Freshly Juiced Vitamin Mask Cleanser, a softer wash-off cleanser you can also leave on briefly as a short mask.
Whichever you choose, the goal is skin that feels clean but still comfortable, not tight. If your skin also feels dry after cleansing, our guide to choosing a toner for dry skin covers a gentle next step.
FAQ
What are the different types of face wash?
The most common types are oil or balm cleansers, gel cleansers, cream or lotion cleansers, foam cleansers, and micellar water. They mainly differ in texture and in what kind of buildup they remove, from makeup and sunscreen to everyday dirt and oil.
Which cleanser texture is best for dry skin?
Many people with dry or sensitive-feeling skin find a cream cleanser or a gentle low-pH gel most comfortable, because these tend to clean without leaving skin feeling tight. Harsh foaming cleansers can feel more stripping on dry skin.
Is an oil cleanser good for oily skin?
Yes, oil cleansers can suit oily skin because they dissolve oil-based buildup like sunscreen and excess sebum. Many people follow the oil cleanse with a light gel cleanser so the routine still feels fresh rather than heavy.
What does a low-pH cleanser mean?
A low-pH cleanser is formulated to sit closer to the skin's own slightly acidic surface, which many people find helps skin feel comfortable rather than tight after washing. It is a common choice for gentle, everyday cleansing.
How often should I double cleanse?
Double cleansing is usually an evening step, most useful on days you wear makeup or sunscreen. In the morning a single gentle cleanse is generally enough, so there is no need to double cleanse twice a day.
Choosing what feels right
There is no single best cleanser type — the right one is the texture that leaves your skin feeling clean and comfortable for your skin type and daily routine. Match the format to your needs, keep sensitive skin in mind with simple formulas, and add a first-step oil cleanse on makeup or sunscreen days. From there, a gentle toner and moisturizer round out a calm, comfortable routine.
