How to Choose the Right Face Cleanser for your Skin Type?
- veorganics
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
Choosing the right face cleanser is one of the most important steps in building a skincare routine. Cleansing removes makeup, sunscreen, dirt, excess oil, and pollution but the wrong formula can leave your skin feeling tight, irritated, or even cause breakouts. The key? Matching your cleanser to your skin type.
You should cleanse your face once or twice daily, depending on your skin type and lifestyle. Most people benefit from washing once in the evening to remove makeup, sunscreen, oil, and impurities, and optionally once in the morning if their skin feels oily or congested. Over-cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, so choose a gentle formula that doesn’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry.
Below is a simple guide to help you choose the best cleanser for your skin’s needs.
1. For Dry or Dehydrated Skin
If your skin feels tight, flaky, or dull, you likely need moisture and barrier support.
What to look for:
Cream or milk cleansers
Gentle hydrating formulas
Ingredients like: Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Ceramides, Squalane, Panthenol.
Avoid foaming or gel cleansers with strong surfactants, high amounts of alcohol or fragrance.
Why it works:
Creamy, hydrating cleansers remove impurities without stripping your natural oils, keeping your skin balanced and comfortable.
2. For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
If your skin gets shiny quickly, or you experience clogged pores, look for formulas that control excess oil without over-drying.
What to look for:
Gel or foam cleansers
Lightweight textures
Ingredients like: Salicylic acid (BHA), Niacinamide, Tea Tree Extract, Zinc PCA, Benzoyl Peroxide
Avoid heavy or creamy cleansers, over-washing (more is not better!)
Why it works:
BHA cleansers help clear pores and reduce breakouts, while gel textures give a deep clean that leaves your skin refreshed, not tight.
3. For Combination Skin
Combination skin can be tricky, it’s oily in some areas and dry in others.
What to look for:
Gel or low-foam cleansers
Balancing formulas
Ingredients like: Niacinamide, Green tea, PH-balanced surfactants
Avoid harsh stripping cleansers and very rich creamy cleansers
Why it works:
A balanced cleanser gives a thorough clean without worsening dry patches or making oily areas oilier.
4. For Sensitive Skin
Redness, irritation, and reactivity mean you need ultra-gentle care.
What to look for:
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas
Cream or milk cleansers
Ingredients like: Cica (Centella), Oat extract, Aloe Vera, Ceramides, Allantoin, Panthenol, Squalane, Glycerin.
Avoid: scrubs, fragrances, strong acids, foaming textures
Why it works:
Gentle cleansers protect your skin barrier and calm inflammation while still removing impurities.
5. For Normal Skin
If your skin is not too dry or oily (lucky you!), you have flexibility.
What to look for:
Gentle gel or cream cleansers
Hydrating and balancing ingredients
Avoid harsh or stripping formulas
Why it works:
Normal skin thrives with a simple, gentle cleanser that maintains balance without unnecessary additives.
Extra Tips for Choosing the Perfect Cleanser
✔ Patch test new products
Especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
✔ Check the pH
A cleanser with a pH around 5.0–6.0 is ideal for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.
✔ Consider double cleansing
If you wear heavy makeup or sunscreen, start with an oil-based cleanser, then follow with your regular water-based cleanser.
✔ Listen to your skin
If your cleanser leaves your face feeling tight, squeaky, or itchy, it’s not the right one.
Our Top Picks for Best Daily Cleansers
HL MULTIVITAMIN Cleansing Gel
A nourishing cleansing gel rich in vitamins that helps cleanse while supporting skin tone and elasticity. Great if you want a more nutrient-boosting wash.
HL PERFECT TIME Gentle Gel Soap - a gentle gel soap cleanser that’s a bit richer, great if you like a more luxurious lather.
HL VITALISE Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid – a gentle daily cleanser that rinses away impurities and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth without stripping moisture.
HL C THE SUCCESS Cleanser - a cleanser with vitamin C-rich focus that helps brighten while cleansing, good if you want a glow-enhancing step.
HL JUVELAST Cleansing Soap - refreshing gel cleanser, for thorough and optimal cleansing of the skin, prevents skin dryness while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance and slowing down the aging process.
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