The world of cleansers can be confusing. Gels! Milks! Balms! Oils! Foams! Mousses! Creams! Soups! Scratch that last one! And while the level of variety is great for so many reasons, it can also make things.. complicated.

We’re all about making things simple here, so let us help you find the perfect formula for your skin type.

Tally ho!

The best types of cleansers for sensitive skin
If your skin is prone to rashes, inflammation, and redness - you’re probably sensitive. Since your skin is so easily irritated, you’re going to want to stick to the most soothing of the bunch.

When it comes to calming, milk and cream cleansers are the cream (sorry) of the crop. As their name suggests, the texture is lush and creamy. And thanks to their highly moisturising ingredients your face gets a real good clean without any fear of irritation or stripping.

Try these:
Ren Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk
La Roche Posay Toleraine Dermo Cleanser

The best types of cleansers for oily or breakout-prone skin
Those with oily or acne-prone skin tend to experience shine, regular blemishes and congestion, and generally large, coarse pores. All of that excess oil requires a little extra effort to keep your skin thoroughly cleansed. Cleansing gels and mousses are designed to give skin a deep cleanse which makes them perfect for the oily or breakout-y.

You’ll definitely want to make sure that you aren’t totally stripping away all of that oil and leaving your skin tight and uncomfortable, which is why we recommend a cleansing mousse over a cleansing foam. Though both share a fluffy, foam-y texture, a cleansing mousse creates that texture with the pump, where a foam creates that texture with surfactants (SLS/SLES) that have the potential to irritate skin.

Try these:
Go-To Properly Clean
Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

The best types of cleansers for dry or mature skin
Whether your skin type is dry (lacking oil and prone to feeling tight, dry, or even rough) or mature, you’re going to want to cram moisture wherever you can in your routine to make up for all that oil your skin isn’t naturally producing.

Cleansing oils and balms are magnificent for this as they’re loaded with nourishing oils and butters that will offer your skin the hydration it really needs. This means they are able to replenish as they remove which is the ultimate combination for thirsty skin.

Try these:
Go-To Fancy Face Oil Cleanser
Dermalogica PreCleanse
Eve Lom Cleansing Balm

The best types of cleansers for normal skin
If your skin is supple, smooth, plump, with small-medium pores, and a healthy colour - you’re probably normal. Normal skin has it easiest of all when it comes to picking their products.

Because your skin isn’t producing too much or too little of anything, it’s best to focus on what your major skin concerns are and adjust your skin accordingly. Skin feeling dehydrated in winter? (Remember: dry skin and dehydrated skin are very different things.) Take an oil cleanser for a test drive. Skin looking a little dull? Keep an eye out for cleansers that have AHAs in them. Skin won’t stop breaking out in spots? Find one with a BHA!

Try these:
Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser
Cerave SA Smoothing Cleanser