Have you ever washed your face and still felt like something was…off? Like your skin didn’t feel clean enough, or worse, felt tight and irritated? The issue might not be your skincare routine; it could be your cleanser.
A clean face is the foundation of any skincare routine. Cleansers remove dirt, excess oil, and environmental pollutants while prepping your skin for moisturisers, serums, and SPF. But with so many types of cleansers available—gel, oil, foam, cream, balm, and micellar—it’s easy to pick the wrong one for your skin’s needs.
This guide breaks down the six major types of facial cleansers, who they’re best for, how to use them properly, and what to buy if you’re shopping.
What is a Cleanser?
A facial cleanser does more than just remove makeup. It removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, prepares it for moisturisers and serums, and promotes a healthier skin barrier. It’s the very first step in any skincare routine and one of the most important.
More than just a surface clean, the right cleanser protects your skin barrier, prevents breakouts, improves texture, and enhances the absorption of your next skincare steps.
Read Also: Is Nivea or Vaseline the Better Moisturiser for You?
Understanding the six main types of cleansers will help you choose the one that’s best for your skin type. Below, I’ll explain their benefits and skin suitability.
1. Foaming Cleansers
Foaming cleansers are known for their bubbly lather and deep-cleaning action. They’re made to dissolve excess oil, unclog pores, and remove stubborn impurities. While effective, some can dry, so look for gentler formulations with hydrating ingredients like ceramides or niacinamide.
Why We Love It: This cleanser, designed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, controls oil without stripping skin.
Texture: Lightweight gel that foams into a rich lather.
Skin Type: Best for oily to combination skin.
The first time I tried the Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser, I could have sworn my facial skin looked brighter. This cleanser has a light texture and is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Its rich lather effectively removes excess oil and impurities from the skin. Price: $13.93. Where to Buy: Shop Amazon.
Read Also: 7 Best Vitamin E Oils That Can Help Fade Body Scars.
2. Cream Cleansers
As the name suggests, cream cleansers have a creamy texture. While cleansers generally remove excess oil from the face, a cream cleanser does the same but also hydrates the skin. These are formulated with emollients, such as shea butter, jojoba oil, or aloe vera, which soften and hydrate the skin while gently cleansing it.
Why We Love It: This one starts off like a cream, then gently foams up to remove dirt and light makeup. It’s loaded with ceramides and amino acids to help support your skin barrier.
Skin Type: Works for sensitive, dry, and combo skin.
Price: ₦23,340. Where to Buy: Shop Care to Beauty.
Read Also: The Best Clay Masks You Can Get for Under ₦10,000
3. Gel Cleanser
A Gel cleanser is suitable for all skin types but is best for oily and acne-prone skin because it is formulated without oils. Gel cleansers are water-based and often infused with soothing, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or green tea extract.
Plus, many of them double as excellent second-step cleansers for double-cleansing routines.
Why We Love It: Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this gel cleanser keeps your skin hydrated even after rinsing. (Fun fact: It is one of our Editors’ favourite cleansers of all time.)
Bonus: Free of parabens, soap, and oil—great for breakout-prone skin.
Price: ₦14,850. Where to Buy: Shop Coco Rosey.
4. Oil Cleanser
Oil cleansers contain non-fragrant plant oils and glycerine, which help remove makeup, surface debris, and excess oil from the skin and hydrate it without harsh scrubbing. Contrary to what you might expect, they don’t leave skin oily. Instead, they emulsify with water and rinse off clean.
Oil cleansers are ideal for all skin types, especially makeup lovers, but because of their hydrating effects, they are more beneficial for dry or combination skin.
Why We Love It: Gentle but effective at removing makeup and excess oil, this Korean bestseller contains Heartleaf extract, known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
Skin Type: All skin types, especially sensitive and combination.
Price: ₦16,500. Where to Buy: Shop Teeka4.
5. Micellar Water
To use this cleanser, apply it to cotton wool and gently wipe it across your face, eyes, and lips. You don’t need to rinse afterward.
