Cleanser vs Face Wash: What is the Difference between Cleanser and Face Wash?

A good skincare routine is the foundation of healthy, glowing skin. But with so many products on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when it comes to choosing between a cleanser and a face wash. Many people assume they are the same, yet each serves a unique purpose in maintaining skin health.

As someone who has studied skin science and guided countless individuals toward better skincare choices, Reymen brings valuable expertise to clear up this common confusion. In this guide, we’ll explain what is the difference between cleanser and face wash so you can choose the right one for your skin and build a routine that truly works for you.

You can buy Foaming Gel Cleanser.

What is a Cleanser? 

A cleanser is a skincare product specifically formulated to clean the skin by removing dirt, excess oil, makeup, sweat, and impurities from the surface. Unlike regular soap, facial cleansers are designed to be gentle and maintain the skin’s natural balance, preventing dryness or irritation.

Purpose of a Facial Cleanser

The primary purpose of a cleanser is to provide a fresh, clean base for the rest of your skincare routine. By clearing away buildup and impurities, it helps unclog pores, reduce breakouts, and improve the effectiveness of other products such as serums and moisturizers. Choosing the best cleanser for face depends on your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive) and specific concerns.

How a Cleanser Works on the Skin?

Cleansers contain ingredients that bind to oil, dirt, and impurities so they can be rinsed away with water. They may include surfactants that lift away debris without stripping the skin’s natural protective barrier. This process helps prevent clogged pores, dullness, and irritation, keeping the skin healthy and refreshed.

How to Use Cleanser?

• Wet your face with lukewarm water.
  
  

• Apply a small amount of cleanser to your fingertips.
  
  

• Gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions.
  
  

• Rinse thoroughly with water.
  
  

• Pat dry and follow with moisturizer.
  
  

Using a cleanser twice daily, morning and evening, ensures that your skin stays clean and ready to absorb skincare products effectively.

What is a Face Wash?

A face wash is a skincare product designed to clean the skin more deeply than a regular cleanser. It typically comes in a gel or foaming texture and is activated with water to create lather. A face wash is formulated to remove excess oil, sweat, dirt, and impurities lodged deeper in the pores, making it especially useful for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Purpose of a Face Wash

The main purpose of a face wash is to provide a deeper clean, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and oil-free. It helps unclog pores, reduce shine, and prevent breakouts caused by excess sebum. A face wash for oily skin is often recommended because it can target sebum buildup and give a more thorough cleansing experience compared to other products.

How does a Face Wash Differ from a Cleanser?

While both products aim to clean the face, they differ in texture and function:

• Cleanser: Usually cream, lotion, or oil-based; focuses on gently dissolving makeup, dirt, and impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural barrier.
  
  

• Face Wash: Typically gel- or foam-based; provides a deeper, more intensive clean that leaves the skin feeling fresh and matte.
  
  

In short, cleansers are ideal for daily gentle cleansing (especially for dry or sensitive skin), while face washes are better suited for oilier skin types that need a more thorough cleanse.

What is the Difference between Cleanser and Face Wash?

Here’s a clear comparison table highlighting the key differences between a cleanser and a face wash:

Cleanser vs Face Wash: Which is Better for Oily Skin?

Choosing between a cleanser for oily skin and a face wash for oily skin depends on your skin type, daily routine, and lifestyle habits. Both products can be beneficial, but they work in slightly different ways.

Can You Use Both: Cleanser + Face Wash in One Routine?

Yes, you can safely use both a cleanser and a face wash in your skincare routine. This method is often called double cleansing and ensures that your skin is free from dirt, oil, sunscreen, and impurities.

Face Wash or Cleanser First?

• Step 1: Cleanser first → A gentle cleanser (cream, oil, or micellar) removes surface impurities like makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil.
  
  

• Step 2: Face wash after → A foaming or gel-based face wash gives a deeper pore cleanse to remove sweat, grime, and leftover residue.
  
  

This layering ensures you don’t over-strip your skin while still getting a thorough clean.

Suggested Skincare Routine

AM Routine (Morning)

• Use a cleanser to gently refresh your skin after overnight oil buildup.
  
  

• Follow with toner (optional), moisturizer, and SPF.
  
  

• A face wash is usually not necessary in the morning unless your skin feels greasy or you’ve sweated overnight.
  
  

PM Routine (Evening)

• Start with a cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen.
  
  

• Follow with a face wash for a deeper clean, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
  
  

• Finish with serum, moisturizer, or treatment products.
  
  

When to Use Cleanser and Face Wash?

• Cleanser: Best for daily gentle use, especially in the morning or before face wash at night.
  
  

• Face Wash: Best for evening deep cleaning or after heavy sweating, outdoor exposure, or wearing heavy makeup.

Conclusion

Now that you know what is the difference between cleanser and face wash, it’s clear that both play unique roles in a skincare routine.

• Cleansers are gentle, hydrating, and best for removing makeup, sunscreen, and daily dirt without stripping the skin.

• Face washes go deeper, making them ideal for oily or acne-prone skin that needs extra pore-level cleansing.