Face cleansing is the first and one of the most important steps in daily skin care. A properly selected cleanser helps remove impurities, excess sebum, makeup residue, SPF and pollution, without unnecessary drying or disrupting the skin barrier.
Within the Face cosmetics category, you can find different face cleansing products: gels, foams, micellar waters, toners, soaps, oils, cleansing milks, cotton pads, ampoules and makeup remover gloves. The choice depends on skin type, whether you wear makeup or SPF, and whether the skin is oily, dry, sensitive, dehydrated or prone to irritation.
Overly aggressive cleansing can lead to tightness, stinging, redness and skin peeling, especially during winter and heating season. That is why it is important to choose products that cleanse effectively but do not leave an uncomfortable dry feeling. Read more advice in the guide How to prevent skin peeling in winter.
Face cleansing and related subcategories
| Subcategory |
Purpose |
Link |
| Face soap |
Practical facial cleansing, with formula choice according to skin type |
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| Face toner |
Final step after cleansing, for refreshing and preparing skin for further care |
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| Cotton pads |
Helpful for applying toner, micellar water and removing makeup |
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| Face cleansing oil |
Removal of makeup, SPF and impurities, especially as the first evening cleansing step |
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| Face ampoules |
Concentrated care after cleansing, according to skin needs |
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| Face cleansing gel |
Daily washing, especially for oily, combination and problematic skin |
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| Micellar water |
Quick cleansing and makeup removal, suitable for morning or evening routine |
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| Face cleansing milk |
Gentler cleansing for dry, sensitive and mature facial skin |
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| Cleansing foam |
Light texture for comfortable washing and removal of daily impurities |
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| Makeup remover glove |
Auxiliary product for removing makeup and cleansing the face |
View category » |
Who are face cleansing products for?
- People who want daily, proper and gentle facial cleansing
- Skin exposed to makeup, SPF, pollution and excess sebum
- Oily and combination skin that often prefers gels and cleansing foams
- Dry, sensitive and mature skin that usually prefers cleansing milks, oils and mild formulas
- People who want to prepare the skin for serum, cream or other care
How to choose a face cleanser?
For oily and combination skin, face cleansing gels or cleansing foams are often chosen, because they help remove excess sebum and heaviness on the skin.
For dry and sensitive skin, face cleansing milks or face cleansing oils can be a better choice, especially if tightness, redness or discomfort appears after washing.
For makeup and SPF removal, micellar waters, cleansing oils or makeup remover gloves can be used. After cleansing, face toner can help refresh the skin and prepare it for the next care step.
Face cleansing, dryness and skin barrier
Facial skin can become dry and prone to peeling if overly aggressive products, hot water, frequent exfoliation or routines that remove the skin’s natural oils are used. During winter, cold air and heating can additionally worsen tightness and flaking.
If stinging, redness, tightness or peeling appears after cleansing, the routine should be made gentler and products that preserve skin comfort should be chosen. Read more advice in the blog article How to prevent skin peeling in winter.
Pharmacist’s advice
Face cleansing should be effective, but not aggressive. If after washing your skin feels tight, stings or flakes, the product may not be the best choice for your skin type. In the evening, it is important to remove SPF and makeup, then apply suitable moisturizing care. In case of persistent redness, itching, stinging, peeling, acne, rosacea or irritation that worsens, advice from a dermatologist or pharmacist is recommended.
Ljubica Barbulović, Master of Pharmacy
Tips and useful guides
Frequently asked questions
Why is face cleansing important?
Face cleansing removes impurities, excess sebum, makeup, SPF and product residue, preparing the skin for further care.
How often should the face be cleansed?
The face is usually cleansed in the morning and evening, but the routine should be adapted to skin type, makeup, SPF and skin sensitivity.
What is better: gel, foam, milk or cleansing oil?
Oily skin often prefers gels and foams, while dry and sensitive skin usually benefits more from cleansing milks, oils and milder formulas.
Should micellar water be rinsed off?
For sensitive skin, it is often better to rinse after micellar water or continue with gentle washing to reduce the risk of irritation.
What if the skin feels tight after cleansing?
If the skin feels tight, stings or flakes, the product may be too aggressive, so a milder formula and moisturizing care should be chosen.
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