Face Wash vs Cleanser: Understanding the Key Differences

Skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal, especially when it comes to cleansing. With so many options on the market, choosing between a face wash vs. cleanser can feel overwhelming. Do you need both? Should you use one over the other? And most importantly, which one is best for your skin type? *Spoiler alert* your perfect cleanser does exist. But first, the basics:

Cleansing is the foundation of your skincare routine, ensuring your skin is prepped for serums, moisturizers, and treatments to work effectively.

Spoiler alert: The answer isn’t just about preference. It’s about what your skin needs and how each product works. While both cleanser and face wash remove dirt and impurities, they actually function differently and serve different skin types.

Let’s break it down so you can confidently build a routine that keeps your skin balanced, happy, and breakout-free.

What is a Face Wash?

A face wash is a foaming cleanser designed to deeply cleanse the skin, removing excess oil, sweat, and pore-clogging debris. Think of it as a reset button for your face, it provides a more intensive cleanse than a standard cleanser, targeting oil and impurities at a deeper level.

Face washes typically contain higher concentrations of surfactants, which create a foamy lather to lift oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. 

Face washes can be beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin by helping to remove excess sebum and pore-clogging debris.

However, some face washes can be overly drying, so choosing a hydrating, acne-safe formula is key to preventing irritation and rebound oil production [2].

Cleansers, on the other hand, contain gentler surfactants (or none at all) to remove makeup without stripping moisture. Oil cleansers are a great example of a cleanser that is not technically a face wash, while some are both. Oil cleansers or cream cleansers do not generally foam or create suds, and most people use these as a makeup removing step prior to using a face wash

How to Choose an Acne-Safe Face Wash

If you need a gentle yet effective face wash that cleans without stripping, meet GENTLECLEAN. This gel-based-but-sudsy face wash removes sweat, makeup, and oil while keeping your skin hydrated, even 8 hours after rinsing. It instantly boosts hydration by over 20% and maintains moisture all day, increasing hydration by 13%*. This is what you want when your goal is to clean your face: something that gets everything out of your pores, gently & effectively removes eye makeup, and leaves your skin’s natural moisture barrier intact.

Powered by nourishing, skin-protective ingredients like Sea Buckthorn and Magnesium PCA, it helps soothe and support sensitive, acne-prone skin while keeping moisture levels balanced. Bonus: After four weeks, 93% of users said their skin felt nourished, clearer, and healthier.* *Based on a 28-day third-party clinical study of 30 women ages 27–69.

Best for:

• Oily, acne-prone, or combination skin that tolerates deeper cleansing
• Removing excess oil, dirt, and buildup
• Exfoliating without irritation

What is a Cleanser?

A cleanser, on the other hand, is designed to gently remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Unlike face washes, cleansers don’t always foam and can be gel-based, cream-based, or even oil-based, making them more hydrating and soothing.

Cleansers are ideal for daily use, especially in the morning or as the first step in your nighttime routine. They remove surface debris while keeping the skin calm and balanced.

How to Pick the Right Cleanser

Looking for an acne-safe, non-drying cleanser? Meet VITAMINSCRUB, the game-changing exfoliating face cleanser that gives you a mini facial in a bottle. Formulated with ultra-fine bamboo particles, it gently buffs away dead skin cells while keeping your skin barrier intact, delivering a deep, satisfying cleanse, without the harsh after-effects.

Clinically tested to improve skin barrier function by up to 18%* for a clearer, smoother complexion. It also refines texture, unclogs pores, and enhances the absorption of your other skincare products. *Based on a third-party clinical study of 31 women, ages 22–70.

Best for:

• Dry, sensitive, acne-prone, or combination skin needing a gentle cleanse
• Removing light dirt, oil, and makeup
• Maintaining moisture and reducing irritation

Face Wash vs Cleanser: Which One Should You Use?

The best choice depends on your skin type, concerns, and overall skincare routine. Here’s how they compare:

PRO TIP:  If you have combination skin, you might benefit from using both. Try a gentle face wash in the morning (like GENTLECLEAN) and a light exfoliating face cleanser at night (like VITAMINSCRUB) to keep your skin balanced and refreshed.

How to Choose the Right Cleanser or Face Wash for Your Skin

Still unsure whether to go for a cleanser or face wash? Consider these key factors:

1. Skin Type Matters

• If your skin feels tight after washing, a gentler formula or cream cleanser may be a better choice.

• If your skin gets oily by midday, a face wash is critical to keep pores clear. Make sure it’s SLS-free and non-stripping, though, or it will trigger an oil rebound.

2. Ingredients Are Everything

Harsh sulfates (SLS)? Big no-no. Instead, look for skin-loving ingredients like:

• Aloe (soothing + hydrating)

• Green tea (antioxidant + anti-inflammatory)

• Vitamin C (brightening + protective)

3. Double Cleansing = Next-Level Clean

Double cleansing is a game-changer for those who wear makeup or sunscreen daily. Start with an oil-based cleanser, micellar water, or a gentle, non-stripping gel cleanser to dissolve SPF and impurities, then follow with a second cleanser for a thorough clean [6].

PRO TIP: You can always double cleanse only using GENTLECLEAN, as it won’t strip the skin barrier.

4. Acne-Safe Formulation Is Key

Some cleansers and face washes contain hidden pore-clogging ingredients that can actually make breakouts worse. Always choose non-comedogenic products. Be especially aware of this when evaluating creamy cleanser or makeup removing “cleansing balms” as most contain oils that are not acne safe or they may have other waxy fillers like ethylhexyl palmitate ( a big no-no)

PRO TIP: Always make sure your skincare is acne-safe or you’ll never get anywhere. Use our free Pore-Clogging Ingredients Checker to scan your skincare, makeup, and haircare products. Just copy, paste, and find out in minutes!

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Cleanse

When it comes to face wash vs. cleanser, both have their place in a great skincare routine. The key is understanding your skin’s needs and choosing products that work with your skin, not against it.

• Need a deep cleanse and exfoliation? Go with VITAMINSCRUB.

• Want a gentle daily cleanse that keeps your skin hydrated and balanced? GENTLECLEAN is your go-to.  

Using the right one (or a combo of both) can make all the difference. Your skin is unique, and your cleansing routine should be too. By choosing the right products, you’ll be one step closer to clear, healthy, and glowing skin, every single day.

Sources:

1. Mukherjee, S. (2018). "Surfactants in Skincare: Understanding Their Role." Journal of Dermatology Research.

2. Loden, M., & Maibach, H. (2016). "Sebum Regulation and Acne Prevention." Clinical Skin Journal.

3. Draelos, Z. D. (2020). "Impact of Over-Cleansing on the Skin Barrier." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

4. Purnamawati, S. et al. (2017). "Moisturizers in Skincare: Benefits and Considerations." Clinical Dermatology Review.

5. Callender, V. D., et al. (2019). "Best Practices for Acne-Prone Skincare." American Academy of Dermatology Journal.

6. Kaur, A., & Sharma, P. (2021). "Double Cleansing and Its Effects on Skin Health." International Journal of Dermatology Science.