7 Facial Cleansers and Which Suits Your Skin

You're at the drugstore or your favourite cosmetics store, staring at the hundreds of products lining the shelves. After a long day at work and school, you just want to pick up a cleanser that will refresh your skin and make you feel good. But how do you sort through all these products to find the one that suits your skin? The options are endless, thanks to a huge variety of ingredients and formulas.

Cleansers are the workhorses of any skincare routine. They're the first product you apply to your face in the morning and again in the evening. They're designed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup that might have accumulated during the day. What are the characteristics of a good cleanser for your face?

A good facial cleanser will lift away excess oil and impurities and gently help remove dead skin cells. The goal is to cleanse without stripping your skin of natural oils. The right cleanser depends on your skin type, whether you have sensitive skin, the climate you live in, and whether you are prone to oiliness or dryness.

Above all, a good cleanser should feel gentle. Harsh products can strip your skin of essential oils, which may lead to dryness and irritation. The cleanser that's right for you will support your skin type and leave it feeling comfortable and refreshed.

Let's take a closer look at the various types of facial cleansers and their qualities.

Cleansing foams

Foams are often chosen for oily skin, as they create a lather that helps lift away excess oil. They can feel drying on some skin types and may leave skin tight if used too often. They remove makeup effectively but usually work more on the surface than cream-based cleansers.

Cleansing lotions and milk

Lotions and milks are water-based and lightly moisturising. They work well for most skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin, because they cleanse without leaving skin feeling stripped. If you are used to a foaming product, you might miss the “squeaky clean” sensation, but lotions and milk are less likely to cause dryness.

Here is what we have at Brewing Beauty Co for this category:

Calming Oat Cleansing Milk with Prebiotics and Liquorice

Clarifying Cucumber Cleansing Milk with Aloe Vera and Tea Tree

Cleansing gels

Gels are generally water-based and often recommended for oily or blemish-prone skin. They are usually lightweight and may include ingredients like tea tree or soothing botanicals. Many gels on the market focus on deep cleansing, but our gel cleansers are formulated with emollients and hydrating agents to balance the skin while still feeling light. They can be used on different skin types, including sensitive skin.

Here is what we have at Brewing Beauty Co for this category:

Soothing Oat Face Cleanser with Prebiotics and Liquorice

Purifying Willow Bark Face Cleanser with Chlorella and Cucumber

Brightening Hibiscus Face Cleanser with Echinacea and Butterfly Bush

Renewing Turmeric Face Cleanser With Sea Buckthorn and Vitamin E

Invigorating Green Tea Face Cleanser with Willow Bark and Calendula

Cleansing creams

Cream cleansers contain oils and are the thickest option, making them a good choice for dry skin that craves moisture. They are less suited for oily or blemish-prone skin. If your skin feels tight after lighter cleansers, a cream cleanser can help restore softness and comfort.

Micellar waters

Micellar waters use tiny micelles—clusters of cleansing molecules—to lift away impurities. They work well if you wear light makeup or none at all. While not always sufficient for heavy or oil-based makeup, they are refreshing and convenient. Our micellar water also contains gentle astringent botanicals to help refine the look of pores while cleansing.

Soothing Prebiotic Micellar Tonic Water with Witch Hazel and Wild Indigo

Cleansing balms

Balms are rich in emollients and come in a solid form that melts into an oil-like texture on the skin. They are excellent for dissolving makeup, sunscreen, and impurities while leaving skin feeling nourished. They are often chosen for dry or sensitive skin as they cleanse gently while adding moisture.

Here is what we have at Brewing Beauty Co for this category:

Comforting Baobab Balm Cleanser with Coconut and Liquorice

Reviving Cranberry Balm Cleanser with Borage and Butterfly Bush

Replenishing Sea Buckthorn Balm Cleanser with Buriti and Turmeric

Cleansing powders

Powder cleansers come in a dry form that you mix with water to create a paste. They allow you to customise the texture depending on how much water you add. The fine particles also provide a gentle exfoliation, helping remove dead skin cells while cleansing.

The bottom line

Now that you know your cleansing options, you can choose one that feels best for your skin type and preferences. If you have dry or combination skin, a lotion or cream-based cleanser may suit you. At Brewing Beauty Co, we also offer gel cleansers that provide a lighter alternative to richer creams. If your skin is oily or prone to blemishes, a foam or gel may feel more suitable. And don’t forget the sensorial side: you may prefer the softness of a cream cleanser, the refreshing feel of a micellar water, or the gentle exfoliation of a powder cleanser. With so many options, there’s a cleanser to make your daily routine both effective and enjoyable.

Cleanser comparison at a glance

Here’s a quick comparison of the different types of cleansers – so you can more easily decide which one suits your skin type and needs best: