Could Your Face Wash Be Doing More For You?

If you’re prone to oiliness and experiencing breakouts, blackheads, and bumpy skin, an exfoliating cleanser can be the way to go. Salicylic acid goes beneath the surface of the skin to clear out gunk and debris from pores while also sloughing off dead skin cells; this helps moderate sebum production, resulting in a less oily appearance and reduced breakouts. The addition of niacinamide helps reduce redness and irritation while the hydrating formula prevents skin from feeling overly stripped or dried out.

Hey, some guys are born blessed. For men whose skin is — much like the infamous peanut butter — never oily and never dry, the best face wash is one that effectively deep cleans your skin while imparting hydration and antioxidants. The Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser is akin to a green juice for the skin enriched with green tea, spinach, and kale, it’s gentle and anti-inflammatory, leaving skin with a healthy radiance.

It is an unfortunate fact of life that dry skin and acne-prone skin are not mutually exclusive. For those with both, a face wash that soothes and moisturises the skin while addressing acne is necessary. A satisfying foaming formula, the Dermal Therapy Acne Control Wash is free from benzoyl peroxide and active acids; instead using Seboclear to regulate sebum production and providing intense hydration thanks to allantoin and panthenol.

A dermatologist favourite, the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is proof that sometimes good things come in unassuming packages. Laden with three types of ceramides to restore and repair the skin barrier as well as hyaluronic acid to promote hydration, this lotion-like formula leaves skin feeling nourished and moisturised post-cleanse.

The sensitive-skinned among us should opt for a cleanser that does more with less. Able to be used with or without water, the Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser is formulated with hyper-sensitive skin in mind and uses minimal ingredients to prevent irritating the skin. As it cleanses the skin, it also works to reduce the skin’s reactivity to external factors and helps restore the skin barrier.

Behind every dull complexion is a radiant one waiting to come out. A cocktail of exfoliating AHAs helps shed dead skin cells while niacinamide and centella reduce irritation while providing a thorough cleanse.

For those with skin a not-dissimilar texture to the pages of a leather-bound book, steer clear of gel and foaming facial cleansers and look for creamy formulas. The Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser is designed with sensitive and dry skin types in mind, with antioxidant-rich aloe vera and vitamin E combining together to soothe and comfort the skin.