Taking It Off 101: All the Different Types of Cleansers & How to Use Them

Oil cleansers, cleansing balms, cleansing sticks — help! What’s what, how to use them, and which to use in your routine.

What do I think is the most important skincare step besides sunscreen? Well, cleansing sets the foundation for pretty much every single facet of skin health. If you’re face isn’t cleaned properly, dead skin, oil, and bacteria can build up, causing dullness and acne. If you aren’t removing your makeup, the silicone that’s in a wide variety of primers and foundations can build up on the skin and cause acne. And sunscreen? Yes, you gotta remove that properly, too. Also, there’s that whole thing with pH — a cleanser with a too-high pH can damage your moisture barrier, causing dryness, irritation, tightness, and you guessed it, acne.

But where do we start with cleansing? There are dozens of different types of cleansers. Some people prefer a cleansing balm-gel cleanser combo. There are some people who are a cleansing oil-cream cleanser type. Is there a right or a wrong way to go? Allow me to get into all the details.

First step cleansers

The cleansers in this category are used to remove makeup, sunscreen, pollution, sweat, dirt, and debris. They are the foundation for an excellent skincare routine.

Oil cleansers

Oil cleansers are a liquid, oil-based cleanser that is designed to be used as the first step in any skincare routine. They are designed to remove makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and debris. To use, apply on dry skin, then add water to emulsify. Rinse clean.

 Pros: Simple to use, extremely effective at removing all traces of makeup, dirt, and sunscreen.

 Cons: Can be a bit messy, can drip all over the sink and down your arms, aren’t the most travel-friendly.

 My faves: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil, Koelcia Lime Coke Cleansing Oil

Cleansing balms

Cleansing balms are the solid form of oil cleansers. They do the same thing as oil cleansers and work the exact same way. Apply and massage onto dry skin, wet hands and massage to emulsify the product. Rinse clean.

 Pros: Extremely easy to use, less messy than oil cleansers, very travel-friendly.

 Cons: I personally love cleansing balms and can’t really find anything wrong with them. My favorite way to remove makeup!

 My faves: Banila Co Clean it Zero, Su:m37 Cleansing Balm

Cleansing waters

Cleansing waters are similar to micellar water. They are touted as a gentle yet effective way to remove makeup and debris at the end of the day, as well as a gentle cleanse in the AM. They are marketed towards those with more sensitive skin.

 Pros: Excellent way to cleanse skin in the morning without stripping the skin.

 Cons: Are not as effective as cleansing oils and balms, have to use with cotton pads.

My faves: Innisfree Rebalancing Cleansing Water, Keep Cool Soothe Phyto Shower Cleansing Water

Makeup removing wipes

Makeup removing wipes are cleansing wipes meant to be used as a first step of makeup removal. They are typically cotton or cotton blend wipes saturated in a cleansing oil type solution.

 Pros: Extremely convenient, can toss in a bag for travel.

 Cons: In my opinion, makeup wipes are the least effective form of makeup removal, especially if you wear heavy makeup.

 My faves: I am not a fan of makeup wipes! I haven’t used one in years.

Point makeup remover

Point makeup remover is makeup remover for the waterproof makeup worn on the lips and eyes. It’s typically an oil suspended in a type of water that you have to shake up before use. If you wear super waterproof eye or lip makeup that doesn’t come off with a regular oil cleanser, you might want to use a point makeup remover first, then go in with an oil cleanser.

 Pros: Excellent way to remove super stubborn, waterproof eye makeup and lipstick

 Cons: Can sting the eyes

 My faves: Innisfree Apple Seed Lip & Eye Remover. It’s the only one that matters IMO.

Second step cleansers

All of the cleansers in this category are meant to be used after your first step cleanser, or alone in the morning.

Foaming cleansers

Foaming cleansers are used as that quintessential second step cleanser. They are characterized by their foaming capabilities. For some (aka me), a nice, good, lathery foam is one of the highlights of life — although that foam can come at a cost, aka a high pH.

 Pros: Easily found in drugstores, wide variety, travel well

 Cons: Can be high pH, which can strip and damage the moisture barrier and can be drying. Make sure to pH test your foaming cleansers!

 My faves: Klairs Rich Moist Foaming Cleanser, Sulwhasoo Snowise EX Brightening Cleansing Foam

Gel cleansers

Gel cleansers are the more gentle form of cleansing foams. They are clear or have a gel texture and are typically marketed as the low pH option, although that may not always be the case. They are a great option for all skin types.

 Pros: Gentle, effective, excellent for all skin types

 Cons: Can still be a bit drying for those with dry skin

 My faves: COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser, Innisfree Trouble Bija Cleansing Gel

Cream cleansers

Cream cleansers are perfect for dry skin. They are rich, super hydrating, and tend to not foam like gel and foaming cleaners. They are also great to use the morning if you want a gentle cleanse without drying out your skin.

 Pros: Excellent choice for those with dry skin, nice to use in the morning as well

 Cons: Might be too rich for those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin

 My fave: Hanyul Pure Artemisia Cleansing Cream

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Cleansing sticks

Cleansing sticks are basically bar soap in a convenient stick or tube package. They are an excellent choice for people on the go and are just as effective as your standard foaming cleanser.

 Pros: Excellent for travel, can be taken on a carry-on, super easy to use

 Cons: Since it’s a type of foaming cleanser, can be drying

 My faves: I mean, is there anything more iconic than the now-discontinued Su:m37 Rose Cleansing Stick? The stick became SO popular that they basically had to discontinue it because they couldn’t keep up with the rose production. RIP.

What is your favorite type of cleansing combo? Let me know in the comments!