Cleanser vs. face wash: Is there a difference?

It’s essential to keep your skin clean to maintain its natural glow and overall health, and step one is deciding whether to use a cleanser or a face wash to do so. If you’re wondering what the difference between the two is, you’re not alone. When it comes to tackling the “cleanser versus face wash” conundrum, the product most suitable for you will depend on your skin type and skincare goals.

Understanding the role of cleanser and face wash

No matter what you call it, the role of a skincare face wash or cleanser is to—you guessed it—clean the face. Both products are designed to emulsify water-insoluble buildup from environmental pollutants, cosmetics, and the natural skin process (such as cell turnover and sebum production) into fine particles that can easily be rinsed away with water.

Choosing the right cleanser or face wash is especially key for people experiencing skin concerns such as acne, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, or the signs of aging. For instance, people with acne-prone skin may benefit from a liquid cleanser that easily rinses off the skin, whereas those with photoaged skin might do better using a cleanser containing humectants and emollients.¹ Whichever product you choose, it should remove dead skin cells without stripping the skin of its natural oils, so the skin feels nourished. 

(And, if you haven’t already, make sure you ditch the bar soap!) 

Cleansers vs. face washes: Is there a difference?

While cleansers and face washes have evolved to include many different ingredients, there’s no “official” difference between the two. All that really matters are the active components and understanding how they help you achieve your skin goals depending on your skin type—that’s how to choose the best face cleanser for you. 

Both types of products use surfactants—detergents to wash away grime—and have water-loving (hydrophilic) and water-repelling (hydrophobic) ingredients. Hydrophobic ingredients love oil, latching onto impurities, trapping them, and removing them from the skin. 

Although there’s no real distinction between cleansers and face washes, some things are more consistently associated with each: 

• Face washes are typically foamy but gentler than soap. They are usually designed to penetrate deeper into the layers of the skin to clear clogged pores. Face washes are often—but not always—water-based formulations with astringent properties.

• Cleansers remove dirt, makeup, and excess oils from the skin’s surface. They’re often considered to be gentler than face washes, and they’re often creamy, non-foaming, and hydrating. Both cleansers for dry skin and cleansers for oily skin can be water- or oil-based, and unlike face washes, some don’t require rinsing.

Remember, deciding what to wash your face with all comes down to knowing your skin type and which ingredients to use to help achieve your skin goals. 

• Dry, sensitive, and sun-damaged skin may benefit from a moisture-rich cleanser with humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid and glycerine) and emollients (e.g., ceramides). 

• Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin may benefit from tough-on-grease formulations with gently exfoliating ingredients, such as pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients penetrate the skin’s surface to clean clogged pores and help prevent breakouts.

• People with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, or other chronic skin conditions may benefit from mild cleansers to avoid irritating sensitive skin.² 

Regardless of skin type or particular concerns, here at Curology, we recommend face washes or cleansers that are free of unnecessary additives, such as fragrance and dyes—and always avoid pore-clogging ingredients!

What’s a “good” face wash for acne?

Everyone’s skin is different, so what works well for one person may not be as effective for another. But generally speaking, acne-prone skin might do better with a foaming face wash that penetrates deeper to clear clogged pores. Don’t be afraid to try a different product if a cleanser isn’t working for your skin. You’re not locked into using a certain face wash because you have acne-prone skin or a specific oil cleanser because your skin is dry.

What about double cleansing?

Double cleansing involves using two different types of cleansers back to back, combining oil- and water-based cleansing. This gentle and all-encompassing face-washing method removes makeup, sunscreen, sweat, dirt, and other everyday buildup. Just be sure to choose two cleansers that work together—over-cleansing is possible. 

The order of the products you use is important. The first product should be an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, oil, and dirt. Then, cleanse again using a water-based cleanser.

The double cleansing method has potential benefits for all skin types, but not all products work for all skin types. Like any cleansing routine, double cleansing should target your skin type. Oily or combination skin usually benefits from a micellar water cleanser followed by a foaming cleanser. Normal or dry skin is usually better suited to a hydrating oil cleanser followed by a hydrating facial cleanser.

Find products that suit your skin at Curology

Curology was founded in 2014 by Dr. David Lortscher to take the guesswork out of skincare. His goal was simple: make quality, prescription-based skincare accessible. 

Our licensed dermatology providers work with you to examine your skin, assess your skincare goals, and provide personalized treatment options (including a cleanser and moisturizer).* We use proven-effective ingredients to treat acne, anti-aging, and hyperpigmentation. 

Sign up for Curology to consult with a licensed dermatology provider who can prescribe a personalized prescription formula to address your skin goals. They can also recommend some of our other dermatologist-designed skincare products for all skin types, such as Curology’s cleanser or the Acne Cleanser. Each product comes in a two-month supply that’s gentle enough to use every day.

P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1.   Mukhopadhyay, P. Cleansers and their role in various dermatological disorders. Indian Journal of Dermatology. Ibid.

2.  Sabramanyan, K.K., et al. Developing an ultra mild cleanser for sensitive skin. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (2004 March 1).

* Subject to consultation. Subscription is required. Results may vary.

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Written by

Curology Team