Liz Earle UK
Types of Cleansers
Types of Cleansers
A good skincare routine starts with cleansing, but not all cleansers work in the same way. The format you choose can make all the difference to how your skin looks and feels afterwards. .
Here, we break down the different types of cleansers, how they work and how to choose the right one for your skin type and lifestyle.
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What do cleansers actually do
What do cleansers actually do?
Your skin is exposed to a lot each day, from make up, SPF and excess oil to pollution, sweat and other environmental stressors. That’s why reaching for the right cleanser is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do for your skin.
A facial cleanser works by lifting away impurities from the skin’s surface so they can be rinsed away easily. The key is to cleanse thoroughly without disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier. When your cleanser is suited to your skin type, it leaves skin feeling comfortable, refreshed and ready to absorb the products that come next, whether that’s toner, serum or moisturiser.
Using the wrong cleanser, on the other hand, can leave skin feeling stripped, unsettled or not quite clean enough. That’s why understanding the different cleanser textures and formats is so useful, each one has been designed to do a slightly different job.
Types of Cleansers
Balm Cleansers
Balm cleansers are rich, comforting formulas that melt into the skin on contact. As you massage them in, they help dissolve make up, sunscreen and daily build-up without leaving skin feeling stripped.
Because of their nourishing texture, balm cleansers are especially well-suited to dry skin, mature skin and sensitive skin. They can feel like a more indulgent cleansing step, too, which makes them a lovely choice for your evening routine.
If you wear heavier make up or multiple layers of SPF, a balm cleanser can be a great first cleanse. Follow with a lighter second cleanse if needed, especially if you want to help ensure product has been removed.
For a luxurious balm texture, try the Superskin™ Advanced Cleansing Balm & Cloth Neroli & Rose which hydrates and boosts the feeling of skin’s elasticity. For those building a complete cleanse-led ritual, the Cleansing Trio can also be a great place to start.
Hot Cloth Cleansers
Hot cloth cleansers have become iconic for a reason. This type of cleanser combines a cream-based cleanser with a warm, damp cloth to deeply yet gently cleanse the skin.
As you massage the cleanser onto dry skin, it helps loosen dirt, make up and impurities. The warm cloth then helps lift impurities, dirt, grime or pollution away while also gently exfoliating the skin’s surface. This leaves skin feeling clean, smooth and refreshed.
Hot cloth cleansers suit all skin types because they cleanse effectively while helping skin feel balanced and comfortable. They’re also a brilliant option if you want your cleansing step to feel more like a ritual to help you unwind before bed.
Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser is a perfect example. This cult classic helps remove daily impurities while the pure cotton cloth offers gentle exfoliation for skin that looks more radiant and feels exceptionally soft.
To get the most from the hot cloth method, rinse your cloth thoroughly after each use and allow it to dry properly between cleanses. Once you’ve finished cleansing, follow with your skincare routine, which may include toner, serum, moisturiser and enjoy that newly-revealed radiance.
Gel Cleansers
Gel cleansers are often lightweight, refreshing and easy to use, making them a popular choice for morning cleansing or as a second cleanse in the evening. They help remove overnight oil, sweat and leftover product residue without the need for a heavy formula. This type of cleanser usually works best when massaged onto dry skin over your face and neck. Gel cleansers are particularly well-suited to oily skin and combination skin, and they’re often a go-to for anyone who prefers a fresher, lighter texture.
One common myth is that a foamy, squeaky-clean finish means your cleanser is working harder. In reality, that tight, stripped feeling can be a sign of over-cleansing. A good gel cleanser should leave your skin feeling clean and comfortable, not dry or overworked.
The Cleanse & Glow™ Transforming Gel Cleanser is ideal if you want a cleanser that feels light and refreshing while still being kind to skin. As you apply it, the formula melts from a gel to oil texture, leaving skin looking fresh and luminous. After cleansing, follow with toner and moisturiser to help keep your skin feeling ready and supported throughout the day.
Oil Cleansers
Oil cleansers are often the foundation of a double cleanse, and for good reason. Oil attracts oil, which makes this type of cleanser especially effective at breaking down stubborn make up, sunscreen and excess sebum on the skin.
To use an oil cleanser properly, apply it to dry skin first. Massage it in to loosen product and impurities, then add a little water. This causes the formula to emulsify, turning it milky before you rinse it away. It’s this transformation that helps lift away everything the cleanser has dissolved.
If you wear daily SPF, fuller coverage make up or simply want a more thorough evening cleanse, an oil cleanser can be an excellent first step. Follow with a second cleanse, such as a gel or cream cleanser, then continue with the rest of your routine.
Even if you have oily skin, oil cleansers can still work beautifully, the Cleanse & Glow™ Transforming Gel Cleanser transforms from gel to oil to milk. The key is using the right formula and rinsing thoroughly before moving on to your second cleanse.
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Which Cleanser Is Right For Me?
Which Cleanser Is Right For Me?
When it comes to finding the best cleanser, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It all comes down to your skin type, your routine and what you want your cleanser to do for you.
If your skin often needs hydration, look for cleansers for dry skin that feel nourishing and comforting, such as balm cleansers or creamier formulas, like a hot cloth cleanser, that help maintain moisture.
The best cleansers for mature skin are often gentle yet supportive of skin comfort and softness. Balm cleansers and hot cloth cleansers can be especially effective here.
If your skin tends to be oily or a combination, cleansers for oily skin are often lighter in texture. Gel cleansers or foam cleansers can help remove excess oil and leave skin feeling fresh, without over-cleansing.
And when it comes to cleansers for men, the same rules apply, skin type matters more than gender. The best cleanser is the one that suits how your skin behaves, whether that means excess oil, dryness or the need for a quick and effective routine.
If you’re unsure where to begin, it can help to think about your lifestyle too. Do you wear make up or SPF every day? Do you prefer a quick morning cleanse or a more indulgent evening ritual? Your answers can help point you towards the texture and format that fits naturally into your routine.
Finding The Right Cleanser For Your Routine
Finding The Right Cleanser For Your Routine
Understanding how to choose the best cleanser to suit your skin can make your routine feel far less overwhelming. Whether you prefer a comforting balm, a soothing hot cloth cleanser, a fresh and luxurious gel to oil cleanser, each format brings something different to your skincare routine.
There isn’t one perfect cleanser for everyone, just the right cleanser for your skin type, your goals and your lifestyle. Once you find the one that suits you, the rest of your routine can become even more effective.
Explore Liz Earle’s cleanser collection, from the iconic Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser to the Superskin™ Advanced Cleansing Bam & Cloth Neroli & Rose and discover the cleanser that fits your skin beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types Of CleansersFrequently Asked Questions About Types Of Cleansers
Can I use more than one type of cleanser?
Yes, many people use more than one type of cleanser depending on the time of day or how much product they’re wearing. For example, you might use a gel cleanser in the morning, then an oil or balm cleanser in the evening as the first step of a double cleanse.
Will an oil cleanser make my skin more oily?
Not necessarily. Oil cleansers or gel to oil cleansers are designed to help dissolve excess oil, SPF and make up from the skin. When used correctly and rinsed away thoroughly, they can leave skin feeling clean and fresh rather than greasy.
How often should I use the hot cloth method?
You can use the hot cloth method daily, as long as you’re gentle and your skin feels comfortable. Make sure the cloth is warm rather than too hot, and always use soft pressure when removing the cleanser.
Is a gel cleanser suitable for dry skin?
It can be, depending on the formula. Many gel cleansers are formulated with hydrating ingredients to give a fresh, lightweight cleanse without leaving skin stripped. If you have dry skin, look for a gel cleanser that leaves skin feeling comfortable, and follow with moisture-boosting products afterwards.
Do I need to double cleanse if I don't wear make up?
Not always. If you don’t wear make up and only use light skincare during the day, one thorough cleanse may be enough. But if you wear SPF daily, or simply prefer a more complete evening cleanse, double cleansing can still be beneficial.
