What is the Difference Between Cleanser and Face Wash?

The main difference between a cleanser and a face wash lies in their texture, composition, and function. Here are the key differences:

Texture: Cleansers typically have a creamy, milky, gel-like, or watery texture, while face washes often have a foamy or lathering texture when applied to damp skin.
Composition: Cleansers are usually richer in texture and can include oil-based cleansers, while face washes are often water-based formulas that suds up into a foam when massaged into the skin.
Function: Cleansers aim to purify, hydrate, and soothe the skin, while face washes focus on cleaning the pores more deeply and often contain more astringent ingredients to help combat oil production.

Which one is better for your skin depends on your skin type:

Cleansers are generally recommended for all skin types, as they gently clean the skin without stripping away too much oil. They are especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, combination, or normal skin types.
Face Washes are more suitable for oily or acne-prone skin types, as they help remove excess oil, dirt, and impurities from the skin.

In some cases, you may choose to use both a cleanser and a face wash in your skincare routine, depending on your skin type and needs. This technique, known as double-cleansing, involves using a cleanser first to remove makeup and impurities, followed by a face wash to remove any remaining dirt and oil.