Cleansing is the one step nobody skips, yet it is the one most of us choose by habit. Micellar water, cleansing milk and foam all promise clean skin, but they feel very different and suit different people. This guide explains how each works, who it suits and how to combine them, so you can pick the best face cleanser for your skin type without trial and error.<\/p>\n
A good cleanser lifts away make-up, sunscreen, excess oil and the grime of a city day while leaving your skin barrier comfortable. Too harsh, and skin feels tight, flaky or suddenly oilier. Too gentle, and residue can sit in pores and leave the rest of your routine struggling to work.<\/p>\n
There is no single “right” cleanser. What matters is matching the formula to your skin, your make-up habits and even the season. Many people across Europe find their skin needs a creamier cleanser in winter and a lighter one in summer.<\/p>\n
Micellar water looks like plain water, but it contains tiny clusters of cleansing molecules (micelles) that attract oil and dirt. You soak a cotton pad, sweep it over the skin and the grime comes away on the pad. No sink required.<\/p>\n
Best for:<\/strong> normal, combination and sensitive skin, light make-up days and quick morning cleanses. Our Micellar Cleansing Water<\/a> is a no-rinse formula designed for exactly this.<\/p>\n Watch out for:<\/strong> heavy foundation or waterproof mascara can need several pads, and lots of rubbing defeats the point. If you wear long-wear make-up, follow with a second cleanser or rinse with water afterwards.<\/p>\n Cleansing milk is a light lotion that you massage onto dry skin, then wipe off with a warm damp cloth or rinse away. Because it is creamy rather than foaming, it removes make-up and dirt while leaving skin feeling soft instead of squeaky.<\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> dry, mature and normal skin, and anyone whose face feels tight after washing. Try our Gentle Cleansing Milk<\/a>, and read more about it in our Gentle Cleansing Milk guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n Watch out for:<\/strong> on very oily or breakout-prone skin, a milk alone may not feel thorough enough. If skin is sensitive and you wear heavier make-up, the Sensitive Skin Oil-To-Milk Cleanser<\/a> is a good middle ground: it starts as an oil-gel and turns milky when you add water.<\/p>\n Foaming cleansers lather with water and rinse clean, giving that fresh “just washed” feeling. Modern foams are far milder than the stripping soaps many of us grew up with, but they still remove more oil than a milk.<\/p>\n Best for:<\/strong> normal, combination and oily skin, people who live in warm or humid climates, and anyone who simply prefers rinsing at the sink. Our mild Cleansing Foam<\/a> suits most skin types, while oilier skin may prefer the airy Purifying Mousse<\/a> or the fresh Clarifying Gel<\/a>.<\/p>\n Watch out for:<\/strong> if your face feels tight, itchy or shiny within an hour of washing, your foam may be too strong for you, or you may be using it too often. Try it only in the evening and switch to micellar water in the morning.<\/p>\nCleansing milk: soft and comforting<\/h2>\n
Foam and gel cleansers: fresh and thorough<\/h2>\n
Best face cleanser for skin type: a quick comparison<\/h2>\n