How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type

Match your cleanser to your skin's oil production and sensitivity level, not whatever trend is happening this week.

Half the cleansers on the market are solving problems you don't have. Find one that works and stop shopping.

1. Identify your actual skin type. Look at your skin 2-3 hours after washing your face with just water. Oily skin will show shine in the T-zone and possibly all over. Dry skin feels tight and may look flaky. Combination skin is shiny in the T-zone but normal or dry on the cheeks.
2. Choose your cleanser formula. Oily skin handles gel or foaming cleansers with salicylic acid or tea tree. Dry skin needs cream or oil-based cleansers with ceramides or glycerin. Sensitive skin requires fragrance-free, gentle formulas regardless of oil level.
3. Test the cleanse quality. Your face should feel clean but not tight or squeaky after cleansing. If your skin feels stripped, the cleanser is too harsh. If makeup or sunscreen remains, it's too gentle or you need a double cleanse.