Cleansing oil, cream, gel or foam? Which is the best for your skin type

If you're like me, you've tried a lot of ways to get your face clean. You've probably even spent a lot of money trying all those different cleansers, only to find that they don't work as well as they promise or they make your skin break out in a big way. So now I'm going to tell you that there is such a thing as "the best" cleansing product for your skin type based on what works best with each kind of skin type. It might seem counterintuitive, but some people swear by using oil while others swear by using foam cleansers or gels.

If you're looking to switch up your daily cleansing routine, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose which one of these four types of cleansers is right for you. After all, they all seem to do the same thing: cleanse. But as we're sure you've learned in school, "appearances can be deceiving." So what's the difference between them?

The best way to cleanse your face can depend on your skin type

If you have oily skin, an oil based cleanser will be your best bet. It'll help remove excess sebum without drying out the skin. Oily skin will also enjoy foaming cleansers as they remove the purities, preventing breakouts in the long run.

If you have dry or dehydrated skin, a creamy formula is best as it will gently hydrate without causing irritation or clogging pores like some other face cleansers might do (especially alcohol based ones). If you're looking for something with more exfoliating properties and still want something gentle enough for sensitive complexions then try a fruit enzyme powder; these powders are formulated specifically for those with dryer complexions and contain ingredients like lemon peel powder which helps remove dead cells while also brightening up dark spots caused by age spots or sun damage.

Many people are starting to realise the importance of natural face cleansers. The skin is one of the most important parts of our body, and it needs to be taken care of properly in order to maintain its healthy appearance. There are several different types of natural face cleansers available on the market today. Some are made from organic ingredients and others contain chemicals that are harmful for your skin. If you want a product that will give you real results without harming your health then look for one that contain natural and organic ingredients.

Cleansing oil

If you have dry, normal or sensitive skin, face cleanser with oil will be your best bet. It's the least stripping of all the options and won't leave your skin feeling tight or irritated.

Oil cleansers are also great for removing makeup - you can use one in place of a traditional makeup remover (though we recommend using both). They're particularly effective at making waterproof mascara disappear without leaving behind any residue behind - something that's hard to do with other types of products!

A cleansing oil is useful to remove make up and grime, and may be followed with an additional gentle cleanser or exfoliating cleanser to remove excess oil. Sesame seed oil helps to pull toxins and bacteria from the pores, while also providing antifungal and anti inflammatory benefits. Castor oil is another common ingredient used in oil cleansers for its ability to bind and draw out impurities. Oils such as geranium, camellia and patchouli all help to soothe the skin and provide antioxidant support for improved skin renewal. You can learn more about oil cleansers by reading our previous article on oil cleanser benefits

Cleansing cream

Cream cleanser is a type of cleanser that's like a thick lotionand it's best for people with dry or sensitive skin types.

Apply a small amount of cleansing cream to your dry face and massage it in circular motions for about 30 seconds before rinsing with warm water. This helps remove makeup, dirt and oil from your pores without stripping away moisture from the surface of your skin (which can cause irritation).

If you’re looking for a natural cleanser for sensitive skin, a cleansing cream is a safe option. It effectively removes dirt without stripping the skins natural oils. Cream based is also great for combination skin and is ideal for sensitive or dry skin types. Most cleansing creams consist of a vegetable glycerin base plus water, providing the creamy texture. Moisturising oils such as coconut, rosehip and  jojoba oil are often included for hydrating and skin balancing properties. If you are prone to breakouts and/or eczema, you may want to try Acure cleansing creme. We've had a great feedback in relation to this cleanser, both from customers and family and friends. Personally, this cleanser and borage oil has cleared up my eczema (around my eyes) a number of years ago and I would highly recommend it to anyone with sensitive skin.

Cleansing gel

Gel cleanser is the most gentle of all cleansing products. It's good for sensitive skin because it doesn't strip the skin of natural oils and can be used with a cotton pad or washcloth.

Gels are best suited for oily and normal to oily complexions as they help remove excess sebum without drying out the complexion. They're also great at removing makeup, making them ideal for people who wear a lot of makeup.

A cleansing gel is suitable for younger skin which is normal, combination or oily. If you suffer from stubborn blemishes, a natural gel cleanser may be beneficial to remove excess oil that can clog pores. It is not suitable for dry skin or skin prone to eczema, as a gel cleanser can leave the face feeling tight and dry. Aloe vera is used in a natural cleanser for oily skin to provide texture, along with hydrating, soothing and calming effects on the skin. A gel cleanser with an aloe vera base will be much less drying than conventional gel cleansers, as aloe vera is hydrating to the skin without being greasy. Both, Acure Brilliantly Brightening Facial Cleansing Gel and Eco by Sonya Super Citrus Cleanser contain aloe vera and they are free from parabens, sulphates, colours, synthetic fragrances, phthalates, formaldehyde causing agents, animal cruelty and palm oil.

Cleansing foam

If you like your skin to feel extra squeaky clean, a foam cleanser may be for you. Ideal for removing stubborn dirt, oil, and makeup, a foaming cleanser works well as a foam cleanser for acne. As a foam cleanser tends to dry out the skin, it may be too harsh for you if you have dry or sensitive skin. This is a cleanser that is best suited for acne or those prone to oily skin, although some foam cleansers are suitable for all skin types such as Noosa Basics Foaming Face Wash. It's fresh and uplifting scent, combined with certified organic essential oils, aloe vera, glycerin and olive squalane for hydrating and moisturising of the skin.

Cleansing foams are generally light and gentle, making them ideal for people with sensitive or dry skin. They're also great at removing makeup (especially waterproof mascara), which makes them a solid choice for anyone who wears makeup on a regular basis. Foaming cleansers are often formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid that help keep moisture in the skin while they cleanse it out, so they're ideal for oily types looking to balance their oil production without stripping their face entirely of moisture.

As far as drawbacks go, some people don't like how foamy cleansers feel. But if you're into having bubbles around your face while washing off your makeup at night or want something mild enough to use every day but effective enough to remove stubborn grime from your pores after working out...this might just be the product for you!

Coco glucoside may be used in foaming cleansers and is usually derived from natural plant based ingredients such as coconut oil or fruit sugars. Another ingredient you may see on the label of is potassium cocoate, which is derived from natural coconut oil. 

Solid cleanser

We love a good solid cleanser. They're so easy to use, and they're so gentle on our skin - in fact, we like them better than liquid cleansers.

So what is a solid cleanser? It's a cleanser bar for face that you rub on your face to cleanse it.

There are lots of different kinds of solid cleansers out there. Some are made from coconut oil, others from shea butter or olive oil. Some have essential oils added in for their antibacterial properties. And some are super gentle, while others will leave your skin feeling squeaky clean (but not dry!). Solid cleansers work best when used with a wash cloth or konjac sponge and they are great for traveling - they don't leak like liquids do!

Solid cleansers are more sustainable than liquid cleansers. That's because they don't contain plastic. You know how when you run out of liquid cleanser, you always have to throw out the plastic bottle it comes in? Well, with solid cleansers, there's no need to throw anything away because there's nothing to throw away! So next time you're looking for a new face wash or body wash, consider switching to a solid cleanser. You'll be doing your part to help save our planet!

The Natural Australian Soap Company has some of the best solid cleansers, including seaweed detoxifying cleanser, magnesium salt detoxifying cleanser, pink clay detoxifying cleanser, zinc calamine cleanser, activate charcoal cleanser and more. You can find them here.

Final thoughts

We hope this guide has helped you understand the difference between cleansing oils, creams, gels and foams. If you're still unsure which one is best for your skin type, we recommend trying out all four options at least once before making a decision. It's really important that you select the best cleanser for your skin type. Selecting the wrong one can lead to dry skin, irritation and even breakouts.

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