Not Your Mother's Wash: Your Guide to the New Wave of Cleansers

Cleansing is the foundation of proper skin care, we all know that. We also know that picking any cleanser off the drugstore shelf is not likely to end well. But with so many different types of cleansers—foams, gels, oils, and more—how does a girl choose which one is best for her daily routine? To help you reach your verdict, we've created a complete cleaning guide, including our favorites in each category, below. What is your first tip? Don't be afraid to stock up on more than one. 

MICELLAR WATER

A long-time favorite of French cosmetics, micellar water has gained huge popularity in the US these days, and it's no wonder why. The formula uses micellar technology - micelles are small cleansing molecules dispersed in water - that attract and gently remove impurities and makeup from the surface of the skin, while also toning and refreshing the skin. It is an all-purpose cleaner ideal for lazy girls who shouldn't be disturbed with a long-term skincare routine or people who just need a no-frills cleanser that consistently gets the job done. Unlike other cleansers, micellar water does not need to be rinsed off. All that is required is a quick wetting of a cotton pad and a few strokes over the areas of the face. Carry it with you when you're on the go so you never have an excuse not to wash your face, even if the sink is nowhere to be found.

Good for: Every! All skin types can benefit from this gentle yet thorough cleanser. Products worth trying: Vichy Purete Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Solution, Micellar water La Roche-Posay, Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

FOAM

When you think of foaming cleansers, the first thing that comes to mind is harsh formulas that absorb your skin's natural moisture and remove excess sebum. While this may once have been true, many of today's foaming cleansers are much less harsh on the skin, leaving behind a squeaky clean feeling without feeling tight or dry. Cleansing foams are initially liquid and quickly foam when applied to the skin to remove dirt and grime.

Good for: Oily to combination skin is generally best for a foamy cleanser, however some gentle formulas can work great for all skin types, even dry and sensitive ones. Always check with the product label or dermatologist to be sure.  Products worth trying: SkinCeuticals Cleansing Foam, Garnier Clean+ Foaming Cleanser, Lancôme Energy of Life Cleansing Foam

Lari

Gel cleansers are popular due to their light texture. Most formulas are mild and refreshing - great for removing dirt - soothing and hydrating the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. 

Caution: Using a cleanser that dries out the leather can cause the leather to produce extra oil to compensate for moisture loss. If your skin feels tight or dry after using a cleansing gel, switch to a different cleanser for your skin. 

Good for: Foaming gels suitable for normal, oily, combination and/or acne prone skin. Products worth trying: SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel, Washing gel La Roche-Posay Effaclar, Kiehl's Blue Herbal Gel Cleansing Gel 

OIL

Taking oil off your face with more oil (instead of water) seems like a bad joke, but it really is. It all comes down to science. The phrase "like dissolves like" was an easy way for us to remember in chemistry class that non-polar substances like oil dissolve into non-polar substances. Thus, when good oil is mixed with bad oil on the surface of the skin, the bad oil is effectively dissolved along with any remaining dirt and impurities. Want to know what's great about oil based cleansers? They moisturize the skin during cleansing, so your skin never feels dry and tight. 

Good for: All skin types, especially dry! If you have oily skin, consider using a toner to make sure any residue is completely removed. Products worth trying:Vichy Pureté Thermale Cleansing Micellar Oil, The Body Shop Chamomile Silky Cleansing Oil, Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi Purifying Skin Cleansing Oil

CREAM

Creamy cleansers are some of the creamiest formulas of all, and their benefits include hydration and nourishment as well as basic cleansing. There are many different textures to choose from - think milk and butter - that can make your skin feel like it's being pampered at a spa. Also, not all formulas need to be washed off.

Good for: Dry, sensitive skin is usually the best candidate, but some formulas are great for other skin types as well. For oily skin types, the texture may seem too heavy for their face. Also, not all cleansing creams are non-comedogenic, so check the label first if your skin is acne prone. Products worth trying: Vitamin E Cleansing Cream The Body Shop, Lancôme Galatee Comfort, L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Nourishing Cleansing Cream Cream

BALM

When temperatures start to drop into the single digits, you'll need a thick cleansing balm to cleanse and nourish dry winter skin. Formulas, usually oil-based or mineral-based, protect the skin's moisture balance, hydrate dry patches, remove makeup, and provide a complete cleansing of the face. Most cleansing balms apply the same way; To use, warm the cleansing balm in your hand and apply to dry skin. Add some water while massaging the skin and finally rinse off with warm water or a damp muslin cloth.

Good for: Gentle, rich formula makes them a great choice for dry, sensitive skin. Products worth trying: The Body Shop Chamomile Luxurious Cleansing Oil, Shu Uemura Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Intense Cleansing Balm 

EXHAUST

Cleansing and exfoliation are the foundation of daily skin care, so why not combine both benefits into one? Cleansers with chemical exfoliants—read: glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid—can help fight excess sebum, fade dullness, and even out skin tone. Cleansers with physical exfoliators — read: salt or sugar — mechanically remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, leaving the skin brighter and smoother.

Good for: Normal, combination, oily and/or acne prone skin type. In general, people with sensitive skin should avoid exfoliating cleansers as they can cause too much irritation. However, some formulations, such as La Roche-Posay Ultrafine Scrub, are safe for sensitive skin.  Products worth trying:SkinCeuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub, Ultrafine Scrub La Roche-Posay, L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Wash 

NAPKINS/PADS 

These bad guys are game changers. We like to keep them in our bags for quick cleaning on the go and on our nightstand as a backup plan at night we are too tired to go to the sink. Not only do they start working instantly, some are even formulated to address other skin concerns such as acne and pimples. However, please note that if your skin has a lot of dirt, grime, and makeup, it is recommended that you use one of the other cleansers listed in this guide after wiping to ensure a thorough and complete cleansing.

Good for: All skin types. Products worth trying: L'Oréal Paris Ideal Clean make-up remover wipes for all skin types, Garnier Refreshing Remover Cleansing Wipes