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How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type & Concerns

Best cleanser for your skin type

Cleansing is the foundation of every good skincare routine—and the key to a healthy, balanced complexion.

But are you using the right face wash for your skin? A 2020 Cerave Survey found 6 in 10 adults choose facial cleansers without considering their skin type. And, 8 in 10 choose a cleanser by trial and error. Many associate a tight, squeaky-clean feeling with effectiveness—when in reality, it’s a sign your cleanser is stripping essential moisture.

So, how do you find a face wash that cleanses without over-drying or clogging pores? Start by understanding your skin type.

Best Ingredients for Your Skin Type 

The right ingredients will help you find the right moisture balance for your skin type.

Table of Contents:

Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

Trying to “dry out” your skin to get rid of excess oil? Stripping your skin of oil triggers more oil production. The key? A cleanser that removes excess oil without drying out your skin.

✔️ Balances oil & reduces shine → Clay, charcoal, mild exfoliants

✔️ Fights breakouts → Salicylic acid, willow bark

✔️ Kills bacteria → Tea tree, black cumin seed oil, witch hazel ✔️ Hydrates without clogging pores → Glycerin, aloe, sodium hyaluronate, cucumber

🚫 Avoid: Alcohol, SLS, heavy oils (like mineral oil)

Dry or Dehydrated Skin

If your skin feels tight, flaky, or rough, it needs extra hydration and barrier support.

✔️ Boosts hydration → Hyaluronic acid, aloe, glycerin

✔️ Locks in moisture → Shea butter, squalane, ceramides

✔️ Soothes irritation → Oat extract, chamomile, honey

🚫 Avoid: Harsh foaming agents, drying alcohols, artificial fragrances

Sensitive or Reactive Skin

Easily irritated? Choose gentle, soothing ingredients that protect your skin barrier.

✔️ Calms redness & irritation → Colloidal oats, aloe, calendula, cucumber

✔️ Hydrates without irritation → Glycerin, squalane, jojoba, sunflower, ceramides

✔️ Calms inflammation → Niacinamide, green tea, camellia extract licorice root

🚫 Avoid: Alcohol, SLS, fragrances, essential oils

Combination Skin

Oily in some areas, dry in others? Look for balanced formulas that hydrate without overloading oil-prone zones.

✔️ Regulates oil → Niacinamide, green tea, rice bran

✔️ Maintains hydration → Aloe vera, glycerin, squalane

✔️ Gently exfoliates → Willow bark, fruit enzymes, oatmeal

🚫 Avoid: Harsh exfoliants, alcohol, sulfates

Mature or Aging Skin

As skin matures, it needs hydration, collagen support, and gentle renewal.

✔️ Hydrates & plumps → Hyaluronic acid, avocado oil, glycerin

✔️ Repairs skin barrier → Ceramides, squalane, peptides

✔️ Supports renewal → Lactic acid, fruit enzymes, vitamin C

🚫 Avoid: Sulfates, parabens, alcohols, artificial fragrances

Dull or Uneven Skin Tone

For radiance and even skin tone, choose brightening and mild exfoliating ingredients.

✔️ Brightens → Vitamin C, niacinamide, papaya enzymes

✔️ Boosts hydration → Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, squalane

✔️ Exfoliates gently → Lactic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, colloidal oats

🚫 Avoid: Harsh scrubs, over-exfoliation, drying alcohols

Final Tip: Once you’ve found the right ingredients, the best texture (gel, cream, oil, or powder) is up to your preference and routine!

Looking for specific-recommendations? Read our guide on the best face washes for every skin type."

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About the author

Patricia is the founder of All Natural Collection. With a background as a market research analyst, she curates exceptional beauty products from around the world through meticulous analysis and hands-on testing.