Quick Guide to Facial Cleansers by Skin Type

It can be easy to dismiss facial cleansers as one of the slightly less important parts of our skin care routines as we just wash them right off our faces, so what's the big deal! Often we just opt for something-anything, but natural facial cleansers are actually the first step of a great personalised skin care routine, so it's important that you use the right one for your skin type. The wrong cleanser could be stripping your already dry skin of its natural oils, or adding extra moisture to already oily skin, so it's a great idea to pick one that suits your main skin concern, rather than going with the 'one size fits all' approach.

Best cleanser for blackhead prone skin

With absorbent and detoxifying Charcoal, the Mineral Fusion Charcoal Gel Cleanser is designed to gently extract impurities and loosen blackheads. Nourishing Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil and Vitamin E hydrate skin and remove makeup, while may also help to minimise the appearance of pores. Fragrance free and hypoallergenic, this Vegan and Gluten Free cleanser is ideal for daily use at night to give the skin a deep clean. To use, gently massage onto damp skin and rinse with warm water.

Facial cleanser for oily skin

Lavera Cleansing Gel
If your skin is very oily or prone to 3pm shine, opt for the Lavera Cleansing Gel. This gel cleanser is really lightweight so it won't be packing any excess oil onto your skin. It foams lightly to remove any makeup, dirt and grime, and works to effectively clear the pores of bacteria, pore-clogging impurities and oil. Gentle on sensitive skin, it's actually a great natural alternative to Cetaphil, containing Mallow, Lemon Balm and Echinacea Extracts to soothe and balance skin while Witch Hazel tones and refreshes. Vegan and Gluten Free, it's ideal for daily use, and can be gently massaged into damp skin.

Best cleanser for acne prone skin

Weleda Blemished Skin Purifying Gel Cleanser
If acne is getting you down, I recommend trying the Weleda Blemished Skin Purifying Gel Cleanser. Combining the ingredients of Liquorice, Willow Bark and Witch Hazel (a mild astringent known for tightening pores), this gel cleanser tackles the oily build-up on your skin for a deep clean cleanse, aimed at reducing pimples and blackheads. In addition, it is also has a calming, soothing effect and so helps to reduce redness. Read more about how to combat adult acne here.

Dry skin facial cleanser

Andalou Naturals Coconut Water Firming Cleanser
The trick with dry skin is to look for a cleanser that will give you a deep clean without stripping the skin of its precious natural oils and leave it feeling tight and dehydrated. I love the Andalou Naturals Coconut Water Firming Cleanser as it actually hydrates while it cleanses, like a drink of water for your complexion. It contains rejuvenating and hydrating Coconut Water, Prickly Pear, Pomegranate and White Tea which may help to replenish skin with nourishing vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids. Deeply moisturising and skin quenching, this soft, creamy, lightly foaming cleanser can be gently massaged into damp skin morning and night to remove dull and dry skin cells and promote a brighter complexion.

Cleanser for pigmented/sun damaged skin

Mineral Fusion Creamy Brightening Cleanser
Designed to gently cleanse, polish and brighten the complexion, the Mineral Fusion Creamy Brightening Cleanser contains antioxidant rich Vitamin C, Green Tea and Orange to help even out skin tone and boost radiance. Formulated with Volcanic Stone to stimulate circulation, this nourishing formula also contains nutrient-rich Shea Butter, Rosehip Oil and Olive Oil, as well as soothing Aloe Vera and Cucumber to calm and soothe. Ideal for smoothing out the complexion before makeup application, this Vegan and Gluten Free Cleanser can be used daily.

Best natural cleanser for sensitive skin

Madara Micellar Water
If you have sensitive and easily irritated skin, it's great to opt for a lighter formula that's gentle on the delicate complexion. The Madara Micellar Water removes makeup, grime and impurities thanks to natural oil micelles while soothing skin with its calming base of Aloe Vera, Rose Water and Witch Hazel. Antioxidant-rich Northern Peony Root extract may also help to protect the skin from environmental damage, and Hyaluronic Acid packs in moisture to soften and brighten the complexion. Balancing and toning, this Vegan and Gluten Free formula can be used daily, applied to a cotton pad and gently swiped all over the face.

Natural cleanser for combination skin

100% Pure Blood Orange Cleansing Balm
Combination skin can be so hard to shop for as you don't want to add extra moisture onto the T-zone, nor do you want to dry out the rest of your face. The 100% Pure Blood Orange Cleansing Balm works to brighten the complexion, remove excess oil and restore moisture all in one hit, making it perfect for those who need a multitasking daily cleanser. A solid balm made with Organic Avocado, Coconut and Olive Oils, this nourishing formula melts into a silky smooth texture on contact with the warmth of your skin, sweeping away oil, makeup and dead skin cells and which may help promote a brighter, more even skin tone. To use, scoop out a small amount, warm in your hands and apply directly to skin in a circular motion. Gently wipe away with a damp and warm muslin cloth.