Facial cleansing might sound like the simplest step in your skincare routine — just grab something that cleans and gently massage your face, right? But in reality, this first step deserves just as much thought and care as any other part of your routine. Why? Because conscious cleansing sets the foundation for healthy skin and helps all your other skincare products work better.

Choosing the right cleanser for your skin is more important than you might think. Should you use a milky cleanser, micellar water, or even soap? Is double cleansing really necessary? And how often should you wash your face each day?

In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about facial cleansing — why it matters, how to pick the best cleanser for your skin, and how to make the most of this essential skincare step. Because a clean face isn’t just about looking fresh — it’s about preparing your skin to glow and thrive.

Table of Contents:

Why You Should Never Skip Facial Cleansing

How Facial Cleansers Actually Work

Choosing the Best Facial Cleanser for Your Skin Type

How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

What Is Double Cleansing and Why It Matters

How to Use Your Facial Cleanser Correctly

How to Pick the Right Cleanser for You

Summary: The Best Facial Cleansing Routine for Your Skin

Why You Should Never Skip Facial Cleansing

This might sound obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing: if you don’t remove dirt, makeup, and sunscreen from your skin, they can cause all sorts of trouble. Left on your face, these can turn into breeding grounds for bacteria, disrupt your skin’s natural protective barrier, and leave your complexion uneven and tired-looking. That’s why cleansing is a non-negotiable step—one you should do at least once every day, ideally in the evening.

But why isn’t rinsing with water enough? Just try it and you’ll see: water alone can’t break down stubborn impurities, leftover makeup, or sunscreen ingredients the way a good cleanser can. And when your skin is truly clean, the rest of your skincare products work that much better.

How Facial Cleansers Actually Work

No matter the type, most cleansers rely on special cleaning agents called surfactants. Think of them like little tadpoles: the “head” loves water, and the “tail” loves oil.

In water-based cleansers, the oil-loving tails point inward and the water-loving heads face outward. In oil-based cleansers, it’s the opposite. When you massage the cleanser onto your skin, those tails grab onto oil, sunscreen, and dirt like tiny hooks. When you rinse, the water-loving heads pull everything away, trapping the impurities in little bubbles (micelles) that wash right down the drain.

The only catch? Surfactants can’t tell the difference between “bad stuff” (dirt, excess oil) and “good stuff” (natural skin oils and moisture factors). That’s why using a too-harsh cleanser can leave skin tight, dry, or irritated. The goal is to find one that cleans effectively without stripping your skin—a balance that depends on your skin type.

Choosing the Best Facial Cleanser for Your Skin Type

With gels, foams, creams, balms, oils, micellar waters, and even facial cleansing bars, it’s no wonder picking the “right” cleanser feels tricky. The truth is, there’s no universal best—it’s about finding what works for your skin.

Here’s a quick guide:

Dry or normal skin: Go for creamy, lotion, or oil-based cleansers. Look for formulas with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, or oils, and avoid foamy, squeaky-clean types.
Combination or oily skin: A gentle gel or lightweight lotion works well. Skip overly stripping foams (even for oily skin they can backfire). Double cleansing can be a great option if you wear sunscreen or makeup daily.
Light or no makeup: A simple water-based cleanser that rinses clean with water will do the job. (Tip: in the ingredient list, “Aqua” or “Water” should be first.)
Heavy makeup or waterproof products: You’ll need an oil-based cleanser, cleansing balm, or micellar water to break down stubborn formulas before your water-based cleanser.

Pro tip: After cleansing, swipe a cotton pad with micellar water over your skin. If it comes back mostly clean, your cleanser works for you. If it’s still loaded with makeup or dirt—or your skin feels tight and dry—you might need to switch.

How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

Washing your face at least once a day, in the evening, is non-negotiable. The real debate is whether you also need to cleanse in the morning, or if washing more than twice a day makes sense.

Cleansing is a balancing act — even the gentlest cleansers (and plain water) can be a little drying, so going overboard isn’t helpful. Twice a day is plenty, unless you’ve been sweating or working out.

Morning cleansing depends on what you’ve used the night before. If your evening routine includes richer products with oils or emollients, it’s worth removing any residue with a gentle cleanser so your morning products absorb better. If not, a quick rinse with lukewarm water can still prep your skin nicely.

In the evening, always use at least one gentle, water-rinseable cleanser — and if you wear makeup, consider double cleansing.

What Is Double Cleansing and Why It Matters

Double cleansing is exactly what it sounds like: using two cleansers back-to-back. The first step focuses on removing makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil, while the second gently cleanses your skin and washes away any residue from the first cleanser. This method is a key part of the Korean skincare routine, which places a big emphasis on thoroughly cleansing the skin without stripping it. The idea is that two gentle cleansing steps are more effective — and less harsh — than scrubbing your face for a long time with just one product.

Your first cleanser can be a cleansing balm, cleansing oil, or even micellar water — all of which break down stubborn makeup and sunscreen, especially water-resistant formulas. The second cleanser should be a gentle, water-based formula suited to your skin type, ensuring a fresh, clean base for the rest of your skincare.

How to Use Your Facial Cleanser Correctly

Let’s look at some practical tips for how to get the most out of your cleanser.

Oil cleansers or cleansing balms are best used as the first step in a double cleansing routine. However, if you prefer, you can also use them on their own. The key is to apply these products to dry skin—this is how they can effectively break down the film of sunscreen or makeup on your skin. Use about the size of a cracked almond to half a walnut (or 2–3 pumps if using a pump dispenser), and gently massage it over your skin, including the eye area.

You can remove it in two ways:

Add a little water so the oil turns into a milky emulsion, massage a bit more, and rinse with lukewarm water.
Use a clean terry cloth towel or cleansing pad, dampen it, and gently wipe your skin. This method is especially effective for removing long-wear makeup and can give a slightly deeper cleanse—perfect if you’re wearing heavy or waterproof products.

If you’re double cleansing, move on to your water-based cleanser without drying your skin first.

Apply the water-based cleanser to damp skin, using the same cracked almond to half walnut size amount. There’s some debate about how long to massage your skin, but 30 seconds to 1 minute is usually enough. Cleansing for too long can be just as unhelpful as not cleansing thoroughly enough. Finally, rinse with plenty of lukewarm water, keeping your eyes tightly shut. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel using soft, pressing motions—and you’re done.

How to Pick the Right Cleanser for You

The Perfect Cleanser for Dry Skin

If your skin is dry, go for a gentle, non-foaming, pH-balanced cleanser. Cleansing balms or creamy, milky, and gel-based cleansers can work beautifully for you. Even the gentlest cleanser can leave your skin feeling a little drier, so in the mornings, if your skin is dry or normal, it’s often enough to simply splash your face with lukewarm water instead of using a cleanser.

My recommendations for you:

beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam: A creamy, hydrating cleanser that removes impurities without stripping moisture. Glycerin and Sodium Hyaluronate keep skin soft and balanced, while Mung Bean and plant extracts soothe and nourish for a comfortable, refreshed feel.
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser: A mild, hydrating cleanser that gently removes impurities while maintaining skin’s natural balance. Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ceramide NP lock in moisture, and sea water with plant extracts soothes and nourishes for a soft, refreshed feel.
Dr. Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm: A nourishing balm that effortlessly melts away makeup and impurities. Camellia Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, and Centella Asiatica soothe and hydrate, leaving skin soft, calm, and refreshed.

Which Cleanser to Choose for Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, you can use a slightly stronger cleanser at night and a gentler one in the morning. Lightly foaming cleansers can work well, but creamy cleansers may also be a great match—especially if your skin leans more sensitive.

My recommendations for you:

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser: A gentle, refreshing cleanser that balances and brightens. Green Plum, Rice, and Camellia Leaf Extracts help soothe and nourish, leaving skin clean, soft, and comfortable without feeling tight.
ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil: A nourishing cleansing oil that effortlessly melts away makeup and impurities. Soybean, Hazelnut, and Grape Seed Oils hydrate and protect, while botanical extracts like Tea Tree and Green Tea soothe and refresh the skin, leaving it soft and radiant.

Cleansers for Problem-Prone Skin

For breakout-prone skin, I recommend a cleanser with Salicylic Acid. Thanks to its oil-soluble nature, Salicylic Acid can penetrate deep into the pores, helping to clear congestion and fight blackheads and blemishes. In cleanser form, it’s gentle enough for daily use while still being effective.

My recommendations for you:

Purito Seoul From Green Cleansing Oil: A gentle, non-comedogenic cleansing oil that effectively removes makeup and impurities without clogging pores. Olive, Jojoba, and Grape Seed oils balance and soothe the skin, helping to maintain a clear, calm complexion for acne-prone skin.
COSRX AC Collection Calming Foam Cleanser: A lightweight, acne-fighting cleanser with Salicylic Acid and Tea Tree Oil that helps unclog pores, control excess oil, and gently exfoliate. It keeps skin clear and balanced without over-drying, perfect for daily use on blemish-prone skin.

Lightweight Cleansers for Oily Skin

If your skin is oily, feel free to browse the foaming cleanser section. I don’t recommend cleansers with SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) even for oily skin, but there are plenty of other, less irritating foaming agents that cleanse thoroughly without stripping too much.

You can also use a Salicylic Acid cleanser, or try the double cleansing method for a deep but gentle clean.

My recommendations for you:

BRINGGREEN Tea Tree Cica Deep Cleansing Foam: A refreshing foam that gently removes excess oil and impurities while calming the skin. Tea Tree and Centella Asiatica soothe and purify, Niacinamide balances and brightens, and multiple hyaluronic acids keep the skin hydrated without feeling heavy.
S.NATURE Aqua Rice Cleansing Oil: A lightweight cleansing oil that effortlessly removes makeup and impurities without leaving a greasy residue. Rice bran and fermented extracts nourish and brighten, while Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) helps keep pores clear, leaving skin fresh, smooth, and balanced.

Summary

Choosing the right facial cleanser for your skin type is a key step toward a healthy, glowing complexion. Whether your skin is dry, combination, oily, or prone to breakouts, picking a cleanser that gently but effectively removes dirt, makeup, and excess oils without stripping your skin’s natural barrier is essential. Remember, the goal is to balance cleanliness with care—because a well-cleansed face sets the perfect foundation for the rest of your skincare routine.

If you want to dive even deeper into the art of cleansing, I invite you to check out my ebook, The Double Cleanse. It covers the very first step of the famous 10-step Korean skincare routine, helping you understand exactly how to choose the best cleansers for your skin, why cleansing matters so much, and how to use products properly for maximum benefits. Plus, you’ll find detailed product recommendations to help you build a personalized cleansing routine that works perfectly for you.

Feel confident in your cleansing routine—because great skin starts with a clean, cared-for canvas!

Facial Cleansing 101: The Essential First Step in Skincare