What is a Cleanser and How to Choose the Right One for Your Skin?

Ever used a cleanser that felt soft and foamy and then immediately after your skin felt tight, dry or flaky?

If you answered yes (and grimaced at the memory!) it’s likely that you were using a cleanser that was packed full of unpleasant chemicals.

Gentle cleansers are formulated without the use of harsh chemicals and contain a variety of nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera that leave your skin feeling hydrated.

What should you look for in a facial cleanser?

Avoid harsh, aggressive ingredients that strip your skin from all moisture

Gone are the days of using aggressive facial cleansers that strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier and leave your skin feeling tight.
Avoid cleansers that contain surfactants as they can irritate and dry out skin.

Look out for the letters SLS or SLES (or their long-form names sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laueth sulfate) which are typically used in cleansers for their foaming properties.

Remember: you don’t need foam to get properly clean skin. A mild, creamy cleanser can also deeply clean without leaving your skin tight or dry.

Choose a cleanser that supports skin by keeping the skin barrier intact

Your skin is made up of tightly arranged skin cells. When you use harsh, soapy cleansers you’re damaging this arrangement of skin cells and allowing external irritants to penetrate.

The goal is to look for cleansers that clean deeply, yet gently enough that it doesn’t strip your skin of all of its natural, healthy oils.

Using a cleanser with Aloe Vera is a great way to get a dose of moisture without leaving your skin feeling greasy. It’s super fast absorbency helps keep the skin barrier intact while it’s cooling effects help alleviate dryness and inflammation. The results? A complexion that feels soft and smooth, but never dry.

Look for ingredients such as: squalane, witch hazel, green tea

Skin is the body’s largest organ which means that 60% of what we put onto our skin is absorbed into our bodies. Make sure when you’re choosing a cleanser, you’re looking for nourishing ingredients that aren’t harmful to your skin or your body.

Squalane

This multitasking ingredient is not only an exceptional hydrator and natural way to prevent moisture loss, it is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties too.

Squalane mimics the skin's natural oils making it an emollient and a perfect ingredient to promote skin softness. If you’re using any products with squalane, make sure it’s derived from plant sources like olive oil or sugarcane rather than shark liver (yes you read that right!)

Witch Hazel

This multi-purpose remedy has been around for centuries. Known primarily for its ability to fight acne and smooth dry, itchy skin, Witch Hazel acts as an astringent to help tone oily skin and remove makeup. Exactly what you need in a cleanser!

Green Tea

Not just a healthy drink, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of green tea make it an ideal addition to a cleanser too.

Working to protect the skin from free radical damage while also repairing and strengthening skin cells means you can expect a more even skin tone, reduced blemishes and brighter complexion.

So now you know what to look for in a facial cleanser, where can find one that ticks all the boxes?

Minimis M01 is a facial cleanser that effectively removes makeup and gently cleanses. It also features all the ingredients mentioned above so you can be sure you’re getting a cleanser that works with your skin.