Difference Between Face Wash and Cleanser
By Andrew Parker - May 21, 2022

The skin is the body’s largest organ, but it also gets delicate in some areas. The skin around the face and neck is not only to the elements but also to dust and germs. These, along with oils secreted in the glands around the face, could clog the pores and cause skin infections such as acne, blackheads, and sores. It is advised to regularly use some face wash or cleansers to get rid of the dirt, oil, and germs; what is the difference between the two?

Table Summary

Face washCleanser
Washes dirt and impurities from deep within the pores.Gets of surface buildup like makeup and dirt.
Suitable for oily and combination skinSuitable for dry and normal skin
The texture is usually foamy or gel-likeFeels more watery and gelatinous.
Advisably used in the morning.Advisably used at night.

Definitions

Face Wash is a cleanser for the face designed to slowly and deeply cleanse the skin’s impurities such as dirt, grease, and oils.

Cleansers are a type of face wash that works externally to remove buildup on the skin, such as makeup and oils. They usually go the extra mile by moisturizing, hydrating, and soothing the skin to prevent inflammation.

Face Wash VS Cleanser

While Face Washes are gentler than your average bathing soap, they are still a bit harsher than Cleansers. This is so they can achieve a deeper cleansing effect, making them suitable for oily and combination skin types. Face Wash can leave someone dry skin with even dryer skin, while Cleansers would probably leave the same skin more hydrated. Face washes also tend to foam a lot, making it necessary to rinse off. For example, cleansers – such as oil cleansers- don’t need to be rinsed off as they do not foam due to their lighter consistency and easy action.