Difference Between Cleanser and Face Wash: Which is Right For You?

Key Takeaways

  • Your skincare journey is all about listening, is all about identifying what your skin truly needs and choosing the cleanser or face wash that feels like skin love every single day.

  • While thinking about cleanser vs face wash for men's skin care routine, oily skin will benefit from face wash, dry skin will find comfort in cleansers. 

  • For cleanser vs face wash for teenagers with acne, a salicylic acid face wash is amongst the best face wash for acne prone skin in India.

In This Article

Key Takeaways

Introduction

What Is a Cleanser?

What Is a Face Wash?

Key Differences Between Cleanser and Face Wash

Which One Should You Choose?

Can You Use Cleanser and Face Wash Together?

Expert Tips for Using Face Wash Correctly

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the best products for skincare routine, we are sure that one question definitely echoes through every mind. What is the difference between cleanser and face wash? Or more simply put, cleanser vs face wash, which one is right for me? 


We believe that skin care is not just about removing dirt, but also about choosing the best skin care products that feel like an embrace of love for your skin. In this blog, we are going to walk you through the difference between cleanser and face wash, so that you can choose what your skin truly deserves.

What Is a Cleanser?

A cleanser is often cream-based, oil-based, or milk-based and it is thoughtfully designed to gently lift away dirt, oil, and traces of makeup. 

A face cleanser is highly recommended for dry or sensitive skin as it can help restore hydration instead of stripping away your skin's natural oils. 

If you've ever thought of what is a cleanser used for, you can think of it like a comforting hug for your skin that wraps it with moisture in addition to thorough cleansing. 

And, this is exactly where the question arises, is cleanser and face wash the same thing? Well, not really. 

What Is a Face Wash?

A face wash is a refreshing splash of freshness for your skin. It foams and deep cleanses by diving deep into your pores and removing excess oil, dirt, and grime. 

For those who have oily or acne-prone skin, Ghar soaps have some of the most amazing face washes for men and women that can work like the best acne products for your skin. 


  • Magic Face Wash with Sandalwood and Glutathione

This de tan face wash can make your skin radiant, reduce tan, and the best thing is that it has a non-drying formulation. 

De Tan Face Wash For Men & Women
  • Kojic Acid and Turmeric Face Wash

Our Kojic Acid Face Wash reduces pigmentation, dark spots, and gives you an even-toned skin. 

Brightening Face Wash
  • Salicylic Acid Face Wash

This is one of the best face care products for acne-prone skin in India as it works wonderfully for oil control.

Anti-Acne Face Wash



  • Aloe Ceramide Face Wash

This hydrating face wash is a hydration superhero and hands down the best face wash for all skin types that are tackling dryness.

Hydrating Face Wash For Dry Skin

So, if you are thinking which face wash is the best, the answer lies in these magical blends from Ghar Soaps. Besides these face washes, Ghar Soaps has some amazing bath soaps and skincare products for dull skin in India, such as Magic Soap and Kojic Acid Soap that can be used on the face and body as well.

Key Differences Between Cleanser and Face Wash

Here is a clear difference between cleanser and face wash for daily use;


Feature

Cleanser

Face Wash

Texture

Creamy, milky, oil-based

Gel, foam, or liquid

Best For

Dry, sensitive skin

Oily, acne-prone skin

Main Role

Gently removes impurities, hydrates

Deep cleans pores, removes oil & dirt

Time of Use

Morning & night

Morning and night time skincare routine


Which One Should You Choose?

Well, if you're still confused between cleanser vs face wash for dry and sensitive skin, or want to choose between a cleanser vs face wash for oily skin, it's always a great idea to listen to your skin and then create a routine that works best for you;

  • Dry/Sensitive → Cleanser.

A face cleanser is more hydrating and soothing, making it a safe choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. 

  • Oily/Acne-prone → Face wash.

If you've ever googled cleanser vs face wash, which is better for oily skin, the answer is very clear. A face wash is one of the best acne products for you. In fact, the salicylic acid face wash from Ghar Soaps can control excess oil and unclog pores and hence it is one of the best face wash for acne prone skin in India.

  • Combination skin → Both (different times of day)

For those with combination skin, you can use a face cleanser at night and face wash in the morning for best results. This way your skin can enjoy balance. 

Can You Use Cleanser and Face Wash Together?

Yes, that is the double cleansing method. You can use a face cleanser first to melt away makeup, sunscreen, dirt, etc., and then follow it up with a face wash to remove any residue, dirt, or makeup. Double cleansing is highly recommended after heavy makeup, pollution exposure, or long days out in the sun. Having said that, if your skin feels too moisture-stripped after double cleansing, you can give it a skip for daily use.

Expert Tips for Using Face Wash Correctly

Now that we know the difference between cancer and face wash, let us try to figure out how we can make the most out of both of them;

  • Don’t over-clean (can strip natural oils)

Using a face wash too many times a day can strip natural oils. Also, if you want to know what happens if you use cleanser instead of face wash daily, the risks can be similar. Therefore, balance is key.

  • Always moisturize after cleansing

No matter if you are using a cleanser vs face wash for dry and sensitive skin, hydration is very important. Always seal in the moisture with your favorite face care product like a moisturising cream after cleansing.


  • Morning vs evening usage tips

For morning, you can choose a refreshing and a brightening formulation of a face wash or a face cleanser. In the evening, go for deep cleansing to wash off sunscreen, dirt, and pollution. You can even try out double cleansing if it suits you. For double cleansing, remember cleanser first and then face wash.

  • Choose formulas based on your skin concerns (hydrating, anti-acne, brightening).

  • For dullness, if you are looking for the best skincare products for dull skin in India, the Magic face wash from Ghar Soaps with sandalwood and glutathione is going to work very well for you.

  • For pigmentation, kojic acid and turmeric face wash can work wonders.

  • For acne, the Salicylic Acid Face wash is definitely one of the best acne products.

  • For dryness, we recommend the Aloe Ceramide Face Wash.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

01. Which is better, facewash or cleanser?

If you want hydration, a cleanser should be your go-to as it is more nourishing. So, if you are wondering which is more gentle on skin; cleanser or wash, Ghar Soaps’ Aloe Ceramide Face Wash is one of the best face wash for dryness. If sky dryness is your main concern, you can also check out our range of bath soaps to enrich your skin care regime.  

02. Do I need a cleanser if I use face wash?

If you do not wear much makeup, using a face wash can be enough. But if you are someone who is exposed to pollution, sunscreen, or heavy makeup, double cleansing is highly recommended. To that end, you can also check out Ghar Soaps’ exfoliate products to remove dirt or dead skin from your face or body.