does your cleanser really matter?
Choosing the Right Skin Cleanser for Your Skin Type
Choosing the right skin cleanser is a foundational step in any effective skincare routine. A good cleanser does more than just remove SPF/debris/makeup; it preps your skin for the active ingredients that follow, helps maintain a healthy skin barrier, and can target specific concerns (like acne, dehydration, or sensitivity).
With ALL the products on the market, it's easy to get overwhelmed—but selecting the wrong cleanser can lead to dryness, breakouts, or irritation.
Your cleanser should work with your skin type to gently remove dirt, oil, and impurities without stripping away natural moisture. We feel like typically all the attention gets put on retinols, moisturizers, and serums as it should, but a good cleanser that works with your skin gets overlooked! So, let’s dive into what cleanser is right for you!
We will break it down and recommend some of our favorites.
For Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
What You Need: A gel or foaming cleanser that controls oil without over-stripping.
Ingredients to look for: AHAs/BHAs(exfoliates inside pores) and niacinamide (reduces oil production).
Our recommendations: ZO Exfoliating Cleanser, Face Reality l-Mandelic Wash
For Normal to Oily Skin
What You Need: A lightweight gel cleanser that balances oil without causing dryness.
Ingredients to look for: AHAs/BHAs(controls oil) or zinc PCA (regulates sebum).
Our recommendations: ZO Gentle Cleanser, ZO Exfoliating Cleanser, Face Reality l-Mandelic Wash
Normal to Dry Skin
What You Need: A gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that hydrates while cleansing, supporting the skin barrier without leaving it tight or dry.
Ingredients to look for: Glycerin (hydrates and maintains moisture), ceramides + fatty acids (restore skin barrier), green tea extract (soothes and protects with antioxidants).
Our recommendations: ZO Gentle Cleanser, ZO Hydrating Cleanser, Face Reality Gentle Cleanser, Face Reality Barrier Wash
For Normal Skin
What You Need: A balanced cleanser that maintains hydration while cleansing effectively.
Ingredients to look for: Ceramides (support the skin barrier) or hyaluronic acid (locks in moisture).
Our recommendations: ZO Hydrating Cleanser, ZO Balancing Cleansing Emulsion, Face Reality Gentle Cleanser
For Dry & Sensitive Skin
What You Need: A creamy, hydrating cleanser that strengthens the skin barrier.
Ingredients to look for: Ceramides (restore the skin barrier) or allantoin (deeply hydrates and protects).
Our recommendations: ZO Hydrating Cleanser, ZO Balancing Cleansing Emulsion, ZO Gentle Cleanser, Face Reality Gentle Cleaner, Face Reality Barrier Wash
Hopefully this acts as a guide and can help our clients navigate towards the cleanser that is most appropriate for you! But as always, we are here if you have any other questions and can always assess your skin to pick the best one for you!