AskDocDoc
/
/
/
what is difference between cleanser and face wash
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 49M : 49S
background image
Click Here
background image
Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #27623
90 days ago
160

what is difference between cleanser and face wash - #27623

Yash

I am really confused about my skincare routine lately. I've been using this cleanser for ages, and out of nowhere, my friend told me I should be using a face wash instead but didn't really explain what is difference between cleanser and face wash! I thought they were basically the same thing, but now I'm not so sure. The other day I went to the store and saw like a million options — gel cleansers, cream cleansers, foaming face washes, you name it! Anyway, my skin has been feeling super dry and irritated, maybe it's because I'm over-cleansing? I tried looking up what is difference between cleanser and face wash, but all I found was confusing stuff. I mean, do cleansers remove makeup better or are face washes like, meant for that? Sometimes I think my face wash just doesn't cut it because I still feel like I have leftover grime after using it, but could that mean I should just stick to a cleanser? I want to get it right! What is difference between cleanser and face wash, can anyone break it down for me in simple terms? Would love some help here before I end up trying every product on the shelf!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

The difference between a cleanser and a face wash primarily lies in their formulation and how they work on your skin. Cleansers are generally designed to be gentle on the skin and effectively remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities without stripping away too much of your natural oils. They often come in cream, lotion, or oil forms and are ideal for maintaining hydration and preventing dryness, which may explain why your skin’s been feeling a bit irritated if it’s on the drier side. On the other hand, face washes typically have a foaming or gel texture which are meant to provide a deeper clean. They are particularly effective at targeting oily or acne-prone skin, often containing ingredients that help unclog pores and reduce excess oil. If you feel your face wash leaves you with leftover grime, it might be because these products sometimes focus more on cleansing the surface level rather than breaking down makeup or heavy buildup.

If you’re dealing with dryness and irritation, you might want to consider sticking with a gentle cleanser that hydrates while it cleanses, especially if you’re not wearing heavy makeup. For dry or sensitive skin, cream or oil-based cleansers can be especially beneficial. Using a toner or micellar water post-cleansing can also help ensure that any residual dirt or makeup is removed. Balance is key—using a hydrating moisturizer after cleansing can support your skin barrier and prevent the over-cleansing problem you described. If your skin continues to feel uncomfortable, consider consulting a dermatologist to tailor recommendations to your specific needs.

20413 answered questions
91% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


how to use aloe vera for acne scars
hyperpigmentation cream
best skin whitening cream for women
best way to get rid of acne
does tea makes skin dark
ice face wash benefits
aloe vera cream for skin whitening
full body whitening drink
how to drink milk without getting acne
Howto remove tanning and pigmentation
how to remove sunburn from face quickly at home
can laser remove pigmentation permanently
how to remove back acne marks
exfoliate home remedies
cream for dark spots on face in india
how to use curd for hair
water for clear skin
how to use ice on face
best dark spot removal cream for male
body scrub at home recipe
Sudden black spot on face
how to get rid of forehead acne fast
Home remedies for blemishes on face?
hair serum or hair oil which is better
what are the black spots on skin
I’ve been dealing with seborrheic dermatitis for 2 years."
how to avoid wrinkles on face
I have acne and pigmentation on my face so how to clear my skin without using any face cream
What motivated you to choose this career?
solar lentigines treatment
dermatologist in mapusa
home remedies for very dry skin
which is the best cream for pimples
how to remove sun tan from face home remedies
skin specialist consultation online
lemon for acne
dark circle corrector
skin doctor rajkot
face whitening face pack
drink for acne
skin remedies at home
Seeking Help for Severe Hair Loss and Sleep Issues at 18
cream to remove burn marks
how to use curd on hair
"How to control hair fall and promote hair loss"
does sunscreen whiten skin
best home remedy for dark spots
how to remove body hair permanently
baking soda benefits for skin
how to use shikakai for hair
vitamin c serum is used for
dark neck reason
How to clear skin and frizzfree hair
how to remove wax from skin
disadvantages of applying ice on face
Should I continue using minoxidil if my hair loss has increased?
dark spots on nose
Acne issue reappering every 3 4 days?
to remove black spots on face
dark spot cream for face
how to remove burn marks on skin
Meri skin bahut oliiy hai jab makeup karti hun kharab lagta hai bahut he dark skin hai bahut Kuch.Use kiya hai sahi he nahi horaha
How to control acne on oily sensitive skin?
how to prevent allergy on skin
can acne marks be removed
why is hair falling out
is apple cider vinegar good for skin
home remedy for pigmentation on face
how to change your skin colour
how to get clear skin for men
Sudden black spot on face
cancer skin discoloration
is curd is good for hair
drinking tea makes skin dark
how to remove dark circles around eyes
permanent skin whitening body lotion
face whitening mask
how to cure redness on face overnight naturally
ointment for acne scars
how to remove spots
skin black spots on face
I have acne on sides of my foreheadnext to eyebrows
why hair loss happen
how to get rid of pimple fast
Concerns About Hairline Recession and Treatment Options
pigmentation remove home remedies
pigmentation on skin causes
skin specialist in shalimar bagh
how to use aloe vera in hair
use of ice on face
side effects of vitamin c serum
cure pimples
applying onion juice on hair benefits
melasma specialists
can i apply aloe vera overnight on hair
brown patch on skin
how to reduce pimples in face
is onion juice good for hair
sunscreen for acne scars
face pimples remove