Hands up! Do you occasionally sleep in your makeup? Or skip a face wash once the day is done? No judgement here (we promise), but you should be cleansing your face as often as you brush your teeth – morning and night!
The bottom line is this: Clear, healthy skin results from consistent cleansing. Throughout the day, your skin accumulates dirt, oil, bacteria, environmental aggressors, dead skin cells and more, blocking your pores with debris. Regular cleansing keeps them clear, preventing breakouts and allowing your skincare products, such as serums, moisturisers and treatments, to penetrate more deeply.
As leading dermatologist Dr Samantha Davidson explains, “our skin is our most external layer of defence against the literal sea of pollution, radiation and aerosolised oxidants – think floating mini skin invaders! Cleansing is the first step in removing the impurities, restoring neutrality and replenishing the natural skin barrier.”
Read on to shop the best facial cleansers in NZ, discover what type of cleanser is best for your skin type, and read our dermatologist-approved tips on mastering the art of face washing.
The best facial cleansers to shop now
01
Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm
from $69.95 at Alpha-H
A waterless balm-to-oil cleanser formula that melts away makeup, sunscreen, dirt and excess oil. Formulated with native Australian Davidson plum for extra radiance, anti-inflammatory Grapeseed Oil and nourishing Vitamin E, the Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm leaves skin looking and feeling soft, luminous and plump.
02
Illuminating Oil Cleanser
$79 at Emma Lewisham
This luxe facial oil cleanser will take off every last scrap off makeup, while leaving your skin feeling nourished and bouncy. Formulated with fatty acids and Vitamin E-rich ingredients like rosehip, macadamia and chia, the only thing it will leave behind is a dewy, fresh complexion.
03
Dr. Lewinn’s Daily Cleansing Balm
$59.99 at Adore Beauty
This is a balm-to-oil cleanser, ideal for removing waterproof makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and pollution without stripping the skin. Its nurturing formulation includes shea butter, squalane and hyaluronic acid, making it ideal for dryer skin types. It can be used with or without water, meaning it offers an extra-gentle yet thorough cleansing experience.
04
Go-To Properly Clean Cleanser
$33 at Go-To Skincare
If you don’t feel like you’ve cleaned your face until it’s had a big lather of suds, opt for this mousse-formulation from cult-favourite Aussie skincare brand Go-To. Unlike harsh foamy cleansers, it’s made from a gentle-but-effective formulation, which turns into bouncy bubbles through the pump dispenser. It also smells like a dream.
06
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
$26.95 at Adore Beauty
For skin that sometimes feels dry in places but shiny in others. It works to maintain hydration, while also absorbing excess oil, leaving your complexion feeling smooth, balanced and comfortable, with no greasy shine or dryness.
08
Avene Tolerance Control Lotion
$35.99 at Life Pharmacy
This soothing gel-lotion is designed with Avène’s signature thermal spring water to calm while cleansing. It melts away make-up, pollution and daily build-up without disrupting the skin’s protective barrier. Perfect for those prone to redness, stinging or reactivity.
09
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour HydraPlay 2-in-1 Daily Cleanser
$45 at Life Pharmacy
If clogged pores and persistent oiliness are your top concerns, this innovative clay-to-foam cleanser delivers a deep detox. Enriched with mineral extracts, it draws out impurities and excess sebum, while still respecting the skin’s moisture levels.
How do I wash my face properly?
Use your best facial cleanser as instructed, but be sure to use lukewarm water. Hot water can strip your skin of natural oils, while cold water might not effectively remove impurities.
Don’t rush your cleansing either. Massage your cleanser into your skin for at least 30 seconds (unless otherwise directed). This gives surfactants and actives time to work.
Don’t forget to extend your cleansing routine down your neck, then after cleansing, pat your face dry with a soft towel – don’t rub – to avoid irritating the skin.
For added benefits, exfoliate after cleansing one to two times weekly to reveal a brighter complexion. Be gentle – scrubbing like you’re sanding wood is unnecessary!
Is double cleansing really necessary?
Dr. Davidson advises that “double cleansing isn’t mandatory and can often do more harm than good. If you wear heavy makeup or have exceptionally oily skin, double cleansing could be incorporated into your routine, but for most people, a single cleanse with a balanced product is more than adequate.”
Which facial cleanser is best for my skin type?
- Oily skin: Opt for a gel or foaming cleanser, ideally with lactic acid to remove excess oil without over-drying effectively. As oily skin is more robust, it can usually tolerate a slightly more active cleanser with alpha or beta-hydroxy acids in it.
- Dry or sensitive skin: Choose a cream cleanser with a milky texture. Look for hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera gel. Avoid astringent products or those with heavy fragrances.
- Acne-prone skin: A common mistake is thinking that all acne-prone skin is oily. In fact, skin prone to breakouts has an impaired barrier with a depletion of ceramides. So while there may be some excessive oil production, drying it out won’t necessarily help. Acne-prone skin should be supported with cleansers that have nourishing ingredients, then carefully selected active ingredients like retinol or salicylic acid.
- Normal or combination skin: Opt for a gentle gel cleanser containing ceramides and peptides, which protect and nourish.
How can I tell if my cleanser is harming my skin?
Dr. Davidson says “if your skin feels squeaky clean or tight, you have over cleansed. This may leave your skin red, inflamed and flaky, and applying products after cleansing will often sting.”
What are the most common cleansing mistakes?
“Over-cleansing, double-cleansing and over-exfoliating can wreak havoc on your skin”, says Dr. Davidson.
She says, “when you strip back those natural lipids, you’re impairing the barrier, setting yourself up for dermatitis, breakouts and sensitivity. On the flip side, not cleansing, particularly when you have a full face of makeup or sunscreen after a day of outdoor activities, will lead to breakouts and unhealthy build-up of impurities in your pores.”
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