Face Cleansers & Cleansing Oils

Find a face cleanser that removes daily build-up without leaving your skin uncomfortable. Shop cleansing oils, cream and lotion cleansers, low-foam gels and clarifying washes selected for dry, oily, sensitive, mature and blemish-prone skin. Use one gentle water-based cleanser ... Read more
Find a face cleanser that removes daily build-up without leaving your skin uncomfortable. Shop cleansing oils, cream and lotion cleansers, low-foam gels and clarifying washes selected for dry, oily, sensitive, mature and blemish-prone skin. Use one gentle water-based cleanser for everyday cleansing, or add an oil pre-cleanser when you wear make-up or water-resistant sunscreen. The right choice should leave skin clean and comfortable—not tight, squeaky or sore.

How to choose a face cleanser

A cleanser should remove sweat, excess surface oil, make-up, sunscreen and environmental residue while leaving the skin comfortable. Texture is a useful starting point. Cream and lotion cleansers often suit dry or sensitive-feeling skin, while gel and low-foam cleansers can feel lighter on combination or oily skin. A clarifying or salicylic-acid cleanser may suit congested-looking pores, but it should not be layered automatically with several other exfoliants.

The finished formula matters more than a single ingredient or texture label. If skin feels tight, stings or becomes persistently flaky after cleansing, reduce frequency or choose a milder product. Very dry skin may only need water or a minimal cleanse in the morning, followed by a thorough but gentle evening cleanse.

Single cleansing and double cleansing

One well-chosen cleanser is enough for many routines. Double cleansing can be useful after make-up, heavy emollients or water-resistant sunscreen. Begin with an oil or balm cleanser to loosen oil-soluble products, then use a gentle water-based cleanser. Double cleansing is a method, not a requirement: if one product removes everything comfortably, a second cleanse may be unnecessary.

Massage with fingertips and rinse with lukewarm rather than very hot water. Cleansing brushes, gritty cloths and vigorous rubbing add exfoliation and may irritate sensitive or over-treated skin. Pat dry and follow with the rest of the routine while the skin still feels comfortable.

Build the rest of the routine

Cleanser is the first step, not the entire treatment plan. Follow with a targeted serum if needed, then moisturiser and morning sunscreen. Persistent acne, dermatitis, rosacea symptoms or a painful rash needs appropriate professional advice rather than increasingly strong cleansing.

Explore face toners, face serums and oils, moisturisers and products to remove SPF, or book a personalised skincare consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of face cleanser should I use?

Choose by skin feel and what you need to remove. Cream or lotion cleansers often suit dry or sensitive skin; gels and low-foam washes can suit normal, combination or oily skin. Cleansing oils are useful for make-up and water-resistant SPF. A cleanser should leave skin comfortable rather than tight or squeaky.

How often should I cleanse my face?

Most people can cleanse in the evening and, if useful, again in the morning. Very dry or sensitive skin may prefer a water rinse or minimal morning cleanse. Cleanse after heavy sweating, but avoid repeatedly washing throughout the day if it causes tightness, redness or irritation.

Do I need to double cleanse?

Not always. Double cleansing is helpful when one cleanser does not fully remove make-up, heavy products or water-resistant sunscreen. Use an oil-based first cleanse followed by a gentle water-based cleanser. If one cleanser removes everything and the skin feels comfortable, a second cleanse is optional.

Is cleansing oil suitable for oily skin?

It can be. Cleansing oils are rinse-off products that help dissolve make-up, sunscreen and surface oils. Their suitability depends on the complete formula and how thoroughly it emulsifies and rinses. Follow with a gentle gel cleanser if needed, and stop if a product repeatedly causes congestion or irritation.

What is the difference between a face wash and a cleanser?

The terms overlap. “Face wash” often describes a foaming or gel product used with water, while “cleanser” also includes creams, lotions, oils and balms. Choose by formula, skin type and purpose rather than the label alone.

Should a cleanser contain active ingredients?

It can, but it does not have to. Salicylic or exfoliating cleansers may help oily or congested-looking skin, while hydrating ingredients can support comfort. Because cleanser is rinsed off, a gentle formula used consistently may be more valuable than a very strong active cleanser that irritates the skin.

Can cleanser remove sunscreen and make-up?

Many cleansers can remove light make-up and ordinary sunscreen. Long-wear make-up and water-resistant SPF may need an oil cleanser, balm or dedicated remover first. Check that residue has been removed without scrubbing the skin or cleansing repeatedly.

Notes On Skincare

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Let customers speak for us

from 1593 reviews
Environ Youth EssentiA C-Quence Serum 1
Gloria F.
I’ve been using environ for at least 10 years and

I’ve been using environ for at least 10 years and am so pleased with it. I thought I would mix it up a bit by adding c q 1.

Environ Youth EssentiA C-Quence Serum 1
Environ Skin EssentiA Pre-Cleansing Oil
Karen S.
Lovely light oil

Lovely light oil. Perfect mixed with clay mask for a great exfoliate.

Environ Skin EssentiA Pre-Cleansing Oil
Environ Skin EssentiA Botanical Moisturising Toner
Jemma K.
Great stuff!

Leaves my skin feeling so clean, I use as part of 3 step routine with cleansing gel and AVST 5 moisturer. Would recommend using Environ for healthy plump skin.

Environ Skin EssentiA Botanical Moisturising Toner
Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 5 Moisturiser
Jemma K.
Amazing!

I have worked my way up to AVST 5 and my skin has never felt better! Packed with vitamin A, keeping my skin healthy and plump.

Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 5 Moisturiser
Environ Skin EssentiA Low Foam Cleansing Gel
Jemma K.
Amazing stuff!

Leaves my skin feeling so clean! Environ keeps my skin looking smooth, fresh and glowy.

Environ Skin EssentiA Low Foam Cleansing Gel
Environ MicroFibre Cleansing Mitts
Barbara P.
Amazing,

I was really surprised at how well these mitts worked. So much better than a cloth. I will always be using them from now on. Fantastic!

Environ MicroFibre Cleansing Mitts
Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 5 Moisturiser
Julie
The best

My go to product - I started using Environ after my third round of roaccutane and I’ve never looked back. I’ve also managed to avoid botox at the age of 39 which puts me in the minority of my age group!

Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 5 Moisturiser
Dr. Levy Booster Serum
Andie L.
Booster serum

Very nice to apply and really feels like it’s refining my skin.

Dr. Levy Booster Serum
Jane Iredale PureLash® Lash Extender & Conditioner
Paula S.
Game changer

This lash primer is an absolute game-changer! It instantly adds incredible length and volume before I even touch my mascara. Plus, it keeps my lashes conditioned and prevents smudging all day long. I will never skip this step again!

Jane Iredale PureLash® Lash Extender & Conditioner
Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Eye Gel
Karen P.

Great product

Environ Youth EssentiA Vita-Peptide Eye Gel
Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 5 Moisturiser
Karen P.

Great product

Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 5 Moisturiser
Environ Skin EssentiA Botanical Moisturising Toner
Josephinia
Great product

Returned to Environ due to its quality. Used a cheaper product but was not as good as Environ.

Environ Skin EssentiA Botanical Moisturising Toner
Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 2 Moisturiser
Josephinia
Great product

Returned to Environ due to its quality. Used a cheaper product but was not as good as Environ.

Environ Skin EssentiA AVST 2 Moisturiser
Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen (Brush + 2 Refillables)
Customer L.A.
Quality product

Quality product, fantastic easy coverage . Will buy again.

Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen (Brush + 2 Refillables)
Jane Iredale Glow Time Blush Stick
Elena D.
Glow time blush stick

The Jane Iredale Afterglow Blush Stick has quickly become one of my go‑to products. The creamy texture melts into the skin effortlessly, leaving a soft golden glow that looks refined, never glittery. The shade is buildable, blends beautifully, and gives that natural sun‑kissed radiance that instantly brightens the complexion.

I also use it on my lips, and it’s gorgeous there too: a warm, luminous nude that feels fresh, chic, and perfectly cohesive with the cheek color. The formula is comfortable, non‑drying, and stays smooth for hours.

In short, it’s a versatile, elegant blush stick that delivers a radiant, polished look in one simple step.

Jane Iredale Glow Time Blush Stick