Science Reviewed · Boldpurity Science Team
Last reviewed: July 2026
Quick Answer
A cleanser is the first step of any skincare routine — it removes dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, and environmental impurities from the skin's surface. Unlike soap, a good cleanser does this without stripping natural oils or disrupting the skin's pH balance. It prepares your skin to take the products that follow — toners, serums, and moisturisers. Choose based on your skin type: foaming for oily skin, cream or balm for dry skin, gentle formulations for sensitive skin.
Key Facts About Cleansers
- Cleansing is the first step of Prep — the foundation of your entire skincare routine.
- A good cleanser removes impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
- Different types suit different skin types: foaming, cream, balm, gel, micellar.
- Over-cleansing (3–4x daily or using harsh products) can affect the skin's natural moisture balance.
- Twice daily — morning and evening — is enough for most people.
- Double cleansing (oil-based + water-based) is helpful for removing sunscreen and makeup at night.
- A cleanser that leaves your skin feeling tight or squeaky is too harsh.
Key Takeaways
- Cleansing = removing impurities so your skin can take the products that follow.
- Choose your cleanser by skin type, not by trend.
- Don't over-cleanse — twice daily is the sweet spot.
- If your skin feels tight after cleansing, the product is too stripping.
- Double cleansing at night helps remove sunscreen and makeup thoroughly.
- Clean skin absorbs serums and moisturisers more effectively.
What Is a Cleanser?
A cleanser is a skincare product formulated to remove dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, sweat, and environmental impurities from the skin's surface. Unlike traditional soap — which can be alkaline and disruptive to the skin's natural pH — modern cleansers are carefully formulated to clean effectively while supporting the skin's moisture barrier. A good cleanser leaves skin feeling clean, comfortable, and balanced — not tight, dry, or stripped.
Cleansing sounds simple. Wash your face, move on. But the cleanser you use — and how you use it — has a bigger impact on your skin than most people realise.
The wrong cleanser can leave skin feeling dry, uncomfortable, or less balanced, and make every product you apply afterwards less effective. The right cleanser does the opposite — it cleans without stripping, prepares your skin to absorb actives, and sets the foundation for everything else in your routine.
Let's walk through how cleansers work, the different types, how to choose the right one for your skin, and why this "basic" step is actually the most important one.
Why Cleansing Matters
Throughout the day, your skin accumulates dirt, excess oil (sebum), sweat, pollution particles, sunscreen residue, and makeup. If these aren't removed, they can sit on the surface and inside pores — contributing to congestion, dullness, and reduced product absorption.
A good cleanser does three things:
1. Removes Impurities
Clears away dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, and environmental debris from the skin's surface — without needing to scrub.
2. Supports the Moisture Barrier
A well-formulated cleanser cleans without stripping the skin's natural lipids or disrupting its pH. You should feel clean and comfortable after cleansing — not tight, dry, or squeaky.
3. Prepares Skin for What Comes Next
Clean skin absorbs serums, toners, and moisturisers more effectively. If your skin is still covered in sunscreen residue or oil, the products you apply on top won't work as well.
Types of Cleansers
| Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Foaming cleanser | Surfactants create foam that lifts dirt and oil | Oily, combination skin |
| Cream cleanser | Emollient-rich, dissolves impurities gently | Dry, sensitive skin |
| Cleansing balm | Oil-based, dissolves makeup and sunscreen on contact | Makeup removal, double cleansing (step 1) |
| Gel cleanser | Lightweight, clear gel texture | Normal, combination skin |
| Micellar water | Micelles (tiny oil molecules) attract dirt without rinsing | Quick cleanse, sensitive skin, no-rinse situations |
How to Choose the Right Cleanser
Oily Skin
A gentle foaming cleanser helps manage excess oil without over-stripping. Look for plant-based surfactants (like glucosides) that clean effectively without disrupting the barrier. Avoid harsh sulphate-based cleansers that leave skin feeling tight.
Dry Skin
A cream cleanser or cleansing balm provides gentle cleaning while adding hydration. Look for squalane, glycerine, or ceramide-based formulations that support moisture rather than stripping it. Avoid foaming cleansers that feel too drying.
Sensitive Skin
Choose fragrance-free, gentle formulations with minimal ingredients. Cream cleansers or mild gel cleansers work well. People who experience sensitivity may prefer simpler formulations without strong fragrance or ingredients they personally find uncomfortable. If your skin stings during cleansing, the product is too strong.
Combination Skin
A mild foaming or gel cleanser works well for combination skin — it handles the oily T-zone without over-drying the drier areas. Avoid extremes: nothing too stripping, nothing too heavy.
The Simple Test
After cleansing, your skin should feel clean and comfortable — not tight, dry, or squeaky. If it feels stripped, your cleanser is too harsh. If it feels filmy or greasy, your cleanser isn't removing enough. Aim for the middle: clean and balanced.
What Is Double Cleansing?
Double Cleansing Explained
Double cleansing means using two cleansers in sequence: first an oil-based cleanser (balm or oil) to dissolve sunscreen and makeup, then a water-based cleanser (foam, cream, or gel) to clean the skin itself.
When to do it: In the evening, especially if you wore sunscreen, makeup, or were exposed to pollution. In the morning, a single gentle cleanse is usually enough.
Step 1: Oil-based cleanser (balm or cleansing oil) on dry skin → massage → rinse
Step 2: Water-based cleanser (foam, cream, or gel) → massage → rinse
Double cleansing ensures sunscreen is fully removed — which matters because sunscreen and makeup residue may contribute to a less clean-feeling skin surface if not removed properly.
How to Cleanse Properly
- Wet your face with lukewarm water (not hot — hot water can strip the skin)
- Dispense cleanser into your palms
- Massage gently in slow, circular motions for 30–60 seconds — don't scrub
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
- Pat dry with a clean towel — don't rub
- Follow immediately with your toner serum while skin is still slightly damp
Good Rule of Thumb
60 seconds of gentle massage is enough. Most people wash for about 10 seconds — that's not long enough to dissolve sunscreen and remove impurities properly. A full minute makes a noticeable difference.
Where Cleansing Fits in Prep, Treat, Seal
Cleansing is the very first step of Prep — it starts your entire routine.
1. Prep
Cleanser → toner serum
2. Treat
Targeted serums
3. Seal
Moisturiser → sunscreen (AM)
| Step | Morning | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | Gentle cleanser → AquaBlur™ | Double cleanse → AquaBlur™ |
| Treat | SkinReset™ or CellMorph™ | SkinReset™ or CellMorph™ |
| Seal | Moisturiser → SPF 30+ | Night moisturiser |
A Note on Products
Boldpurity does not currently manufacture a cleanser. All cleanser recommendations in this article are generic — choose any well-formulated, gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. AquaBlur™ (toner serum) follows after cleansing in the Prep step.
Common Cleansing Mistakes
❌ Over-Cleansing
Washing 3–4 times a day strips your skin and can damage the barrier. Twice daily — morning and evening — is enough.
❌ Using Hot Water
Hot water feels satisfying but can strip the skin and weaken the barrier. Lukewarm is always better.
❌ Using Bar Soap on the Face
Most bar soaps are alkaline (pH 9–10) while your skin's natural pH is around 4.5–5.5. Some traditional soaps may feel drying because they are generally more alkaline than many facial cleansers.
❌ Scrubbing Too Hard
Cleansing should be gentle — circular motions, light pressure, 60 seconds. Scrubbing doesn't clean better; it just irritates the skin.
❌ Not Removing Sunscreen Properly
A single gentle cleanser may not fully remove waterproof sunscreen. Double cleansing at night (oil-based first, then water-based) helps ensure sunscreen residue is fully cleared.
Your Questions, Answered
What does a cleanser do?
A cleanser removes dirt, oil, makeup, sunscreen, and environmental impurities from the skin's surface. It prepares your skin to absorb the products that follow — toners, serums, and moisturisers.
How often should I cleanse?
Twice daily — morning and evening. Over-cleansing can strip natural oils and affect the skin's natural moisture balance. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, reduce frequency or switch to a gentler product.
Which cleanser type is best for oily skin?
A gentle foaming cleanser with plant-based surfactants. It effectively manages excess oil without over-stripping. Avoid harsh sulphate-based formulas that leave skin feeling tight.
What is double cleansing?
Using two cleansers in sequence: first an oil-based cleanser to dissolve sunscreen and makeup, then a water-based cleanser to clean the skin itself. Recommended for evening routines, especially after wearing SPF or makeup.
Can I use soap on my face?
Bar soap is typically too alkaline (pH 9–10) for facial skin (pH ~5). It can disrupt the skin's natural acid mantle, leading to dryness and irritation. A pH-balanced facial cleanser is a better choice.
Should I cleanse in the morning if my skin isn't dirty?
Yes — even overnight, your skin produces oil, sheds dead cells, and releases sweat. A gentle morning cleanse removes surface impurities and prepares your routine. You don't need to double cleanse in the morning — a single gentle wash is enough.
The Foundation That Makes Everything Else Work
Cleansing is the most "basic" step in skincare — and the most important. Applying skincare products to clean skin allows them to be used as intended within your routine. Get this step right, and everything else follows.
Choose a cleanser that matches your skin type, use it twice daily, be gentle, and don't overthink it. That's the formula.
References
- India Cosmetics Rules, 2020 — CDSCO
- ASCI Code for Self-Regulation in Advertising, 2021
- Mukhopadhyay P. "Cleansers and their role in various dermatological disorders." Indian J Dermatol. 2011;56(1):2–6.
- Draelos ZD. "The science behind skin care: cleansers." JCDSA. 2018;8(2):8–14.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Boldpurity does not currently manufacture a cleanser; all cleanser recommendations are generic. All cosmetic claims refer to the appearance of the skin. For personalised skincare advice, consult a qualified dermatologist. In line with ASCI Code 2021 and India Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Results may vary. Patch test new products before use.
