How to Use Cleanser and Face Wash

A clean face is the base of healthy skin. Yet many people still wonder whether they should use a cleanser or a face wash, and in what order. This guide explains how both products work, how to use them at different times of day, and how to match your steps to your skin type.

You will learn simple routines for workdays, gym days, and makeup days, along with an ingredient checklist and clear do’s and don’ts. The goal is simple. Wash your face without stripping it. Keep your skin barrier calm. Set up the rest of your routine for success.

What Cleansers And Face Washes Do

Both products remove what your skin collects during the day. That list includes oil, sweat, sunscreen, makeup, dust, and pollution. A cleanser lifts these off the skin. A face wash does that too, but it usually foams more and rinses a little faster with water.

Think of a cleanser as the gentle option that focuses on dirt and sunscreen without drying. Think of a face wash as the quick-rinse option that leaves a fresh, clean feel.

Many people use both. For example, use a cleanser at night to take off makeup and SPF. Use a face wash in the morning for a light reset, or after the gym when sweat builds up.

Learn more about choosing the right cleanser for your skin type here.

Cleanser Vs. Face Wash: Key Differences

• Texture: Cleansers come as oils, creams, milks, balms, and bars. Face washes come as gels, foams, or bars that lather.

• Removal Method: Some cleansers remove best with a damp towel or cotton. Most face washes rinse clean with water.

• Skin Feel: Cleansers often leave skin soft. Face washes may feel more “squeaky” if they have strong surfactants.

• Best Use Cases: Cleansers shine at removing sunscreen and makeup. Face washes shine at cutting sweat and daily oil.

You can use one or both. If your skin is dry, a gentle cleanser may be enough most days. If your skin is oily, a mild gel face wash in the morning and a richer cleanser at night can balance things out. If you wear long-wear sunscreen or full makeup, a two-step “double cleanse” at night is a smart habit.

Step-By-Step: How To Use A Cleanser

1. Start With Dry Hands And Dry Face if you use an oil or balm cleanser. For cream or milk cleansers, damp skin is fine unless your label says dry.

2. Use A Dime To Nickel Amount. Too much can be hard to remove. Too little may not spread well.

3. Massage For 30 Seconds. Work over the T-zone, hairline, sides of the nose, and jaw. Use light pressure, not a rough scrub.

4. Emulsify Or Wipe. If your cleanser is made to rinse, add a small splash of water and keep massaging, then rinse. If it is an oil without emulsifiers, remove with a warm, damp towel.

5. Rinse Well. Lukewarm water is best. Hot water can irritate skin and increase dryness.

6. Pat Dry. Use a clean towel. Do not rub.

Tip: If you wear mascara or eyeliner, hold a damp cotton pad on the area for a few seconds first. This softens the product so it comes off with less rubbing.

Step-By-Step: How To Use A Face Wash

1. Wet Your Face And Hands. Use lukewarm water.

2. Dispense A Pea To Dime Size. Add a drop of water to lather in your hands.

3. Apply To Face. Massage for about 30 seconds. Focus on the nose, chin, and hairline.

4. Rinse Until Water Runs Clear. No film or bubbles should remain.

5. Pat Dry. Follow with moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp.

If your face wash stings or leaves your skin tight, switch to a gentler option or use it once a day.

How To Cleanse By Skin Type

Oily Skin

Use a gel face wash in the morning. At night, use an oil cleanser first to lift sunscreen and sebum, then a light gel wash. Look for words like “non-comedogenic” and “balanced.” Avoid high alcohol content.

Dry Or Dehydrated Skin

Use a cream or oil cleanser. At night, you can double cleanse if you wear makeup or heavy SPF, but keep the second step gentle. Choose hydrating ingredients like glycerin, jojoba, or shea butter. Seal in moisture with a cream after cleansing.

Combination Skin

Use a gentle gel in the morning. At night, oil cleanse first on the T-zone and cheeks, then follow with a mild face wash only on the areas that get oily. Adjust placement rather than changing the whole product lineup.

Sensitive Skin

Use minimal fragrance and simple formulas. Patch test new products. Avoid rough cloths and very hot water. Keep massage light and brief. If redness flares, scale back to one mild cleanser at night and a water rinse in the morning.

Acne-Prone Skin

Cleansing helps remove oil and debris, but do not overdo it. Use a mild gel wash twice a day. If you use acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, introduce them slowly after cleansing to avoid dryness.

Men’s Skin And Beards

Beards trap oil and sweat. Work cleanser through facial hair using your fingertips. Rinse very well. Pat the beard dry and apply a lightweight moisturizer or oil to prevent itch.

Read our guide on building a simple routine for your skin type.

How To Use Oil in One “Organic Cleanse Bundle”

This two-step set gives you a complete cleanse without harsh additives. There are no emulsifiers. The oil melts grime and sunscreen instantly. The bar cleanses and refreshes without fake foam. One bundle lasts about four months of daily cleansing, which gives you steady value and fewer restocks.

Step 1: The Cleansing Oil

The Cleansing Oil is lightweight and organic. It relies on jojoba, grapeseed, and Kalahari melon seed oils to lift SPF, makeup, and dirt fast. Here is how to use it:

1. Start with dry hands and a dry face.

2. Massage one to two pumps over the face for 30 seconds. Work along the nose, chin, and hairline.

3. Wipe with a warm, damp towel to remove everything. If you prefer, add a few drops of water and keep massaging before you wipe.

Because there are no emulsifiers, the warm towel step matters. It lets the oil bind to residue and lift it off the skin without stress.

Step 2: The Cleansing Bar

Follow with the Cleansing Bar to finish the cleanse and refresh the skin.

1. Wet hands and the bar.

2. Lather the bar in your hands. Apply the lather to your face. If you like, skip the oil step on bare-skin days and use the bar alone.

3. Massage for 30 seconds, then rinse well and pat dry.

The Right Pressure, Timing, And Frequency

You do not need long sessions. Thirty seconds is enough for each step. Use only the pressure you would use to clean a soft fruit. Anything more can irritate the skin.

Twice a day works for most people. If your skin is dry, use a water rinse in the morning and the full routine at night. If your skin is oily, use both morning and night.

Special Notes For Makeup, SPF, And Long Days

Water-resistant sunscreen and long-wear makeup need more than a quick rinse. Start with an oil cleanser to break them down. Wipe with a warm towel. Then use a mild face wash or your cleansing bar to remove any film. This method keeps pores clear and reduces the need for harsh scrubs.

For matte lip and waterproof eye products, hold a damp cotton pad with a bit of oil cleanser on the area for a few seconds. Then swipe gently. Avoid rubbing back and forth.

Aftercare: What To Do Right After Cleansing

Pat dry and apply your next product while skin is slightly damp. This helps serums and creams spread well and absorb evenly. Moisturize right away if you notice tightness. In the morning, finish with sunscreen. At night, finish with a cream or oil based on your skin type.

Final Takeaways

A cleanser and a face wash both clean the skin. Use them based on your day and your skin type. Keep water lukewarm. Use light pressure. Massage for about 30 seconds. Rinse well and pat dry. Double cleanse at night when you wear sunscreen or makeup. If your skin feels tight, switch to a gentler product. If it feels greasy by noon, add a light gel wash in the morning.

For a natural, effective two-step method, the Oil in One “Organic Cleanse Bundle” pairs a lightweight cleansing oil with a soothing bar. It has no emulsifiers, melts grime fast, and can last for four months of daily use. With clear steps and the right products, clean skin becomes the easiest part of your routine.