Face Wash vs Cleanser: Is There a Real Difference?

Most of us can go our whole lives without knowing that a face wash and a cleanser aren’t the same thing. But then, they serve similar purposes. Then the question arises: why should we care? Well, first, it is an understandable question, and second, it is important to know the differences between them, so you can get the most out of them. Let us dive into the battle between face wash vs cleanser, why they exist as separate products, and most importantly, the when and why.

What We Really Want From Our Skincare

Let us first establish what we are aiming for by using these products. Simply put, we want clean and clear skin, without any dryness, irritation, or breakouts. The point is not to use a specific face wash or cleanser, but to clear out dirt, oil, and pollution effectively and without any side effects.

This helps us set a baseline for our needs, and is especially useful to ensure that we do not get lost in jargon used for marketing different products.

What Is a Face Wash?

A face wash serves the simple purpose of peeling away the outermost layer of the skin. While this might sound alarming, it is quite similar to breaking off bark from a tree.

The outermost layer of the skin is primarily made up of dead skin cells, acting as a protective barrier against environmental factors. A face wash simply removes a layer of that. This helps clear out any oil, dirt, and grime caught between the layers, behaving as a heavy duty, deep cleaning solution. This is one of the main reasons why the face “glows” after using a face wash.

What Is a Cleanser?

A cleanser is generally gentler. Due to the harsh and abrasive cleaning technique of a face wash, cleansers have been formulated to suit sensitive skin types which cannot handle a face wash’s scrubbing action.

It works by gently dissolving impurities and dirt, while keeping the skin’s moisture content intact. They often don’t foam like a face wash, which leads people to believe they aren’t working, but they absolutely are.

So… Which One Is Better?

Realistically, it was never a battle between the two. While they serve the same purpose, they do so by using different techniques. You just have to try and see which type of cleaning you need, and what suits you best.

A face wash is better when:

• You have oily skin
• You sweat a lot
• Pollution or humidity is high
• You need to wear heavy sunscreen or makeup

A cleanser is better when:

• Your skin feels tight after washing
• You struggle with redness or irritation
• You prefer gentle skincare
• You wash your face very frequently

Using both strategically is also an option, like using cleanser in the morning and face wash at night.

The Ingredient Factor Matters More

While the average face wash is usually more drying and harsh on the skin, lots of gentle and hydrating face washes are available in the market. Harsh and drying cleansers also exist. In such cases, what matters more than the product label is the ingredients used.

Always ensure certain basic factors like:

• Sulfate-free formulas
• Natural oils or glycerin
• No unnecessary fragrance
• Skin-friendly pH

Whether a product suits you is more important than what it is called. Products like the glowing power pack from Ghar Soaps have face washes that are said to improve skin texture and utilize a non-drying formula. They are also suitable for all skin types, making the process of trying different products less expensive, less time-consuming, and with less risk of potential skin damage.

Conclusion

Marketing is meant to dramatize and exaggerate, but you should always listen to your skin. Do not listen to a face wash advert’s claim to hydrate your skin in one wash. Ask your skin if it feels smooth, moisturized, and clean with the product you’re using.

There is no “best” face wash or cleanser. Because at the end of the day, everyone’s skin is different and reacts even more differently. The best face wash or cleanser is the one your skin is happy with. And therefore, you should try Ghar Soaps. It has helped numerous people and works on all types of skin types. We focus on age-old practices that greatly help in moisturizing and nourishing your skin.