The days of choosing between just foaming or cream cleansers are long gone. First, it was cream versus exfoliating, and now, the options depend entirely on your skincare goals. Want a water-free cleanse? There’s a solution for that. Need something gentle that won’t strip your skin? Plenty of choices. Prefer a quick wipe-and-go method? No problem. Face wash now comes in many different forms, and picking the right one is all about what works best for your skin and lifestyle.
Micellar water and milk cleansers, for example, don’t even require water. Just apply them to your skin and blot them off with a towel or cotton pad—no sink needed. They effectively remove dirt and makeup, making them perfect for travel or those moments when you just don’t feel like getting up. Face wipes have been around for a while, but now, there are all-in-one versions that cleanse, tone, and moisturize in one step—no need to carry multiple bottles.
If you prefer a more nourishing cleanse, cleansing oils might be the way to go. Apply them to dry skin with dry hands, then rinse with water. These oils break down makeup while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture, making them a great option for both oily and dry skin types.
And what about bar soap? It used to have a bad reputation for being too harsh, but today’s solid cleansers are designed to be gentle and hydrating. Formulated with ingredients like cocoa or avocado butter, they provide a soft, nourishing cleanse—nothing like the drying soaps of the past. Whether you keep one in the shower or on your bathroom counter, these new bar cleansers are a far cry from the ones your dad used.