THE BEST FACIAL CLEANSER

What is the best way to wash my face?

It might seem simple, but no matter your skin type, texture, or current condition, having a cleansing routine is important. Too harsh of a cleanser can strip the skin barrier of precious natural oils, while too light of one won’t effectively wash away sebum and/or remove waterproof makeup, mascara, dead skin cells, or SPF residue.  

From gels and foams to scrubs and natural cleansing oil, there are various “galenic” formulas to wash your face. In France, we say that « washing is just the first step towards maintaining your skin's natural condition ». But the question is: which facial cleanser is best for me? 

Is it best to use a foaming cleanser ?

Well, not really. Many consumers feel their skin feels cleaner and fresher after the use of a foaming product compare to micellar water and oil-based wash, but the lather could actually strip your skin.

The key thing when buying a foaming facial wash is to look at:

- Type of surfactants: Harsh surfactants that leave your skin feeling tight are a no-no. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is one of them; Instead, look for gentle ones like Polyglyceryl-4 oleate or coconut-based derived surfactants, known to be gentle and dermatology tested. 

- Numbers of ingredients: More than 25 ingredients ? it is a no-no. Formulations with a few ingredients (and natural!) can be efficient. A simple look over the ingredients list (or with an app!) and you’ll be able to tell straight away if one of the key ingredients is not naturally-derived.  

Why you should skip wipes as a facial cleanser? 

Over the past years, face wipes had been very trendy. But they shouldn’t be regularly used in lieu of washing your face with a cleanser and water. “I do not recommend them often due to excess trash for the environment;  And even though [face wipes are] convenient for many, the majority are made out from plastic, and contain at least 1 or 2 preservatives.

Phenoxyethanol is one of them. When you’re checking ingredient lists, you may find phenoxyethanol in certain moisturizers, eyeshadows, foundations, sunscreens, conditioners, mascaras, eyeliners, shampoos, hair dyes, lip balms, eye makeup, face wash, baby wipes, baby lotions, shaving creams, deodorants, and more — the list really does go on. 

Suspected of reproductive toxicity, phenoxyethanol had been in the crosshairs of the French agency for several years. In 2019, the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) required that manufacturers of leave-on cosmetic products (like wipes) containing the preservative Phenoxyethanol have to indicate on the label that they may not be used on the buttocks of children aged 3 years or under. In the US, It's an irritant, and shouldn't be used around the mouth. According to the FDA, It can also depress the central nervous system in infants, so really shouldn't be used on babies;

"So why would you use a product on your face, that you wouldn't use on your babies? 

It might seem simple, but no matter your skin type, texture, or current condition, having a cleansing routine is important. Too harsh of a cleanser can strip the skin barrier of precious natural oils, while too light of one won’t effectively wash away sebum and/or remove waterproof makeup, mascara, dead skin cells, or SPF residue.  

From gels and foams to scrubs and natural cleansing oil, there are various “galenic” formulas to wash your face. In France, we say that « washing is just the first step towards maintaining your skin's natural condition ». But the question is: which facial cleanser is best for me? 

Is it best to use a foaming cleanser ?

Well, not really. Many consumers feel their skin feels cleaner and fresher after use of a foaming product compare to a micellar water and oil based wash, but the lather could actually strip your skin. 

The key thing when buying a foaming facial wash is to look at:

- Type of surfactants: Harsh surfactants that leave your skin feeling tight are a no-no. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is one of them; Instead, look for gentle ones like Polyglyceryl-4 oleate or coconut-based derived surfactants, known to be gentle and dermatology tested. 

- Numbers of ingredients: More than 25 ingredients ? it is a no-no. Formulations with a few ingredients (and natural!) can be efficient. A simple look over the ingredients list (or use an app!) and you’ll be able to tell straight away if one of the key ingredients is not naturally-derived.  

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