How to Choose the Right Cleansing Product
Cleansing goes beyond just simply removing your makeup, it also plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall skin health by balancing sebum, preserving moisture, and also helps manage and prevent breakouts.
That’s why choosing the right cleanser for your skin type and condition is the first and most crucial step in any skincare routine.
In this post, we’ll explore the differences between cleansing water, milk, oil, and balm, and guide you through choosing the most suitable option based on your skin’s unique needs.
When you use the right cleanser for your skin:
▪️ It feels comfortable and not tight after washing,
▪️ Your skin’s oil-moisture balance stays in check
▪️ Maintain a clear and healthy complexion.
This article breaks down how cleansing water, milk, oil, and balm work, with a deeper look into their formulas and which skin types they’re best for.
Comparing Cleansing Products & How They Work
- Cleansing Water: Cleansing water is light, gentle, and non-irritating, making it ideal for morning use or sensitive skin. Micellar particles draw out dirt and oil like magnets, but it might not remove heavy or waterproof makeup completely.
▶ Recommended Product: roundlab Dokdo Cleansing Water – Soothing and gentle with deep-sea water, ideal for sensitive skin.
- Cleansing Milk: Cleansing milk is mild and creamy, which makes it ideal for dry or sensitive skin. It gently removes makeup while keeping the skin hydrated.
▶ Recommended Product: Isntree Micellar Melting Cleansing Milk – Moisturizing and non-stripping with natural plant-based oils.
- Cleansing Oil: Cleansing oils melt away makeup and sebum by dissolving it using the principle of “like with like”. It also reduces friction on the skin. We recommend that if you have oily or acne-prone skin opt for non-comedogenic oils.
▶ Recommended Product: ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil – Lightweight yet powerful, great for removing waterproof makeup and excess sebum.
- Cleansing Balm: Cleansing balms start off as a solid then it melts into oil, and then turns into lotion when rinsed. It provides deep cleansing while keeping the skin moisturized. It’s especially good for dry or aging skin. But always make sure to emulsify it well to avoid any residue.
▶ Recommended Product: Banila Co Clean It Zero Calming Balm – Gentle and hydrating, perfect for sensitive or dry skin types.
Recommended Routines by Skin Type
For oily skin, start your morning with a refreshing, lightweight cleansing water. In the evening, use a low pH or gentle milk cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil without irritation. For oily areas like the T-zone, a gel cleanser can be especially helpful.You can also include a cleansing oil in the evening for added benefit.
For dry skin, maintaining moisture is essential as the skin barrier is often fragile. Cleansing balms and milk cleansers gently remove impurities while protecting your skin’s natural hydration. In the morning, rinsing with water or using a mist cleanser is usually enough to avoid drying out the skin.
For sensitive skin, a milk cleanser is best because it cleans your skin gently without causing any irritation or unnecessary friction. Using it with a micellar cleansing water can boost the cleansing effectiveness. To finish, a mild low pH gel cleanser is a good choice. But always make sure to pick products that are fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and tested for low irritation.
For those who wear makeup frequently, double cleansing is still essential. A milk cleanser works well for the first step, as it removes makeup gently without irritating the skin. However, for heavier or waterproof makeup, a cleansing oil or balm may be more effective. Follow up with a foam cleanser to remove water-based impurities and complete the cleansing process.
For those who wear makeup often, double cleansing is the way to go. A milk cleanser gently removes makeup without irritation, but heavier or waterproof makeup may need a cleansing oil or balm so that you can be fully cleansed. Then finish with a foam cleanser to wash away water-based impurities.
Cleansing FAQs Backed by Science
- Is Double Cleansing really necessary?
Yes, especially after wearing makeup or sunscreen. Oil- or water-based cleansers remove oil-based impurities, while foam or gel cleansers target watersoluble dirt. Using both steps ensures a deeper clean and helps keep your pores clear. - Do Cleansing Oils cause breakouts?
Yes unfortunately some cleansing oils can cause breakout, to avoid any breakout make sure to always look for cleaning oils that are labeled non-comedogenic, which are tested to avoid clogging pores. For oily skin, proper emulsification and rinsing are crucial to avoid residue that can lead to breakouts. - Do I need to cleanse in the morning?
Yes, it’s essential to cleanse in the morning especially for those who have oily or combination skin, since sweat, sebum, and dust build up overnight. However those with dry skin can use lukewarm water or micellar water to avoid over-cleansing.
Post-Cleansing Routine & Ingredient Tips
- Start moisturizing within three minutes after cleansing to prevent water loss
- Follow this order: toner → ampoule or serum → moisturizer
- For dry or dehydrated skin, layer a hydrating ampoule with a facial oil
our skin is most sensitive right after cleansing, so it’s important to hydrate quickly. Hydration protects your skin and enhances the effects of your skincare products
✅ What to Look for in Ingredients
- SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate): A harsh surfactant; not ideal for sensitive skin
- Fragrance / Alcohol: Potential irritants—especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin
- Non-comedogenic label: Important for acne-prone skin
- Skin type-specific claims: Check if it’s labeled for oily, dry, or sensitive skin types
Getting into the habit of reading ingredient lists can not only boost your knowledge but also improve your overall skin.
Every person’s skin is unique, and so are their cleansing needs. That’s why many brands are moving away from the one-size-fits-all approach and are instead creating versatile cleansing lines that suit different skin types and lifestyles. To meet these changing needs effectively, it’s important to take a thoughtful and strategic approach from the very beginning of the product planning.
Neo Mirae is a specialized OEM·ODM cosmetics manufacturer that focuses on custom formulations.
From cleansing waters and milks to oils and balms, we provide end-to-end solutions to help you develop products that align seamlessly with your brand identity.
Gentle yet powerful formulas
We created cleansing formulations that are low-irritation but are highly effective, helping protect the skin barrier while thoroughly removing impurities. Whether it’s a light, refreshing water type or a rich, nourishing balm, each texture is designed to do its job effectively.
Tailored product development
We tailor every element of our production from formulation and emulsification to fragrance to make sure your product connects with your target audience and bring out your brand’s authenticity.
Global one-stop service
From ingredient safety checks and regulatory support and sustainable packaging to export assistance, we provide end-to-end services to help your brand succeed globally. If you’re planning to launch cleansing products tailored to seasonal trends and specific markets, partner with NEO MIRAE to bring your vision to life and stand out in the beauty industry.
Neo Mirae — Your trusted partner in beauty brand success.
