A cleanser sets the tone for the rest of your skincare routine. To understand what to look for in a good cleanser, we spoke to Dr Sabika Karim, an aesthetic doctor and GP. It’s key to choose “a cleanser that effectively removes impurities without stripping away the skin's natural lipids or disrupting the skin barrier”, she explains, and recommends choosing one for your skin type.
If you have dry skin, you should “choose a cream, lotion or balm cleanser containing ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid or squalane. These cleanse while helping to support hydration and the skin barrier,” advises Dr Karim. If you have combination skin, you should seek out “a gentle gel or low-foaming cleanser” to “effectively cleanse oilier areas without over-drying the cheeks”.