Reintroducing the Foaming Cleanser
Cleansers For Each Skin Type:
Whether it be the end of a heavy makeup day or a relaxing no-makeup day, an effective cleanser is a necessity. Our skin collects impurities throughout the day regardless of what we do and a proper cleanser can ensure that your skin stays clear and healthy.
Facial cleansers differ from usual soap in that they are less-drying and are formulated with ingredients that are non-stripping and gentle for the delicate skin on the face. Well-formulated cleansers can successfully keep pores clear of dirt, remove sebum (a mix of oil and debris that collects throughout the day), keep dead skin cells at bay, and infuse the deeper layers of the skin with nutrients and moisturizing elements.
Cleansers can come in all forms and formulas - while it seems that new types are coming out all the time, we have broken down the most-popular forms below.
Primary Cleansers
Primary cleansers are the ones that are used everyday regardless of makeup wear. A good primary cleanser is a must and can make a huge difference on the health of your skin.
Cream: Cream cleansers are usually the go-to type for those looking for a gentle and moisturizing cleanse. Cream cleansers can either be mixed with water or applied directly to the skin and can be easily wiped off with a towel. Suitable for sensitive or drier skin types, cream cleansers are great for maintaining the right amount of oil on the skin and for providing a non-stripping experience. Cream cleansers can also be a great option for a first cleanse product for those that are accustomed to the double cleansing method.
Gel: Gel cleansers usually have a clear, gel-like consistency and are a great option for deep cleansing. These formulas can help unclog pores, remove excess oil, and cleanse away bacteria from the skin’s surface. Gel cleansers can sometimes also come with exfoliating properties depending on the ingredients. Gel cleansers are recommended for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Foaming: Last but not least, foaming cleansers are another tried and true method loved by many. Formulated with a foaming agent, these cleaners become bubbly or sudsy as they are mixed with water. The highlight of these cleansers is the foaming quality - the foaming particles can get deeper into the pores and lift even the most stubborn impurities. Foaming cleansers are great for those with an oilier skin type, but can truly work for all skin types if the right foaming cleanser is used.
Make-Up Removing Cleansers:
For those of you that wear makeup or sunscreen on a daily basis, makeup removing cleansers or a “first” cleanse is highly recommended. These cleansers break up the makeup or sunscreen on the skin and prepare the skin to fully experience the benefits of your primary or second cleanser.
Micellar: A water-based, non-soap cleanser, micellar water has become a very popular option as well. When cleansing the face with micellar water, the surfactants in the cleanser collect into tiny clusters called micelles whenever they are mixed with oil or dirt. These tiny clusters can then be easily rinsed off the skin. Micellar cleansers can be used with a cotton pad or cleansing towel and do not require rinsing. This cleanser type is best suited for all skin types, especially when used as a first cleanse in a routine.
Oil: Using the “oil attracts oil” method, oil cleansers have also become a staple within many routines. Oil cleansers absorb impurities that gather on the skin and are nourishing at the same time. Especially popular amongst those with dry skin or those who wear heavy make-up, oil cleansers can be directly massaged onto the skin and will rinse off without drying the skin. A tip is to always look for oil cleansers that are non-comedogenic - a few of our recommendations include rosehip, squalane, grape seed, jojoba, tea tree, and sunflower oils.
Debunking the Foaming Myths:
While foaming cleansers have been around for a long time, there have been many misconceptions that have developed. Many people believe that foaming cleansers are irritating because they strip natural oils from the skin. This is actually caused by any cleanser that includes sodium lauryl sulfate or a SLS (synthetic agent). New formulations that have hit the market in the last few years have started using coconut derived or plant derived foaming agents that are gentler and pH balanced. Most natural-ingredient-based foaming cleansers don’t contain SLS and can be used for all skin types. Some benefits of natural-ingredient-based foaming cleansers can be found below:
Benefits:
Works well for all skin types
Provides an interactive and fun cleansing experience
Allows a deep cleanse with every use
Can include many antioxidants that penetrate all layers of the skin
WAN’s Way:
At WAN Cosmetics, we are big fans of a natural and effective cleanser. Our newest release, the Gentle C+ Hydrating Cleanser, embodies all the benefits of the new-age foaming cleansers. Gentle, soothing, and moisturizing, our cleanser removes impurities and prepares the skin for your routine without disturbing the pH balance or barrier of the skin. Using natural ingredients (listed below) and a mix of Vitamin C + aloe vera, this is the ideal cleanser for those that want a deep and non-irritating cleanser that repairs and rejuvenates.
Active Ingredients:
Aloe Leaf Juice - Provides moisture and hydration
Orange Fruit Water - Great source of Vitamin C
Coffee Seed Extract - Adds antioxidants
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract - Improves circulation and increases oxygen and nutrients
Citric Acid - Great source of Vitamin C
Moisturizing Ingredients:
Glycerin - Provides moisture and hydration
Aloe Leaf Juice - Provides moisture and hydration
Sodium PCA - A naturally-occurring amino acid known as Proline found in proteins to smooth skin. It’s an important skin-identical ingredient and great natural moisturizer that helps the skin to hold onto water and stay nicely hydrated. PCA is a naturally occurring component of human skin and a part of the "natural moisturizing factors" (NMF) that maintain a healthy epidermis.
Cleansing System:
WAN Cosmetics’ unique cleansing system is made up of ingredients that are all plant-sourced, mild, and suitable for sensitive skin. We have also proactively selected ingredients that are environmentally-friendly.
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate - Especially well-suited for cleansing sensitive skin. It is also a mild surfactant with very good detergency and foaming power. It is produced from vegetable oils and is therefore readily biodegradable.
Coco-Glucoside - A powerful natural cleanser and because it is derived from coconut and fruit sugars, it is gentle enough for all skin types and is perfectly biodegradable. A gentle cleanser that is biodegradable, non-toxic, residue free and well tolerated by sensitive skin.
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate - Well-suited for cleansing sensitive skin with good detergency & foaming power. It’s made of vegetable oil with biodegradable features.
Back to Basics:
One of the best aspects of the modern world of skincare is the vast number of options available for all types of products. With so many formulations to choose from, finding the perfect cleanser for your skin may seem like a challenge but can result in being so rewarding for your skin and routine. Knowing that it can be daunting when faced with so many choices, WAN’s recommendation is to return to the basics and to review your skin type and skin challenges as you start your search for the ideal cleanser. With a shift in the industry to providing products with healthier and cleaner ingredients, we hope that you will find a cleanser, whether foaming or not, that works well for your skin.
Reference/Research Articles:
https://www.weleda.com/ingredients/ingredients-glossary/c/coco-glucoside-coco-glucoside