A face wash is the first step of almost every routine, and the one you use most often. Choosing well makes everything that comes after it work better.
The short version
- A good face wash cleans without leaving skin tight, dry or squeaky
- Look for gentle, sulphate-free formulas with hydrating and antioxidant ingredients
- Cleanse twice a day, with lukewarm water, for 20–30 seconds
- Match the formula to your skin type and patch test first
What a good face wash should do
It should remove dirt, oil, sweat and sunscreen without leaving your skin tight, dry or squeaky. That squeaky-clean feeling is a sign the skin barrier is being stripped, not a sign of cleanliness. After rinsing, healthy skin should feel soft and comfortable, not tight.
What to look for
- A gentle formula. Look for sulphate-free cleansers that clean without harsh stripping.
- Hydrating ingredients. Hyaluronic acid and aloe vera help skin feel soft and comfortable after washing.
- Antioxidants. Ingredients such as vitamin E and sea buckthorn help defend skin against daily environmental stress.
- A balanced formula. Skin is naturally slightly acidic, so a pH-conscious cleanser suits it best.
What to be careful with
- Harsh sulphates. Strong foaming agents can leave some skin feeling dry and tight.
- Heavy fragrance. It's a common cause of irritation for sensitive skin.
- Scrubby beads or gritty particles. These can be too abrasive for daily use.
- Very hot water. It strips oils from skin, whatever cleanser you use.
Match it to your skin type
| Skin type | What it usually needs |
|---|---|
| Oily or combination | Cleanse morning and night with a gentle formula. A harsh wash can prompt skin to produce even more oil. |
| Dry | Lukewarm water, a short wash and a hydrating formula. Avoid over-cleansing. |
| Sensitive | Fragrance-free or lightly scented, gentle formulas. Always patch test and introduce one new product at a time. |
| Normal | A balanced, gentle daily cleanser is all you need. |
How to wash your face properly
- Splash your face with lukewarm water.
- Squeeze a coin-sized amount of face wash into your palm.
- Massage gently in circular motions for 20–30 seconds, including the sides of the nose and the hairline.
- Rinse thoroughly, until no residue is left on your skin.
- Pat dry with a clean towel. Don't rub.
- Follow with the next step in your routine while your skin is still slightly damp.
How often should I wash my face?
Twice a day, morning and night, suits most people. In the morning you're rinsing off what built up overnight. In the evening you're removing sunscreen, sweat and the day's grime. If you've had a sweaty workout, a quick extra wash is fine, but there's no need to wash more than that.
Common face-washing mistakes
- Washing too often. More than two or three times a day can leave skin dry and irritated.
- Scrubbing hard. Gentle circular motions do the job. Force doesn't help.
- Using hot water. Lukewarm is enough.
- Skipping the evening wash. Sunscreen and sweat stay on your skin all night if you do.
- Rubbing dry. Pat instead to avoid irritation.
Our take
Sea Buckthorn Radiance Face Wash
A gentle sea buckthorn cleanser with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E. Vegan, pH-conscious and free from harsh sulphates, made for daily use across all skin types.
It's step one of our simple three-step routine, morning and night.
Common questions
Do I need a separate cleanser for morning and night?
Not necessarily. Many people use one gentle face wash twice a day. Use your judgement: if your skin feels dry in the morning, a quick rinse with water is fine.
Should my face feel tight after washing?
No. Tightness is a sign the cleanser is too harsh or the water too hot. Switch to a gentler formula and lukewarm water.
Can I use a face wash on sensitive skin?
Yes, but patch test first and introduce one new product at a time. If irritation continues, speak to a dermatologist.
Photography from Unsplash.
