Milk, foam, gel or soap: how to choose the right cleanser?

It is often difficult for an unprepared person to understand a wide variety of cosmetics and choose the right one for themselves. Let’s start with cleansing, which is the first and most important step of skin care in everyone’s beauty routine. Anastasia Dudko, founder and chief technologist of Anaminerals mineral cosmetics brand and Duann solid skincare brand, says which product is suitable for any skin type.

Anastasia Dudko, chief technologist and founder of Anaminerals eco-friendly mineral cosmetics brand and Duann solid skincare brand

How to properly cleanse the skin?

Cleaning consists of two stages – make-up removal and washing. The purpose of the former is to remove makeup, the latter to cleanse the skin at a deeper level. Therefore, the means for each of the stages are different: some effectively dissolve the pigments of decorative cosmetics, while others work with skin sebum and external impurities.

If the make-up is waterproof, hydrophilic oil, micellar water, milk or a two-phase agent are suitable for make-up removal. Additional washing is required after using the funds. For this, it is important to choose a product according to the current type and condition of the skin.

How are cleaners different?

In addition to consistency and composition, products differ in pH level. Our skin has its own acid-base balance and must be kept within normal limits in order to maintain a protective layer. If the pH level deteriorates, various problems can occur in the form of dehydration or acne. So which products to choose?

Soap

It happens synthetic (on surfactants) and natural (on alkali). Synthetic soap has a pH of about 6, which is roughly close to our skin’s pH (5.5). Alkaline soap has a very high pH, ​​so it’s best not to use it on your face at all.

shower gel

It usually contains minimal oil and a high percentage of surfactant. In this way, deep cleansing of the skin, regulation of the sebaceous glands and matting effect are achieved. The gel is especially suitable for oily and mixed types that require intensive cleaning.

Milk

Creamy liquid formula suitable for dry skin. It usually contains minimal amounts of surfactants, emulsifiers, and high amounts of oils or emollients (components with a softening effect, eliminating peeling and firmness). In this way, milk softens the skin and does not leave a feeling of tightness after washing.

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The surfactant content in the foam is about 5% which is lower than in the gel. It cleanses more gently and has a gentler effect on the skin, so it is suitable for dry and sensitive types.

What should be considered when choosing a vehicle?

It is better to focus on surfactants in the composition – give preference to soft ones. It is listed on the package as sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, coccolicoside, sodium cocoyl glutamate. It is desirable that they do not take the first place in the composition.

Pay attention to the presence of oils. Grape seed, black cumin, coconut and jojoba oils are suitable for oily skin. Dry or regular – jojoba, blackcurrant oil, wheatgrass, rosehip and almond.

Avoid products with harsh scrubbing particles, they can damage the skin.