What exactly are pre-cleansers, cleansing oils and cleansing waters?
Who’s heard of pre-cleansers? What about cleansing oils? Oh, and do you know what a cleansing or micallar water is? Don’t feel silly if you have no idea. Truly. They are all rather confusing, really, but each has a genuine role to play in your skin care routine, depending on your skin type and concerns.
We’ve nutted out what each of these skin cleansing products does and how it does it, so you can make one very informed decision as to whether any of them deserves a coveted place in your bathroom cabinet…
RELATED: 5 of the best cleansers for oily skin with large pores
What is a pre-cleanser?
Pre-cleansing products are designed to be used before your regular cleanser, and are generally oil-based. As oils are able to penetrate the skin and attract dirt, oil, and makeup, pre-cleansers allow you to remove impurities first, so your proper cleanser is able to do what it was intended to do – clean your actual skin. You see, once the surface dirt and grime is removed, your targeted facial cleanser is able to clean deeper and more effectively, encouraging clearer, healthier skin and fewer breakouts. To use, apply to dry skin and emulsify using a little water before rinsing clean and following up with your regular cleanser.
Ideal for: those who wear makeup or sunscreen on a daily basis, and those wanting a clearer, healthier complexion.
Wonderful pre-cleansers to try: ENVIRON AVST Pre-Cleanser and Dermalogica PreCleanse. Alternatively, you could try Eve Lom Cleanser ($115, meccacosmetica.com.au) as part of a pre-cleanse routine as its oil-based formula helps extract impurities, too.
(Note: Although using a pre-cleanser means you’re using two products, this routine is not to be confused with double cleansing, which actually refers to washing the face twice using the same product – once to remove impurities and once to clean the skin.)
What is a cleansing oil?
Cleansing oils are similar to most pre-cleansers, however they are completely oil-based. They are perfect for those with oily or problem complexions, as they work on a “like attracts like” basis. This means they rid the skin of excess oil, but they do so without stripping the skin or leaving a filmy residue behind. They are equally as brilliant at dissolving and grabbing on to makeup and other impurities, too, which means your eye creams, serums and moisturiser will be able to penetrate deeper into the skin once the product is removed with water. Cleansing oils can be a little drying on dehydrated skins, so opt for a hydrating formula if your skin is on the dry side. To use, apply to dry skin and emulsify on the skin before rinsing clean.
Ideal for: oily, problem skins, and those looking for a more thorough cleanse.
Wonderful cleansing oils to try: Palmer's Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil, SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil, shu uemura Enriched High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil ($52, 1300 651 991), and MAC Cleanse Off Oil.
What is a cleansing water?
No, it is not ideal for nourishing your insides, but it is the perfect cleansing drink for sensitive, easily-irritated skin. Or for those who sometimes make mistakes and need to remove makeup quickly and without leaving a mess behind. These types of waters are infused with teeny tiny molecules that help absorb as well as dissolve dirt, makeup and oil, so they’ll never leave makeup smears behind. For this reason, they are absolutely adored by makeup artists, as they’re the perfect instant makeup removal product for between shows, and they won’t redden the models’ skin either. They leave the skin feeling refreshed and clean, without irritation. To use, simply squirt the product on to a cotton pad or cotton tip and wipe it over the area to be cleansed. However, if you’re using one at night, I’d recommend you follow up with a creamy cleanser to ensure your skin is thoroughly clean.
Ideal for: sensitive skins, and quick touch-ups.
Wonderful cleansing waters to try: Sukin Micellar Cleansing Water, BIODERMA Créaline H2O, Guinot One Step Cleansing Water, and Garnier Skin Naturals Moisture Infusion Cleansing Water.
RELATED: Everything you need to know about micellar water
Have you heard of double cleansing? Have you used a pre-cleaser, cleansing oil or cleansing water before? Are you intrigued to try any of them now?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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147 Member Comments
So the cleansing oil is to be used before a cream like cleanser? Or does it replace the step? I am getting a little confused.
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I love skincare and the Dermalogica Pre-cleanse is wonderful. I have tried a few cleansing oils and really love them....one I really loved is a Garnier Cleansing Oil that I got when i was in the US that sadly we dont have here. Micellar waters are wonderful also but they are not all created equal so it pays to try a few out before making your choice of which one to add to your cleansing routine.
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I love cleansing oils. The precleanser seems a good idea
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Heard of cleansing oils, hadn't heard of pre-cleansers. Makes sense though.
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They all sound pretty good
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Yeah this is confusing, l rather stick with the beauty products that l know best then this.
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I'd really like to try Sk II - but haven't taken the plunge yet!
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I use Dermalogica precleanse to remove heavy make up, followed by a cream cleanser. I use micellar water when I've got no make up on.
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I actually tried the Sukin micellar water the other day for the first time and was surprised how well it worked. The smell was a bit odd but not bad!
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I'm not big on cleansing oils, I guess I haven't found a good one to use though. Although love facial oils. I use Micellar Water before using my cleanser all the time if I'm wearing makeup. I prefer using it compared to wipes. If I'm not wearing makeup, I just go straight to my cleanser.
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I thought a cleansing oil was more for women with dry skin because of the oil in it. How wrong I was it seems after reading this. I've also used micellar cleansing water just as a cleanser on its own. I didn't realise it was a pre-step to using a cleanser. Oh well....live and learn. LOL !!!
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I don' t mind cleansing oils, but I hate cleansing waters. I do not like a wet drippy feeling on my face!
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Great advice. I pick the products that fit my skin tone.
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I tried a cleansing water one but didn't like it much on my skin.
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Very informative article. I learnt a lot. After reading about cleansing oils I think it would definitely be suitable for my skin type.
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I use Burt's Bees Facial Cleansing Oil on the days that I have a full face of makeup (which isn't every day) and then I use Bioderma Sensibio H2O Solution Micellaire Cleanser to remove the remainder of my makeup.
I didn't know I could use another Cleanser in between without drying out my skin. Good to know!
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It gets so overwhelming with the amount of products that are available and does seem to be ridiculous how many skincare steps some of these companies expect you to do. I've only ever used a sample of the neutrogena pre cleanse oil and it only seemed to do a good job in removing makeup. I think using any oil cleanser would be similar. If anything I want to simplify the amount of products I'm using not add to it.
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I think the pre-cleansers work similarly to the cleansing oil. I have come across Korean skincare double cleansing steps and other youtubers that mentioned products such as cleansing balms, cleansing stick and so on. They are similarly cleansers, just in different forms. Cleansing balm is easier to manipulate, without that liquid oil texture, and thus, some people prefer it more.
But this article is really good in introducing various cleansers to people. The oil cleansers are always good in removing make up, dirt and sebum from the face but some people dislike the oily layer that it leaves. So, following up with another cleanser allows us to remove the oily feeling of oil cleansers. It also helps for people who have dry skin because the cleanser will not completely strip the natural oils from the face.
I have never seen the Garnier version of this cleansing water. But I do love the regular Garnier cleansing water, they are really convenient and gentle on the skin too for the morning. I always follow up with a rinse of water just to wash off the cleansing water.
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I have only ever tried cleansing oils and I'm not really a fan
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In Asian skincare this is called the double cleanse but it's actually been around since at least the 30's or 40's possibly earlier -women would use cold cream first & then a soap like nuetrogena soap for example & then sometimes a rosewater or witch hazel before either applying another layer of cold cream& leaving it on or another type of moisturiser instead of the cold cream. You can adjust the routine to make it more modern if you like but either way it is a great method of cleaning & can really do wonders for your skin.
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For me a basic cleanser does the trick.I don't have any skin condition and I don't use makeup everyday.
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This is a great article! I didn't even know how uneducated I was about the cleansers until now
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I used to have a cleansing oil by Shu Uemera and I loved it. I should really buy one again.
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I have used a few cleansing oils and love to use as a pre cleanse to remove makeup. Some I've used need a double cleanse to remove residue. I love Burts Bees cleansing oil as it washes off the skin with even cold water without leaving residue so you can use as a stand alone cleanser to do everything!
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Yes, it is possible to over cleanse your face causing drying !
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