Stop Guessing Your Skincare—Let This Cleanser Quiz Decide

Skin Cleanser

Cleansing is the foundation of any good skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, makeup, pollution and bacteria, therefore helping your skin breathe, balance and absorb other products better. It preps your skin, because clean skin absorbs serums and moisturisers more effectively. Proper cleansing maintains your skin’s natural pH and microbiome. 

But not all cleansers are created equal.

How often should you cleanse?

Morning: use a gentle cleanser or just water to cleanse your skin in the morning to refresh your skin and remove the nighttime sweat, products and oils

Night: this is non-negotiable. Consider double cleansing, first an oil based cleanser to break down makeup/sunscreen and thena  water based cleanser to wash everything off.

Post-workout: it is important to wash off the sweat post workout with a gentle cleanser.

Common cleansing mistakes:

• Using harsh cleansers- leads to irritation and more oil production

• Over washing- leads to stripping the natural barrier of skin

• Not rinsing thoroughly- can cause clogged pores

• Skipping cleansing at night even if you didn't wear makeup- can lead to acne

Pro tips:

• Use cool or lukewarm water

• Massage cleanser for at least 30secs before rinsing off

• Pat dry with clean towel- don’t rub

• Always follow up with a moisturiser

What cleanser is best for your skin?

QUESTION 1: How does your skin usually feel by midday?

A. Shiny and oily

B. Dry and tight

C. Balanced—not too oily or dry

D. Sensitive or irritated

E. Varies depending on weather or stress

QUESTION 2: Do you wear makeup or sunscreen regularly?

A. Every day, full coverage or layered sunscreen

B. Light coverage or tinted sunscreen

C. Rarely or never

D. Just sunscreen

E. Only during workouts or outings

QUESTION 3: What are your top skin concerns?

A. Breakouts and blackheads

B. Dryness or flakiness

C. Dullness or rough texture

D. Redness or sensitivity

E. Just keeping things simple and clean

QUESTION 4: How does your skin react to new products?

A. Usually fine—pretty tough skin

B. Gets dry or flaky easily

C. Slight tingling is okay

D. Breaks out or gets red easily

E. Depends on the product

QUESTION 5: How much time do you want to spend cleansing?

A. I don’t mind a two-step routine if it works

B. Quick and gentle

C. One good cleanser, that’s it

D. As long as it’s soothing and effective

E. The simpler, the better

RESULTS:

Mostly A’s – Gel or Foaming Cleanser + Optional Oil Cleanser (Double Cleanse)

Your skin is oily or acne-prone and may benefit from a deep-cleaning gel cleanser. If you wear heavy sunscreen or makeup, try double cleansing: oil cleanser first, then gel.

 Look for: salicylic acid,  niacinamide

 Avoid: alcohol-based or harsh foaming cleansers

Mostly B’s – Cream or Milk Cleanser

Your skin is dry or dehydrated, and you need moisture-retaining ingredients. Use a gentle cream or milk cleanser that leaves skin soft—not tight.

 Look for: ceramides, squalane, oat extract

 Avoid: sulfates, clay-based cleansers

Mostly C’s – Gentle All-Purpose Cleanser

You’ve got normal or combination skin and don’t need anything too strong or too rich. Stick to balanced gel or hydrating foams.

 Look for: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, green tea

 Optional: oil cleanser if you wear makeup

Mostly D’s – Micellar Water or Soothing Gel Cleanser

Your skin is sensitive, reactive, or easily irritated. A micellar water or fragrance-free gel/cream cleanser will be your best friend.

 Look for: aloe, chamomile, panthenol

 Avoid: fragrance, essential oils, exfoliants in cleanser

Mostly E’s – Minimal, Gentle, Multi-Purpose Cleanser

You need a simple routine that works, and your skin type varies. A pH-balanced, non-stripping gel or cream cleanser is ideal.

 Look for: niacinamide, oat, ceramides

 Go with a cleanser that works all year round