What cleanser is best for me?Updated 18 hours ago

Finding the right cleanser starts with two key questions:

1. What is your skin type?

   • Dry Skin: Feels tight after washing, with barely visible pores.

   • Normal/Combination Skin: Pores are visible mostly in the T-zone; may feel dry later in the day.

   • Oily Skin: Larger pores across the face, rarely feels dry, may get shiny by midday.

2. What kind of cleanser do you enjoy?
   At AOS, we believe cleansing should be a pleasure. Some prefer a creamy, hydrating feel, while others love a refreshing gel or a silky oil. You might even enjoy using different types at different times of day—like a gentle milk in the morning and a deeper cleanse at night.

About Oil Cleansers

Oil cleansers are a fantastic first step in your skincare routine, especially for removing makeup, sunscreen, and daily pollutants. They work by binding to excess oil and debris on the skin, helping to clear out pores and prevent blackheads.

Here’s the key: Make sure you choose an oil cleanser that emulsifies (mixes with water). This allows the cleanser to rinse clean without leaving a greasy residue.

Tip: All AOS oil cleansers are emulsifying oils—so you’re in good hands!

They’re perfect for all skin types and are an especially gentle, effective option for dry, sensitive, or congested skin.

Dry to Very Dry Skin Types - Sorella Apothecary Melt Away Cleansing Ritual

All Skin Types, especially Sensitive: Epicutis Oil Cleanser (unscented)

All Skin Types, especially Sensitive: Michele Corley Calming Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover

 All Skin Types - ORGAID Cleansing Oil Ultra Deep Cleanse

All Skin Types, especially Oily - Michele Corley Pore Clearing Cleansing Oil

FOAM CLEANSERS

At AOS, we love foam cleansers for cleansing at the sink. They are easy to apply and remove with a damp, warm AOS Luxe cloth or AOS Luxe Eco Towel.

Dry Mature Skin in need of plumping hydration - HOP+ Pro Volumizing Mousse, Daily Foaming Cleanser 

Normal & Combination Skin in need of gentle exfoliation - PurErb Caviar Lime Cleansing Foam

Blemish Prone Skin - Dr. esthé AC Control Mousse Cleanser

Sensitized Skin - GlyMed Plus Foaming Cleanser with Amino Acids

CREAMY CLEANSERS

Loved by clients with mature, dry skin. These gentle cleansers also remove makeup. Contrary to popular belief, creamy cleansers are not the most hydrating type of cleanser. Water-based cleansing gels and foams attract more water into the skin, facilitating rehydration and increased hydration. 

Dry Skin Cleanser with a delightful scent! - Sorella Apothecary Apricot Mango Cleansing Milk and Skin Script Pomegranate Antioxidant Cleanser

Most calming and relaxing cleanser with a soul-soothing lavender scent- GlyMed Plus Mega Cream Cleanser

Barrier-building and loaded with Probiotics, those with sensitive skin love this light, creamy cleanser that rinses clean. - Rhonda Allison Gentle Peptide Cleanse

Blemish Prone - Face Reality Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser

GEL CLEANSERS

Gel cleansers are lightweight and refreshing—perfect for a deeper cleanse without stripping the skin. They’re especially great for oily or combination skin types, as they help remove excess oil, clear out pores, and leave the skin feeling clean and balanced. Many formulas also include soothing or hydrating ingredients, making them a gentle option for daily use.

Barrier Repair & Sensitized Skin - Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser

Prone to Flushing and Redness - Hale & Hush Quiet Wash

All Around Best Selling Cleanser - Face Reality Ultra Gentle Gel Cleanser

Brightening Cleanser - Skin Script Honey Brightening Cleanser

Pore Clearing - Le Mieux Exfoliating Cleansing Gel

CLEANSER WITH GRANULES

Our minimalists love these cleaners. They gently clean the skin and utilize gentle beads to smooth rough skin texture.   

Smoothing - Rhonda Allison Gentle Jojoba Beads

 Soothing and Smoothing - Face Reality Antioxidant Scrub

Extra smoothing with naturally occurring acids and beads: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish

Corrective Cleansers (with Acids)

These active cleansers utilize gentle acids to exfoliate, unclog pores, and brighten the skin. Great for acne-prone, dull, or aging skin that needs a little extra refining.

Breakouts: BiON Bacteriostat Cleanser

Blackheads: Le Mieux Exfoliating Cleansing Gel  

Dark Spots: Rhonda Allison Skin Brightening Cleanse

Lines, Wrinkles & Dark Spots: Rhonda Allison Pumpkin Lactic Cleanse

Sensitive: NeoGenesis Cleanser 

Enzyme Cleansers
Enzyme cleansers gently exfoliate by dissolving dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth and radiant. Perfect for sensitive, dull, or congested skin that needs a gentle, glow-boosting cleanse.

Oily or blemish prone: Rhonda Allison Enzymatic Cleanse

Dry and Sensitive: Epicutis Cleansing Essentials Set 

All Skin Types: Dr. esthé Enzyme Deep Clear Powder Wash