Face Wash vs Cleanser: Which One Does Your Skin Need?

Have you ever stared at a skincare aisle (or scrolled endlessly through a beauty site) and thought, “Aren’t face wash and cleanser the same thing?” Well, you’re not alone. It’s one of those skincare questions we’re all a little embarrassed to ask, like “Do I really need a toner?” or “Is it bad to skip moisturiser if I’m lazy?”

And while we agree, face wash vs. cleanser sounds like one of those skincare debates that only beauty experts care about. But the truth is, understanding the real difference between cleanser and face wash can actually make a huge difference in how your skin looks and feels. Confused about which one your skin actually needs? Let’s break it down.

What’s the Difference Between a Face Wash and a Cleanser?

At a glance, both do the same job: clean your face. But the way they work and what they target is where things get interesting.

A face wash is typically water-based and foams up. It’s made to remove dirt, oil, and sweat from deep within your pores, making it a good fit for oily or acne-prone skin.

A cleanser is usually cream- or gel-based and doesn’t foam. It’s designed to gently lift off makeup, sunscreen, and everyday buildup without drying out the skin. This makes it ideal for dry, sensitive, or combination skin.

Face Wash vs. Cleanser: Which one does your skin need?

Here's the part that matters most: what's your skin like on most days?

If your skin gets oily by lunchtime or you deal with frequent breakouts, a face wash is your best friend. Something like our Tea Tree Skin Clearing Face Wash is a total game-changer. It’s powered by Community Fair Trade tea tree oil and helps clean out pores without being too harsh.

If your skin feels tight after washing, flakes in weird spots, or just gets easily irritated, go with a cleanser. Try The Body Shop’s Aloe Calming Cream Cleanser, it’s like skincare comfort food. Super gentle, no foaming, and your skin will feel soft and soothed instead of dry and cranky.

If you wear makeup or SPF daily (which you should), a cleanser is your go-to for dissolving all of that. You can even follow up with a face wash afterward, a method called double cleansing, especially at night. Think of it like shampoo and conditioner, but for your face.

Too Long; Didn’t Read?

Face wash: foamy, deep cleaning, great for oily or acne-prone skin
Cleanser: creamy/milky, gentle, ideal for dry or sensitive skin
Double cleansing: totally allowed (and even encouraged)
Your routine: should match what your skin is asking for, not just what’s trending

One Last Thing

If you're still debating the whole face wash vs. cleanser question, just remember it’s not about choosing the “better” option, but about what works best for your skin. Once you understand the real difference between cleanser and face wash, picking the right one becomes way easier.

And if you’re ready to try something that actually suits your skin type, The Body Shop has a great range of both. Whether it’s the Tea Tree Face Wash for a deep cleanse or the Aloe Cleanser for something gentler, every product is made with care and always cruelty-free. Your skin deserves that kind of thoughtful routine.