Comparisons
Face cleanser: gel, cream or micellar water?
The wrong cleanser can spoil the best routine. A harsh cleanser tightens and irritates dry skin, while a creamy cleanser may not clean oily skin enough.
The difference at a glance
| Type | How it feels | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Foaming gel | Lathers and removes oil well | Oily and combination skin |
| Cream (non-foaming) | Soft and doesn't leave skin tight | Dry and sensitive skin |
| Micellar water | Applied with a cotton pad, no water needed | Removing make-up, and sensitive skin |
Quick reviews of well-known cleansers
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Cream cleanser with ceramides
- Suits
- Normal and dry skin
- Texture
- Creamy, non-foaming
- Stands out for
- Cleans without tightening the skin
- Watch out for
- May not remove heavy make-up on its own
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
Foaming gel cleanser
- Suits
- Normal and oily skin
- Texture
- Gel that lathers
- Stands out for
- Removes excess oil
- Watch out for
- Can dry out dry skin
Bioderma Sensibio H2O
Micellar water for sensitive skin
- Suits
- Removing make-up and sensitive skin
- Texture
- Liquid like water
- Stands out for
- Gentle and no rinsing needed
- Watch out for
- For oily skin or heavy make-up, follow with a cleanser
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel
Gel cleanser for oily skin
- Suits
- Oily and breakout-prone skin
- Texture
- Foaming gel
- Stands out for
- Removes oil without being harsh
- Watch out for
- If you use an acne treatment, ask the pharmacist about the whole routine
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Very gentle cleanser
- Suits
- Sensitive and dry skin
- Texture
- Creamy liquid
- Stands out for
- Gentle and suitable for daily use
- Watch out for
- Won't remove heavy make-up or water-resistant sunscreen
Availability varies between branches. Send the product name on WhatsApp before you come, and the pharmacist will tell you what's in stock and a suitable alternative.
Which one should you choose?
- Oily skin: foaming gel morning and night.
- Dry or sensitive skin: cream cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Wearing make-up or heavy sunscreen: micellar water first, then your usual cleanser.
Twice a day is enough. Over-washing irritates the skin, even oily skin.
Need a pharmacist's opinion? Call us or send a WhatsApp message. Our branches in Tanta and Kafr El-Zayat are open 24 hours.
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