Do Face Cleansers Remove Makeup?

Going to bed with makeup on can lead to many skin problems, including breakouts, dry skin, and wrinkles. But a lot of people find makeup removers to be too expensive and time-consuming. They wonder if their face cleanser can remove their makeup instead. We've researched this to find out if face cleansers can indeed be used to remove makeup.

As it turns out, face cleansers effectively remove most, but not all, kinds of makeup. You may still need makeup remover to remove other makeup, depending on what type it is.

Since face cleansers do take makeup off your face, it eliminates the need to use a lot of makeup remover. Not having to use as much makeup remover can save you time and money. In this article, we'll look at the best facial cleansers to remove makeup, as well as how to use them effectively. Continue reading to learn more.

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What Types Of Makeup Do Facial Cleansers Remove?

Facial cleansers are very effective at removing any type of makeup that you wear on your face. This includes blush, bronzer, highlighter, and foundation. While facial cleansers can remove eye and lip makeup as well, it is best not to bring cleanser in direct contact with your eyes and lips.

Most facial cleansers have some chemicals in them. The chemicals are used to break down oil, dirt, and makeup on your face. While the chemicals are safe to use on skin, using facial cleansers to remove mascara and eyeliner can cause these ingredients to get into your eyes. 

Getting cleanser in your eye can cause redness, burning, and irritation. Eyes are delicate organs, so it's best not to take any chances with them. Also, it's best not to use most facial cleansers to remove lipstick, as the cleanser can leave a bad taste if it gets into your mouth.

Even though a lot of cleansers can cause eye irritation, there are some that are safer to use to remove eye makeup. We will look at different types of cleansers later in the article to determine which ones are effective to use to remove mascara and lipstick.

Do I Need Makeup Remover And Cleanser?

Although facial cleansers can remove most traces of makeup, some are better than others at penetrating deeper into the skin. Different types of makeup are also made of different ingredients, and not all types of cleansers are effective for removing all types of makeup.

For example, oil-based makeup may not be fully removed with a water-based or cream cleanser. Oil-based cleansers are the most effective at removing oil-based makeup. This is because oil and water don't mix, so any other type of cleanser besides oil-based may not break down and remove all of your makeup.

As we previously mentioned, not all cleansers are safe to use around the eyes and mouth either. You may still need a separate makeup remover to remove eye and lip makeup. The bottom line is that it's important to know what your makeup is made of so that you know what type of cleanser to use. If you want to use the same cleanser to remove eye makeup, you should also make sure that it is safe to use around your eyes.

What Is The Best Facial Cleanser To Remove Makeup?

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When it comes to facial cleansers that are effective at removing makeup, there are three main types:

  • Oil cleansers
  • Gel cleansers
  • Cream cleansers

Each of these types of cleaners is made of slightly different ingredients. Some work better on different skin types and makeup types. When deciding which type of cleanser to use, keep in mind both your individual skin type and the types of makeup you are trying to remove.

Oil Cleansers

Oil cleansers are made with some type of oil as the primary ingredient. They are great for removing oil-based makeup, such as foundation, and can even be used to remove mascara and lipstick. This is because the most common ingredients are coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil. All of those oils are natural and therefore safe to use around the eyes.

In addition to removing makeup, the natural oils found in oil cleansers have other benefits as well. Oil cleansers are very effective at lifting oils away that are produced by your skin. They can also remove dead skin and clean out your pores. 

Oil cleansers work for all skin types but are especially great to use if you have dry skin because they lock in hydration instead of drying your skin out more. Most oil cleansers also contain vitamins A and E, which add important nutrients that your skin needs to stay healthy.

This oil-based facial cleanser contains coconut oil, as well as olive oil, and other types. It also has vitamin E and is gentle on the skin. Click here to see it on Amazon.

Gel Cleansers

Gel cleansers are water-based, with their main ingredients being from plants or essential oils. Plant-based ingredients help to increase the elasticity and structure of your skin. One common ingredient in gel cleansers, tea tree oil, is great at helping to fight acne because it has antiseptic properties that kill bacteria.

Gel cleansers are great for people with oily or combination skin because they lift makeup off your skin, remove oils, and provide hydration in the process. However, many people find gel cleansers to be the most beneficial for sensitive skin.

Other types of cleansers can be too harsh on sensitive skin when using them to remove makeup. Removing makeup requires a certain level of abrasiveness which those with sensitive skin can find irritating. The plant extracts and other ingredients found in gel cleaners tend to be very mild when used on the skin.

A few of the ingredients in this vitamin C-infused gel cleanser are aloe vera, sugar cane extract, and green tea extract. The grapefruit scent is a bonus. Click here to see it on Amazon.

Cream Cleansers

The main ingredients in cream cleansers are water, mineral oils, and waxes. These ingredients act as emollients, which help draw water from below the skin's surface and remove makeup in the process. In addition to removing makeup, cream cleansers are great at keeping skin hydrated.

Cream cleansers work great for people that have dry or aging skin. They also help to smooth out rough skin and reduce flakiness. A lot of cream cleansers contain plant ingredients, which provide added benefits for the skin. But cream cleansers are made with other chemicals as well, so it's best to avoid using them around the eyes.

This blackberry-scented cream cleanser is rich in antioxidants and works great for removing makeup and keeping skin looking young. Click here to see it on Amazon.

Are You Supposed To Wash Off Cleanser?

You are supposed to wash off facial cleanser after you use it. Cleanser is designed to reduce dryness and breakouts, but leaving it on your face for longer than you should can have the opposite effect. If you don't wash off your cleanser, the residue can dry out your skin and make it more prone to breaking out. Cleanser also shouldn't be left on or used as a mask or moisturizer.

You may also like: "Should You Wash Off Moisturizer Or Leave It On Your Face?"

Do You Use Toner After Cleanser?

 

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Toner should be used after cleanser and before any serums or moisturizer. It is designed to remove any last traces of impurities from your face that isn't removed by the cleanser. Toner also helps to improve your skin tone and restores your skin to its natural pH.

See more: "Moisturizer Makes My Face Oily - What To Do?"

Can I Just Wash My Face With Water?

The ingredients found in some cleansers can cause the skin to dry out, especially if the cleanser is used twice a day. This leaves many people to wonder if they can just wash their faces with water. It turns out that washing your face with just water can keep your skin moisturized and prevent your skin from drying out.

But, washing your face with just water is usually only effective for people with dry skin. If you have dry skin, you can probably get by washing your face twice a day with just water. Many people with oily skin find that washing their face with just water doesn't remove all of the oils and impurities. 

If you have oily skin, you may find it more effective to just use water to wash your face in the morning. At night, you can still use a mild facial cleanser. Otherwise, you may find traces of oil and makeup that could build up and cause breakouts.

In Closing

We hope this article answered your questions about using a face cleanser as a makeup remover. Most cleansers are very effective at removing makeup. But depending on the cleanser you use, you should use caution when removing eye makeup. It is important to choose the right cleanser for your skin type as well. Thanks for reading!

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