Welcome to VANA Skincare Academy, your one-stop place for learning all about skincare from the ground up. Our mission is to get you familiarized with the ins and outs of skincare, understand each step of the process, and help you build the perfect routine for your skin type and needs.

For any skincare routine, cleansing is the first step of the journey. Your skin is exposed to environmental factors and prone to different skin concerns every day, and it’s your cleanser that kick-starts the routine for healthy and strong skin. The problem with cleansers is that, like all skincare products, there are so many to choose from. What’s the difference between a cleansing oil and foam? Which one is right for my skin type? This is your guide to breaking down the mystery of facial cleansers and how to choose the formula that is right for your skin needs, allowing you to build a reliable daily skin regimen. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know.

What is a cleanser?

A facial cleanser is used to wash away buildup and debris that accumulates on your face during the day and as you sleep. This includes dead skin cells, dirt and other environmental pollutants that can cause skin concerns if they are not washed away.

Why should I use a cleanser?

Leaving buildup on your skin without washing it away with a cleanser can lead to the pores clogging up, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads or acne. Moreover, having this layer on your face means that your skincare products aren’t able to absorb into your skin and do their job, rendering them ineffective.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Haruharu WONDER

How do I find the right cleanser for my skin type?

The right cleanser for you largely depends on your skin type. Cleansers differ in formulation and the ingredients used, and the goal is to choose the right combination that maintains skin health and delivers useful ingredient benefits. Down below we analyze the different types of cleansers to choose from and how they can help your skin.

Cleansing Oil

Cleansing oil uses oil-based ingredients to melt and break down skin impurities. It’s used to cleanse away makeup, sunscreen, pollutants and excess oil because it’s able to double down on these oil-soluble components and remove them easily from the skin. Cleansing oil is great for dry skin types because it moisturizes as it cleanses, but because many are formulated to be non-comedogenic, oily skin users can enjoy them as well without worrying about breaking out. In the double cleansing routine, a cleansing oil should be used before a water-based cleanser.

iUNIK - Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - iUNIK

The iUNIK Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil extract to offer a soothing component to the process. Consisting of only 8 ingredients, the mild formula serves to melt away impurities while strengthening the skin barrier, allowing you to emerge from your cleanse with smooth and supple skin.

heimish - All Clean Balm

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - heimish

Cleansing balm is essentially a solidified version of cleansing oil that will melt down into an oil as it’s massaged into the skin. A popular pick amongst our VANA Family is the heimish All Clean Balm, known for its nourishing Shea Butter and Coconut extract-packed formula and silky texture that doesn’t leave any residue behind.

Cleansing Milk

Entering the realm of water-based cleansers, consider a cleansing milk to be a cleanser with elevated hydration benefits. The soft, fluffy texture of a cleansing milk is suitable for those with exceptionally dry,dehydrated or mature skin, as well as sensitive skin as it is less astringent and less likely to aggravate the skin. Most cleansing milks are suitable for washing away light makeup, but it’s recommended to go in with a cleansing oil beforehand to ensure all impurities are thoroughly cleansed.

Isntree - Yam Root Vegan Milk Cleanser

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

If you’ve never thought to use Yam Root in your routine, the Isntree Yam Root Vegan Milk Cleanser is the perfect introduction to this nutrient-filled ingredient. The Phyto Mucin derived from Yam Root fortifies the skin’s moisture barrier and calms inflammation, working with the cleanser’s Vegan Milk Complex to replenish moisture back into the skin.

make p:rem - Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Milk

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - make p:rem

The make p:rem Safe Me. Relief Moisture Cleansing Milk is brimming with skin-loving ingredients that strengthen and fortify the protective barrier, including Soybean Protein, Ceramide, Hyaluronic Acid and Panthenol. Not only does it clear away pore-clogging buildup, it also restores necessary moisture for plump and bright skin.

Cleansing Gel

Cleansing gel is another type of water-based cleanser that is generally suited for all skin types. Its texture lies in between a cleansing milk and cleansing foam, and a good formulation will remove all traces of dirt and debris without leaving the skin feeling stripped.

Haruharu WONDER - Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Haruharu WONDER

There are many reasons as to why the Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel is so beloved. For one, the fermented Black Rice-enriched formula is extremely gentle on the skin. Secondly, its star ingredient delivers rich moisture to the skin, relieves irritation and brightens skin tone over time - talk about a triple threat.

I'm From - Mugwort Gel Cleanser

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - I'm From

For anyone with a reactive complexion, the I'm From Mugwort Gel Cleanser is the soothing formula to dive into. Clinically proven to be non-irritating, the formula is made with 60% Mugwort extract that quells inflammation and sensitivity during cleansing. Furthermore, it wards off breakouts by clearing out debris in the pores, leaving behind a clarified complexion.

Cleansing Foam

The lightest water-based cleanser is the cleansing foam. You might have heard that cleansing foam is best suited for hotter weather or oily skin types, which is true because it’s good for removing excess oil from the skin. However, the drying formulas of the past are currently being replaced by newer, better iterations that promote balanced skin; in other words, cleansing foams that wash away impurities and excess oil while still maintaining healthy moisture levels.

Round Lab - 1025 Dokdo Cleanser

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Round Lab

The Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleanser starts off as a creamy texture, but lathers up to a dense foam when met with water. Ulleungdo Seawater provides minerals to replenish the skin’s hydration levels, further bolstered by 3 kinds of Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin and Ceramide NP. Users give this cleanser 5-star approval for its high quality performance and results.

Abib - Acne Foam Cleanser Heartleaf Foam

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Abib

Made for oily and acne-prone skin types, the Abib Acne Foam Cleanser Heartleaf Foam comforts and clarifies the complexion with soothing Heartleaf extract, calming Centella Asiatica and exfoliating Salicylic Acid. It’s mildly acidic to match the skin and support its long-term health, creating a fine foam when lathered up.

Found the perfect cleanser for your skin? Shop it to complete your daily routine now! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!