When it comes to skincare, there are so many different products and ingredients to choose from. It can be tough to know where to start, especially if you're new to the game. One of the most important skincare products is a cleanser, but what happens if you don’t wash your face, and… is cleansing the same as soap? We’ll also take a look at how to pick the best facial cleanser for sensitive skin. Let’s get started.

What Are Cleansers and Soaps?

A cleanser is a skincare product that is used to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Cleansers are typically water-based and contain surfactants, which are molecules that help to break down dirt and oil. Cleansers can be foaming or non-foaming, and they come in a variety of different formulas, including gels, creams, and lotions.

Soap is a cleaning product that is made from fats or oils that have been combined with an alkali, such as lye. Soap works by dissolving dirt and oil through a process called saponification. Saponification is a chemical reaction that breaks down the fats or oils into fatty acids and glycerin. The fatty acids bind to dirt and oil, and the glycerin helps to moisturize the skin.

Related: Cleanser vs Face Wash: Which Product Is Better For My Face?

Is Cleansing The Same As Soap For Your Skin?

The main difference between cleanser and soap is that cleanser is designed specifically for the face, while soap is designed for the body. Cleansers are typically more gentle than soap, and they are less likely to strip the skin of its natural oils. Soap can be too harsh for the face, and it can dry out the skin, leading to irritation and breakouts. If you’ve been using soap and are getting frustrated at continual breakouts, that’s why!

Another important thing to consider is that cleansers come in a variety of different formulas, so you can find exactly the right one for your skin type. Soap is typically only available in one formula (and tons of scents), which will most likely not be right for everyone.

(Dis)Honorable Mentions: Body Wash & Shower Gel

What’s even worse than soap? Body washes and shower gels are designed to be vibrant, liquidy, and extremely fragrant. Using extra fragrances and dyes on the skin on your face is a serious no-go. In fact, we probably shouldn’t be using them on the rest of our skin, either. However, for the face, we need something gentle and simple – bonus points if it pulls double duty like our Rejuvaskin Facial Cleanser.

Our Solution: Facial Cleanser For Sensitive Skin

If you’re looking for a gentle yet effective cleanser that can help protect your skin from pollution, our Rejuvaskin Facial Cleanser is a great option. This cleanser is formulated with a blend of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients (and our proprietary Exo-P™) that help to neutralize free radicals in their tracks and soothe the skin. The Rejuvaskin Facial Cleanser is also non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog your skin’s delicate pores.

Are you ready to start treating your skin with the respect it deserves? Then it’s time to switch to a facial cleanser – save that soap for the rest of your shower time. And, if you’re ready to learn more about some facial cleansing mistakes you might be making (it’s ok, you’re not the only one), check out 6 Face Cleansing Mistakes To Avoid and Cleanser vs Face Wash: Which Product Is Better For My Face?