Cleansers for Sensitive Skin
Our facial cleansers are designed to wash away impurities, remove make-up, and replenish your skin. Formulated with natural ingredients responsibly sourced from our own farm in the French Alps, our cleansers gently purify and care for all skin types. Follow your cleanser with a Clarins toner to rebalance your skin after cleansing, and finish with a moisturiser to complete your routine.
Foaming cleanser for very dry or sensitive skin that gently cleanses, softens, and soothes.
This toning lotion soothes and helps to maintain the skin’s natural balance. Perfect for very dry or sensitive skin.
Any questions?
Our experts have the answer
Our face cleansers help skin become balanced, purified, and ready for subsequent treatments. Whether you prefer the refreshing, deep-cleansing lather of a facial wash, the gentle purity of a micellar water, or the comforting texture of a cleansing milk, our collection has the ideal face cleanser to prepare your skin for the rest of your beauty routine.
Why should I use a facial cleanser?
Cleansing your skin is a fundamental step in any skincare routine. A quality face cleanser does more than just remove makeup; it effectively washes away environmental pollutants, excess oil, and dead skin cells that accumulate throughout the day.
Clarins’ range of facial cleansers is formulated to help maintain the skin's natural balance, preventing the build-up of oils and debris that can lead to breakouts and redness. Try double cleansing by using an oil-based cleanser, such as a cleansing oil, first, followed by a water-based foaming cleanser to ensure all makeup and dirt are removed.
Are facial cleanser and face wash the same?
No, while they both help cleanse your face, they differ in usage goal and texture.
Face wash is water-based and can get foamy. It is used for deep cleansing and is able to remove deep-seated dirt. A foaming cleanser such as our Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser contains a natural lathering ingredient that doesn't dry out your skin like soap, and also helps fight oil and tighten pores. It can be used in the morning or at night and needs to be rinsed off.
Face cleanser is gentler than face wash, removing excess oil, makeup and dirt from the skin surface. It needs to be rinsed or just wiped off. For example, our Micellar Water gently removes make-up from the face, eyes and lips as well as impurities and traces of pollution. It can be used in a one-step routine without rinsing or as a pre-cleanse before a traditional face wash.
What facial cleanser should I use?
Choosing a facial cleanser is a personal preference, depending on your skin's specific needs.
- For Oily/Combination Skin: Look for a purifying foaming face wash or gel cleanser that helps regulate sebum and minimise shine without stripping the skin. Try our Purifying Gentle Foaming Cleanser or My Clarins RE-MOVE Purifying Cleansing Gel, which offers a pristine cleanse, perfect for both morning and evening routines.
- For Dry/Sensitive Skin: Opt for a comforting cleansing milk or a rich cream cleanser that cleanses while helping to maintain the skin’s hydration barrier. You might prefer Clarins Velvet Cleansing Milk, which glides over your skin. Its formula is enriched with the Clarins [Gentle Complex] with organic yellow gentian and lemon balm extracts to soothe and soften the skin. The Soothing Gentle Foaming Cleanser is also another great choice, which removes makeup, soothes dry skin, and rids it of impurities while maintaining a balanced complexion.
- All Skin Types: Micellar water is an excellent, gentle choice for a quick cleanse, especially in the morning, or as a pre-cleanse step to remove makeup. A two-in-one cleanser and exfoliator toner like Clarins’ One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract purifies your skin while enhancing its natural softness and glow, preparing you for a radiant start the next day.
What is Micellar Water, and is it a complete cleanser?
Micellar water is a cleanser composed of tiny oil molecules called micelles suspended in soft water. These micelles act like magnets, attracting and lifting dirt, oil, and makeup without the need for harsh rubbing or rinsing. While it is a gentle and effective facial cleanser, especially for sensitive skin or quick clean-ups, a deeper face wash is often recommended in the evening to thoroughly cleanse pores, particularly if you wear heavy makeup or have oily skin.
After using Cleansing Micellar Water to remove makeup and dirt, we recommend using a foaming cleanser like Hydrating Gentle Cleanser to eliminate remaining impurities while maintaining a balanced complexion.
Do you apply cleanser to wet or dry skin?
Apply facial wash to a wet or damp face to effectively cleanse your skin. Please check your product packaging for detailed instructions.
Oil-based products like Total Cleansing Oil need to be warmed and applied to dry skin to remove make-up and impurities.