Cleanser vs Face Wash: Which One Should You Use?

If you’ve ever stood in front of a shelf of skincare products wondering, “Wait… aren’t these the same thing?”—you’re not alone. The terms cleanser and face wash often get used interchangeably, but they’re not always the same. And depending on your skin type, how you’re feeling that day, or what your routine looks like, one might be a better fit than the other.

In this guide, we’re breaking it all down: what’s the difference, who should use what, and how to make the best choice for your skin.

First Things First: Why Cleansing Matters

Cleansing is the most underrated step in your routine—but it’s also the most important. It's what sets the stage for every product that comes after. A good cleanse removes:

• Sunscreen
  
  

• Makeup
  
  

• Pollution
  
  

• Sweat
  
  

• Excess oil
  
  

• Daily grime
  
  

But cleansing isn’t just about removal. It’s about resetting your skin—without stripping or stressing it. That’s why choosing the right kind of cleanser makes all the difference.

So, What’s the Difference Between a Cleanser and a Face Wash?

Let’s break it down simply.

Cleansers

A cleanser is an umbrella term for any product that cleans your skin—gentle or foamy, oil-based or creamy. It’s designed to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities without disrupting your skin’s natural barrier.

They’re often:

• Creamy or milky
  
  

• Hydrating and soothing
  
  

• Barrier-friendly
  
  

• Less foamy or not foamy at all
  
  

Face Washes

A face wash is typically a specific type of cleanser—usually water-based and more foaming. It’s designed to give a “deeper” cleanse, often targeting oil and sweat buildup.

They’re usually:

• Gel or foam-based
  
  

• Designed for oilier skin types
  
  

• More active in lather and texture
  
  

• Sometimes more drying if not well-formulated

When to Use a Cleanser vs a Face Wash

It’s not really about one being better than the other—it’s about what your skin needs.

Use a cleanser if:

• Your skin feels dry, tight, or sensitive
  
  

• You’ve just done an exfoliating or retinol treatment
  
  

• You’re cleansing in the morning and want to keep it gentle
  
  

• You prefer a soft, non-stripping feel after washing
  
  

So, look for cream, milky, oil, or balm cleanser—like PSA’s RESET, a nourishing, antioxidant-rich cleanser that clears without stripping.

Use a face wash if:

• Your skin is oily, combination, or acne-prone
  
  

• You’ve been sweating, exercising, or wearing heavy makeup
  
  

• You want a more refreshed or deep-clean feel
  
  

• It’s your evening cleanse after a long day
  
  

Just make sure it’s balanced—so follow up with something like THE MOST, our hydration-focused serum that takes good care of your skin barrier.

How Do You Know Which Is Best for You?

The best way to decide is to check in with your skin.

• If your skin feels tight or squeaky after cleansing, your product might be too harsh
  
  

• If your skin still feels oily or unclean after washing, you might need a more active cleanse
  
  

• If your barrier feels irritated, go gentle and hydrating
  
  

• If you're breaking out or feeling congested, a deeper cleanse might be helpful
  
  

You can also switch it up seasonally—gentle in winter, deeper in summer—or even change based on time of day.

How Often Should You Wash Your Face?

Twice a day is a good general guideline—once in the morning to refresh your skin and remove any overnight buildup, and once in the evening to cleanse away sunscreen, makeup, oil, and everything else your skin encounters during the day. That said, it’s not one-size-fits-all. If your skin feels dry, tight, or sensitive, a single cleanse during nighttime routine may be enough. If you’ve been sweating, wearing a lot of product, or live in a humid climate, a morning cleanse can help keep things balanced. As always, let your skin lead. The goal is to feel clean, not stripped.

PSA Product for Cleanse Confidence

Here’s how some of our cleansing favorite fit into this picture:

RESET Acai & Manuka Honey Nourishing Cleanser

If your skin is feeling dry, tight, or just a little overwhelmed, RESET is here to help you press pause and bring things back to balance.

This soft, comforting cleanser is packed with antioxidant-rich Acai and soothing, antibacterial Manuka Honey to gently lift away the day—without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. It’s the kind of cleanser that feels more like skincare than just a rinse-off step.

Ideal for:

• Dry, sensitive, or reactive skin
  
  

• Skin recovering from breakouts or irritation
  
  

• Morning cleanses when you want something calm and refreshing
  
  

• Days when your barrier needs a little extra support
  
  

Why it works:

RESET melts away light buildup while leaving your skin feeling nourished, calm, and clean—not tight or squeaky. It’s a perfect first step on days when your skin is craving comfort or coming off a long week of actives, exfoliants, or environmental stress.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a cleanser and a face wash isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about what supports your skin best today.

Some days, your skin might need extra hydration. Other days, it might need a fresh, deeper cleanse. And sometimes, it’ll want both. As long as your cleansing step feels good, leaves your skin balanced, and doesn’t strip your barrier, you’re doing it right.

Because at the end of the day, your skin is smart—and your routine should be, too.