Have you ever stood in front of a shelf full of skincare products, staring at various facial cleansers and cleansing milks, wondering: "Aren't they both for washing your face? What's the difference? Which one should I choose?" Don't worry—you're not alone! This confusion is a common challenge for skincare beginners. What seems like a simple cleansing step actually contains sophisticated skincare principles. Choosing the wrong product can not only fail to effectively cleanse your skin but may also lead to various annoying problems like dryness, sensitivity, or acne breakouts.

Broadly speaking, both facial cleansers and cleansing milks belong to the category of cleansing skincare products. Their core function is to remove dirt, oil, makeup residue, and other pollutants from the face, keeping pores clear and preventing issues like acne. However, just as cars and bicycles are both transportation methods but serve different purposes, facial cleansers and cleansing milks also have significant differences in formulation, cleansing mechanisms, and suitable skin types.

Facial cleansers typically have a water base and contain surfactants like soap bases or SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl sulfate/sodium laureth sulfate). These ingredients act like detergents, offering strong cleansing power that creates rich foam to deeply penetrate pores and effectively remove excess oil and dirt.

Key Characteristics:

• Strong cleansing power ideal for oily or acne-prone skin
• May contain ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil for oil control
• Potential to cause dryness if overused or if formula is too harsh

Unlike facial cleansers, cleansing milks typically have a lotion or gel texture with mild surfactants, moisturizers, and soothing ingredients. Their cleansing power is relatively weaker, working primarily through emulsification to gently remove surface dirt and makeup residue.

Key Characteristics:

• Gentle formula suitable for dry, sensitive, or combination skin
• Often contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides
• May include soothing components like aloe vera or chamomile

The key to selecting between facial cleansers and cleansing milks lies in understanding your skin type. Different skin types have different cleansing needs, and only by choosing products suited to your specific skin can you achieve optimal cleansing results while avoiding unnecessary damage.

Oily skin is characterized by excessive sebum production, often leading to enlarged pores, blackheads, and acne. This skin type benefits from stronger cleansers with ingredients like:

• Salicylic acid to penetrate pores
• Tea tree oil for antibacterial properties
• Activated charcoal for deep cleansing

Dry skin lacks moisture and tends to feel tight after washing. Recommended products include:

• Creamy, non-foaming cleansers
• Formulas with hyaluronic acid or ceramides
• Products containing nourishing oils like jojoba or almond oil

With oily T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) and drier cheeks, combination skin requires:

• Different products for different areas
• Balanced cleansers that don't over-dry
• Possible use of two separate products

Easily irritated skin needs extra care with:

• Fragrance-free formulas
• Soothing ingredients like oatmeal or chamomile
• Hypoallergenic products

This two-step method involves:

1. First using an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen
2. Following with a water-based cleanser for deeper cleansing

Particularly beneficial for those who wear makeup or sunscreen regularly.

Occasional deep cleaning helps maintain clear skin:

• Clay masks for oil absorption
• Gentle exfoliants for cell turnover
• Enzyme cleansers for mild exfoliation

Both facial cleansers and cleansing milks have their merits—the key is understanding your skin's unique needs. Oily skin benefits from stronger cleansers, dry skin requires gentle hydration, combination skin needs zonal treatment, and sensitive skin demands soothing formulas. With additional techniques like double cleansing or special treatments, you can achieve optimal skin cleanliness and health.