What's important when it comes to facial cleansing?
A good facial cleanser does more than remove dirt. It prepares the skin for everything that comes next - serums, creams, sunscreen. If the cleanser is too aggressive, it can attack the skin barrier and make the skin more sensitive. If it's too mild, sebum and makeup residue will remain.
The cleansers in our range come from ZO Skin Health, iS Clinical and Colorescience. What distinguishes them from drugstore cleansers: The concentrations are higher, the formulations more complex, and each cleanser has been developed for a specific skin type.
For blemished and oily skin, cleansers with salicylic acid (BHA) are suitable, as they can dissolve excess sebum and clear pores. The iS Clinical Cleansing Complex combines salicylic acid with willow bark extract (natural BHA source) and is one of the best-selling cleansers in our shop.
For dry and sensitive skin, mild, soap-free textures are crucial. The ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser cleanses without stripping natural lipids - important because dry skin naturally produces too little sebum. The Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser goes a step further and actively supports the skin barrier with Lactobacillus ferment.
Cleansing is followed by the toning step of the routine. Toners and pads form the transition to active ingredient care - a pH-balancing toner for dry or sensitized skin, or peeling pads as a standard solution for most skin types.
A tip from our beauty salon in Cologne: Most customers cleanse too aggressively and too frequently. A thorough cleanse once in the evening is sufficient in most cases. In the morning, water or a very mild cleanser is often enough. The pH value of the cleanser should be between 5 and 6 so that it does not disrupt the skin's natural acid mantle.
Related categories: After cleansing comes toner and pads, then serum & booster and finally moisturizer or sunscreen.
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Frequently asked questions about facial cleansing
Which facial cleanser suits my skin type?
For oily or blemish-prone skin, a cleansing gel with salicylic acid can help - the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex or the ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser are designed for this purpose. Dry skin needs a milder texture such as the ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser or the iS Clinical Cream Cleanser. For sensitive or sensitized skin, the Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser is a good choice - free of fragrances, dyes, and sulfates. If you are unsure, start with our free AI skin analysis.
How often should I wash my face?
In the evening, thorough cleansing is a must - sunscreen, make-up, sebum, and environmental residues must be removed so that the night cream can work effectively. In the morning, lukewarm water or a very mild cleanser is sufficient for most skin types. Excessive cleansing can weaken the skin barrier and lead to dryness or even increased sebum production.
What differentiates medical facial cleansers from drugstore cleansers?
The difference lies in the active ingredients and their concentrations. A cleanser like the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex contains pharmaceutical-grade salicylic acid and willow bark extract, which can actively work on the skin during cleansing. Drugstore products generally lack these concentrations of active ingredients.
Can I use the same cleanser morning and night?
Basically, yes. Many of our customers use the same cleanser for both applications. However, if you wish, you can also use a milder cleanser in the morning and a more active one in the evening - for example, the ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser in the morning and the Exfoliating Cleanser in the evening.
In what order do I use the cleanser in my routine?
Cleansing is always the first step, whether in the morning or evening. This is followed by toner, exfoliating pads (if in the program), serums and boosters, then eye care, moisturizer, and finally sunscreen. With ZO Skin Health, this first step is called Getting Skin Ready.