The Cleanser Criteria: What I Actually Look for in a Daily Face Wash

Let’s get one thing straight: a cleanser might seem basic, but it sets the entire tone for your routine.

It’s the first thing that touches your skin, and if it’s stripping, clogging, or simply not the right fit, everything you layer on top is working uphill. In the treatment room and online, I’m constantly asked which cleansers are “the best.” But here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all, and not all cleansers are created equal, even the expensive ones.

Over time, I’ve developed a mental checklist that I run through before I’ll even consider using (or retailing) a cleanser on myself or my clients. Here’s exactly what I look for:

1. It respects the skin barrier.

If your cleanser makes your face feel squeaky, tight, or extra “clean”… it’s probably damaging your skin barrier.

I want a cleanser that removes what doesn’t belong, without compromising what does. That means it should cleanse effectively without over-stripping oils or disturbing your microbiome. I avoid harsh surfactants, high-fragrance formulas, and “foamy for the sake of foam” cleansers unless they’re thoughtfully balanced.

2. It actually rinses off.

You’d be surprised how many cleansers leave behind a film, and that residue can contribute to breakouts, dehydration, and irritation.

I look for formulas that fully rinse clean without residue, especially when I’m not double cleansing. It should feel like a reset, not a coating.

3. It fits the skin it’s serving.

Your skin type, your environment, and even your current season of life all matter. Dry skin in a cold climate doesn’t need the same cleanser as oily skin in peak summer.

That’s why I don’t believe in “universal” cleansers. I look for options that are aligned with what your skin is actually going through, whether that’s acne, sensitivity, aging, or a little bit of everything.

4. It works well with everything else.

A cleanser should play nice with your serums and actives. I look for pH-balanced options that won’t clash with exfoliants, sensitize the skin before retinol, or cause barrier overload when paired with hydrating steps.

It’s not just about what a cleanser does, it’s about how it sets the stage for what comes next.

5. It feels good to use every day.

This one’s personal. If a cleanser feels like a chore, it’s not the one.

I gravitate toward cleansers that make you want to commit. Gentle enough for daily use. Sensory enough to feel like a ritual. Effective enough to notice the difference.

A Few of My Go-To Cleansers Right Now:

These have made the cut, and I’ve either used them myself, tested them on clients, or both.

• Face Reality Ultra Gentle Cleanser
  A no-frills, go-to gel for acne-prone or reactive skin. It’s simple, clean, and won’t throw your barrier off.

• Hydrinity Prelude Cleanser
  Balances professional-grade results with spa-like softness. Great for aging skin that still needs a gentle but active cleanse.

• iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
  This one’s iconic for a reason. Clarifying, smoothing, but still safe for sensitive or congested skin.

You can shop these [in my online store here], or DM me if you're unsure which cleanser is the right fit. I’m happy to help match you with the one your skin actually needs.

If your cleanser doesn’t support your skin and your routine, it’s not the one.

The right cleanser shouldn’t make you work harder, it should set the foundation for everything else to shine. And when you get it right? Everything downstream gets better.