Even for the most seasoned skincare buffs, the ever-evolving world of cleansers can be a confounding one. Not only do you have to figure out what the difference between all the various cleansers are, you also have to know which type of cleanser is best for your skin type. With insight from several dermatologists and an esthetician, we're setting you straight.

Foam Cleanser:

Foam cleansers create a foamy lather (hence the name), and are ideal for removing oil, layers of makeup and even hard-to-wash-off sunscreen. They can be a little bit harsh since they’re made to slightly dry out the skin, though some are formulated with oils or emollients to provide a more moisturizing experience.

“With a foam cleanser, you'll do a typical cleanse,” says esthetician Meghana Prasad. “Wet the skin, dispense one to two pumps of the cleanser into your hands, and massage it over your face, then rinse it off. With any cleanser, you always want to follow with a moisturizer.”

Best For:

This type of cleanser is ideal for people with oily skin, and also for those with acne-prone or teenage skin.

Worst For:

Foaming cleansers aren’t recommended for those with already dry skin, or skin that’s very sensitive. While some foaming cleansers do have oils or emollients added to them, as mentioned, you’re still better off using a different kind of cleanser.

Cream Cleansers

Cream cleansers tend to be very gentle, very moisturizing, and non-sudsy. “Cleansing creams, like the famous Pond's Cold Cream, is formulated with water, occlusive ingredients like petrolatum and beeswax, or mineral oil,” notes dermatologist Fayne Frey. “[They] have been used to remove makeup and dirt at the same time.”

Sometimes cream cleansers don’t even require water and are instead applied and then wiped away with a clean tissue (Pond’s Cold Cream is a good example of this). After using this type, you should use a toner or facial wipe to remove reside. When using a cream cleanser that requires water, apply a dollop to wetted skin, massage and rinse before moisturizing.

Best For:

Cream cleansers are excellent choices for sensitive skin and those with rosacea. They’re also a good option for really dry skin and mature skin.

Worst For:

Teenage skin and oily skin types will find better success with other cleansers.

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