CLEANSERS & SCRUBS

Cleansers & Scrubs FAQs

Daily cleansing is imperative for all skin types, both in the morning and evening. Removing all damaging dirt, debris, makeup and SPF gives skin a chance to absorb the active ingredients from serums and creams.

What does a cleanser do for your skin?

Facial cleansers are formulations to help remove dirt, oil and impurities from skin. By removing these impurities, facial cleansers help restore skin's balance and prepare it for the rest of your skincare routine. Use a face wash formulated for your skin concerns to effectively cleanse without stripping skin of natural oils.

What is the difference between a facial cleanser and a scrub?

Cleansers and scrubs are both designed to cleanse skin, remove dirt and oil, and leave it with a refreshed feeling. Unlike cleansers, facial scrubs have an ingredient that gives it texture which helps exfoliate surface skin to leave skin looking smooth and refined.

How often should you wash your face?

We recommend using a cleanser twice a day—morning and night—as the first step in your skincare routine. After exercising, you should also cleanse your skin to remove dirt, sweat and oil. Take care not to over-cleanse your skin as that may strip skin of natural oils which help protect your skin barrier.

How often should you exfoliate your face?

Some facial scrubs are formulated to be used daily while others may be used several times a week for a deeper exfoliation. Check the directions for your facial scrub to see how often you should use this exfoliating formula.

Should I exfoliate or cleanse first?

If you are planning to use a liquid toner to exfoliate with acid ingredients, such as our Daily Refining Milk-Peel Toner, then it's important to cleanse skin first. Cleansing removes dirt, debris and makeup meaning your acid exfoliator can more efficiently chomp away at dead skin cells, leaving your skin glowing. If you are using a manual exfoliator, such as the Kiehl's Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub then we also recommend cleansing skin first, as your exfoliator will then be able to remove anything the cleanser left behind, alongside dead skin cells, leaving an ultra-smooth and receptive surface that's ready to absorb your chosen serum.

How often should I wash my face with cleanser?

Every morning and every evening ensure you cleanse skin. In the evening it's important to remove makeup, SPF, dirt, debris and pollution, especially as the skin's natural repair cycle kicks in overnight, working to repair any damage created in the daytime. Overnight, our skin produces oil and sweat, so before applying any further skincare in the morning it's important to clean skin.

Is face scrub a cleanser?

A face scrub, like our Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub will buff away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter complexion. While a cleanser, such as our gentle Ultra Facial Cleanser removes makeup, SPF, dirt, debris and pollution. We suggest reaching for your cleanser first, then exfoliating clean skin with a face scrub for best results.