Embarking on a journey to achieve healthy, vibrant skin begins with the cornerstone of skincare: proper cleansing. Dr. Garry Cussell of Rejuvaus and Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia, shares his guide to optimal skin cleansing, uncovering the science-backed choices that pave the way for a truly radiant complexion.
Clarifying the Double Cleansing Myth
Dr. Cussell’s perspective on double cleansing is rooted in efficacy. According to him, double cleansing may be unnecessary especially if you’re using a gentle AHA cleanser.
“A gentle AHA cleanser can achieve comprehensive cleansing without the need for double cleansing. This approach efficiently tackles makeup residue and skin impurities.”
The Role of Toners in Modern Skincare
Dr. Cussell advocates for shifting the focus from toners to hydration. In his view, toners can often be drying and acidic, potentially disrupting the skin’s microbiome.
“The emphasis today is on skin hydration. Toners, often containing drying agents, can disrupt the skin’s microbiome. Hydration is pivotal for maximising the penetration of active ingredients.”
Maximising Active Serum Efficacy Through Proper Cleansing
For Dr. Cussell, effective skin care begins with proper cleansing. He explains that cleansing sets the stage for active ingredients to penetrate the skin deeply. By gently dissolving and eliminating dead skin cells, trapped oils, pigmentation, and bacteria, the underlying skin is primed to absorb potent active ingredients more effectively. He emphasises, “Initiating any skincare regimen with a thorough, gentle AHA cleanse is foundational. It sets the stage for the optimal delivery of potent active ingredients to the skin’s deeper layers.”
The Significance of Ingredient Selection
Ingredient selection is a paramount consideration and with the plethora of cleansing gels, balms, milks and wipes, Dr Cussell cautions against drying acids and foaming ingredients like sodium lauryl sulphate. Instead, he recommends we look for formulas that respect the skin’s natural balance.
With this in mind we have tested and created an edit of 11 skin loving cleansers to reach your skin goals on any budget.
1. Cosmeceutical Powerhouse – Rejuvaus Deep Exfoliating AHA Cleanser
A triple-action lathering non drying gel to deep cleanse oil, pollution and all face make-up in a single wash. Organic fruit extracts and AHAs brighten and clarify uneven skin tone while detoxifying Charcoal absorbs excess surface oil and toxins to keep pores clean and premature ageing at bay. 15 medical grade actives work to cleanse, exfoliate and tone without stripping natural lipids and impairing the skin barrier.
120ml $70.00
2. Cleansing Deluxe – The Secret Oil Cleanser
A Day and Night 2-in-1 Cleanser and Makeup Remover from Dr Clara Hurst and Dr Deb Cohen-Jones, founders of the cult brand which specialises in luxury, prescription skincare.
The ultra-nourishing oil cleanser is perfect for dry and sensitive skin, leaving skin calm and refreshed after every application. The oil to emulsion formula removes makeup, sunscreen and all surface impurities without an oily residue. Camellia Oil is the hero ingredient to nourish and support the lipid barrier, Jojoba Oil and Caprylic/Capric triglyceride help to restore the skin’s protective barrier while maintaining moisture levels. Skin is left soft and balanced without any tightness or irritation.
150ml $85.00
3. Multi Award Winner – Roccoco Ruby Crystal Cleanser
Clever Jacine Drummond, is a multi award winning formulator and skin expert who suffered from multiple skin conditions and cystic acne. She studied cosmetic science and alongside her clinical practice, teaching, speaking and entrepreneurial passions, developed Roccoco Skincare which is now a cult community of customers. Unlike traditional cleansers that can remain in the skin causing inflammation, The award winning Ruby Crystal Cleanser contains a carefully curated blend of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory oils, essential fatty acids and real ruby extract to calm the skin from the first application. The 7 in one cleanser is antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, softening, brightening, hydrating and pore refining. The cleanser’s delicious ruby red colour is hypnotic and their new eco refill pouches make the glass jar a beautiful keepsake which can be used forever.
90ml $80.00
4. The Multi-tasker – Swiish Skin Dissolve Away The Day Gentle Cleanser
Holistic Wellness entrepreneurs Sally Obermeder and Maha Corbett have extended their empire to cover the largest organ of the body with the launch of Swiish Skin. This multi-action cleansing gel can remove make-up, dirt, sweat and excess oil in one application. Boosted with caffeine, a potent antioxidant to refresh the skin, Kakadu Plum to brighten and Sunflower oil to soften, work together morning and night to prep the skin for actives. Free from sulphates and parabens, of course.
150ml $49.95
5. Clean Beauty – Syrene Black Pearl Gleaming Powder Cleanser
Made with ocean bound plastics, cruelty-free, dermatologically tested, paraben-free, sulphate-free, alcohol-free, hypo-allergenic, silicone-free, phthalate-free and vegan, Syrene is a brand rooted in a profound respect for the environment and the skin. This water activated powder cleanser brightens, smooths, and awakens skin. The cleansing paste doubles as a gentle daily exfoliant to retexturize and soften the skin, creating an ideal environment for maximum serum absorption and efficacy. Pearl powder, Kaolin clay, Aloe, Salicylic and Glycolic acid make this a one stop brightening treatment suitable for normal and combination skin types.
75g $72.00
6. Glow Getter – Alpha H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm
A rich balm-to-oil waterless formula combines Australian Wild Orange Leaf Extract, Sandalwood Seed Oil and Grapeseed Oil for a skin that is hydrated, soft and absolutely glowing. The spa in a jar cleanser can remove mineral makeup, sunscreen, dirt and pollution in one application and is removed with cloth and warm water. The waterless formula is non stripping and respectful of the skin’s pH balance.
90g $69.95
7. Pure and Potent – Status Quo The Perfect Balance Gel Cleanser
A purifying gel formulation that strengthens the skin’s barrier and calms the complexion from the very first step. The anti-ageing, hydrating and skin barrier protecting cleanser is suitable for all skin types including sensitive. Concentrated rose water (anti inflammatory) aloe vera (super hydration), Australian Caviar Lime (AHA and Amino acids to smooth and brighten) and Sodium PCA and Glycerin to protect skin barrier work to deliver the softest smoothest skin.
The sustainably sourced ingredients are free from parabens, phthalates, fragrance, talc, heavy metals, petroleum, PEGS or mineral oil.
120ml $95.00
8. Cult Classic – Hada Labo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
Cult Japanese brand Hada Labo is celebrated for their deeply hydrating formulations that are gentle and revitalising. This gel-cream hybrid lathers into a creamy water activated cleanser clears impurities without causing dryness or tightness. Saturated with Super Hyaluronic Acid, the skin is immediately drenched in hydration and is suitable for sensitive and combination skin. The nourishing cleanser is free from dyes, fragrances, and mineral oils.
150ml $24.95
9. Organic Beauty – Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Foaming Cleanser
Miranda Kerr’s certified organic brand changed the way we perceived luxury organic skincare. This performance focused cleanser is powered with glow getting Turmeric, Noni, A
Aloe and Saccharide Isomerate to deliver an invigorating, skin-friendly pH balanced gel cleanser that transforms into a lathering foam that smells incredible and instantly uplifts your skincare ritual. The clean formula is super gentle, yet able to remove all dirt, make up and balance excess oil without irritation and dryness. Skin is left super soft and radiant.
150ml $59.00
10. Hollywood Star – IS Clinical Cleansing Complex
Sensitive and blemish prone skins will love this cosmeceutical grade cleansing gel. A balance of bio-nutrients, antioxidants, and mild resurfacing ingredients thoroughly cleanse the surface and pores without stripping essential natural oils, leaving skin soft and smooth. Removes all traces of make up and preps the skin for treatment steps. Chamomile and Centella extracts are potent antioxidants that also soothe and protect, Willow bark and Sugar Cane extract are gentle exfoliants and deep clean pores.
180ml $77.00
11. Derm Preferred – QV Face Gentle Cleanser
The OG derm approved gentle cleanser is now boosted with Ceramides to deliver extra mild,, soap-free facial cleansing for dry and sensitive skin types. Safflower Oil, Vitamin E make this gentle and lightly foaming cleanser suitable for use morning and night for a healthy glow and soft, supple skin. Fragrance free, colour free, propylene glycol free and non comedogenic, this great value cleanser is a GOAT for a reason.
250g $14.99
