Cleanser vs. Exfoliator: Understanding the Difference for Healthy Skin

Building the right skin care routine for your skin type and concerns isn’t rocket science, but it can be confusing—especially when some products have similar benefits. Take cleansing and exfoliating, for example. Both can help clear pores and loosen dead skin cells. So, what makes them different, and how do you know which one is right for you?

Here’s what you should know about cleanser vs. exfoliator and how to maximize their benefits for skin health.

Defining Cleanser and Exfoliator

Their skin benefits overlap, but cleansing and exfoliating are two separate steps in a skin care regimen. Here’s the breakdown.

Cleanser

Cleansers remove impurities from the skin's surface, like dirt, oil, sweat, makeup, and dead skin cells. Cleanser formulas vary from gels to oils, but they all share the goal of rinsing away impurities that could clog pores and lead to congested skin. 

Cleansers may contain different ingredients depending on the formula. They commonly contain surfactants, which give them a lathery consistency. Facial cleansers that clear acne may include active ingredients like beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) or Benzoyl Peroxide, which help dissolve clogged pores and reduce acne-causing bacteria, respectively. 

The general rule of thumb is to wash your face twice per day. Once might be enough for dry skin types or certain skin conditions, like eczema. It's also a good idea to wash your face after exercising or sweating. 

Exfoliator

Exfoliators are primarily used to remove dead skin cells and help speed up the skin’s natural process of shedding and renewal. As you get older, this process slows, so using an exfoliator can help improve skin tone and texture and minimize the visible signs of aging.

There are two main types of exfoliators: mechanical (or physical) and chemical. Mechanical exfoliators include scrubs, which contain ingredients that physically buff and smooth the skin. Chemical exfoliants contain enzymes or acids, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which chemically loosen dead skin cells to encourage more even, brighter skin.

So, how often should you exfoliate? It depends on your skin type and what product you use. Most people can generally exfoliate two to three times per week. 

Understanding the Key Differences

The main similarity between cleansers and exfoliators is that they both help remove dead skin cell buildup. They can also have overlapping active ingredients, such as BHAs.

Here’s how they differ:

Texture

Cleansers often have a gel, cream, or oil consistency that becomes lathery when activated. This makes them easy to apply and rinse away. Physical scrubs have a thicker and more abrasive texture, while leave-on chemical exfoliants are thinner and more liquid in consistency.

Tolerability

Since cleansers are formulated for daily use, they’re typically gentler on skin than exfoliants. When using exfoliants, it's especially crucial to use sunscreen every day. Any resurfacing product can make your skin more sun sensitive.

Benefits

Cleansers help keep skin clean and free from impurities to maintain overall skin health. While exfoliators can deep-clean clogged pores, they don’t provide a basic daily cleanse. On the other hand, exfoliators are typically better for minimizing visible signs of aging.

Choosing the Right Product for Your Skin Type

Here's how your skin type factors into your choice of cleanser vs. exfoliator.

Dry

If you have dry skin, you may find that certain products exacerbate skin dryness. Look for creamy cleansers for dry skin, and use them as needed. You may only need to wash your face once per day. Opt for a moisturizing exfoliant, such as PCA SKIN Daily Exfoliant, which softens and moistens skin while providing anti-aging benefits.

Oily

While cleansing is important for all skin types, it’s especially crucial for those with oily, acne-prone skin. Look for cleansers that fight breakouts with antibacterial ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide, such as PCA SKIN BPO 5% Cleanser. You may also benefit from exfoliating two to three times a week with chemical exfoliants containing BHAs or AHAs.

Combination

People with combination skin have more flexibility when choosing the right cleanser vs. exfoliator. When in doubt, choose a gentle cleanser and wash your face twice a day. When exfoliating, consider a product that balances out skin's water and oil content. For example, try PCA SKIN Purifying Mask to absorb excess sebum while increasing hydration.

Sensitive

When caring for sensitive skin, less is more. You can get by with washing your face once per day, and you may choose to skip exfoliating altogether. Seek out gentle, unscented products like PCA SKIN Creamy Cleanser.

Combining Cleanser and Exfoliator for Optimal Results

Cleansing and exfoliating aren’t mutually exclusive, but if you pursue both, do so thoughtfully.

First, cleansers can contain exfoliating ingredients. If you add an exfoliator to the same routine, you could over-exfoliate and irritate your skin. Stick to a gentle cleanser on days when you use a chemical exfoliator.

The Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to use a cleanser and exfoliator in the same routine:

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
2. Apply a small amount of your exfoliator to clean, damp skin.
3. Use circular motions to work the exfoliator into the skin.
4. Rinse and pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
5. Follow with the rest of your skin care routine, such as serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

When thoughtfully combined, using both a cleanser and exfoliator can benefit your skin. Think of your cleanser as daily maintenance while your exfoliator deep-cleans clogged pores and promotes skin cell turnover for fresh, healthy-looking skin. 

Your Skin Transformation, Your Skin Journey

So, when should you use cleanser vs. exfoliator? It depends on your skin needs. In general, wash your face twice per day and exfoliate up to three times per week. The right formulas and frequency vary from person to person. If you’re unsure how to best address your skin concerns, check with your Dermatologist or work with a skin care professional to reach your goals.

Author:
Lacey Muinos
Lacey Muinos is a health, wellness, lifestyle, and beauty writer with specialties in skin health, nutrition, and food. She holds a BA in English and has more than 6 years of experience writing online content for publishers and brands. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Livestrong, Verywell Fit, Business Insider, Health.com, Everyday Health, Popsugar, and more. She's also written for brands like EltaMD, Nature Made, DivaCup, SingleCare, and others. When she's not writing, Lacey is likely pursuing her other interests: skin care, plant-based cooking, pilates, and traveling.