10 Best Powder Cleanser Picks Worth Adding to Your Collection
The idea of having a full-fledged skincare routine has been pushed for in recent years. Though it would be great to have one, let's be honest, a lot of us like to pick and choose the parts that we actually care about. Even so, one product that pretty much everyone knows about is the facial cleanser.
By now, you might think that you've seen it all-bar, liquid, and balm, they come in all forms. But there's another cleanser out in the market that's been gaining popularity as it's spreading its wings and flying over from the East to the West. That's right, we bring you the powder cleanser.
A powder cleanser is a powder-to-soap formula that takes over the job of a cleanser and an exfoliator. This 2-in-1 powerhouse is great for any skin type but is ideal for sensitive-skinned folks and if you're on the oily side of things. How so? Because powder cleansers carry fewer preservatives, therefore, making it harder for bacteria to start a home in your skincare product. Bonus, it's a powder so it's travel-friendly as long as you keep the lid on tightly of course!
All in all, it's versatile, portable, and definitely worth checking out. Keep reading to discover our top 10 powder cleansers!
Our Picks
How Do You Use It?
The amount of water or hydrosol, like rose water, added does all the magic here.
For a stronger exfoliating effect, use less water to keep the rough texture needed for exfoliation.
To create a smooth, foamy, or creamy cleanser, add more water.
By adding the correct amount of water, you can create a paste that doubles as a mask, making it a potentially versatile 3-in-1 product.
The ratio of powder to water needed for this product may vary depending on the individual and the specific product being used. As a starting point, it is recommended to mix equal parts of powder and warm water, such as 1 tablespoon of powder with 1 tablespoon of water.
1 tbsp of powder = 1 tbsp of water
Skincare Vocab
Pore Refining - the process of thoroughly cleaning the oil, dirt, and bacteria that can block your pores and lead to congestion.
Physical Exfoliant - manually scrubbing the skin's topmost layer to eliminate dead skin cells, using abrasive ingredients such as sugar, microbeads, rice bran powder, or jojoba seeds.
Chemical Exfoliant - using acids to remove the top layers of skin without scrubbing or particles to manually remove dead skin.
Top Picks
Best Hypoallergenic Hydrater: JUNO & Co. Clarifying Cleansing Powder
Why We Are Passionate About It
For those of us who love the idea of a powder cleanser but don't want to risk ending up with a product that's a little too abrasive or drying, the JUNO & Co. Clarifying Cleansing Powder is a great choice. The formula brings together Hyaluronic Acid, Papaya Enzymes, and Rice Powder for a hydrated and soothed exfoliation that leaves behind nothing but a youthful glow on the face. Bonus, the hydrating properties allow the product to simultaneously aid in the anti-aging journey by reducing wrinkles and evening out the skin tone.
Ingredients & Make
Ingredients used include Hyaluronic Acid, Papaya Enzymes, and Rice Powder.
This cleanser is hypoallergenic and has no added chemicals, alcohol, astringents, sulfates, or fragrances.
Best Basic Brightener & Cleanser (Low Irritation): TONYMOLY I'm Rice Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser
Why We Are Passionate About It
For your basic everyday, gentle, cleanser and brightener, the Tonymoly I'm Rice Exfoliating Enyzme Cleanser is the way to go. It truly is an everyday cleanser with a low pH formula that caters to all skin types but even more so for sensitive skin. The inclusion of Rice Extract, Rice Powder, and Papaya Enzyme together provides a gentle, anti-inflammatory, soothing, exfoliation resulting in a clean and bright canvas.
Ingredients & Make
Ingredients used include Rice Powder, Rice Extract, and Papaya Enzymes.
This cleanser is Cruelty-Free, Sulfate Free, Gluten Free, Alcohol-Free, Paraben Free, and Vegan.
Ingredients used include Vitamin C, Water Activated Enzymes, and Vitamin B5.
Best Professional-Grade Overall Favorite: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Why We Are Passionate About It
Here's a brand we know and love for its overall performance in the world of skincare and it's back again with another great hit-the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant! In a few words, it is the professional-grade overall favorite for gently polished, brighter, smoother, even-toned, pore-minimizing soothed, and acne-controlled skin. It does a little bit of everything with the help of the Rice, Salicyclic Acid, and Colloidal Oatmeal formula with both physical and chemical exfoliants added for the best of both worlds. Bonus, it is gentle enough to use daily.
Ingredients & Make
Ingredients used include Rice, Salicylic Acid, and Colloidal Oatmeal.
This powder cleanser is free of fragrance and artificial colors. It is also cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and paraben-free.
Best Lux Creamy Formula for Normal to Dry Skin: Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic
Why We Are Passionate About It
Got dry to combination skin? This one is for you. Tatcha's The Rice Polish Classic is a powder-to-cream, non-abrasive cleanser formula that aids to cleanse, exfoliate, reduce skin dullness, dryness, and flaking, and refine pores. The name of the game is to cleanse and exfoliate without stripping the skin of its natural moisture barrier with a unique formula comprised of Japanese superfoods - Green Tea, Rice and Algae, Silk, and Papaya Enzymes. As with most of its products, Tatcha brings forth a creamy lather to enhance the user experience overall for a little bit of lux into your skincare routine.
Ingredients & Make
Ingredients used include Japanese superfoods - green tea, rice and algae, Silk, and Papaya Enzymes.
Best Lux Enzyme Peel: AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder
Why We Are Passionate About It
For a lux find that cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin for a soft, supple finish, the Amorepacific Treatment Enzyme Peel Cleansing Powder is the ultimate choice. The formula boasts Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea Probiotic-Derived Enzymes, and Cotton Extract for hydrating, pore-unclogging detox, and a fresh, clean base on all skin but especially for combination and oily skin. The powder carries high praise with users claiming that this enzyme peel is the closest alternative to getting an actual peel. The result is smooth, radiant skin with a strong moisture barrier.
Ingredients & Make
Ingredients used include Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea Probiotic-Derived Enzymes, and Cotton Extract.
Best Blemish & Sensitive Skin with Mid-Acidic Exfoliant: Papa Recipe Blemish Enzyme Powder Cleanser
Why We Are Passionate About It
Papa Recipe Blemish Enzyme Powder Cleanser-your blemish-fighting, hydrating, pore minimizing, non-abrasive, hypoallergenic new best friend. And it's great for sensitive skin too! The formula is a smooth concoction of Papain, Rice Flour Powder, Red Ginseng Extract, Platol White, Walnut, and Citric Acid for an exfoliating cleanser that gently sucks out the day's weight from your skin without drying it out while diminishing the dull, rough look from skin. The result is a soft, radiant canvas that's hydrated and good to go. Users love this product for how fast it reduces redness and helps them regain control over their acne.
Ingredients & Make
Ingredients used include Papain, Rice Flour Powder, Red Ginseng Extract, Platol White, Walnut, and Citric Acid.
Best Lightweight Exfoliant: DHC Face Wash Powder
Why We Are Passionate About It
For a lightweight lather that is hydrating and exfoliating, the DHC Face Wash Powder is your answer. Lavender Flower and Licorice Root Extract calm the skin while Honey and Sodium Hyaluronate work to create a soft, hydrated base. Exfoliating Protease Enzymes, deliver the final punch to knock off the day's dirt with its gentle but thorough exfoliation. It is suitable for all skin types but is especially recommended for combination and oily skin. All-in-all, users enjoy this lightweight exfoliant that doesn't feel overly tight or dry.
Ingredients & Make
Ingredients include Lavender Flower, Licorice Root Extract, Honey, Sodium, and Protease.
This cleanser is Fragrance and Colorant-Free.
Best Talc-Free: Hanalei Papaya Enzyme Powder Face Cleanser
Why We Are Passionate About It
A talc-free, clean, and natural ingredient-based cleansing exfoliant packed in a clean, white container is the best way to describe the Hanalei Papaya Enzyme Powder Face Cleanser. Papaya Enzymes and Hawaiian Noni come together to exfoliate dull skin to clarify the complexion and work on cell membranes to improve the skin's overall health. With a pea-sized amount, the powder cleanser also assists reduce the anti-aging for an overall bright and exfoliated look. Oily and acne-prone users love it for clearing the skin and those who suffer from dull skin feel like they found their new favorite in this rejuvenating product.
Ingredients & Make
Ingredients used include Hawaiian Noni and Papaya Enzymes.
This powder is cruelty-free, talc-free, phthalates-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free. It is also leaping bunny certified.
Best Pore & Blackhead Minimizer (Low Irritation): By WISHTREND Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Face Wash
Why We Are Passionate About It
When it comes to targeting blackheads and minimizing pores with a little Green Tea magic, By Wishtrend Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Face Wash is the way to go. This formula works to minimize oiliness, blackheads, and uneven skin while keeping the skin moist and antioxidant-packed with Green Tea. All skin types can benefit from it, especially oily-skinned folks. Bonus, this powder cleanser formula is made with low pH causing low to no irritation.
Ingredients & Make
Ingredients used include Green Tea Extract, Papain, and Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda).
This powder cleanser is Silicone Free, Artificial Color Free, and Gluten Free.
Best Radiance Booster (Vitamin C): BABOR Cleansing Enzyme Cleanser
Why We Are Passionate About It
Vitamin C become a must-have ingredient in most skincare routines for the overall boost in radiation it gives the skin. It's a great fix for dull skin and that seems to be exactly the Babor Cleansing Enzyme Cleanser sprinkled in the Vitamin C. Paired with the Water Activated Enzymes, the duo is ideal for an even, radiating skin complexion and refined pores. It's great for all skin types and can be used as an enzyme peel in conjunction with being a cleanser and exfoliator. Using it once or twice a week is enough to get great results.
Ingredients & Make
Ingredients used include Vitamin C, Water Activated Enzymes, and Vitamin B5.
Best Powder Cleanser - What We Recommend
There's finally a truly customizable product in the market that meets expectations for a variety of skin types. Hailing from the East, the powder cleanser is a modern take on traditional skincare products that dates way back and now is available pretty much everywhere for a gentle cleanse + exfoliation duo. For an overall professional-grade experience, we recommend the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. But for something lightweight and hydrating, the DHC Face Wash Powder is a must-try. Try out a powder cleanser from our list above. You never know when you might your next holy grail product!
Powder Cleanser FAQs
It's easy to make the switch to a product type that you have seen and heard lots about. But when it comes to what you put on your face, it can be daunting making the jump to a new cleanser, even if you love everything you see here.
With new ideas and products, come questions. Here are a few common questions to figure out if the powder cleanser will indeed be your face's saving grace.
Is powder cleanser good?
The powder cleanser is a great, customizable 2-in-1 cleanser and exfoliant combination that is made with fewer preservatives, ideal for sensitive skin, and travel-friendly. All you need to activate its versatile properties is water-little for the exfoliant, and more for the cleanser.
Can you use a powder cleanser every day?
Yes, you can use the powder cleanser every day as you would with a regular cleanser. Its gentle formula allows for it to be a daily cleanser. As with any product, make sure not to overuse the exfoliant nature of the product.
What are the advantages of powder face wash?
- The product is both a cleanser and an exfoliant.
- There are a variety of formulas catering to various skin concerns.
- There are fewer preservatives used in the formula making it great for sensitive skin. This also makes it harder for bacteria to settle into the product.
- It is travel-friendly.
- The powder cleanser is gentle.
- With the right amount of water, you can use it as a mask.
- It does not strip the skin of its moisture.
How do you use a powder cleanser?
The amount of water added does all the magic here. If you want an exfoliant to add less water to preserve the gritty, yet gentle, texture needed for exfoliation. Add more water to transform it into a smooth foamy or creamy cleanser. Scroll to the top for an in depth explanation!
Is a powder cleanser better?
The powder cleanser is better for its versatility as a cleanser and exfoliant, a 2-in-1 combination. For those with sensitive skin or oily skin, this product can be the daily go-to for clearing away impurities in a gentle manner.
How We Curated Our List
There are many options for the best powder cleanser on the market with ingredients from kaolin clay to abundant papain enzyme bubbles. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you, especially if you're just starting your skincare journey or have super sensitive skin that doesn't allow you to test just any product.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products, like the Tosowoong Enzyme Powder Wash, that will fit both your budget and your needs. Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.
Thanks for reading!
Next Up: Powder Cleanser | How to Incorporate This Versatile Product into Your Routine
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