Powder Cleanser | How to Incorporate This Versatile Product into Your Routine
No matter who you are and how passionate (or not) you are about skincare, a facial cleanser is a must-have item in your daily skincare routine. There are countless options in the market today with cleansers now coming in various forms. No to worry, we are breaking all of that down in this post.
If you are looking for a product that is customizable, travel-friendly, and suitable for most skin types but particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone, sensitive, oily, or combination skin, then the powder cleanser is the right choice for you.
Keep reading to find out what exactly a powder cleanser is and how you can incorporate it into your skincare ritual!
What is a Powder Cleanser?
A powder cleanser is a type of cleanser that comes in powder form and can act as both a cleanser and an exfoliator.
Versatility
Powder cleansers are great for improving your skin tone and removing dead skin cells for a fresh, soft base. This versatile powerhouse is ideal for sensitive-skinned folks especially if you're on the oily side of things. That being said, there are a variety of powder cleansers that serve all types of skin and skin concerns.
Origin
Powder cleansers originated in Japan and Korea with the intention of using clean and simple ingredients to protect and soothe the skin. They are designed to detoxify and purify without being harsh and are suitable for all skin types.
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
Advantages of Using a Powder Cleanser
The main selling point that has us fall for this product, its ability to serve as a cleanser, exfoliant, and mask while excelling at each of these functions. Every skin type truly deserves a customizable product. While that isn't always possible, the powder cleanser gives the user a chance to whip up a handful of personalized skincare.
How It Affects the Skin
The powder cleanser works wonders in various other aspects as well. For example, it is great for detoxifying and purifying the skin. In fact, in our search to uncover everything there is to know about this product, we came across a variety of powder cleansers made with different ingredients that target different issues:
- A Green Tea-based powder can do would for your skin's detoxification process while Vitamin C is the ultimate radiance booster.
- Papaya Enzymes-based powder works wonders when it comes to making the skin glow and reducing signs of aging.
- Kaolin Clay is popular in achieving even skin tone respectively.
- Rice Powder is an apt choice for gentle exfoliation.
- The powder cleanser can do all of this while also hydrating the skin with via ingredients like the Hyaluronic Acid thereby not stripping it of its natural moisture.
- Powder cleansers come with chemical ingredients to pack an extra punch in cleansing and exfoliating.
Safe Ingredients & Make
One thing to keep in mind is that it's just as important to ensure that specific ingredients are excluded, just as much as it is to check for the presence of certain ingredients. By this we mean preservatives.
The powder cleanser formula contains a lower amount of preservatives than your average liquid cleanser, which means less irritants thereby making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Another benefit that there is fewer bacteria present in the product. Bacteria require moisture to survive, which means they are more likely to grow when liquids are present. Therefore, if preservatives are added in smaller amounts, it becomes more difficult for bacteria to grow.
Outside of preservatives, the powder cleansers' ingredient lists come with and without a fragrance as per your preference.
Travel-Friendly
Packing liquid products for a trip can be challenge since you have to ensure they won't leak or burst in your luggage. Once you're done packing, you've left with the question of whether or not you have packed an appropriate amount without exceeding TSA restrictions.
This is where the powder cleanser shines. It is TSA-approved making it a trip-friendly product. Even if it happens to spill a little, cleaning up powder spills beats liquid spills any day.
Powder vs Foam vs Gel vs Cream vs Oil vs Balm
There are a multitude of cleansers in the market from foam to gel to oil, and now, you can get add the powder cleanser to your arsenal as well. While having options is great, too many can make it hard to find what you need. Let's break them down.
Can you use powder cleanser everyday?
Yes, you can use a gentle powder cleanser every day as you would with a regular, daily cleanser. We say "gentle" for a reason.
There are different types of powder cleansers available in the market. Some are made from natural, gentle, plant-derived ingredients while others may contain chemicals for stronger exfoliation. The first kind of cleanser is safe to use every day, but the second type may not suit some skin types.
Remember, while powder cleansers are generally safe for everyday use, if you plan on using it as a cleanser and an exfoliant on a daily basis, it's important to test it on your skin first by gradually increasing usage days to see how your skin responds.
As with any product, make sure not to overuse the exfoliant nature of the product.
Top Powder Cleansers
Glow: Tatcha The Rice Polish
Skin Types: Dry, Normal, Combination
Skin Concerns: Creamy Consisteny, Evens Texture, Glowy, Polished skin
Blemish: Papa Recipe Blemish Enzyme Powder Cleanser
Skin Types: Acne-Prone, Sensitve, All
Skin Concerns: Hypoallergenic, Reduces Dullness
Lightweight & Hydrated: DHC Face Wash Powder
Skin Types: Dry, Normal, Combination, Oil
Skin Concerns: Creamy Consisteny, Evens Texture, Glowy, Polished skin
Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory: BY WISHTREND Green Tea & Enzyme Powder
Skin Types: Dry, Normal, Combination
Skin Concerns: Low Irritation, Reduce Blackheads, Oiliness, Uneven Skin Texture, Dead Skin Cell & Pores
Radiance Booster: BABOR Enzyme Cleanser
Skin Types: Acne-Prone, Oily, Sensitive, All Skin Types
Skin Concerns: Vitamin C-Based, Vegan
Conclusion
Now that you are in the know about all things powder cleanser, or even all things cleansers, you're more than ready to choose a product that is perfect for you.
If you have sensitive, acne-prone, combination, or oily skin, and would like to have a customizable, 2-in-1 cleanser and exfoliator, the powder cleanser is for you.
There are a multitude of choices that can leave your skin moist and ready for the day, from cruelty-free products to the rice exfoliating enzyme cleanser. Check out the picks above to get started!
How We Curated Our List
There are many options for the best powder cleanser on the market with ingredients with exfoliating protease enzymes 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: 10 Best Powder Cleanser Picks Worth Adding to Your Collection
Sources:
Dermatologists Explain How to Properly Use Powder Cleanser
POWDER CLEANSER AND EXFOLIANT REVIEW: DERMALOGICA, FARMACY, ALPHA-H, ELLA BACHE, AUSCEUTICALS
Powder Cleansers: 5 Beauty Benefits & How To Choose One
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