Updated 13th May 2026
Your cleanser’s mission is simple: remove dirt, oil, and impurities—without damaging your skin barrier or disrupting your microbiome. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Let’s break it down.
What to Look for in a Cleanser
1. Choose a Syndet (Soap-Free) Cleanser
Traditional soaps have a high pH, which can strip natural oils and weaken the skin barrier. Instead, dermatologists recommend syndet (synthetic detergent) cleansers—formulated with mild surfactants like fatty acid isethionates or sulfosuccinates. These cleanse effectively without irritation and maintain a healthy skin pH (~5.5).
Look for “soap-free” or “syndet” on the label.
ESK's Calming Cleanse is suitable for sensitive, dry or aging skin:
Our Calming Cleanser is a non-foaming, coconut sugar-based formula with a gentle pH of 4.5-5, making it ideal for sensitive skin types, including those with eczema and rosacea. This creamy cleanser effectively removes impurities while preserving the skin’s natural hydration and pH balance. Its non-soap formula minimises irritation and dryness, providing a soothing cleanse without disrupting the skin barrier. Designed for sensitive skin, Calming Cleanser avoids harsh ingredients like astringents, camphor, and menthol, which can trigger irritation. Gentle yet thorough, it supports a healthy microbiome and barrier, leaving skin calm, soft, and ready for the next step in your routine. Featuring; A creamy soap-free cleanser for skin that needs a gentle, silky wash.
Calming Cleanse
2. Hydrating Ingredients Are a Must
A good cleanser doesn’t just clean—it also helps maintain skin hydration.
Look for:
-
Humectants like glycerin to draw moisture into the skin.
-
Emollients like Caprylic/capric triglyceride or hyaluronic acid that improve skin barrier repair
3. Targeted Ingredients for Skin Concerns
Some cleansers go beyond basic cleansing and contain active ingredients for specific skin concerns:
-
Acne-prone skin? Try salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide which might help to fight breakouts.
-
Aging skin? Mild AHAs (like 1% glycolic acid and 1% lactic acid) might help promote skin renewal.
-
Dry skin? Look for a cleanser containing moisturising ingredients.
Remember: Active ingredients in cleansers should complement, not replace, targeted treatments.
ESK's Hydroxy Cleanser suitable for normal, oily or breakout prone skin:
Our Hydroxy Cleanser is a soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser that provides gentle yet effective cleansing for your skin. Lightly foaming, it removes dirt, excess oils, and impurities without drying or irritating, making it perfect for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Designed with a neutral to acidic pH, it’s ideal for sensitive skin types, including those with acne, aging skin and pigmentation. This cleanser helps preserve hydration, supports the skin’s microbiome, and normalises skin pH, creating the perfect base for your skincare routine. Free from harsh soaps, astringents, and irritants, Hydroxy Cleanser leaves skin feeling fresh, balanced, and ready for any treatment. Featuring Gentle, soap free syndets to leave your skin feeling clean and soft A pH of 4.5-5 to maintain the skin barrier Perfect for daily use for normal/oily skin
Hydroxy Cleanser
4. Consider an anhydrous cleanser
Anhydrous products are products that don’t contain any water, like balms. This means they don’t have a pH you can measure. That’s because you need water to be able to measure pH. On the plus side, Anhydrous cleansers are gentle, nourishing, preservative-free, and perfect for dry or sensitive skin. They offer a luxurious cleansing experience while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance.
A key advantage of anhydrous cleansers is that they typically do not require preservatives. Water is needed for microbes to grow, so traditional cleansers (which contain water) must include antimicrobial preservatives to prevent spoilage. These preservatives – while extending product shelf-life – are common culprits for skin irritation and allergy. Eliminating preservatives can make anhydrous cleansing balms ideal for sensitive skin.
What to Avoid in a Cleanser
1. Harsh, Alkaline Soaps
Skip traditional bar soaps and stick to mild, soap free pH-balanced cleansers.
2. Fragrance and Essential Oils
Fragrances (even “natural” essential oils) can be skin irritants—especially for sensitive, rosacea, or even acne-prone skin.
Opt for fragrance-free cleansers to minimise irritation if you find fragrances set your skin off!
3. Harsh Surfactants like SLS
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a strong cleansing agent that can cause redness, dryness, and barrier disruption.
Instead, look for gentle surfactants like Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate.
There you have it!
Latest cleanser drop: Soothe & Melt
Our highly anticipated Soothe & Melt Cleansing Balm has launched. It's suitable for all skin types including very sensitive skin too:
This gentle, fragrance-free balm is formulated to remove makeup while supporting hydration and maintaining skin barrier function. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it helps maintain the look and feel of skin moisture without irritation. Usage: Apply to dry skin, massage to dissolve makeup, then rinse with water.
Soothe & Melt Cleansing Balm
Key features:
What makes it so special?
One of the hero ingredients is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, derived from coconut oil.It helps retain moisture, effectively removes makeup, provides lightweight hydration, strengthens the skin’s barrier, and cleanses without stripping, leaving your skin soft, nourished, and happy.
It also incorporates Glycerin, the ultimate skin hydrator. Glycerin is found in many of your skincare products and is loved for a good reason—it’s an essential ingredient for keeping skin hydrated and healthy.
This cleansing balm is designed to remove even the toughest makeup while treating your skin right.
No essential oils. No fragrances. Just pure, gentle effectiveness for sensitive skin.