Clinical Cleanser & Toners

Why choose a clinical cleanser or toner?

Clinical cleansers and toners are designed to do more than wash the face. They help create the right foundation for your serums, moisturisers, SPF and active treatments.

A gentle cleanser supports the skin barrier. A clarifying cleanser can help oily or congested skin feel fresher. A hydrating cleanser can comfort dry skin. A well chosen toner can refresh, soothe or gently exfoliate, depending on what your skin needs.

When this first step is right, the rest of your skincare routine works more beautifully.

How to choose your cleanser or toner

For sensitive or redness prone skin

• Choose formulas that feel calm, gentle and non stripping.
• Medik8 Calmwise Soothing Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser, SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser Foam are lovely options for skin that needs comfort.

For dry or dehydrated skin

• Dry skin usually prefers cream, oil or hydrating formulas that cleanse without leaving the face tight.
• Image Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil, Alumier HydraBoost Cream Cleanser are beautiful choices for a softer, more nourished cleanse.

For oily or combination skin

• Look for gel or foam textures that help refresh the skin without over drying.
• SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Gel Cleanser, Alumier Purifying Gel Cleanser, ASAP Daily Facial Cleanser are good options for skin that prefers a cleaner, lighter finish.

For blemish prone or congested skin

• Choose clarifying formulas that help support pores and excess oil while keeping the skin balanced.
• Medik8 Press and Clear, Medik8 Clarifying Foam, Obagi CLENZIderm Foaming Cleanser and ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil are useful options for congested or breakout prone routines.

For dullness and uneven tone

• Brightening or gently exfoliating cleansers and toners can help the skin look fresher over time.
• Medik8 Press and Glow, Image Skincare Iluma Brightening Exfoliating Cleanser, Image Skincare Ageless Total Facial Cleanser and Obagi Nu Derm 1 Gentle Cleanser are strong choices for a more polished looking complexion.

For makeup and SPF removal

• A cleansing oil can be a beautiful first cleanse, especially in the evening.
• Medik8 Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil and ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil help melt away makeup, SPF and daily buildup before your second cleanse.

How to use cleansers and toners

• Use cleanser morning and evening, or just in the evening if your skin prefers a lighter morning routine. Massage gently with lukewarm water, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
• If you wear makeup or SPF, double cleansing in the evening can be helpful. Start with an oil cleanser, then follow with a gel, cream or foam cleanser suited to your skin type.
• Use toner after cleansing and before serum. Hydrating and calming toners can be used daily, while exfoliating toners should be introduced slowly.

Expert tip

• Your cleanser should match how your skin feels after washing.
• If your face feels tight, switch to something gentler or more hydrating.
• If it still feels oily or congested, choose a clarifying gel or foam.
• If it looks dull, add gentle exfoliation a few times a week.
• If it feels reactive, keep the first step calm and simple.
• The right cleanse should leave your skin ready for treatment, not recovering from it.