The Cleanser Compass™.

Why Cleanse?

Cleansing is the first step in caring for your skin. In the real world—outside the sterile room—your skin collects pollutants, sweat, sebum, allergens, and microbes. At night, it repairs and regenerates. A good cleanser helps lift away the things your skin doesn’t need—so it can focus on what it does.

What a Good Cleanser Should Do:

✓ Remove excess oil, grime, pollutants, and sunscreen

✓ Rinse clean without leaving residue

✓ Maintain your skin’s natural pH (around 4.5–5.5)

✓ Leave your skin feeling calm—not tight, dry, or tingly

What a Good Cleanser Shouldn’t Do:

✗ Strip the skin barrier or leave it squeaky clean

✗ Contain strong fragrances or drying alcohols

✗ Promise ‘deep exfoliation’ as part of daily use

✗ Irritate sensitive or already stressed skin

What the Label Doesn’t Tell You:

Even if a product says 'gentle' or 'dermatologist-approved,' it might still disrupt your skin. The label won’t always tell you about pH, barrier impact, or how ingredients interact.

Here are a few useful checks:

• Shorter ingredient lists often mean less irritation

• Fragrance-free and alcohol-free are safer starting points

• If your skin feels worse after cleansing, it’s a sign to reconsider

Final Thought:

You don’t need a luxury brand or a 12-step routine. You just need a cleanser that respects your skin. Start there—and build from that healthy base.

This resource was developed by The Skin Well® to help you make clearer choices for your skin.