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Not sure where to start? Here’s how to find the right face cleanser for your main concern.

  • Oily, combination or acne-prone skin: Deep clean congestion and control shine with a foaming cleanser such as Clear Skin Cleansing Gel or Purifying AHA/BHA Cleansing Foam
  • Sensitive or rosacea-prone skin: Protect a delicate barrier with a cream cleanser such as Soothing Cleansing Lotion or Soothing Cleansing Gel
  • Dry or dehydrated skin: Cleanse without tightness using a Hydrating Face Wash or Refreshing Antioxidant Cleanser

Foaming Cleansers: Deep Clean Without Tightness

Oily and acne-prone skin produces more surface oil, which mixes with makeup, sunscreen and daily pollution to clog pores. If you’re comparing face cleanser options in Australia for this, a foaming cleanser works to lift this build-up without leaving skin greasy or stripped.

Our range covers this differently, from Clear Skin Cleansing Gel‘s Yucca-based foam for acne-prone skin, through to One Step Cleanser‘s gentle all-in-one formula for those wanting to skip a separate toner or makeup remover. For a more targeted option, we also carry Purifying AHA/BHA Cleansing Foam.

Purifying AHA/BHA Cleansing Foam: Our Most Targeted Foaming Cleanser

Purifying AHA/BHA Cleansing Foam is formulated for moderate to severe acne-prone, congested or comedogenic skin. It combines fast-acting AHA exfoliators with a time-released BHA, working past clogged pores to clear congestion where it starts rather than just cleansing the surface.

For deeper or ongoing congestion, our therapists also offer a Deep Pore Clearing Facial in clinic to complement this at-home routine.

Cream Cleansers: Gentle Care for Sensitive Skin

Sensitive and rosacea-prone skin reacts easily to sulphates, fragrance and other harsh cleansing agents, so a cream cleanser needs to clean without disturbing the skin’s protective barrier.

Soothing Cleansing Lotion is a gentler entry point for very reactive skin, while Soothing Cleansing Gel suits sensitive, oily-to-normal skin that still wants a light, low-foam wash. For heavier makeup or extra barrier support, Ultra Rich Cleansing Oil works well as a pre-cleanse before either.

Hydrating Cleansers: Cleanse Without Losing Moisture

Dryness and dehydration usually come down to a compromised barrier that’s losing moisture faster than it can replace it, and an ordinary cleanser can make this worse by stripping away what’s left. A hydrating face wash cleanses while actively protecting against further moisture loss, so tightness doesn’t set in.

Hydrating Face Wash: Our Most-Loved Cleanser

Hydrating Face Wash is Maxwell’s most popular cleanser, a richly foaming, soap-free gel that cleans deep into pores while Panthenol and allantoin protect skin from moisture loss during the cleansing process itself.

Suited to slightly dry, slightly oily, normal, combination and dehydrated skin, it’s designed to rinse completely and leave skin feeling fresh rather than stripped. Refreshing Antioxidant Cleanser offers a richer, more barrier-focused option for very dry or nutrient-depleted skin.

What’s the Difference Between a Cleanser and a Toner?

A cleanser removes makeup, oil and daily build-up from the skin’s surface. A toner is a lighter, water-based step used afterwards to rebalance skin and prep it for serums and moisturisers.

Not every Maxwell’s cleanser needs a toner behind it. Soothing Cleansing Lotion and Soothing Cleansing Gel, for example, are designed to rinse completely, so a toner isn’t essential unless you want the extra hydration boost. If you do want to add one, our toners range is worth a look, along with exfoliators and moisturisers to round out the rest of your routine.

Why Shop Face Cleanser With Maxwell’s

Every face cleanser in our Australian range has been developed under the direction of Maxwell’s founder Julie Maxwell, who brings over 30 years of hands-on skincare experience to the formulation process. Our in-house skincare line is cruelty-free and made without harsh chemicals, with each product formulated to support long-term skin health rather than a quick fix.

If you’re not sure which face cleanser is right for your skin, our therapists can talk you through your options in clinic as part of a full skin assessment. You can also read more about Maxwell’s Skin & Body Clinic before you visit.

Find Your Perfect Cleanser at Maxwell’s

Browse our full face cleanser range above, or get in touch with our Gold Coast clinic if you’d like a personalised recommendation.

Call us on (07) 5591 1744, or drop into our Main Beach clinic for a consultation with one of our skin therapists. You can also explore the rest of Maxwell’s Skin & Body Clinic for our full range of treatments and skincare.

FAQs

What’s the difference between a foaming cleanser and a cream cleanser?

A foaming cleanser lathers to lift oil, makeup and congestion, making it well suited to oily, combination or acne-prone skin. A cream cleanser cleans without foaming, which is gentler on sensitive, reactive or rosacea-prone skin.

Can I use a cleansing oil as my only cleanser?

Ultra Rich Cleansing Oil can be used on its own, but it’s designed to double as a pre-cleanse for dry, dehydrated, mature or sensitive skin, removing heavy makeup and impurities before a second, water-based cleanse.

Do I need to double cleanse?

Not everyone needs to, but it can help remove makeup, sunscreen and pollution more thoroughly, especially at night. Clear Skin Cleansing Gel, for example, is formulated with double cleansing in mind for oily and acne-prone skin.

How do I know if my cleanser is too harsh for my skin?

If your skin feels tight, dry or irritated shortly after cleansing, your current formula may be stripping more than it should. Switching to a cream cleanser or a hydrating face wash is usually a gentler alternative.

Should I use a different cleanser morning and night?

Not necessarily. Most Maxwell’s cleansers are suited to twice-daily use, though some people prefer a lighter formula in the morning and a foaming or oil cleanser at night to remove the day’s makeup and sunscreen.