A facial cleanser is formulated to help remove dirt, oil, and impurities. By removing these pollutants, it helps restore the skin’s balance and prepares your complexion for the rest of your skincare routine, ensuring better absorption of serums and moisturizers.

While both are designed to clean the skin, a face wash is typically a liquid or foam used to remove surface impurities. An exfoliating facial scrub contains textured ingredients or enzymes that help slough off dead surface skin to leave your complexion looking smooth and refined.

We recommend using a face wash twice a day—morning and night—as the first step in your routine. In Saudi Arabia, it is also beneficial to cleanse after exercising to remove sweat and oils, though you should be careful not to over-cleanse to protect your skin barrier.

Frequency depends on the formula. Some gentle scrubs are designed for daily use, while a deeper exfoliating facial scrub may be used several times a week. Always check the directions on your specific Kiehl’s product for the best results.

If your skin is sensitive, we recommend using a gentle face wash like our Cucumber Herbal Conditioning Cleanser or a soothing formula with Centella Asiatica. These effectively remove impurities without over-drying or irritating the skin.

Identify your skin’s needs first. Generally, gel-based or foaming facial cleansers are best for oily skin to help remove excess oil, while cream-based cleansers are ideal for dry skin to help remove impurities while maintaining essential moisture.