Using the Right Cleanser for Beautiful, Healthy Skin

A good cleanser is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. Yes, it should clean your face effectively but not at the expense of your skin’s natural oils.

Too often, conventional cleansers strip the skin barrier, leaving it tight, dry, or irritated. The key is choosing a gentle, natural cleanser that supports your skin’s balance and microbiome.

The Problem With Detergent-Based Cleansers

Many facial cleansers on the market use synthetic detergents. These ingredients bind to dirt and oils so they can be rinsed away but they also strip away too much, disrupting your skin’s natural defenses.

Common detergents to watch out for include:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

• Ammonium lauryl sulfate

• Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

• Ammonium laureth sulfate

These harsh surfactants are inexpensive for manufacturers but harsh on your skin. Long-term use can weaken the skin barrier, cause irritation, and even contribute to breakouts.

Why Natural Soap-Based Cleansers Are Different

Natural soaps, on the other hand, are made from plant oils such as coconut, olive, safflower, or jojoba. These oils are combined with an alkaline substance (often lye) in a process called saponification. The byproducts of this process are:

• Soap (the cleanser itself)

• Glycerin (a natural moisturizer)

This means natural cleansers not only clean effectively but also leave behind hydrating glycerin, helping your skin stay soft and nourished.

When you use a natural cleanser, you’re not stripping your skin, you’re supporting it. And that’s the difference between skin that feels dry and tight after cleansing versus skin that feels fresh and healthy.

Choosing the Right Cleanser

Here’s what to look for in a cleanser:

• Free from detergents and sulfates

• Made with plant oils, not synthetic fillers

• Gentle enough for daily use

• Formulated to support your skin’s natural microbiome

Remember: your skin needs its natural oils to remain beautiful and healthy. The right cleanser will remove dirt and impurities without disturbing your skin’s protective barrier.

🗝️ 3 Key Takeaways

1. Detergent-based cleansers strip skin – Avoid sulfates like SLS and SLES that disrupt the skin barrier.

2. Natural soap cleansers nourish – Plant oils plus glycerin cleanse while keeping skin hydrated.

3. Choose microbiome-friendly options – Gentle, natural cleansers protect your skin’s oils and support long-term health.

Recommended Sans Products

• Nourishing Oil Cleanser – Melts away makeup and impurities with plant-based oils, leaving your skin clean and balanced.

•  Foaming Facial Cleanser – A gentle, microbiome-friendly foaming cleanser that refreshes without stripping.

• Moisturizing Body Wash – A sulfate-free, skin-loving body wash that keeps skin clean, soft, and hydrated.