What does your cleansing routine look like? Odds are, you’re reaching for your go-to gel or cream cleanser, massaging it into a foamy lather all over your face, then rinsing it off with several generous splashes of water. Skincare 101, right? Well, what if we told you there’s a better way to get so fresh and so clean—and no rinsing is required? Allow us to introduce you to a truly refreshing category of facial cleansers: cleansing waters. These multitasking formulas do away with the not-so-necessary-after-all rinsing step—and the inevitable splash-back that leaves the floor beneath your sink looking like it’s experienced minor flooding. More importantly, cleansing waters purify more effectively and gently by eliminating the need to expose skin to potentially irritating elements found in hard water. Whether you struggle with acne, overly dry skin or hyperpigmentation, there’s a cleansing water suited to your skin type and concern. Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite one-and-done, no-rinse formulas to effectively whisk away impurities while soothing and hydrating your complexion.
Not Your Average H2O
Sensitive Skin
Enriched with a nourishing blend of hot spring water sourced from Japan and botanical extracts including rosemary leaf, sage leaf and lavender, this lush formula soothes sensitive skin while effectively whisking away all traces of waterproof makeup and impurities. It leaves your complexion feeling refreshed and comfortable, never tight or dry.
Redness-Prone Skin
Not only does this ultra-gentle, soap-free formula thoroughly eliminate dirt, oil and makeup, it also instantly eases inflammation to diminish redness thanks to Avène’s famed thermal spring water. Developed specifically to relieve the irritation and discomfort associated with rosacea, it calms, softens and hydrates skin while deeply cleansing.
Dry Skin
Multitasking cleansers have a tendency to wreak havoc on dry skin, but this is very much not your typical double-duty formula. Yes, it's a makeup remover and cleanser in one. No, it does not strip skin of essential moisture in order to get the job done. The secret? Its star ingredient: unfiltered sake, which provides intense hydration while ridding skin of dirt, grime and other toxins. And thanks to a blend of glycolic acid and rice powder, it boosts radiance and leaves skin silky-soft.
Hyperpigmented Skin
Fact: "Xakziuza" is Korean for "Let's thoroughly cleanse." Also fact: This oil-free cleansing water bearing that name thoroughly cleanses and goes one step further to address dark spots, dullness and uneven skin tone. Daisy flower extract helps correct areas of hyperpigmentation and brighten the complexion, while raspberry and blueberry extracts deliver potent antioxidant benefits. Lemon verbena soothes and refreshes skin.
Acne-Prone Skin
Treat oily and combination skin to the ultimate purifying experience. Developed with mint essential water—it doesn't get more refreshing than that—this unique non-foaming cleanser is enriched with conditioning rice powder as well as Moringa seed and coconut extracts to gently whisk away makeup and impurities.
Splurge
If you're partial to a skincare routine that's more luxe than laid-back, we recommend this, the crème de la crème of cleansing waters. The innovative formula works by micro-emulsifying makeup, dirt and other toxins to purify the complexion. Plus, it's infused with La Mer's proprietary Miracle Broth and marine actives to keep skin supple and hydrated.
