Cleansers

Ritual-elevating cleansers that remove without compromise and restore each evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to use a facial cleanser?

Cleansing is an essential step in your skincare ritual, lifting away surface impurities while preparing the complexion for the optimal absorption of nightly actives. RATIONALE cleansers not only purify but also replenish and strengthen the skin’s barrier, ensuring it remains nourished, balanced and resilient.

How do I use a facial cleanser?

Apply your cleanser to damp skin using gentle, circular motions, allowing the formulation to dissolve impurities. Add a small amount of tepid water to enhance emulsification, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat these steps twice to completely remove all traces of dirt, SPF and makeup.

How often should you use a facial cleanser?

To optimise barrier health and enhance the function of nightly actives, RATIONALE encourages cleansing at night-time only and simply rinsing with tepid water in the morning. This is because surface debris from environmental pollutants and cosmetics aren't present during our sleep, and in the morning, we want the active antioxidants from our overnight formulations to continue serving our skin throughout the day.

Should I use a cream cleanser or cleansing balm?

For the most refined cleansing ritual, use both: a cleansing balm to dissolve makeup and sunscreen, followed by a cream cleanser to rebalance, replenish and support the skin’s barrier.

Why do we recommend double cleansing?

For the most effective cleanse, a double cleanse is recommended. The first cleanse removes surface debris, while the second allows for optimal absorption of nightly actives.

What is the difference between #4 The Cleanser and #5 The Cleanser?

#4 The Cleanser is a gentle cream cleanser that restores the barrier function with intercellular lipids and ceramides. Alternatively, #5 The Cleanser recalibrates the skin's pH using a Complex of Hydroxy Acids.

Can I use both #4 The Cleanser and #5 The Cleanser?

Yes, you can. Those with a combination skin type may benefit from using both cleansers. Additionally, you may choose to have both cleansers to suit seasonal changes.

How do I know if #4 The Cleanser is the best facial cleanser for my skin type?

Choose #4 The Cleanser as your daily facial cleanser if you have normal to dry skin or are experiencing signs of redness and/or dehydration.

How do I know if #5 The Cleanser is the best facial cleanser for my skin type?

Choose #5 The Cleanser as your daily facial cleanser if you have normal to oily skin or are experiencing signs of congestion and/or textural changes.

Tailored to different skin types and concerns, facial cleansers come in a variety of formulation types.

Balm-to-oil formulations are designed for a pre-cleansing step and makeup removal; creamy cleansers are suitable for all skin types and are particularly beneficial for compromised barriers needing extra nourishment; gel-based formulations work with all skin types and offer additional refreshment for oilier complexions.

When choosing a cleanser, it’s best to avoid overly harsh or astringent formulations as these can strip the skin of essential oils and disturb its natural balance.

Ceramides for fortifying skin barrier function An oft-overlooked step in any skincare routine, cleansing is just as much about replenishing the skin as it is removing dirt and debris and purifying the complexion. This is where ceramides and intercellular lipids play such a vital role in nurturing and nourishing skin. By fortifying skin barrier function, they help to provide hydration, prevent trans-epidermal water loss, protect against damage caused by irritants, bacteria and pathogens, and help to minimise reactivity associated with an impaired barrier, such as dermatitis, eczema and rosacea.

At RATIONALE, Skin Identical ceramides are incorporated into all of our cleansing formulations: #4 The PreCleanse Balm, #4 The Nourishing Cleanser, and #5 The Cleanser.

Cleansing the RATIONALE way A signature of any RATIONALE Ritual is the recommendation to double cleanse as part of your evening ritual. The first cleanse is designed to break down SPF, makeup, dirt and debris. The second cleanse then removes any residue and prepares skin to better receive and absorb the night-time actives that follow. This second cleanse might be the creamy, ceramide-enriched formulation of #4 The Nourishing Cleanser, or where congestion and breakouts are a concern, our hydroxy-acid gel formulation, #5 The Cleanser for a refining refresh.

We’re often asked why we typically only recommend cleansing at night. We tend to avoid cleansing in the morning to avoid disrupting the skin’s delicate barrier. A simple refresh with tepid water should suffice, keeping skin clean and balanced—and night-time actives intact.

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