How to Choose the Best Cleanser for Your Skin Type

Written by OSEA Staff | Published May 5, 2025

Cleansing is the cornerstone of every skincare routine, but using the right cleanser for your unique skin type is key. Find the right one, and just like that, you’re dealing with a whole new situation when it comes to your skin. Even if you don’t subscribe to a multi-step routine, we’d wager you at least use a cleanser. After all, how else would you wash away the day’s dirt, oil, makeup and impurities? Now, does this mean that any old cleanser will do? That’s a resounding no. Everyone has a unique skin type, and your skin’s needs can change throughout your life, even day to day, due to a variety of factors. So how to determine what is right for you? Read on for the best face cleansers for every skin type and need.

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The Best Seaweed Cleansers

So how do you pick the right cleanser? First, know your skin type. Then understand what to look for and what to avoid for that type. Also, think about your morning and evening routines and which formulations (cream, gel, etc.) are best suited for what your skin needs at those times of day.

For example, if you have oily skin and wear SPF and makeup every day, you may want to consider double cleansing in the evenings with a cleansing oil followed by a gel cleanser. If you have dry skin and have been sweating all day, try double cleansing in the evenings with a cleansing oil followed by a gentle cream cleanser. And so on!

For All Skin Types & for Double Cleansing → Ocean Wave Cleanser

Our luxurious, lightweight bi-phase cleansing oil and makeup remover gently cleanses without stripping, while removing every trace of makeup, impurities and excess sebum. Infused with mineral-rich Undaria seaweed, camelina oil and soothing bisabolol, it nourishes and balances while leaving skin unbelievably soft. Just shake to activate and massage into dry skin, then rinse with water.

For more precise eye makeup removal, use our organic Reusable Cotton Rounds. While most oil cleansers are unscented, ours has subtle notes of bergamot and jasmine, making your cleansing ritual feel even more indulgent. Oily skin types may want to follow with a gel cleanser (like Ocean Cleanser) for a more comprehensive cleanse.

For Normal & Combination Skin → Ocean Cleanser

Our pH-balanced formula removes surface impurities and excess oils while gently exfoliating with lactic acid. The Undaria seaweed in the formula provides mineral-rich hydration, leaving a clear-looking, radiant complexion that’s primed and ready to absorb the serums and moisturizers that follow. And the blend of lime, juniper and jasmine oils smells absolutely sublime.

For Sensitive, Dry & Mature Skin → Ocean Cleansing Milk

Creamy and luxurious, our most soothing, milky cleanser, is packed with moisturizing glycerin and Undaria seaweed, leaving skin feeling smooth, soft and comforted. Fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested, it’s gentle enough to use every day — and feels fantastic.

For Oily, Blemish-Prone & Combination Skin → Ocean Cleansing Mudd

This invigorating cleanser deep-cleans like a mask but takes a fraction of the time and won’t leave your skin feeling tight. Infused with peppermint oil and seaweed, it unclogs pores, removes excess oil, and sweeps away impurities, leaving skin totally refreshed. It’s also ideal for those living in the city, as it's thorough enough to remove the urban debris that can clog pores.

For an Exfoliating Cleanse → Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub

Designed for all skin types, except sensitive, our multitasking face exfoliator cleanses, exfoliates and restores radiance in one simple step. This dual-action scrub delivers both physical and chemical exfoliation to promote cell renewal, smooth uneven texture, and clarify tone, plus it minimizes the look of pores for a noticeable glow that improves over time. The unique marshmallow-like texture washes away debris and excess oils. And the scent—a blend of jasmine, geranium and subtle citrus—is completely transporting.

Want to learn how double cleansing can transform your routine? Read more here.