Cleansers & Exfoliators

What does a facial cleanser do, and why is it essential in skincare?

Cleansers are the unsung heroes in skincare. A facial cleanser's job is simple; it removes dirt, excess sebum, sunscreen, sweat and makeup to clear pores and allow active skincare products to penetrate the surface and do their job.

Think of the cleansing step as a reset button for the skin. Without a proper cleanse, serums and moisturizers would just sit on top of excess oil and surface impurities, decreasing their effectiveness and potentially leading to breakouts and irritation. A natural facial cleanser will clean and prep the skin for other products without stripping it of protective oils.

What's the difference between a cleanser and a face wash?

These terms get tossed around a lot, and they can sometimes overlap. However, in many cases, cleansers tend to be gentler and more hydrating than face washes. Cleansers are often available in cream, gel and oil-based textures designed to clean without stripping the skin's protective moisture barrier.

Face washes are typically foamy and formulated for oily or blemish-prone skin, sometimes containing more potent cleansing agents and sulfates that could leave skin feeling tight and stripped of its natural oils. Our products are natural cleansers, not harsh face washes. We focus on safety, the environment and barrier-friendly ingredients, creating products ideal for most skin needs.

What type of cleanser is best for your skin type?

If you have dry, sensitive or mature skin, our fragrance-free, pH-balanced Ocean Cleansing Milk is a gentle, dermatologist-tested formula that's safe for sensitive skin, soothes dry skin and promotes a radiant complexion for a more youthful appearance.

Gels and foaming cleansers are beneficial for oily, blemish-prone and combination skin, as they help clear excess oil and unclog pores. Our Ocean Cleansing Mudd is an excellent option for these skin types. Glacial oceanic clay powder helps remove excess oil.

Look for a natural skin cleanser that purifies without harshness, like the OSEA Ocean Wave Cleanser, a go-to product for all skin types.

If your skin is mature or dull, a cleanser with mild exfoliants or antioxidants like the Ocean Cleanser can help brighten tone and prepare the skin for active serums and moisturizers.

What's the difference between facial cleansers and body cleansers?

Facial cleansers are pH-balanced formulations that cleanse thinner, more sensitive skin on the face. Designed to cleanse gently without triggering irritation, they often contain active ingredients and exfoliators that target specific skincare concerns, including blemishes, redness, fine lines, and clogged pores.

Body cleansers can still be pH-balanced and gentle enough for daily use, but they're made for tougher, less sensitive areas that can handle thicker consistencies without breaking out. They also usually focus more on hydration than targeted treatments.

Which OSEA cleansers are recommended for sensitive or blemish-prone skin?

Individuals with dry, sensitive and mature skin will enjoy the lightweight, milky texture of our Ocean Cleansing Milk. It melts away dirt, debris and makeup while moisturizing, smoothing and soothing the skin. This formula is also pH-balanced, fragrance-free and dermatologist-approved, making it safe for sensitive skin.

Our Ocean Wave Cleanser, made for all skin types, is a gentle, bi-phase natural cleanser. When shaken, the oil and water phase transforms into a lightweight emulsion. Bisabolol is a standout, plant-based ingredient. It has anti-inflammatory properties to address concerns related to blemish-prone skin.

This natural facial cleanser is excellent on its own, or pair it with Ocean Cleansing Milk for the perfect double-cleanse.

What makes OSEA cleansers clean, vegan and cruelty-free?

Our vegan cleansers leave irritating additives like sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances and phthalates at the door. We are vegan-certified by PETA, meaning that none of our formulas contain any animal-derived ingredients. And when we say cruelty-free, we mean it. We're certified by Leaping Bunny, which guarantees that none of our products or ingredients are ever tested on animals.

We only use skin-nourishing, naturally derived ingredients, including seaweed, plant oils and botanical extracts that are effective and gentle. It's all part of our mission to deliver clean beauty that's as kind to your skin as it is to the planet. Learn more about this commitment here.