Powder Cleansers: 5 Beauty Benefits & How To Choose One 

Maven K.
September 30, 2021

The idea of using a powder to wash your face may seem strange at first.

But powder cleansers (aka cleansing powder) have been in Japanese and Korean beauty routines for a long time. It has gained popularity elsewhere because of how effective it is in keeping the skin soft and clear.

What is a powder cleanser?

A powder cleanser is just what it sounds like - a facial cleanser in powder form. It is a waterless product, so it is dry, and needs to be activated with water before use.

The base of a powder cleanser is usually a plant-based ingredient like oats or rice, and other lovely botanical ingredients like clay are added on to boost skin cleansing benefits.

How do I use a powder cleanser?

A gentle powder cleanser is suitable for daily use. To use a powder cleanser, firstly add water or a hydrosol like rose water to make a paste.

You can adjust the strength of the powder cleanser depending on the amount of water that’s added. Lesser water will create a thicker paste that feels scrubbier on the skin. More water will form a thinner paste that’s easier to spread on the face.

Powder cleansers can be used as the first step to replace your regular face wash on makeup free days. If you are wearing makeup, remove the makeup first using an oil-based cleanser or micellar water and then use the powder cleanser for the second cleanse.

Powder cleansers are also effective exfoliants. Massage the powder cleanser for about 30 seconds to exfoliate the skin and then rinse off with water. 

What should I look for in a powder cleanser?

There are so many varieties of powder cleansers out there, it can be hard to pick one that’s right for you. Here are some questions to ask when choosing a powder cleanser.

Is it gentle for my skin?

Harsh physical exfoliants can be damaging to the skin. So look out for skin-friendly exfoliants like oats at the top of the ingredient label.

According to Deanne Mraz-Robinson, MD, “The powder in the cleansers are generally fine, smooth particles—such as pulverized minerals—or plant-based powders, such as oat or rice powder, which result in exfoliation without harsh grit or plastic microbeads.”

Is it plant-based?

With so many amazing plant-based ingredients available, there’s really no reason to not use a powder cleanser that’s loaded with plant-based ingredients. Using high-quality botanicals could just be what you need to rejuvenate your beauty routine towards one that’s more sustainable. 

What else can the powder cleanser do?

Powder cleansers are really multitasking hard workers. Look out for a powder cleanser that’s versatile enough to use as a mask, so you can skip buying another product just for the masking benefits. Powerhouse ingredients in powder cleansers like clay help to absorb excess oil when used as a mask. 

5 benefits of using a powder cleanser

Here at The Speak Collective, we love our powder cleanser. Originally created by the founder, Nisa Zulkifli, to soothe her sensitive, eczema-prone skin, it has become a favorite of many of our customers. Check out the 5 benefits of adding the Oat + Lavender Cleansing Powder to your routine.

It’s suitable for sensitive skin

Our 100% natural powder cleanser contains oats. Oats have saponins, which is a natural cleanser that works to remove dirt and grime and relieves minor skin irritations. Lavender extract also helps to calm the senses and soothe the skin.

It gently exfoliates the skin

With sufficient water, oats are a non-abrasive exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin. It’s important to exfoliate regularly to unclog the pores and reveal new skin cells. This keeps your skin clear and healthy.

It keeps the skin’s moisture level intact

If your skin feels tight or ‘squeaky clean’ after cleansing, it means that the skin’s natural oils have been stripped away. Our powder cleanser cleans skin without overdrying and keeps the skin’s moisture level intact. Almond oil helps to replenish moisture in the skin.

It doesn’t contain preservatives

If you’re sensitive to preservatives, our powder cleansers are great for you because they don’t contain any preservatives. ‘No water equals a less chance for bacteria and mold to grow,’ explains Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU.And with a short, clean ingredient list, you know your skin is only getting what it needs.

It’s a versatile cleanser

Our powder cleanser is a 3-in-1 product so cleanses, exfoliates and can be used as a mask. Kaolin clay is a mild clay that helps to suck out excess oil so you’re left shine-free.

Click to watch how to make your own DIY avocado face mask below!

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