How do you use cleanser? (AD)

What are all the different types of cleansers, and how are you meant to use them all? Here's a guide to putting your routine together, whether you like it simple or complicated.
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This video was sponsored by StyleKorean.
0:00 Cleansing is really important!
0:50 Water-based cleansers, what to look for
1:48 How to use, how much, how long, actives
3:59 Self-foaming cleansers
5:15 Oil-based cleansers, what to look for
6:23 Cleansing oils and balms: how to use
8:00 Two-phase makeup removers (underrated!)
9:04 Peeling gels (also underrated!) and other treatments
10:30 Example routines
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Getting blackheads out of pores: fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2015/0...
🙋🏻 I'm Michelle, a chemistry PhD, cosmetic chemist and science educator, here to explain how beauty products work, debunk myths, and help you make smarter decisions about your skincare, hair and makeup!
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🧴 SKINCARE GUIDE 🧴 Find out more: labmuffin.com/skin

[@Queenfairypants]

Cleansing balms changed my life. I’m not even being dramatic lol. I used to hate washing my face and my skin would start drying out immediately. If my cleanser isn’t right the rest of my routine is pointless.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Same! I wish I found out about them much earlier 🥲

[@Kristyle187]

What do you love about balms, may I ask? Is there a difference in your experience between cleansing balm and oil cleanser? Other than balm being less messy (as stated in the video), I mean. I just started using an oil cleanser recently due to advice from this very channel, and it was definitely a game-changer! I don’t use it every day though, because I find it tends to dry me out with such frequent use. I’m wondering if I should try a cleansing balm once my bottle of oil cleanser runs out.

[@Queenfairypants]

@@Kristyle187 Yes less messy, more moisturising and helps reduce irritation. Clinique Take The Day Off is my favourite (and they do a mini!).

[@Persephoneia01]

@@Kristyle187 I can't stand oil cleansers because I hate the feel of them. I've never used one that didn't feel like it didn't leave a film. They're also harder to control exactly where they go and my pet peeve is getting cleanser in my hair. I use belif makeup removing cleansing balm and it goes on easy, takes off all my makeup including my waterproof mascara and eyeliner, and wipes off in a second (I just use a wet makeup removing cloth). I find the belif balm also moisturizes to some degree. I just find it so much more enjoyable than any other product I've used.

[@Persephoneia01]

Same. I had so many issues with cleansers until I decided to try a balm that I got for free with my moisturizer. It changed everything.

[@andacatco8058]

Double cleansing changed a lot of things about my skin. You should consider doing it, especially if you have oily, acne-prone skin

[@D4NKN4]

What type of acne did u have! I still get few bumps of deep acne here and there even if I cleanse + moisturized twice daily, on doxycycline and I use benzoyl peroxide at night only. Does Double cleansing really live up to the hype?

[@prophysix]

I'm glad you addressed that it can be fine to use just an oil-based cleanser! There's a couple brands (the ordinary, skin1004) who explicitly say that theirs is fine to use by itself but in my experience a lot of them emulsify very well and it can actually be kind of stripping for me (dry-leaning skin) to use a water-based cleanser afterwards.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Yes! I think a lot of people feel like you need a "tight" feeling before your skin is clean so it doesn't feel right without it.

[@primordialmeow7249]

Yes! The Ordinary's Hylamide oil cleanser is a one step thing. Love it!

[@aparttogether3921]

Get that coin, queen! My favorite cleanser is the Bioderma Sensibio micellar water

[@agustami956]

This was excellent. I loved the “back to basics” feel. I did not know I needed this before now!

[@dhrutimehta007]

Hello , I am skincare formulator too, and I love your content, it's awesome. Thank you ☺️

[@eleh1337]

Hey, which brand do you work for 😊

[@nicolekalstein2321]

Michelle, I discovered your channel for the first time today and have been binge watching your videos all day. I could cry with joy at this discovery. After over 20 years of acne, I've been hopelessly wading through conflicting dermatological advice, misinformation, and misguided anecdotal tips on the internet. This is the first time I've truly found helpful information that can be backed up with data and can understand what things can and can't help me improve my skin. The scientific explanations about how things actually work, how to use them effectively and safely, and debunking the myths, fear mongering, and misinformation is going to save me. I can't express enough how thankful I am that you're sharing your expertise in an accessibile way. Thank you so much 🥹

[@mch3ira]

So thorough, I loved it!

[@jassmindelrio9490]

1:58 shocked by your beauty here omg! another informative video, thank you!

[@Seneca_Sister]

So happy to have found your channel! I would be really interested in a video about sustainable skincare and haircare options that work. Looking at all of the plastic packaging in my bathroom makes me think there has to be better options out there. Shampoo bars and conditioner bars? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

[@beauty_enthusiast]

I love this - thank you so much! I found a few new products to try. I’m wondering if you might be able to do a video on enzyme cleansers? They seem to work for me but I would really like to know more about how they are formulated and how they work. Thanks for considering!

[@debpalm8667]

Thanks, Michelle. You are appreciated.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you!

[@gnparticle]

Would love to see more K-Beauty content from you, Michelle! Thank you!

[@Siberius-]

Really glad I got a certain piece of info from this video. Leaving cleansing oil on the face for like 15 minutes and then continuing with the routine, for sebaceous filaments. I think that will be a very good tip for me. Cleansing balm has already been a MASSIVE "game-changer" for me, it's essentially single-handedly fixed my skin, by melting away the dead skin cells that just stay stuck to my skin like god damn super glue forever and ever. I don't have to do physical exfoliation every single day now (I actually never physically exfoliate now, or don't really need to). People don't really have this issue that I had, so it was hard to find the real solution to my skin issue. Update 7 months later: Leaving it on the skin for 15 minutes is a bad idea for me when it comes to getting the sebaceous filaments out. I think that dissolves them too much, and then they can't come out anymore. The best results for me is to apply to dry skin, and then start rubbing straight away, and by about 3 minutes the skin will be smooth and all the sebaceous filaments that are going to come out, will have come out. I think this works because you need the sebaceous filaments to be looser, but still solid enough to be gripped and dragged out with your scrubbing finger motions. Cleansing oils are still absolutely incredible. But they don't get ALL the dead skin off (tested via rubbing the skin in circles at the end of a shower), but it's a great step before using glycolic acid, for example. Also this is just me, I have dead skin cell "glue" issues. Also really focusing on hydration is VERY helpful (which is so much easier to do now that tretinoin has turned my skin type from oily to dry, which is SO much better).

[@lavayuki]

I have dry skin so in the morning I just use a cleansing milk or cream cleanser, then PM I use a cleansing balm and then a gel type cleanser. I used to use foams when I was younger but they are too drying for me now. I love Korean and Japanese cleansers, Minon, Sioris, Make Prem and Curel are my favourite cleanser brands as they cater for sensitive dry skin

[@rubysresource]

I got a peeling gel for the first time semi-recently, and every time I use it I think of you!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Hope you're enjoying it! My skin doesn't feel right without them anymore

[@colinf2316]

Hadalabo Oil Cleanser is my ride or die. Removes everything 9/10 times. Zero irritation or dryness.

[@primordialmeow7249]

Yes! Team Hada Labo Oil Cleanser.

[@JiaPia3]

I am sooooo obsessed with cleansers. Sure, a glycolic acid mask tingle is fun, but I use up to 3 cleansers at a time. Soufflé/balm (if wearing makeup), oil, then gel/foaming cleansers. I do love bubbles so much (cleansers, masks, and even bubble serum). I like to foam it up, and rub it over my face for a while. Sometimes, I’ll rub an oil over my face for 30 minutes to pull any leftover blackheads. I do not have sensitive skin, I do not triple cleanse every day, but I double cleanse at least twice a day. You’ve got a new subscriber who is in love with cleansers. I even like bar face cleaners (Some By Mi has two amazing bars. One with a cocktail of awesome ingredients and one is Vitamin C). I even have the two Drunk Elephant bar cleansers. Yeah, I guess I really am obsessed 😅.I don’t know why, but I don’t like to use the same cleanser for more than one week in a row. I think it’s fun. Keeps my routine fresh.

[@eggsberts]

congrats on the sponsor 🥰🥳🎊🎉💕💕

[@MuneCharbon]

Ty Michelle!! 🥰 omg I didn’t know u could do that with oil cleansers

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@solveigw]

Thank you for yet another easy to understand guide. Random question: I love your top! Where did you get it, or where could I get the pattern? It looked crocheted.

[@moopmoop1040]

the cleanser is the thing i'm most excited about 😅

[@lolk7726]

great video!

[@ryuichiro.sakuraba]

Ooooh~ Cleansing balms urge those 'grits' of blackheads to come out and it is super satisfying. Personally using the Heimish balm in Mandarin~ Quite like the scent, and it removes makeup like a champ.

[@deanab-se5op]

This is so thorough 👍🏻 Even though not useful to me as I only use cleanser 😁

[@estefaniaarista1232]

I loved this video! Please do one on fermented skincare products please. I would like to purchase Dr Ceuracle Kombucha Essence or Numbuzin no. 3 serum but I get kinda nervous about fungal acne.

[@akcario2883]

Please make videos regarding Demodex Mites and its association to Rosacea & Gut Health / Probiotics factor to Skin

[@sarajanehaven]

This was very helpful. I have tons of samples of an olive oil based cleanser that I don't use because it breaks me out. It didn't occur to me to follow up with another cleanser. Thanks!

[@Chloroplastspectrum]

Michelle mentioned on her podcast with Adore Beauty that, as a general rule, oils used in the kitchen can be more problematic and break-out-inducing than other oils. Obviously go with what works for you, but if they're just samples...

[@ahmetoruc4665]

What about micellar waters? I sometimes used instead of an oil cleanser for the first step. I use the micellar water without any cotton pad like a toner and rinse it with water. It emulsifies and removes my water resistant sunscreen. Then I follow up with water based cleanser.

[@saladaddict]

Just wanted to say thanks for all you do, and also, you look beautiful with a fresh washed face free of makeup.

[@finalfan321]

ima try that joseon

[@Qute12u]

I was wondering what your current faves are for light weight daytime summer hydration? I live in a hot humid environment as well.

[@catsnguitars]

Have you ever done a video on the chemistry of azelaic acid? It seems like a rather simple chemical since it’s just a dicarboxylic acid. But I’m wondering how it works to calm irritated skin. Thanks!

[@breadnap]

please do a review on the "rovectin treatment lotion"!!

[@caitroseco6752]

How is it that you always make videos on exactly what I’m curious about??

[@Andrea-tf1le]

I appreciate the breakdown. I don't wear make up that often so when I came home the other day from a special occasion, all I had to get the makeup off was either make up wipes my mom gave me (the sting as I found out) or my acne cleanser. Wasn't a great situation. So I ordered some micellar water but it has vitamin C in it and I frequently use benzoyl peroxide as a treatment step for my acne. I realize that benzoyl peroxide breaks down vitamin C but my question is, is that breakdown harmful to the skin in anyway or is it just "wasting" the ingredient?

[@justabean4755]

Since you’re from Australia - have you tried the Q+A Grapefruit Cleansing Balm? They’re pretty inexpensive here but I haven’t seen any reviews for it yet.

[@stephaniegrehan9084]

How about the powder cleansers that you lather up? I like the mild exfoliation if I need it and they don't leak when travelling

[@camcat26]

Can we have how to choose a moisturizer next?

[@Enderdude600]

Where is the video about massaging out blackheads? If it is already in the description i am not sure which one you mean.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Ugh sorry I forgot to put it in 🤦🏻‍♀️ fiftyshadesofsnail.com/2015/03/28/how-to-shrink-pores-temporarily-plus-3-pore-myths/

[@JulienArbor]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience I use Shu Uemura POREfinist2 cleansing oil & I get grits just by massaging it without the other steps. 🌸

[@julietgerensky-greene2037]

i cant stop binging your videos :'))) i also had a few questions for you-- 1. i heard vit c and niacinamide shouldn't be paired together, but i use vitamin c in the morning and niacinamide is in all my favorite sunscreens. is this an issue? 2. i have normal-dry skin, and since i wear makeup and spf during the day, i like to double cleanse at night since my skin doesn't feel clean enough with just one wash. but when i do my makeup in the morning, i prefer to do it on cleansed skin, so i also like to cleanse in the morning, but I'm just worried the reason my barrier is a bit damaged is because I'm cleansing too much (i use the cerave cream to foam cleanser). if i cleanse three times a day total, and i try to compensate for any damage through hydrating products, do you think i can still squeeze in any space in my routine to exfoliate or use retinoids, or is that going overboard? thank you!

[@geethasreetati7687]

Can you update diy vitamin C video it's a requested video by many subscribers ...tqqqq

[@Marie-di5gl]

Can you do a video on dermarollers?

[@wallycola5653]

Engagement for the engagement god

[@becauseimafan]

Here's a like 👍 and reply for the same!

[@katalysio8345]

Wish I knew this years ago 😂 would’ve saved my poor dry skin the damage I caused it. I use the fenty cleansr religiously 🥴, do you have any intentions of doing a favourite fenty / beauty of joseon products video?

[@BriseisMusic]

Oh awesome! So I finally got my acne under control, but I still have hyperpigmentation leftover. My derm suggested chemical peels, so I started myself on 10% glycolic acid. My goal is to somehow go up to the 30% from The Ordinary. I'm downloading your exfoliation guide to see if there are any pointers! By the way, I just ordered the Etude Whip Cleanser. I was excited to see you use it, so I'm curious how I will like it!

[@ellios3732]

I looove the etude whip cleanser only thing that didn't hurt my cracked up skin during peeling effect after chemical peel and lasers. It's so gentle. I end up sticking with it years after my treatment.

[@BriseisMusic]

@ellios3732 I ended up buying it, but it's not for me! It's not terrible on my skin, but I do notice that it strips my skin more than my LRP Toleriane Cleanser. It's not bad for summer, but not something I'd want for winter. It's definitely still gentle though!

[@julietgerensky-greene2037]

sorry for so many questions-- is it bad to use moisturizers with occlusives in them at the end of my routine if i used an exfoliant/retinoid beforehand?

[@AJ-ds5gf]

Michelle, have you talked about combining products of different PH? e.g. a Vitamin C serum is slightly acidic whereas a niacinamide cream likes a slight alkaline PH, so can they be put on the skin straight after each other? Won't they cancel each other out and affect absorption?

[@moumitareads3738]

I love your content. And I wanted to know about extracts distilled in Alcohol. Like One thing toners. In general alcohol is bad for skin so is it okay to use extracts distilled in alcohol especially for people with dry skin? I read that for distillation ethyl alcohol is used and it's a no no. Can U please explain this topic. I want to know the real facts

[@Gigi-fk1wt]

Have u gone over the science of “Botox in a bottle” Argireline? I feel like u did mention it in a video but I don’t know where to find it

[@sabfitg1669]

the tocobo one has a ph of 10, if I have oily skin is it okay to use it daily ? if I use it for a long period of time wouldn't it damage my skin barrier?

[@naomii7815]

Do soon Jung help with hyperpigmentation?

[@MuneCharbon]

Balm??? 👀 I got an ok 1 but sadly it doesn’t remove my makeup well.. so I’ma try this! I trust u sis 💅💅✨

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Which one are you using? Most of the ones I've tried work pretty well but I've definitely tried some that weren't very good...

[@MuneCharbon]

I’m actually using the All Clean Balm actually! But mine is the pink 1 ^^ Idk if it’s just my skin or not since I’m not too too regular w routines xD but I was wearing eyeliner and had to use twice as much than I needed for my whole face, just for my eyes to remove the liner.. I’m not sure if it’s bc I need to rub a lot more or not, but I feel an oil cleanser could do a better job for me but still not too sure 😭

[@alexleee3885]

Hello Lab muffin 🥰 please let me know your opinion; iT states that most skincare should be stored below 25°C, but I live in a very hot country 30° ~ 40° C . In my situation is it better to store skincare in the fridge?

[@alexleee3885]

@@Kelly-pp1et what about active ingredients like adapalene and benzoyl peroxide

[@clairehye-limjeon5902]

What is your experience with milk cleansers as your first-step cleanser?

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I haven't found them that effective, but I haven't used that many so there's a good chance I've only used ones that were intended for very light washing...

[@TracyD2]

What do some of these fools (I wont mention any names 😒) on social media have over a million subscribers but you have 400,000. I mean it isn’t nothing to sneeze at especially if you can picture all of us in a a room or whatever but why do some of these fools have over a million and you don’t. It’s a compliment in there somewhere.

[@hiannnbye]

Question! So does this also apply to detergent being “watered down and that’s why you should get laundry pods instead”?

[@rubysresource]

If pods were really giving you a bigger dose of detergent, that would be a bad thing. Using heaps of detergent can lead to a residue being left behind that harms your clothes, skin, and machine. In reality, the 'super concentrated' thing is just marketing. Pods may actually help to prevent over-use of detergent, as people often put way too much powder/liquid. As far as what products are most effective, there are consumer advocacy groups around the world that test and compare different laundry detergents in a controlled setting and publish results online. For example, Consumer Reports (USA), Choice (Australia), and Consumer NZ (NZ). The top scoring products on all these sites are liquid and powder products, not pods.

[@cynthiavaldez1182]

❤❤❤

[@eatmypapaya]

Do you have a video with the best cleanser that remove suncreen without using a balm?

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Don't think so, but I should do.a video on that!

[@eatmypapaya]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience That would be awesome! Thanks:)

[@prophysix]

not sure if this is what you're looking for but the ordinary's squalane cleanser does a good job for me of dissolving waterproof sunscreen and washes off well. or the Beauty of Joseon ginseng cleansing oil. these are both still oil based though!

[@honeycloud-re5wt]

Do you know how much heat or cold is needed to damage a sunscreen product? I suffer from OCD and always worry when holding my sunscreen product. I stress about where to leave it if I am travelling, and if it gets warm, even a bit, or if it gets a bit colder than usual, I begin to stress a lot over whether it has lost some of it's effectiveness. Knowing how much heat, or cold damages a product would be really helpful.

[@anu-ur1ik]

Omg same

[@aarontheabc]

💙👏

[@razia6046]

I am unsure if I do something wrong. I do use vaseline to remove eye make up, then an oily cleanser for the rest of the make up/suncreen and then I finish with micellar water. Since you did not mention micellar water I might be using that wrong?

[@razia6046]

@@Kelly-pp1et Why is that?

[@razia6046]

@@Kelly-pp1et Thanks

[@cryptiddy]

its more that they are really good for getting top layer of dirt and such off your skin but dont do much for anything actually in your skin/pores. They are great for a midday skin refresher, after the gym, etcetera. Just not a great option for an an actual daily cleanser

[@m.younis9849]

Please Michelle.. Many people have to do multiple washes throughout the day "think Muslims, engineers, mining workers & etc" Do you recommend a certain practice/products for such scenarios?

[@simonsaysism]

I think micellar water + cotton pads would be pretty handy - you don't need water or a sink, you don't even really need to wash your hands first, so they're great for using on the go. micellar water bottles can be a bit cumbersome to carry around but you could also just pre-soak some cotton pads in a plastic baggie to bring along with you.

[@m.younis9849]

​@@simonsaysism Wow!! The "pee soaked" idea is mind blowing!! Thanks a million!! ^_^

[@cnathan1]

Do you think it's necessary to wash your face morning and night? (Asking as an oily-skin individual who does a double cleanse at night)

[@ot7651]

she does not! she actually stated in another video she doesn’t cleanse in the morning herself :)

[@cnathan1]

@@ot7651 Thank you for the reply! I've recently stopped doing a morning cleanse because I found between that and shaving, my skin was feeling irritated. Fingers crossed it works well for my skin!

[@CRCC830]

@@cnathan1 my skin was at its peak when i did two routines, an AM and PM routine. in the morning i’d only use micellar water and rinse w water so only cleansing once a day

[@mdml0]

Hi! I hope you don't mind me answering. My answer here is 'it depends'. It depends on your sleeping environment and if you've cleansed your face the night before. I live in a relatively humid environment and sometimes i sweat at night so i do have to use a very mild face wash to remove some excess oil and stimulate the skin in the morning before i put on serums.

[@cnathan1]

@@mdml0 Of course I don't mind you answering, and thank you for taking the time to do so! Your method sounds practical. Which mild face wash do you like? I'm currently splashing water on my face in the morning, but I think even that probably disrupts the sin barrier.

[@Tttt28882]

Michelle, is it true that Korean sunscreens are technically illegal in Australia??

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Kind of, in that it hasn't been approved - I talk about it here: labmuffin.com/whats-the-deal-with-australian-sunscreen/

[@Tttt28882]

@@LabMuffinBeautySciencetysm… I’m from Rio de Janeiro (the city), so I trust a lot Australians when it comes to sun protection!

[@simonsaysism]

Wow I thought I had sworn off cleansing balms because my clumsy ass always manages to drop a twist-off lid, but if this one has a pop-off lid I'd actually give it a go

[@sarahmyriambourassa]

To be honest u look so much cuter without makeup 😄

[@JanitaShowaars]

I hate it when the cleansers include ingredients that require more contact time but claim the product can do ect because it’s listed in the bottom of the ingredients list… best to save the money for those special ingredients for leave on delivery and grab a simple cleanser for your skin type

[@codice_pin]

That skin 1004 oil cleanser i have used it. I hate the scent of it so bad. It’s very nasty lemony bergamot scent in a foul way. Not pleasant at all. Scent is very subjective. It’s surprised me some people like this kind of smell.

[@zoemckain4404]

You're supposed to cleanse again after a clay mask?!😳😬

[@MsWalkaLot]

Very curious about this "PhD in Chemistry". What specific area of chemistry did you research? For all we know it could have been the chemistry of car wax and nothing to do with skincare at all!

[@benjaminmasters4169]

supramolecular chemistry was part of her PhD

[@TallWillow1]

Yet another beautiful crocheted top! I follow you for your skincare expertise, but seeing your crochet skills is a bonus. Have you ever considered a side channel? 😉🧶