Washing Your Face Wrong? Busting Cleansing Myths | Lab Muffin Beauty Science

Should you avoid foaming cleansers? SLS? SLES? How long do you need to cleanse for? Do active ingredients in cleansers do anything? Answering your cleanser questions!
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Selected references:
Surfactant comparison study: doi.org/10.3109/0148054780910...
Low foam vs foaming with emollients: doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2...
Reducing irritancy of cleansers: doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2018.04...
Lipid removal vs irritation: doi.org/10.1159/000247822
Salicylic acid: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15037...
Benzoyl peroxide: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/artic...
Stearic acid: doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2...
Blog post version here: labmuffin.com/are-you-washing...
---ABOUT---
Lab Muffin Beauty Science is a channel by me, Michelle - I'm a chemistry PhD and beauty lover, 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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Blog post version here: labmuffin.com/are-you-washing...
---SKINCARE GUIDE---
The Lab Muffin Guide to Basic Skincare is here! Find out more: labmuffin.com/skin

[@sanskritibarman4928]

"I am a trained chemist with a PhD👁👄👁" that got me

[@PassionPno]

She's also a textbook author.

[@sabinajoh]

@@PassionPno oo I need that textbook I am really interested in chemistry related to product formulation and I really like how she explains things. I want to become a cosmetic chemist but we don’t have a degree in that so I’m going into biomedical analysis then I’ll see if there’s more courses I can do Edit: just realized I unnecessarily described a lot. Sorry

[@jenniferchristopherson]

I'm a licensed esthetician in the US and I firmly believe that furthering your education is the only way to keep up with correct information. Thank you so much for clearing up SO many skincare myths!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

🥰🥰🥰 Thank you!

[@lubnan08]

Agreed. Only since I have been learning on my own I am understanding cosmetics.

[@binita4672]

What are some good sources for learning?

[@jimjohnson4005]

Healthline

[@SamMKKK]

okay but your blush placement is top tier. PLS 😵

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! Love it when my makeup turns out nice on camera 🥰🥰🥰

[@Ebrill_Owen]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience every video I’ve watched so far of yours, my first thought is always how beautiful your blush is! Perfect placement!

[@foggyfrogy]

I have a similar face shape as her and I prefer them a little bit more to the center, 'cause I don't have cheeks that stand out, the blush on the ends will make my face look more square than necessarily

[@rubysresource]

You just powered through so many myths in the space of 13 minutes. Absolute legend Michelle.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you so much! 🥰🥰🥰 I actually have a second video that needs editing - couldn’t fit everything into this one!

[@user-kd4rt1lf7t]

I love this! It drives me mad when people, especially experts, decide that a product is awful (even though they've not tried it) purely because it has one ingredient that they don't like e.g. sulphates. The main factor that determines a well made product is the formulation, not the ingredients. Especially in the case of cleansers.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I completely agree! The clean beauty mentality is strong 😩

[@helenavasic9989]

Agree sadly wish I could know as a consumer more about how good a formulation is. For ex sulfates are something I’ll avoid since my skin is sensitive I’d rather go for a gentler cleanser but like all these ingredients I kind of get why people do that even though I know it’s wrong. As a consumer at least I won’t speak for the experts but it’s hard to know what product is formulated well and what’s good and what’s not. I do go mostly on the reaction of my skin too but even ingredients that aren’t all that good for you can seem nice at first . Sorry idk if that adds anything to the convo I just need to rant since sometimes finding what works can be harder than it seems lol

[@KentuckyLiz]

Agreed. Apparently I’m a heretic because my skin loves Clinique cleanser for oily skin and exfoliating lotion 3 (like toner). I am a bunny killer and an alcoholic. (The toner has alcohol.) I like the minty freshness of the menthol too. So pfffft I do what I want!

[@TheGalacticGrizzly]

I hate those kind of reviews. I'm looking for a proper review from someone who's trained in this subject. And then they'll just look at the ingredients, see lavender oil and toss it? Grinds my gears.

[@helenavasic9989]

@@TheGalacticGrizzly totally i think as an individual you can see an ingredient and knowing your skin be like maybe this isn’t a good idea like you mentioned lavender oil sounds like a bad idea for those with allergies or sensitive skin. But when people give reviews they are speaking to the general audience a broad group of people with different skin needs so it’s not like hating on a product because of one thing will mean the same thing for all of us. Even when they do try it I appreciate influencers saying why they don’t like a product because there could always be someone who would like it based off their own preferences

[@Sigurjon543]

The chemistry of product formulation is more complex than what marketing would have people believe?! *GASP*

[@missbubble44]

“flash, if you’re watching… hi 👋🏻” LOL

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Someday maybe 🤞🤞🤞

[@pencilfriendpaperscribbler6032]

I like to play with my cleansers before annihilation.

[@bazli83]

I was just wondering which Flash, Ezra Miller or Grant Austin

[@DoctorsSong]

I love Flash too!

[@Myshka331]

This channel is a total gem. As someone with only a slight interest in beauty/skincare, essentially just enough to care what I put on my face, and a degree in a scientific field, this is exactly the content I'm looking for. I love that you give us the scientific evidence-based information to make informed decisions for ourselves while also keeping things relatively short and compact. You make the science accessible to anyone, even lay people with no background in science, while not feeling the need to treat your audience like they are unable to understand scientific reasoning and evidence. Love it!

[@upandenergy]

I love that a lot of these myths are busted by advances in technology or formulation. Just because it was true a decade ago doesn't mean it's true for all the products on the market today.

[@fernandomartinez9976]

I m studying Chemistry and you give me inspiration!! Chemistry is a career. It’s a way of living 😁

[@thegreenmanofnorwich]

Good luck in your studies. I was decent at chemistry, but had no particular knack or love for it. Chemistry is such an incredible field though.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

It’s incredibly useful in random situations! Chemistry for life ✨

[@darkydoom]

"It's a way of living," one of the reasons I wish science was compulsory to graduate year 12, not just English. Everyone should be better critical thinkers with science basics on board. Science = life.

[@raerohan4241]

@@darkydoom I'm from Ontario, Canada, and for us science was mandatory to grade 10. 9th and 10th grade science was divided into 4 units - bio/chem/physics in both, astronomy in 9th, and environmental science in 10th. It wasn't compulsory after that but even having all that up to 10th grade gave us a decent foundation

[@eafafeayd]

omg i am sooooo glad that we have you in the skincare community who can teach us everything so clearly and backed up science! as a scientist myself i do appreciate it!! keep busting the myths please

[@lingxi27]

GIRL you made homepage of the ABC today! Congrats!!!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

:O

[@PutsalunChhim]

"I AM A TRAINED CHEMIST WITH A PHD!" I'm deceased hahahahaahahhaahah

[@ThatCho]

As someone whose favorite skincare step is cleansing (yes, I'm basic), I'm so happy that you made this video! Thank you!

[@tsunfish9443]

I love how I came onto this vid for skincare advice, and left reassured that I'm not rinsing the suds off my dishes too fast

[@Zwoomba]

What about SLS in shampoos? Please do a video on haircare too 💖

[@Noy3536]

She did!

[@LiliS319]

Big _thank you_ for the quality content, you never disappoint!

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! 🥰🥰

[@kavi3479]

As a medical background person, i have a full support and love for you. Bless you

[@bazli83]

"I am a trained chemist with a Phd" I need that in a GIF, Dr Michelle :D

[@dogvetusa]

The bit right before "I am a trained chemist with a PhD" was the best part of this. Thank you for showing that even for people trained in it these are just kind of hard to say sometimes.

[@anthecrawford3957]

I use Hado Labo foaming cleansers when double cleansing, love it! CeraVe hydrating and SA cleanser are affordable goodies and none require using a cloth.

[@PassionPno]

Yes, Hada Labo foaming cleansers are very creamy.

[@auroras.2015]

I just discovered CeraVe SA cleanser and OMG it's SO GOOD. Finally something that can clean out my huge ugly pores! 😭 I never had a cleanser like that in my life. I know in America CeraVe is considered boring. They work but are nothing "special". In Germany you can't even get that brand in a store. I had to order it online from a pharmacy. I feel like America and Asia are sooo far ahead with the skin care. All that shitty products I used in the past from the drugstore can nowhere near get the results like " old boring" CeraVe 🙈🙈

[@prairielily08]

@@auroras.2015 Places are just different, like in America there's CeraVe but people are stuck using skincare filters from 20 years ago

[@raerohan4241]

@@auroras.2015 America is decades behind when it comes to sunscreen though. I'd much rather live in the EU and have difficulties getting a specific brand than live in America and have difficulties getting any decent sunscreen!

[@chemistinorbit]

I love this channel so much. I'm not much of a skincare junkie, but I've been slowly evaluating and adjusting my routine over the past several months, and this channel is such a huge help in that!

[@JeanieD]

Michelle: “…the answer is ‘it depends.’” Me: Wait…is this a collab with Legal Eagle?

[@violetviolet888]

No, this answer applies to a majority of questions in life.

[@teletubbiestunetwister9570]

This is incredible. You have totally influenced me to the point where I really enjoy the science and your graphics. Thank you.

[@mashaa.7509]

Youre one of the few skincare youtubers to actually bring new information to the table... your work is so appreciated!!!

[@sevenoctobers7471]

This was very enlightening. Thank you for arming us with the latest in skin science 💗

[@evieabercrombie3280]

Omg I'm always so excited when you post new videos!!!!! Keep them coming Michelle!!!

[@JemimasOutcome]

I really appreciate how you breakdown complex information, it's so easy for me learn and improve my skincare thanks to your videos ✨

[@Moskinlab]

Amazing video as always, when i read the title i was like no way 🤣 i made video about this like (much shorter) about foaming cleanser. Keep it up 🙏♥️

[@lubnan08]

I am learning so much. Please keep making content like this!

[@thegreenmanofnorwich]

Oooh! New video. I'm really in to skin and hair care. I have really sensitive skin and scalp, so I sort of have to find my way as I go.

[@IAR97]

Thank you for answer all my questions about this. You do some research and attach the Links in the description box. With you i can say you really take serious the content and not just do it by trend. Really appreciate the effort and love ❤️

[@Ali-T1]

I'm early!! Thank you for this vid, really helpful as I'm just looking into new cleansers and sulphates 🥰

[@KittenCasserole]

Thanks for all the great cleanser info, Science Lady

[@seeyoucu]

Very informative video. Thanks so much, Michelle.

[@DieleBeauty]

Right, I need a notebook to watch your videos to make notes! Thank you for sharing your knowledge ❤

[@gs9935]

Thanks Michelle, I love your videos!

[@thexiaogui8641]

Thank you Michelle for busting myths🙌

[@glottebeauty4883]

Thanks a lot Dr. for all you give to us. Much love to you ❤

[@Walking_Spinel]

WOO I WAS WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO

[@Jessrock313]

Fantastic video as always. Legend!!

[@PandaA-cv3mm]

You are by far the best and most honest beauty guru! Thanks for all that you do. I used to use Cerave but haven’t liked it since they changed the formulation. I’m shocked that I absolutely love the foaming VaniCream cleanser. Gets the goop off and leaves my sensitive skin soft and clean.

[@Jezebel066]

Panoxyl as a face mask is my holy grail..

[@katydid5088]

Love that stuff. It hasn't stopped all my breakouts but they still heal quicker,leave less scarring, and help with other skin issues (like excessive odor from sweat) across the body.

[@geniej2378]

Would love this for scalp care & shampoos! So much conflicting info out there!

[@JustinSmith-ug9wm]

This video was amazing! I love learning more about surfactants

[@crazyvid123]

The only beauty and science channel that wont disappoint in this era of pandemic... Preach🙏🙏 In Michelle, we trust!!

[@224_tranthuyvi4]

your videos are always on point

[@melbygrace]

I love nerding out about skincare! Thanks.

[@poisonism]

We need a part 2 !! 😤🧼

[@nessanixe7286]

I think it was your accent, but when you said "notification bell," I heard "nerd-ification" bell. If that was not your intent, it should absolutely be a thing for your channel movig forward! ♡♡♡

[@raadizon3442]

This is information is gold. Saving this video for a future reference.

[@litchi88]

Watched twice to get it... Loaded with info. Thanks!

[@paisanojb]

Your videos are so amazing!! Keep at it please. Thank you so much!

[@beadznpis]

Wow this is amazing!! Thanks Michelle!! :D

[@Saraflorencia08]

This was so informative!

[@trybesiman]

You are the light of my skincare life 🤩

[@sheerenelye]

the head and tail graphics of hydrophilic vs hydrophobic was a total throwback for me to Chemistry class in high school hahaha. thanks for trying to make it simple for easy understanding!

[@camibabyy]

As a ChemE undergrad that wants to get a Chem PhD, I am totally nerding out over this video. Loves it!

[@MarieZhang1]

I agree that cleansers can be hydrating, thanks for sharing your research! I found that not using a cleanser in the morning has actually done wonders for my oily skin (instead, I just rinse my face with water and moisturize + spf after). I found the Milk Makeup cleanser a year ago and have already gone through two tubes of it. It's a gentle cleanser that somehow also cleanses very thoroughly, which I notice because I have oily and acne-prone skin. It's fragrance free too!

[@badraster7909]

Hi, Michelle - thanks for all your excellent work! I’m curious what the average humidity range is where you live, and how humidity impacts skincare in general. I live in the most arid state in the US and feel like some moisturizers actually dry my skin out. I’m no atmospheric scientist or chemist, but I’m suspicious that humectants work the opposite way in really dry conditions.. A whole climate/weather themed video would be really neat!

[@265lgkp]

Thank you! I am fascinated with your content 🤩

[@DeepSeas..]

I’m still so traumatized by foaming cleansers I used in my teens that I refuse to touch them. Lmao

[@violetviolet888]

skin care formulations have come a LONG way. I suggest you revisit them. Cereve hydrating skin cleanser is amazing.

[@Iidamari1]

I have oily, super sensitive skin. Most gentle (as non foaming) cleansers I have tried have been horrible. Either they won't rinse off and leave unpleasant residue or they sting. Sometimes both. I would rather have a well formulated foaming cleanser that will leave my skin feeling clean so that I don't need to rub all the left over cleanser to my towel.

[@chehakchandalia5257]

Thank you so so much for this video! I've loving using the Simple Moisturising wash for my combination acne prone skin and somehow with Sulphates in it, it made me doubt if I was wrong to make this choice lol. Your videos are so helpful. I tried your Tretinoin prescription method and my skin has been seeing a major improvement 😍 It would be so wonderful if you could do a video on Sulphates wrt scalp health. I'm a part of the Curly hair community and the word sulphate is a big deal there.

[@ciaociara]

Awesome! I was just thinking about this the other day.

[@265lgkp]

Magnificent! Your content is priceless. Thank you 🤩

[@primordialmeow7249]

I love your teaching Muffin. More please.

[@elleestchouxxxxxxxxe]

I love that your hair, blush and shirt match ☺️

[@ChrisCanomi]

The amount of quality information provided here😮❤️

[@Trassel242]

Thank you for this video (and all your others), I’m super new to skincare, hair care and so on, but I’d like to be able to buy the best (most effective for the cost) products for myself. So your videos where you explain the truth and facts behind all the fancy marketing are extremely useful and helpful, it’s difficult for a total beginner like me to understand all this stuff otherwise.

[@calahara]

There was this cleanser with sodium laureth sulfate and it dried my skin out so much, it started flaking. I now use a gentle foaming cleanser now and it works really well. The foam also feels really nice.

[@elin_]

So informative.. Thank you!

[@saneliswamagagula9781]

“I am a trained chemist with a PhD”😂😂😂

[@knowledgehunter_]

Haha. Right. But she's a degree holder. PhD in Chemistry

[@glottebeauty4883]

I don't understand you? She's a PhD holder in Chemistry! I hope you understand what that means?

[@anxhelo8649]

@@glottebeauty4883 I think they're referencing 6:44

[@glottebeauty4883]

@@anxhelo8649 alright 👍

[@nataliecohen814]

super helpful

[@ladydeathstrikeX]

Hahahaha "I am a trained chemist", I should recite this too when I get stuck in pronouncing the names.

[@Anonymous-sh9vk]

Awesome information, thanks!!! On a completely different subject - what do you think about lip-plumping products? I've heard that inflammation is bad and aging for skin. Are they just causing temporary inflammation that will prematurely age your lips later?

[@amadeocelio1061]

Yayyy new video 😄

[@aaronleung8809]

Best skincare channel thanks for getting me and my girlfriend started on skincare

[@lavayuki]

I used to always use foaming cleansers, but when I reached my late 20s like around 28 my skin started to get more dry and now I can only use oil, balm or cream cleansers and sometimes gel cleansers if they are very gentle. But my usual foaming ones seem to dry my skin out... I used to love the Biore and Hada Labo ones that foam up like a bubble bath

[@abd12459]

Me too .. that is why I avoid cleansers with sls and myristic acid . Those two dries me out ..

[@Snuzzled]

Have you tried the new cerave cream to foam cleanser? I have super dry skin too and this one has been working well for me. It's hard to find a cleanser I like that works for my skin, prior to this I was using cleansing oils but didn't like them as well because they made my skin feel coated

[@violetviolet888]

@@Snuzzled I agree with the cerave cream to foam cleanser

[@alfredolopez4092]

foam of anykind is bad for skin, unless u are super oily

[@SwavyBlonde]

Ah I guess that makes sense why Cerave cleanser made me to break out. It just disturbed my moisture barrier I guess. I have atopic dermatitis but my skin recently became more greasy than usual

[@kohakuhunter]

Would love if you could cover oil cleansers next

[@pupujohn]

This was a fun watch

[@daniela-brownella]

I wonder if this 'fear of sulphates' also caused the 'curly girl' trend of avoiding sulphates and silicones altogether. Goes something like 'silicones are bad because they build up on the hair, unless removed by sulphates which are drying'. If sulphates arent as bad for the hair as they are made to sound, or other non-sulphate ingredients can also break up silicones, then I no longer see a reason to avoid silicones. Although I also heard that silicones may be bad for the environment as some can be considered micro plastics? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this :)

[@Snuzzled]

So glad to hear that not all foaming cleansers are evil, I just can't stand non foaming cleansers but I have dry, dry, sensitive skin. I've been using the cerave cream to foam hydrating cleanser and loving it, but the only reviews I see about it are folks with oily skin and I'm like "D: am I using the wrong cleanser?" I am so glad we have better technology now so more skin types can enjoy bubbles. I only need it to take off my sunscreen so it works for me!

[@marsy6359]

This is so great thank you! I had a weird guilt about loving foaming cleansers, theyre the only ones that dont irritate my skin. Do a lot of these points apply to shampoos as well? Ive used sulfate free (SLS) shampoos that are 10x worse than sulfated ones. I mean i imagine what you said still applies.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Yes it all still applies! The main difference between shampoos and face cleansers is just that there’s usually a higher concentration of surfactants to take care of the higher surface area of hair ;)

[@10000pears]

Thank you for myth busting video!

[@sarahparkerson7579]

This explains why my FAB gentle foaming cleanser has been a-ok on my sensitive combination skin. $5 tj maxx find for the win!!

[@KristenKras]

I actually like using oil cleanser for cleaning off my makeup. It makes my skin dry out less. BTW, could you do a video on oils in skincare and what suits different types of skin, also, best ones for oil cleansing for different skin types? Pretty please?

[@pajamamama5965]

Great video! I think we need a part two. Do we need to wash our hands with hand soap before we cleanse our face with our hands? Do we need to leave our face dripping wet after cleansing before we apply or toners and serums to make them more effective? As our skin barrier being damaged if we are unable to get all the cleanser off?

[@db-gb5xi]

At least one derm I follow says to always wash your hands before washing your face. You don't leave your skin dripping wet but damp. You can pat your face so it's not dripping but leave it damp.

[@anikajoy5739]

I am in an INTRO TO CHEM CLASS and let me just say, I have so much respect for you and any other person that studies this stuff 🙌 a PHD? I could NEVER! SHEEEESH

[@ajae...]

I just today read Caroline Hirons say to save foam for washing dishes. I'm going to keep my Vanicream cleanser for my face.

[@manylevels7795]

Vanicream is my absolute favorite cleanser

[@todo870]

When I had bad acne I used benzoyl peroxide as a mask for about 10-20mins and it worked pretty well.

[@starsdoyoulikethem]

8:15 this answers my questions. Thank you

[@HansPeter-ho3zo]

Could u make an updated "favourite skincare acid" video? 😃

[@ananyamukherjee4194]

This was so insightful, thanks a lot🤗. Also, what do you think about the Neutrogena deep clean brightening cleansing oil(the pink bottle)? Thats the only cleansing oil from the brand available here in India, it has good reviews but I'm a little skeptical about the fragrance in the ingredients list.....please help me out.🙂🥺

[@wrv6927]

Hi Michelle, thank you always for sharing your knowledge. What do you think about using vitamin C serum right after washing our face? Is it more effective? Thank you!

[@db-gb5xi]

Some derms recommend doing it that way due to the pH being lowered after washing.

[@rosemary5005]

For me, the cleansing is a borderline holy routine 🥰 I love to wash the night off in the morning and wash the long day off in the evening. I live and swear by my two Holika Holika cleansers - the rice cleanser and the Deep Cleansing Foam. Both foam A LOT. They also have perfume in them but it doesn’t bother me (usually I’m not that keen on perfume). I also got a cleanser from Biotherm (Biosource, the pink for dry skin) and that one is foamy too. I’ve noticed that I use a smaller amount of cleanser than most people do. With a foaming cleanser, you don’t need that much product 🤷🏻‍♀️ The Biotherm cleanser usually lasts me for up to 18 months. The Holika Holika Deep Cleansing Foam and the one with rice lasts about four to six months. So that’s worth taking into consideration, since it is better for the environment - and the economy!! I love these videos. I always learn so much. I’m also into both math and science so it’s extra nice to hear some “science lingo”. 🥰 Thank you for a great channel!! 🙏💗🌸🙏

[@violetedwards7487]

I never let my cleansers just sit on my face, I use a luna 3 from foreo to apply the cleanser directly to my face when cleansing. Not that I have experienced any irritation, especially with the luna 3, but it just feels better and seems to work for me

[@billywong7775]

Quicksilver is offended that you only said hi to Flash Great video as usual :))) I advised my kids (patients) to stay away from SLS altogether

[@elsassparklyposts5252]

Hi Michelle. Would you please review La Clinica products too? Perhaps a best and worst clip?! Thanks lovely